tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188614792024-03-07T19:59:36.526+01:00nyc/caribbean ragazzaAn American In Romenyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.comBlogger1157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-15927681859957142392012-02-29T15:21:00.005+01:002012-08-28T21:23:51.137+02:00My New BlogCiao Bloggisti,<br /><br />After almost seven years (I can't believe it), I've started a new blog. I can be found at <a href="http://arlenegibbsdecor.com/">Arlene Gibbs Décor</a>.<br /><br />A lot has changed since November 2005. Without this blog I wouldn't have met some of the incredible people in my life or moved to Italy. <br /><br />Grazie mille to everyone who took the time to read nyc/caribbean ragazza!nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-4338071221153134922012-02-25T15:24:00.007+01:002012-02-25T16:44:33.060+01:00Favorite Things: Italian Sparkling WineOne of my favorite things to drink is a nice glass of Italian sparkling wine. This is a subject I didn't know much about, beyond prosecco, before I moved to Italy. <br /><br />I felt it was time to get educated on this extremely important topic.<br /><br />I attended Vinoroma's <a href="http://www.vinoroma.com/">Sparkling Saturdays</a> wine tasting. For a more detailed description of the wines and much better photographs, my friend Gina wrote about it <a href="http://ginatringali.gtfoodandtravel.com/sparkling-saturdays-at-vino-roma/">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Hande is a fantastic sommelier. She chose five very different wines for us to taste. <br /><br />I liked how Hande explained the history of the regions and the wines. It was informative and interesting. <br /><br />My favorite wine of the evening was Belecasel's Asolo Prosecco Extra Dry. It would be perfect to pair up with shellfish or a fish risotto. <br /><br />It was my first time seeing the newish Vinoroma space. It's fantastic. The cellar is over 900 years old. That's right, nine hundred. I may need to camp out there during the summer as I do not have A/C. <br /><br /><br />I took these photos with my new phone's camera. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU90735ThGAoTNhVS3gboWea6rqXo0xihZJG0FivlYKOPTyu0g5jghpfgXDebaLj1mj8P6g376clX6DdcdVmmfla-Kmawvu71rOFjRWXTCd6fo-qKOwXUDtESUdaXR859qOoX/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU90735ThGAoTNhVS3gboWea6rqXo0xihZJG0FivlYKOPTyu0g5jghpfgXDebaLj1mj8P6g376clX6DdcdVmmfla-Kmawvu71rOFjRWXTCd6fo-qKOwXUDtESUdaXR859qOoX/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713084913186020818" /></a><br /><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINNopdi0fwXZSYdwCc1mMPMmlKAbzzB4s9TGNUD0RBtPXJY5SPmVcSDEoILOuOPyCU2ywFwRIEUyee4ZumQTFyqgjFiYPpmDG2MFW7NczLyQZrAntiY97-wHY6zELdJNt84SP/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINNopdi0fwXZSYdwCc1mMPMmlKAbzzB4s9TGNUD0RBtPXJY5SPmVcSDEoILOuOPyCU2ywFwRIEUyee4ZumQTFyqgjFiYPpmDG2MFW7NczLyQZrAntiY97-wHY6zELdJNt84SP/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713088174640305106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0g210ERxYlda1hhFxomOJFd77odS4G1aQnWOEK96FpBNmfw_ganxJhRdfiaBRe6E0Dz-iPezQQtEVLqC-veXeb-TPcmtTom_EyUirY6QB0y26HUQhwomBCkVkhZW-4s8822_/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0g210ERxYlda1hhFxomOJFd77odS4G1aQnWOEK96FpBNmfw_ganxJhRdfiaBRe6E0Dz-iPezQQtEVLqC-veXeb-TPcmtTom_EyUirY6QB0y26HUQhwomBCkVkhZW-4s8822_/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713085756745339922" /></a>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-86844696805238730532012-02-24T11:08:00.002+01:002012-02-24T11:13:43.689+01:00Flashback Friday - Rick Astley - "Never Gonna Give You Up"I'm working on a new spec script set in 1987. I had a great time putting together my script's playlist.<br /><br />One of the biggest hit of 1987 was from this gentleman. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Buon Weekend!nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-26427511054505561452012-02-18T14:09:00.005+01:002012-02-18T14:50:23.325+01:00Do You Have An Interest In Pinterest?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8B68jl1OmMk3w6Om0zM_PdRi-mmChyphenhyphen-ovpa9LmQsny7B0IzGuHYbewhCnstQNsG3A7q-obTDSUiYE6mEb7IlGgjR7PkPKN-6i3pz7y56bztA-H5ar4KX4N_JAHMjwBwPNK2g/s1600/Pinterest-logo-150x150.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8B68jl1OmMk3w6Om0zM_PdRi-mmChyphenhyphen-ovpa9LmQsny7B0IzGuHYbewhCnstQNsG3A7q-obTDSUiYE6mEb7IlGgjR7PkPKN-6i3pz7y56bztA-H5ar4KX4N_JAHMjwBwPNK2g/s400/Pinterest-logo-150x150.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710463461929272674" /></a> Why is Pinterest everywhere all of a sudden? <br /><br />It's been around for almost two years, but has seen an explosion in popularity recently. <br /><br />I had lunch with a friend the other day and I mentioned that I had just <a href="http://pinterest.com/arlenegibbs/">signed up</a>. She said I was the third person to rave about the site to her within the last 24 hours.<br /><br />I read a large segment of the Pinteresti are women creating boards for weddings. I don't know any of those women personally. <br /><br />Some dismiss Pinterest as Tumblr for chicks. Yes, 80% of the users are women. Yet, us silly women are driving more Internet traffic than Google+, YouTube, and a bunch of other popular sites. <br /><br />I'm still working on my boards, but I think Pinterest is great. Basically, it's a visual bulletin board. What a brilliant idea.<br /><br />Most of my friends who "Pin" work in creative fields; writers, potters, photographers, designers, cooks, advertising execs, etc. <br /><br />Pinterest is going to be around for a while. A site has to be pretty special to stand out in a very crowded social media market.<br /><br />Do you Pin? Why do you like about the site?nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-87289665327293500822012-02-12T09:01:00.004+01:002013-03-07T15:09:29.643+01:00What the hell? Whitney Houston is dead?I can't believe it. How is this possible? <br />
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I mean, I knew she had drug problems, but damn. Whitney was only 48. And now she's dead? Michael, Amy, now Whitney, all these super talented artists. Someone better tell me Prince is okay. I just watched Madonna on the Super Bowl, so I know she's alright. <br />
