MM 27.02.12

it’s the last monday of the month! the oscars is on. I decided to have a little fun with my desktop wallpaper

and to dedicate my monday posts toplaylist update from now on

1. Baby Gone by Asa

Oh god. this Parisian-born Nigerian beauty. where do I start? okay, just got introduced to her music yesterday on my Sunday drive with my brother. she used to lock herself in her room and sing to comfort herself during frustrating time at uni. her heroes were Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq, and D’Angelo. her latest album Beautiful Imperfection ranked #3 in Billboard World Music Chart.

click the title and have a listen. bet u’ll love her accent. listen to this song while staring out your window at work :p even when you’re not going through a breakup check out asa-official.com for more of her music

2.Stone Rollin – Raphael Saadiq

pass me a glass of beer will ya? this ex-tony! toni! tone! member’s 2011 single gives that classic tavern vibe that u just want to order some coronas and put a dollar in the jukebox to dance with your lover. I can’t believe he’s 46 years old and that he’s the one responsible for beautiful songs sung by John Legend, TLC, and Mary J Blige.

3. Ether by Nas

“Jay-Z gets killed in this song” said the youtuber who posted this video. really? have a listen.

“Come outta my throne, I’m the truest, name a rapper I ain’t influenced. I’ll prove you lost already. You traded your soul for riches.” — nuff said.

4. Telephone by Erykah Badu (Freddie Joachim remix)

taken from her New Amerykah part I album, Freddie Joachim has done a great job in remixing this song.

I’d definitely put this one on my wedding reception playlist. yes, cause I’m cool like that :p haha.

5. Blue Skies by Doris Day

if you’re wondering who sings the theme song for The Glades trailer at the cinema last summer,

yes this is  Doris Day.

I just love the vintage vibe. Craving for some strawberry milkshake with the classic striped straws stirring the whipped cream on top of it,

with some marc jacobs cat-shades on and

a kate spade dress. ah. heaven.

happy monday.

24. 02. 2012

* lost in drawer’s pomeranian *  elizabeth anne dessert table * Emma Stone in Luca Luca * Street Etiquette * Anne Avantie Kasmaran Collection *

5 Things Nobody Warned Me About Being Engaged

so here I am. 22 years old. a junior producer at a multinational ad agency with a major headache.

engaged (to a banker).

it’s hasn’t been easy, my friends.

1. Friday Nightouts are old, Future In-laws Gatherings is the ish!

like it or not, you’re the future wife a.k.a the future daughter-in-law slash sister-in-law. you gotta show you care and that you’re willing to do this’. you gotta come to numerous family gatherings and learn about the other family. cause soon, you’re gonna be a part of them. so, friday nightouts? nah, cross that off your priorities list.

2. You’re Still Their Babygirl

yeap. you’re excited about being a wife soon, yeay. you’re “old enough”. but hey, you’re still your parents’ daughter, no matter how old you are. you gotta spend some quality time with your famlay and show your parents that they matter and that they won’t lose you though you’re going to change your last name in 8 months. cause really, they’ll get more and more sensitive as they realize that they’re baby girl is “leaving”. so statements like “you are ignoring us. it’s like you’re not on our side anymore” would come out easily from them. just don’t take it seriously. you know you love your family right?

3. You Still Need Your Bestfriends (and to be one)

remember, you’re someone else’s bestfriend. you gotta spend time with them, listen to their stories, and ask for help whenever the pressure is getting too crazy! don’t get all caught up in your wedding planning stuff and end up losing your best friends. you need them as much as they need you. so have a beer, give them hugs, laugh together, watch DVD’s. oh and really, not everyone can be your bridesmaids. choose the ones who have been there through thick and thin. they gotta be time-tested.*buying material for their dresses could be costly :s *

4. Listening to Too Many People is Unnecessary!

people will have various opinions about your wedding. they’ll give you references that are based on their own personal preferences. remember that this is your wedding! it’s your once-in-a-lifetime party! y

ou gotta have something that when you look back years from now, would make you say “I’m glad I have that in my wedding”. whether it’s color tone, dress, bridesmaids, band, music, drinks, catering menu, et cetera et cetera. people will also have opinions on what to prepare mentally and spiritually. hey, check on your Maker. He knows best. others are just people. why bother listening to them?

5. Diamonds rings are pretty. Your body shuts down easily if you sleep after 1 a.m. Not using a wedding organizer is POSSIBLE as long as you DELEGATE. Being open with your partner is the best possible way to solve your inner conflict. and….

……….cold mango beer is sometimes needed. LOL

oh well

not easy I know. but just like a good song, you just gotta find the right rhythm to sing and dance on it. so learn.

 

(inspired by this post)

 

 

Top 5 Yummy Recipes for Dummies (like me)

lately I’ve been so obsessed with online recipes :p you can’t count on highend restaurants all the time right?

Listen to Common’s Celebrate while you try these…

1. Mushroom & Cheese Nachos

Who doesn’t like nachos? this snack could be quite classy too with some mushroom and cheese.