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I wore Whitney's debut album out. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx6qyXzrkkViRhMWbFdDCm7uM7QqEcmSLlOBPiioZZxMNxRJflTLbfZahQNb6lUpIcpKV3QM-EVCW_imx9nUbwFUhDxEoCmvpJ6wanzi61SrTtMFAuKk7tixUaY-57HGskOz-/s1600/images.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708157713424968594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx6qyXzrkkViRhMWbFdDCm7uM7QqEcmSLlOBPiioZZxMNxRJflTLbfZahQNb6lUpIcpKV3QM-EVCW_imx9nUbwFUhDxEoCmvpJ6wanzi61SrTtMFAuKk7tixUaY-57HGskOz-/s400/images.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I heard nothing but great things about her upcoming role in <span style="font-style: italic;">Sparkle</span>. I was excited to see Whitney make her great comeback. I was just talking about the movie to one of the producers. Salim Akil, who directed <span style="font-style: italic;">Jumping The Broom</span>, also directed <span style="font-style: italic;">Sparkle</span>. It's a freaking shame. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0VomiX2vI3I7obmdXelJNcoIRetU-EtmsMMp_lIFIKm5mTexpWIfQMl1lAAtUh0MJOlOGViMPqLDixepdONdTswWlhvyLQ4diSiTZYcxT0zNMpS-fIQpzeRrd3kQnNjA0Vvz/s1600/images-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708157714822365970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0VomiX2vI3I7obmdXelJNcoIRetU-EtmsMMp_lIFIKm5mTexpWIfQMl1lAAtUh0MJOlOGViMPqLDixepdONdTswWlhvyLQ4diSiTZYcxT0zNMpS-fIQpzeRrd3kQnNjA0Vvz/s400/images-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 222px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 227px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Yes, Whitney was known more for pop music, but the woman had an incredible voice. A talent like hers is rare, so rare. I do think it's a gift. <br />
<br />
She grew up singing gospel and soul music. Whitney was influenced by her mom, singer Cissy Houston, her cousin Dionne Warwick, and her godmother Aretha Franklin.<br />
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Whitney was one of the world's best-selling music artists. She broke many records and like Michael Jackson was one of the few black artists to "cross over" in the early days of MTV. <br />
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She was also a mom, model, and actress. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite Whitney tracks is from her second album. Produced by John "Jellybean" Benitez, it was the JAM. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GkhHbz-A_p0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
RIP Whitney Elizabeth Houstonnyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-48318231039898756282012-02-08T15:40:00.004+01:002012-02-08T18:33:43.759+01:00Get Your Cocktail On: Pierluigi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHVlv6oSgrYI2QM721iBrDLfYPH9X7Nz78tjk4fDsbqpGP_-rmXbc1FMqS6g8zS27C01ArSbi35F4Qoiiz4-ImcvzYnka-yHEFNm0AUPuw53lTk3E-T6SWTaHfQE447P8EAWi/s1600/IMG_71940000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHVlv6oSgrYI2QM721iBrDLfYPH9X7Nz78tjk4fDsbqpGP_-rmXbc1FMqS6g8zS27C01ArSbi35F4Qoiiz4-ImcvzYnka-yHEFNm0AUPuw53lTk3E-T6SWTaHfQE447P8EAWi/s400/IMG_71940000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706777317327503922" /></a> I walk past this restaurant all the time and noticed that they were doing some major renovations last year.<br /><br />I heard there was a bar. I had to investigate.<br /><br />My friend Courtney wanted to meet up to celebrate <span style="font-style:italic;">Jumping The Broom</span>'s recent NAACP Image nominations. We decided to check out the cocktail situation at Pierluigi.<br /><br />We approve.<br /><br />The vibe is very chill, quiet, and relaxing. The small bar is a perfect spot for a drink before dinner. The cocktails were well made and we had great service. <br /><br />The prices are a little bit higher than places like Bar Fico, 12 euros for a cocktail versus 10. It's much cheaper than Hotel de Russie.<br /><br />This a grown up spot located in a gorgeous location. We'll be back. <br /><br />Ristorante Pierluigi<br />Piazza dé Ricci, 144<br />Closed on Mondaysnyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-56532100024852160402012-02-06T12:14:00.005+01:002012-02-06T12:28:50.306+01:00NY Giants Win!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi523enXEkgaxaMzCOF0QE1KTtn7y8Szyfa_3RUvx70qthB5jr4U41s78wrG-b3jQ8MZo4D59Zzr9HxXfhk3tbRVAiUH5Ou2SEdwtaXBvmqJGV8S5X8OsY-U5Zn-p3wE-QUkV6/s1600/super_bowl_photos069--500x380.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi523enXEkgaxaMzCOF0QE1KTtn7y8Szyfa_3RUvx70qthB5jr4U41s78wrG-b3jQ8MZo4D59Zzr9HxXfhk3tbRVAiUH5Ou2SEdwtaXBvmqJGV8S5X8OsY-U5Zn-p3wE-QUkV6/s400/super_bowl_photos069--500x380.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705979789661508562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ__f33otm0dr9Z4P8pyxLesS1zTKMqfRlcEwYhw_bZ-GlalgME4gNhmA_vazKhnH_Snn3bEMtZq3H1TA15ozL8Zt-KlZbwK8txsGO2CRFWM_qQYXwcMPflU0NJvGSEkv9Se9U/s1600/cruz_trophy_4--350x600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ__f33otm0dr9Z4P8pyxLesS1zTKMqfRlcEwYhw_bZ-GlalgME4gNhmA_vazKhnH_Snn3bEMtZq3H1TA15ozL8Zt-KlZbwK8txsGO2CRFWM_qQYXwcMPflU0NJvGSEkv9Se9U/s400/cruz_trophy_4--350x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705979789527975202" /></a> As a football fan, this was a great Super Bowl, better than those boring blowout Super Bowls. <br /><br />As a Giants fan, it was way too stressful. The last two minutes were unreal. It was 4:30 a.m. when the game ended so I tried to keep my yelling to a minimum. It was not easy. <br /><br />I am so proud of the Giants. <br /><br />They did not start the season well. Everyone thought the Packers would destroy them during the playoffs. People keep underestimating Eli despite him being named Super Bowl MVP twice.<br /><br />This team has some great younger players, like Nicks, Cruz. I'm excited for the future.<br /><br />Watching the game in Italian (primo down! il fumble! Mamma Mia, il sack!) was priceless. <br /><br />Madonna's entrance was fantastic. That is how you do a half-time show. The next person talking smack about her age needs to STFU. She's 53 and more entertaining than "stars" half her age. I didn't see this amount of snark when men who were older than Madonna performed during half-time. That said, I'm not loving her new song. Maybe it will grow on me. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Photos:Getty Images</span>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-47779564113604077262012-02-05T08:24:00.005+01:002012-02-05T09:10:11.669+01:00World Nutella Day - Banana Nutella Turnovers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGgC4tWcAlcuhL_xPLqPoVzgo0FhgXzUNDSPJ9-BLL2CdWTq8PdvpuJ8SPETEWjDGfq4Bb17B9qHjaJ6kOWBpw16D3fGi0hLFYpVDI_PMpcyX642hOwjiC_5N3TrPdKLGTcmN/s1600/World_Nutella_Day_Final_m-300x207.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGgC4tWcAlcuhL_xPLqPoVzgo0FhgXzUNDSPJ9-BLL2CdWTq8PdvpuJ8SPETEWjDGfq4Bb17B9qHjaJ6kOWBpw16D3fGi0hLFYpVDI_PMpcyX642hOwjiC_5N3TrPdKLGTcmN/s400/World_Nutella_Day_Final_m-300x207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705552506483630418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34On3enBkwXFNjsS3ump7ITqyGSrun-DEMT-j6Qoo_mt2YkdPevk9fEvoo1RBVXRSZN88oAx1ihZ5qcI7vtarGTOg37a0LT_X-Sr6NuRy_etHGAPJHo1C4yK9dUPV1LQKjYcJ/s1600/IMG_72060000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34On3enBkwXFNjsS3ump7ITqyGSrun-DEMT-j6Qoo_mt2YkdPevk9fEvoo1RBVXRSZN88oAx1ihZ5qcI7vtarGTOg37a0LT_X-Sr6NuRy_etHGAPJHo1C4yK9dUPV1LQKjYcJ/s400/IMG_72060000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705549598350513554" /></a> Today is a great day. Hopefully the Giants will send the Patriots packing, but I digress. <br /><br />It's <a href="http://www.nutelladay.com/">WORLD NUTELLA DAY</a>!<br /><br />Two lovely ladies, American expats Sara Rosso at <a href="http://www.msadventuresinitaly.com/blog/">Ms. Adventures in Italy</a> and Michelle Fabio at <a href="http://bleedingespresso.com/">Bleeding Espresso</a>, host this wonderful international event.<br /><br />I really need to make something different, but I love the banana/Nutella combo. Next year, I will do my best.<br /><br />This year I was short on time. I always have puff pastry in the freezer. This recipe couldn't be easier or more delicious. Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />BANANA NUTELLA TURNOVERS</span><br /><br />2 sheets puff pastry (if frozen, defrost in fridge overnight or on the counter for approximately 20 <br />minutes)<br />2 ripe bananas<br />1/2 cup - 1 cup Nutella (to taste)<br />1 egg<br />raw sugar for sprinkling or cinnamon sugar (the latter to be added after baking)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375/190.5<br />Rough mash the bananas with a fork<br />Mix in the Nutella<br /><br />In a small bow, add one tablespoon of water to the egg, beat to create an egg wash<br /><br />Roll out each pastry sheet. You might want to put some flour down to prevent sticking. <br /><br />Cut into 4x4 (inches) squares<br /><br />Fill in center (careful not to overfill)<br /><br />Brush edges with egg wash<br /><br />Fold in half creating a triangle<br /><br />Press edges together and use the tines of a fork to seal<br /><br />Put on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper<br /><br />Brush top with the egg wash and prick the top with the fork to create tiny holes<br /><br />Sprinkle with raw sugar (optional)<br /><br />Place in fridge to keep cool while you prepare the other turnovers<br /><br />Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown<br /><br />Let cool, the filling will be VERY hot<br /><br />Once cooled you could sprinkle confectioners/powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on the turnovers.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-82350444807596308792012-02-03T14:20:00.008+01:002012-02-03T14:55:51.759+01:00Flashback Friday - The Soul Train Line, Elton John, and The Jackson 5Don Cornelius started the show Soul Train in 1970. It ran for over 35 years.<br /><br />This week Don committed suicide. According to news reports he was very ill and in a lot of pain. His son found the body. <br /><br />As a kid I watched American Bandstand and Soul Train every Saturday morning. <br /><br />I do remember seeing Elton's performance in 1975. One of my favorite songs. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8vLlpJc9mW0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />Okay the shoes on the first guy dancing in the clip below, look like something Lady Gaga would wear today. Every time I hear this song I think of "Pulp Fiction."<br /><br />The Commodores used to be funky back in the day. I miss this kind of music. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zKJzRNwe5dg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />I might have seen this episode during the height of my "I'm going to marry Michael Jackson when I get older" mania.<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kqdKvlLD_H0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />Wishing everyone, peace, love, and soooooooooul this weekend. RIP DC.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-64731953021029372442012-01-31T12:00:00.005+01:002012-01-31T13:06:06.649+01:00Get Your Cocktail On: Caffè PropagandaI do drink more wine and fewer cocktails since moving to Rome. However, sometimes I like to have something other than a glass of wine, prosecco, or an Aperol Spritz.<br /><br />Caffè Propaganda is a newish place that opened up in the Celio neighborhood. I don't think I will be eating dinner there any time soon after reading Katie Parla's <a href="http://www.parlafood.com/caffe-propaganda-opens-near-the-colosseum/">review</a> (maybe in time the kitchen's kinks will be worked out) but for cocktails... oh hells yes.<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://moscerina.com/">Erica</a> and her friend met up with me and two of my friends last Friday. We got there on the early side and sat at the bar. <br /><br />The décor is gorgeous. The zinc bar and the chandeliers are from France. Stunning. I happened to see an interview with one of the architects on Leonardo. I think she also designed the restaurant 'Gusto. <br /><br />The music was fantastic. I heard one of my all time favorites, Stevie Wonder's "As" and a version of Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" that I've never heard before. I thought I'd heard them all. Bravo, Mr. DJ.<br /><br />The crowd was very different from the Piazza Navona/Campo dei Fiori Triangle, no students or tourists. It was older, late 20s and up. There was a couple sitting next to me at the bar who might have been, stop the presses, in their 40s. <br /><br />Of course none of this matters if the drinks suck. Thankfully, that was not the situation. The two bartenders, Emanuele and Desirè, broke it down.<br /><br />Emanuele worked in New York City and Desirè in London. They really know their stuff. I could watch them mix drinks for hours. Their seasonal cocktails were inventive and delicious. All night we kept asking them, "what drink is that?" <br /><br />The bartenders were attentive and friendly, even as the bar started to fill up later into the evening. We spoke Italian to them and they spoke English to us so they could practice.<br /><br />We did get a few antipasti which were yummy. <br /><br />My friends and I had a great time and will return. I have to try their Moscow Mule. I wonder what the crowd will be like once high season starts. <br /><br />Caffè Propaganda<br />Via Claudia, 15<br />06-94-53-4255<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3wwXAAg5_OnKMRb-x7TN5Ig2ToGHFDW8SkKxLL3z-5P_QDmJbvjviUVTv4WlOfEuEf-fO2IZTmDtw4E6xBJR8KsxQuO0t_HMkS0cnX009bxLErYe2JbsBRufFX3fO4iRF7px/s1600/IMG_72210000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3wwXAAg5_OnKMRb-x7TN5Ig2ToGHFDW8SkKxLL3z-5P_QDmJbvjviUVTv4WlOfEuEf-fO2IZTmDtw4E6xBJR8KsxQuO0t_HMkS0cnX009bxLErYe2JbsBRufFX3fO4iRF7px/s400/IMG_72210000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703753795202002754" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqlMG1Zf8wPm_AIsyyfcKdf3lq7VjRfeQQRlyoJKBTk2-frTfzLaQlS2nYqouuiw96M0fuNvwzTcXzvCR_BP-Zp9jxYtCqXDo1IgZ1aX_-015zHpLgZ-RQQzf8mK0j1TvJHYZ/s1600/IMG_72170000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqlMG1Zf8wPm_AIsyyfcKdf3lq7VjRfeQQRlyoJKBTk2-frTfzLaQlS2nYqouuiw96M0fuNvwzTcXzvCR_BP-Zp9jxYtCqXDo1IgZ1aX_-015zHpLgZ-RQQzf8mK0j1TvJHYZ/s400/IMG_72170000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703753253775728802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRVoe35XzTG5QwGW-4ASCGOXkIr8nN5OMuMnWvCWA-6g5iSnkmQbgHi0_1VhjgUAEIaBP9ryLEs1ZHcge6My-6arVdpNXOc3yC5RslUnUWREW1gTT37Yeo0If82Q0yPqA0w7a/s1600/IMG_72190000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRVoe35XzTG5QwGW-4ASCGOXkIr8nN5OMuMnWvCWA-6g5iSnkmQbgHi0_1VhjgUAEIaBP9ryLEs1ZHcge6My-6arVdpNXOc3yC5RslUnUWREW1gTT37Yeo0If82Q0yPqA0w7a/s400/IMG_72190000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703752646542497634" /></a>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-72556235527735813842012-01-25T09:44:00.007+01:002012-01-25T11:54:59.501+01:00Favorite Things: St. Martin/St. Maarten Beach BarsLast week I wrote about my favorite St. Martin/St. Maarten beaches. Here are three beach bars that I like. <br /><br />Of course several of the beaches we go to serve good drinks, but these three are places we make an effort to go to just for cocktails.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Grand Case Beach Club</span>, on the French side, is new place we checked after my sister heard raves about the views. <br /><br />It's a great place to watch the sunset. It wasn't crowded at all. I get the sense only tourists who are staying at the hotel really go. It is somewhat off the beaten path, at the end of the main road in Grand Case.<br /><br />We happened to be there during Happy Hour, 2 for 1 drinks. Very nice. <br /><br />It's the most formal and romantic place I've been for drinks. Our French waiter was a big flirt.<br /><br />Grand Case Beach Club<br />21 Rue de Petite Place<br />Grand Case, St. Martin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8XgV34KClRXPadZBcyAp3fUEggkFyMmlm4qkHlkelBHHaZ9WHbRzSQ-FRPBQwLIU0RU0TVxIcJRG_bnQO5eg3lKdEvrNKLqodlop-SUVNZsacumhdoMSSh-b5M7T2QwjgMa/s1600/IMG_70130000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8XgV34KClRXPadZBcyAp3fUEggkFyMmlm4qkHlkelBHHaZ9WHbRzSQ-FRPBQwLIU0RU0TVxIcJRG_bnQO5eg3lKdEvrNKLqodlop-SUVNZsacumhdoMSSh-b5M7T2QwjgMa/s400/IMG_70130000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701499609647093266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGRMbD_tMjXDc5LiEuW42kyZ_n06phmiDLMld8ZHdf_GzUGGskZ7UIm4tUPOWuPjwbn8cKHdLLAiMbCyvX35ZtTSVhSSnH9gYk7XVjGWdkr8k6YN1EVPDo1w7eCSr2ohR3Q_3/s1600/IMG_70080000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGRMbD_tMjXDc5LiEuW42kyZ_n06phmiDLMld8ZHdf_GzUGGskZ7UIm4tUPOWuPjwbn8cKHdLLAiMbCyvX35ZtTSVhSSnH9gYk7XVjGWdkr8k6YN1EVPDo1w7eCSr2ohR3Q_3/s400/IMG_70080000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701499597720620002" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Karakter</span>'s has a completely different vibe from GCBC. Located on the Dutch side, it was voted one of the best beach bars in the Caribbean. I completely agree. <br /><br />Their cocktails menu is fantastic. I always go to Karakter when I'm in SXM.<br /><br />Karakter <br />Simpson Bay Road, 121<br />Simpson Bay, St. Maarten<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YcQ_VQmU2Pns1NbsXfJLsCvkdOkwhmGbrkJFCS7orZEO-jcV1IFC5Y2IwNDob1UCYXjsTNmSCxDL2edHwb8bMMUJVyHrf9Yo6fE2wlS2tTbQKtyO33ZUfDXlKId2Dr84OZpt/s1600/IMG_69200000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YcQ_VQmU2Pns1NbsXfJLsCvkdOkwhmGbrkJFCS7orZEO-jcV1IFC5Y2IwNDob1UCYXjsTNmSCxDL2edHwb8bMMUJVyHrf9Yo6fE2wlS2tTbQKtyO33ZUfDXlKId2Dr84OZpt/s400/IMG_69200000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701498231748189458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEaaLZPG2NE8AM-uYu1ED-p1ADAF_vFoGlnIq-T_XYViJVcPNIHopnBWUl0tn3wV_NZBLip80R2vAsYMf1CnWH6iicjSUwPcawlMbeOrKpdWFNJrtAObK9OU2IgOcsi8wN8yU/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEaaLZPG2NE8AM-uYu1ED-p1ADAF_vFoGlnIq-T_XYViJVcPNIHopnBWUl0tn3wV_NZBLip80R2vAsYMf1CnWH6iicjSUwPcawlMbeOrKpdWFNJrtAObK9OU2IgOcsi8wN8yU/s400/IMG_3690.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701498223881875954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYGZOBOQqqhAPMINTXngwzFmSB33azP77lEsb5At9-H492FXpBVk4zsb_Dava5fn5JGNckwyJsjRlUcuU85BKscWawvRQxSijfALjF0r4HaOtyH6iZKOIr6ZZoSjrRkcqu52o/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYGZOBOQqqhAPMINTXngwzFmSB33azP77lEsb5At9-H492FXpBVk4zsb_Dava5fn5JGNckwyJsjRlUcuU85BKscWawvRQxSijfALjF0r4HaOtyH6iZKOIr6ZZoSjrRkcqu52o/s400/IMG_3688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701498216451869602" /></a><br /><br /><br />Another must for me is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Calmos Cafe</span>. They are known for their wide selection of rum. I've never been there during the day, only at night or early evening. <br /><br />If you can snag a chair and table on the beach, it's lovely. The French waiters are so friendly and very flirty. As was the waiter at GCBC. The waiters at Karakters are also friendly but don't flirt. Hmmmmm<br /><br />You have to walk toward the back to get to the beach. They have a small gift shop in the front.<br /><br />Calmos Café<br />40 Boulevard de Grand Case<br />Grand Case, St. Martin<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEBT0T-st6OtT7oONhBPLu6dfjs8nCArPPzc801LO_UxSPgbQbrzoM5a8Vd_3uf55QJ-vmMHXmeoBV97FZ65HppcC4JjgL-5xcKOt3NlYYAIBWFLo9fQsdtv9TR2PgCnQne_w/s1600/IMG_69740000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEBT0T-st6OtT7oONhBPLu6dfjs8nCArPPzc801LO_UxSPgbQbrzoM5a8Vd_3uf55QJ-vmMHXmeoBV97FZ65HppcC4JjgL-5xcKOt3NlYYAIBWFLo9fQsdtv9TR2PgCnQne_w/s400/IMG_69740000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701495889086151026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFGwDGVJMoOGC58kMld7jdmvG-_lxCOx7IUG70sHvRntx_aI1cxwytyh8MIZRjC6eZtBSlQKJme07zVzhcYBQCM5rf5M8hONjas7fJnFAYsIhhbuQmYKLlf5lsT45fvQZk8iG/s1600/IMG_4619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFGwDGVJMoOGC58kMld7jdmvG-_lxCOx7IUG70sHvRntx_aI1cxwytyh8MIZRjC6eZtBSlQKJme07zVzhcYBQCM5rf5M8hONjas7fJnFAYsIhhbuQmYKLlf5lsT45fvQZk8iG/s400/IMG_4619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701495881176779474" /></a><br /><br />There are a couple of places we'll have to try next time. There's a local spot in Grand Case that plays great music. I can't think of the name, but it's on the right as you leave Blvd. de Grand Case.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-19223239189652809232012-01-24T19:01:00.004+01:002012-01-24T19:16:10.846+01:00Last Week To Get Mrs. Tracey Higgins E-Book On Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsP1kq7iSmsDqlxzuIoVLmhT2eF7bMzWcGHZ1kNeelKFsknChCTF6TYKfFtNLh6585QyfGJDIL6nAl4PFnpYKUhNLphfnZcAqEduQVboCjfgtgDgHTiox7iKENQe2LUs6Ohmc/s1600/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsP1kq7iSmsDqlxzuIoVLmhT2eF7bMzWcGHZ1kNeelKFsknChCTF6TYKfFtNLh6585QyfGJDIL6nAl4PFnpYKUhNLphfnZcAqEduQVboCjfgtgDgHTiox7iKENQe2LUs6Ohmc/s320/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701261091674626834" /></a> The e-book version (5 out 5 stars!) of the novel is on sale for .99 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Tracey-Higgins-JUMPING-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327424650&sr=8-1">AMAZON.COM</a> until January 31st. <br /><br />We are waiting for the final proof for the Print On Demand version.<br /><br />A big thank you to everyone who has written, Tweeted, or Facebooked, about my book. It means the world to me!<br /><br />Our Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/MrsT_Higgins">Feed</a><br />Our Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheRebirthofMrsTraceyHiggins">Page</a>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-47417371175922074312012-01-23T13:26:00.004+01:002012-01-23T13:48:17.274+01:00Jumping The Broom Mondays - JTB is nominated for 6 NAACP Image Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiI_ABewSV7WdXadzUVWDAHZsdbwGD1_YOFjnUQw5pUhmz5V79xsPmRgFy9nL5Ip-kAU3ibyQ6l3oDoRCHpE6Z0kPqIx6ePuzYYJk_3nW0ff1XV3yY2ozSCUzwW9RUsWfVROy/s1600/jumping_the_broom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiI_ABewSV7WdXadzUVWDAHZsdbwGD1_YOFjnUQw5pUhmz5V79xsPmRgFy9nL5Ip-kAU3ibyQ6l3oDoRCHpE6Z0kPqIx6ePuzYYJk_3nW0ff1XV3yY2ozSCUzwW9RUsWfVROy/s320/jumping_the_broom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700807728844055922" /></a> I had no idea until people started e-mailing me.<br /><br />THE HELP leads the nominations with eight.<br /><br />Our film, <span style="font-style:italic;">Jumping The Broom</span>, was nominated for six including, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Actress, Outstanding Motion Picture, and Outstanding Writing For A Motion Picture. <br /><br />The general membership (or as Hollywood folks would say, civilians) will vote and the winners will be announced on February 17th. These awards cover film, TV, books, and music. <br /><br />The show will be broadcast live on NBC at 8:00 p.m. EST. I wonder if Angelina will be there. She's nominated for her directorial debut. <br /><br /><a hfref="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/abc-help-top-nominations-naacp-image-awards-nominees-2012-283290">HERE</a> is a complete list of nominees from <span style="font-style:italic;">The</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">Hollywood Reporter</span>.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-29429238868893688862012-01-19T15:15:00.007+01:002012-01-19T17:37:41.950+01:00Favorite Things: St. Martin/St. Maarten BeachesI haven't been to every single beach on the island, but these three are among my favorites.<br /><br />My family lives on the French side. During Christmas time (high season) we try to stay on that side of the island as traffic is awful, especially on the Dutch side. God help you if you're on that side of the island when one of the massive cruise ships docks.<br /><br />When we do venture over to the Dutch side, we go to Karakter's. The beach bar/restaurant is located on Simpson Bay Beach, very close to the airport runaway. I love watching the massive American Airlines, Air France, and KLM planes land. <br /><br />This beach is on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. The waves and current are pretty strong, as are the drinks. There is free WiFi. It gets packed, so get there early. Beach chairs are free if you're staying for food/drinks.<br /><br />Of the three beaches, Karakter's has the most extensive menu and is known for their food and drinks. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u6nSC01dNOudEetBbf6wxzqzBic9RJgV218piH49cMr1sm5tbZXb6LRDbvVOBZ7YqEzg54COMff75gS2QqF7jmZDBPzpkseATTjp6EvWeGIXXT4Yup0Tu-SGTvZDu_A3y3Yu/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u6nSC01dNOudEetBbf6wxzqzBic9RJgV218piH49cMr1sm5tbZXb6LRDbvVOBZ7YqEzg54COMff75gS2QqF7jmZDBPzpkseATTjp6EvWeGIXXT4Yup0Tu-SGTvZDu_A3y3Yu/s400/IMG_6918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699365703817569570" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Friar's Bay Beach is on the Caribbean Sea and French side of the island. It's the closest one to my parents' house. <br /><br />We usually stay by Kali's Beach Bar but both places on the beach are popular with French folks, locals, and Americans. Kali is owned by a local Rastafarian and his "lady", Caroline, who is French. <br /><br />Note: please my fellow Americans, do not go to a local spot on a French island and act all indignant when they tell you they don't serve Bud Light. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-OqVUD4LB5AX75qt-bTIzJzHQwKTNs8Pw-Wy4sRAv4Z28MHB4K_PuNB19GaRDSDgqKkYkCSTHrdfycCXqKyUQv8NPS9_qNLNtZK4QIfwKjpSS9pP4eaYIP7LBXo4NQF7-wVu/s1600/IMG_68320000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-OqVUD4LB5AX75qt-bTIzJzHQwKTNs8Pw-Wy4sRAv4Z28MHB4K_PuNB19GaRDSDgqKkYkCSTHrdfycCXqKyUQv8NPS9_qNLNtZK4QIfwKjpSS9pP4eaYIP7LBXo4NQF7-wVu/s400/IMG_68320000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699365192918827826" /></a><br /><br />On the road to the beach we passed some cattle that were done grazing for the day. My seven year-old nephew said, "What the heck?" <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSVFmYqABxsoyXbv2TsGeSI8fLaz5sp1eRXnNZfPzyKKXzaqEYnt-q3GgWEas9Vgz7M1gh9qwbwcEas-wRlsl_PV5akiuQQz5xfHVb8DVFdlveovcU79qUCdpWrkqSRTlxvtP/s1600/IMG_68250000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSVFmYqABxsoyXbv2TsGeSI8fLaz5sp1eRXnNZfPzyKKXzaqEYnt-q3GgWEas9Vgz7M1gh9qwbwcEas-wRlsl_PV5akiuQQz5xfHVb8DVFdlveovcU79qUCdpWrkqSRTlxvtP/s400/IMG_68250000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699365188567245074" /></a><br /><br />Le Galion Beach is also on the French and Caribbean Sea side of the island. It's known as the Baby Beach. It's very popular with families. <br /><br />The water is so clear and calm. My nephews (4 and 7) adore this beach. <br /><br />There's a good beach bar and they will bring drinks and lunch out to you. It goes without saying the French bread is amazing. <br /><br />Next week: Favorite beach bars.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH64WiWo8ozAi5txQZk47XppoTv_fBxj2Kay2yPhZKWIynxBlbp6x9HW-yfgqPEiIhIT64XZrrJWryO2UNQ4fWRWGerVHKrYciWR0LDevgX4Bx6ZAM0onynlAQ60ZLxsMZ6T3/s1600/IMG_67510000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH64WiWo8ozAi5txQZk47XppoTv_fBxj2Kay2yPhZKWIynxBlbp6x9HW-yfgqPEiIhIT64XZrrJWryO2UNQ4fWRWGerVHKrYciWR0LDevgX4Bx6ZAM0onynlAQ60ZLxsMZ6T3/s400/IMG_67510000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699380319053325634" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYsyphNHzYEUcjefBew6Uc9gETpSI6F0YKWnB4XAyKkvu1rl6BvuyL9T3qHQ-zMNFXSydCYh1prY9BMhx0TEp0wLNzYm-4fCwBk7nYt1B1O0ztbBuLM4J2p8SQ8YRe9v8D__/s1600/IMG_67540000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYsyphNHzYEUcjefBew6Uc9gETpSI6F0YKWnB4XAyKkvu1rl6BvuyL9T3qHQ-zMNFXSydCYh1prY9BMhx0TEp0wLNzYm-4fCwBk7nYt1B1O0ztbBuLM4J2p8SQ8YRe9v8D__/s400/IMG_67540000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699363180428424050" /></a>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-83782245996800101542012-01-17T09:49:00.005+01:002012-01-17T10:12:10.308+01:00Get Your Art On: Enel Contemporanea 2011, Carsten HöllerGerman artist, Carsten Höller's <span style="font-style:italic;">Double Carousel with Zöllner Stripes</span> will be at the MACRO (Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome) until February 26th, 2012.<br /><br />Erica and I went to the opening and it was my first time seeing the space. I will return during the daytime so I can see more of the building and the permanent collection. <br /><br />The Carousel is a trip. Here is Erica's excellent <a href="http://moscerina.com/2011/12/02/hollah-back-carsten-holler/">POST</a> (with pics) about the exhibit and the artist. <br /><br />MACRO<br />via Nizza, 138<br />Tuesday to Sunday<br />11 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.<br />Entrance is free for the Höller exhibit.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-9143110795807932292012-01-13T08:57:00.004+01:002012-01-13T13:53:42.255+01:00Flashback Friday - LL Cool J - "Jingling Baby"One night in St. Martin (still going through my pics), we were sitting on the veranda listening to my brother's iPod, drinking some Carib beers, and talking. <br /><br />When it comes to hip-hop, I'm an old-school East Coast fan. I don't own a single Weezy song/CD and I know Rick Ross more for his rap on Kanye's "Monster" than for any of his own music. Hip-hop is a young persons game. Jay-z is definitely not the norm. Most MCs are done by their mid '30s. <br /><br />My brother put "Jingling Baby" on. I haven't heard it in ages. <br /><br />The video had me rolling. Look at the size of that cell phone and the ring on LL's finger! It reminds of the house parties I went to back in the late '80s/early '90s. Good times. <br /><br />This song was recorded in 1989. My brother pointed out how LL was known for not cursing in his lyrics. I doubt he'd get a record deal today. What is your favorite LL Cool J (aka Ladies Love Cool James) song?<br /><br />Buon weekend!<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xU5lQsV0L6s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-59465070237908680482012-01-05T11:48:00.008+01:002012-01-05T13:26:27.901+01:00My Word For 2012... YESLate last year I told a good friend that my "word" for 2012 was going to be YES.<br /><br />Michelle at Bleeding Espresso has written a beautiful post about her word UP <a href="http://bleedingespresso.com/2012/01/one-word-theme-for-2012-up.html">here</a>.<br /><br />2011 was very stressful when it came to my career. I cannot have another year like that. <br /><br />I must change how I'm responding to the fact that the industry I have worked in for over fourteen years continues to shrink. This is the new normal. If the economy started booming tomorrow, the situation in Hollywood would not improve. <br /><br />Even during the best of times, it was rough going in Hollywood for writers who happened to be women. Being a black women who writes films? Bwahah. We are rarer than pink unicorns.<br /><br />I won't give up though. At this point I really don't care about the dumb racist stuff some people in Hollywood say. The complete lack of understanding that there is a big ass world west of the 405 is hurting our industry.<br /><br />I live in Italy and will be spending more time in the Caribbean. I can't worry about the people in Hollywood who insist on seeing me in a very narrow way. <br /><br />Being in St. Martin and Anguilla these last few weeks has been extremely helpful and inspiring.<br /><br />Instead of obsessing about the word NO from L.A. I'm going to work on myself and say YES to new opportunities. <br /><br />I tend to over think things. It's not necessarily a bad trait. There is nothing wrong being organized and/or having a plan of action.<br /><br />However, I can get so worked up, doubt takes over, and I start to second guess myself. <br /><br />I was speaking to an expat friend who's struggling with her writing. She works in film production, but that is not her passion. We were talking about how we admire people who just go for it. We sit here and think, "I have to return to school so I could be qualified to do this creative job."<br /><br />There isn't a right or wrong way to pursue a creative endeavor. An Italian couple were asking me about interior design for their office. Instead of saying YES and looking at the space, I thought, "Oh, I'm not qualified. I've only been interning a few months and I'm focusing on residential."<br /><br />Another expat friend who had to completely reinvent her career in Italy, told me to I can't keep thinking linear. I should have at least seen the space, then get back to them. They know me and that I don't have a Master's in design. They were asking my opinion anyway. <br /><br />All around me I see people who pursue their goals and make things happen for themselves. Yes, some have had help from their famous and/or successful parents or boyfriends. Connections can open doors, but it was still up to them to deliver. <br /><br />I have spent a life-time believing in the whole go to school, climb the ladder, meritocracy thing. It was drilled into me that I had to work twice as hard in order to succeed. Okay, so why am I still broke?<br /><br />In mid-life it's time to do something different.<br /><br />2012 is going to be a great year. I'm saying *YES. <br /><br /><br /><br />*Within reason. I won't be saying YES to the cold cuts dude that keeps asking me out.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-13745166119597868892012-01-01T21:45:00.006+01:002012-01-02T01:38:32.301+01:00A New Year, a Sale, and a Giveaway.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi879Jtp2QCRI3vgkBQEhyPZqd-Y0lpXrMJskJEP8rlrajQ_19kL31h0Cw_9xUHcGH9cke8bchZFe-os5UCqug8ig9rANB2meS3TGS3HXniQSeGi0d_RRJ-obHnqTSbCJ-L4ybY/s1600/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi879Jtp2QCRI3vgkBQEhyPZqd-Y0lpXrMJskJEP8rlrajQ_19kL31h0Cw_9xUHcGH9cke8bchZFe-os5UCqug8ig9rANB2meS3TGS3HXniQSeGi0d_RRJ-obHnqTSbCJ-L4ybY/s200/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692827095118669234" /></a><br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. <br /> <br />In January, there are massive winter sales in Italy.<br /><br />To celebrate the New Year and keeping with the saldi/sales spirit, my novel, THE REBIRTH OF MRS. TRACEY HIGGINS is now .99 (USD) on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Tracey-Higgins-JUMPING-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325450615&sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a>. TROMTH is currently a Hot New Best Seller!<br /><br />One of my resolutions for 2012 is to get cracking on novel number two.<br /><br />What are your resolutions? We are giving away a free Kindle version of THE REBIRTH OF TRACEY HIGGINS to one winner who will be selected randomly.<br /><br />In order to enter, either leave a comment with your resolutions on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheRebirthofMrsTraceyHiggins">Facebook Page</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MrsT_Higgins">Tweet</a> your resolutions with the hashtag #TheRebirthOfMrsTraceyHiggins or #MrsTraceyHiggins<br /><br />Contest ends January 31st, 2012. <br /><br />Here's to a great year ahead.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-88754278021225428652011-12-16T12:04:00.002+01:002011-12-16T12:08:38.103+01:00Flashback Friday - Happy Holidays from Francesco Tottiaka, Il Capitano!<br /><br />This ad from 2009 cracked me up.<br /><br />Buon weekend!<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MnlatxpKBGI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-77268123144119024782011-12-09T07:59:00.002+01:002011-12-09T08:05:11.257+01:00Flashback Friday - Donny Hathaway - "This Christmas"I miss Donny Hathaway. What a voice.<br /><br />There have been a zillion remakes of his song, but none can touch the original. <br /><br />Have a great weekend. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SeAO7y7k7dc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-73664773067417311422011-12-05T07:46:00.009+01:002012-08-06T16:42:12.019+02:00My novel, The Rebirth of Mrs. Tracey Higgins, is now available on Amazon.com<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIcyLCgl6AKjyRj8LLEwRDz7zx8352bybSCPJGzPlUW5rmHYvhA8n77Er4VXQRQ6Vn1euBsOXak-tNZqesihTjhAaGXPwCpon4AUZ7Lha76mhyphenhyphen77FLazcRrrJNyHlXCRfeDqW/s1600/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIcyLCgl6AKjyRj8LLEwRDz7zx8352bybSCPJGzPlUW5rmHYvhA8n77Er4VXQRQ6Vn1euBsOXak-tNZqesihTjhAaGXPwCpon4AUZ7Lha76mhyphenhyphen77FLazcRrrJNyHlXCRfeDqW/s400/Gibbs_cover_final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682533266826153138" /></a> I am very happy to announce that the e-book version of my novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323077219&s">THE REBIRTH OF MRS. TRACEY HIGGINS</a>, is up and running. <br /><br />If you don't have a Kindle, you can still purchase the book with the free Kindle App (more info in the FAQ).<br /><br /> Here is the description of my book:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Despite his betrayal, Tracey loves and misses her husband. Will she ever move forward? A carrot cake might hold the answer to that question.<br /><br />From the outside looking in, Tracey Fitzgerald Higgins seemed to have the perfect life. Married to the dynamic and handsome Reverend Harry Higgins for over fourteen years, as the First Lady of Atlanta's Quinn A.M.E. church, Tracey had power, prestige and respect. Or so she thought.<br /><br />Now, her perfect world comes crashing down when her husband leaves her for the younger Jessica Waters. Tracey finds herself at forty-two without a husband, career, or home.<br /><br />Tracey uproots her life and tries to rebuild it from the well-appointed guest room of her brother’s home in Montclair New Jersey. It won't be easy. Tracey is entering the job market during the worst economic crisis since the Depression. Her Trinidadian-American sister-in-law, Victoria Lake Fitzgerald, is a powerhouse attorney who resents Tracey judging her parenting skills. Victoria is not happy the "Church Lady" is staying in her home. Shelby Smith Barnett, Tracey's best friend from childhood, has her own issues regarding being a stay-at-home mom and her husband's wish to quit his high paying job. And then there's Harry, the love of Tracey's life.<br /><br />A novel by the co-writer of the film Jumping The Broom, The Rebirth Of Mrs. Tracey Higgins is a story about friendship, forgiveness, faith, and a lot of cake.<br /></span><br /><br />I hope this will be a fun read for readers who like Womens' Contemporary Fiction, Commercial Fiction, African-American Lit, Chick Lit, Why are Tweeners So Moody Lit, Christian Lit, Divorce Lit, I Like Cake Lit, etc. <br /><br />Tone-wise it's similar to the film JUMPING THE BROOM and to books like LIPSTICK JUNGLE. <br /><br />I've kept the price low, $4.99, on the American website. THE REBIRTH OF TRACEY HIGGINS is also available in several Amazon stores worldwide (in English) in the local currency. <br /><br />Here are the links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323072041&sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.it/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323071643&sr=8-1">Amazon Italy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323072141&sr=8-1">Amazon United Kingdom</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.fr/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323071867&sr=8-1">Amazon France</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.es/Rebirth-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins-ebook/dp/B006HBCUSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323071965&sr=8-1">Amazon Spain</a><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Frequently Asked Questions</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I don’t have a Kindle or a mobile device – can I read this ebook?</span><br />Yes. Here is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dig_arl_box?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771">LINK</a> to the (free) Amazon Kindle App software for Android phone, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Windows phone, Web OS or Mac or a PC. After you download and install the Kindle App software, you can buy the book and read it on your device or computer<br /><br />You can also read Kindle books in your browser. Go to http://read.amazon.com using Chrome, Safari on iPad, Safari on desktop and now Mozilla Firefox.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />I don't like reading ebooks. Will there be a print version?</span><br />Yes, there will be. We are in the process of a setting up a Print On Demand version. It should be available by the end of the year or early next year. The price will be slightly higher. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I see a cross on the cover. Is this one of those super "churchy" books?</span><br />It depends on what your version of "churchy" is. If you thought JUMPING THE BROOM was very religious, then reading about the divorce between a minister and his wife, might be a bit much. On the flip side, if you were scandalized by the sight of Paula Patton in her underwear, you might have a problem with my book. There are characters who actually curse sometimes, and have sexy times. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">There are typos in your book.</span><br />If you see any typos, please leave a comment on my <a href="http://sistergirltales.blogspot.com/">BLOG</a> and we will correct the e-book. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Could you speak to our book club?</span><br />Yes, I live in Rome, but we can set something up via SKYPE. Leave a comment on my <a href="http://sistergirltales.blogspot.com/">BLOG</a> with your contact information (I won't publish it) and my manager and I will schedule a time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is there a Facebook page or Twitter page for your novel?</span><br />Yes. Here are the links.<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rebirth-of-Mrs-Tracey-Higgins/156740484423401?ref=ts">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MrsT_Higgins">Twitter</a><br /><br />If you have any further questions or comments, please let me know. I hope you enjoy spending time with these characters and their adventures. <br /><br />Thanks Bloggisti for your support!nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-37934305062732657462011-12-01T10:23:00.005+01:002011-12-01T11:34:27.530+01:00World's Oldest Interior Design Intern Strongly Recommends "Restoring A Home In Italy" by Elizabeth Helman Minchilli<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NWnOyJxFYasIx9f1sCLjU4kba-xrhkrDK87yASj5enYwTf3JHjWaI7e4UGRg4DLyyED467YAeiO6TmctKDVnppS5G1qlUBgXIveomxeqdbnwAf83KDedC6WyTMIx3qNm5pSQ/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NWnOyJxFYasIx9f1sCLjU4kba-xrhkrDK87yASj5enYwTf3JHjWaI7e4UGRg4DLyyED467YAeiO6TmctKDVnppS5G1qlUBgXIveomxeqdbnwAf83KDedC6WyTMIx3qNm5pSQ/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681089173433189058" /></a><br /><br />I wrote about Elizabeth's book <a href="http://sistergirltales.blogspot.com/2011/02/style-inspiration-italian-rustic-by.html">Italian Rustic</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Italy-Elizabeth-Helman-Minchilli/dp/1579651720">RESTORING A HOME IN ITALY</a> is one of her earlier books, written in 2001. I LOVED it and know I will be using it as a reference for a long time.<br /><br />It's a gorgeous book. Very inspiring. It's a perfect gift for anyone who has an interest in home decor/design, Italy, or beautiful photography. <br /><br />Twenty-two homes are featured from all over Italy. Elizabeth has divided the book in areas; Northwest, Northeast, Tuscany, Umbria, Rome, and the South.<br /><br />There is a range of homes from restored farmhouses to apartments in Rome. <br /><br />One of my favorites is the former candle factory in Trastevere that is now an incredible apartment with a courtyard.<br /><br />The book is well-written and the <span style="font-style:italic;">project notes</span> sections are useful and accessible. You don't need to be a contractor to understand the building methods Elizabeth writes about. <br /><br />I read Elizabeth's book the same week I started an internship with a prominent Italian furniture/interior designer (a big fat thank you to a certain friend for the introduction).<br /><br />The timing was not great as I was in the middle of finishing my novel. The last few weeks have been a little bananas. No, make that extremely bananas.<br /><br />But it's been a great experience. I'm learning a lot. Also, my Italian is improving now that I'm in an office with Italians and not at home all day writing only in English. <br /><br />In a bizarre way everything has come full circle. My first job of out college was in the Buyer Executive Trainee Program at Bloomingdales. I interned in the Buying offices at the flagship store during college. After I graduated, I was assigned to the Home Furnishings division.<br /><br />I've been reading shelter magazines and books since the sixth grade. My friends here thought I was nuts to bring my copies of DOMINO (RIP) and Elle Decor magazines to Rome. I wondered about that too, now it all makes sense. <br /><br />I'm still writing and will continue to do so. However, my post JUMPING THE BROOM experience has been a real eye-opener. <br /><br />At some point I will start a separate blog that will focus on design/decor. <br /><br />In the meantime, I'm very excited about this opportunity. To be able to work in this area in Italy is a plus as many of the top textile, kitchen/bathroom design, furniture, etc. companies in the world are Italian. <br /><br />So while it's difficult at times to be the World's Oldest Intern (hello, a few years ago I had an assistant), hands-on experience is important. Everything I'm doing now is laying down the foundation for my future.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-24358258520569513802011-11-25T12:44:00.003+01:002011-11-25T13:02:30.447+01:00Flashback Friday - Nat King Cole - Hark, The Herald Angels SingThe day after Thanksgiving means one thing to me and one thing only. I can start playing Christmas music!<br /><br />I miss albums. There's something special about taking out the vinyl, checking for scratches/dust, and then putting the needle on the record. <br /><br />I strongly believe jazz and classical music sound better on vinyl... warmer, richer. <br /><br />My parents had one of those stereos that was inside a piece of furniture. It was a huge deal to me when I was old enough and trusted to put the records on the turntable. For some reason, I can't remember why, my mom never touched the thing. My dad was the DJ of the house.<br /><br />Along with the Francoise Hardy, and The Mighty Sparrow records, we had a several Christmas albums. The album we played the most was the classic by Nat King Cole. I have this CD as does my brother and sister.<br /><br />I love this man's voice. Now it feels like the Christmas season has now officially started. Thank you Mr. Cole.<br /><br />Buon weekend tutti.<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LF4AeHX4R6s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-61792201138924931012011-11-21T22:08:00.003+01:002011-11-21T22:59:00.539+01:00Brown Thursday?I get it. I know that in America 2/3 of our GNP is from consumer spending. We used to be a country that made things, now we buy things. <br /><br />Trust me, if I had a million dollars, I would do my part to help generate the economy. Still, something about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day seems wrong to me.<br /> <br />I wonder how surly the salespeople will be.nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18861479.post-57837503174513319692011-11-18T07:22:00.005+01:002011-11-18T09:32:20.109+01:00Flashback Friday - Heavy D & The Boyz "Somebody For Me"R.I.P. Mr. D.<br /><br />When I heard Heavy D died last week from pneumonia at 44, I couldn't believe it. <br /><br />Dwight Arrington Meyers was born in Jamaica (Caribbean represent!) and raised in the NYC suburb of Mount Vernon. He was very popular in the late '80s and the '90s. <br /><br />Not only was he a successful rapper, he played a big role behind the scenes as well. As President of Uptown Records he hired a young Sean "Puff" Combs as an intern and guided the early career of Mary J. Blige. He collaborated on too many hits to list. Like Janet Jackson's "Alright" and the theme song to "In Living Color." He was also an actor.<br /><br />Here's one of my favorites from 1989. Man, most rap was so innocent back then. You had your fun/party rap and your more political/social conscious rap like P.E., instead of the sexist super materialistic crap that dominates hip-hop now. <br /><br />This video cracks me up. Check out the high-top fade haircuts and Al B. Sure! <br /><br />Have a great weekend.<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I2fS9XtWemY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>nyc/caribbean ragazzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370358466131415888noreply@blogger.com3