Saute chopped mushrooms in butter and olive oil. Add minced shallots and a drizzle of truffle oil; season with salt and pepper. Spoon onto white tortilla chips; top with a slice of taleggio cheese and a dollop of ricotta. Bake at 375 degrees until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.

2. Mimosa

okay i know. this is not a meal. but it’s still good to go with some food right?first got introduced to this drink in New York, when I was listening to Jamie Foxx’ Weekend Lover.

• 8 ounces orange juice
• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry champagne
• 2 ounces triple sec or 2 ounces orange liqueur
• orange rind , curls (to garnish)

3. Scrambled Eggs with Avocado and Egss

Finally something healthy I could make for my new family woot.

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. minced fresh chives, divided
• 6 large eggs
• 2 Tbsp. (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large pumpernickel bread, toasted
• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon
• Read More 

4. Caremelized Pineapple + Vanilla Ice Cream

I know right? very easy to make. very delicious. I should really try to make this one soon. First came across this recipe when I was interning at Metro TV. one of the guest chefs made it and I ended up sitting beside the cooking table when the show ended just to get some more.

1 core pineapple

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

vanilla ice cream( prolly 3 cups!!!)

read more

5. Smores Cookies!!!

I know, most of these  are not healthy. but heck, they’re goood!!! it’s okay lah once in a while :p kids love it haha

Ingredients:

• 1 package crackers, broken into squares
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 (12 ounce) bag semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 2 – 3 regular sized Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces
• read more

zip it.

I’ve been a pretty judgmental person all my life. though I don’t always express it, I really care about what people think about me. more dangerously, I care about what I assume they might say about me.

insecurities and cover-ups. yes, they were all derived from this unhealthy character trait.

but now I’ve learned to shut up.

See I wrote a blog entry on my old blogspot  about how confused I was on girls who decided to get married in their early 20′s. I blabbered on and on about having big dreams, career, and about traveling around the world in my twenties. honestly, I thought those girls were dull.

well guess what, I ended up doing the exact same thing I was commenting them on.

no one expected me to tie the knot this soon. I was always known as this wild child. the other Manusama, who refused to live by the rules, who wanted to be free.

and they were right. getting married in early twenties was never in my agenda. I did not dream to wake up next to a guy whom I should submit to for the rest of my life at the age of 23.

I wanted to be like her.

yes, vogue covers. tv career. cool rockstar boyfriend. mulberry bags named after me. part time dj. “what a perfect mid twenties life!”, I said to myself, everytime I gazed on her pictures.

Back then, I, and therefore people around me, couldn’t see myself as a care-taker. dude, I dropped my smartphones all the time. I left my belongings in a public toilet. and I left a two-week-old lunch leftovers in my office drawers. *eew, they stink!*

we (I and people around me) just couldn’t picture myself raising a family, counting the mistakes I’ve made in the past.

I remember watching last year’s Royal Wedding coverage on TV at work thinking “wow, when will that day come to me?”

Since I was little, I’ve always prayed that God would protect the extraordinary man who would marry me on that someday, without knowing who  he might be. all I knew was that he was somewhere out there, experiencing life, getting to know my Maker, as I grow on the other side of the world.

well. to say the least, I have been blessed to have known him all along.

Now, don’t think I haven’t thought of the worst possibilities. don’t say I’m walking blindly in love. because I’m not. he wasn’t even my type. I soberly decided this. and I’m moving forward.

lately, I got a bit provoked by people’s comments, ended up assuming things *again, judgmental* and started to put up a defense plan.

but the more I think about it, the more I realize.

I’m at this point because of grace and grace alone. I don’t think I owe anybody any explanation.

I’m trusting God. giving Him praise and most importantly, the control.

and as for you sir. I can see you fulfilling your destiny. and I see myself in it. vice versa.

P.S : lesson learned, never say never  

I Hate Religion

this guy Jeff a.k.a bbal1989 is more than a spoken word artist. he is a radically saved and freed man.

I’m not a religious person. I don’t believe in religion. But I love my creator and that’s two different things.

how bout you?

 

 

let the german win

music’s biggest night is coming this Sunday!

Record of the year has got to be Adele’s Rolling in the Deep right? it was played gazillion times per week last year. or maybe Bon Iver’s Holocene? Katy Perry’s Firework?

how bout Album of the Year? Rihanna’s Loud? Lady Gaga’s Born This Way? Adele’s 21?

anyhow, what I’m most excited about is the Best New Artist category. Cause it’s got these names lining up :

Nikci Minaj

I know, I’ve posted a few reviews on her. I think she’s a talented entertainer. she came up with a creative concept of having split personalities (Roman the mad kid, Roman’s mom, Barbie, Ninja, etc). she’s the black Gaga and it’s good. it’s fresh and different. cause being a musician is not enough these days. you gotta sell a concept right?  the first artist to have 7 hit singles at the billboard 100 at the same time, she must be doing something right.

how bout Bon Iver ?

a.k.a Justin Vernon –  a genius isn’t he?! Forming this amazing folk band in 2007 with For Emma Forever Ago as their debut album, this guy has the ability to slice your emotions into pieces with songs like ‘Blood Bank’, ‘Skinny Love’ and ‘Blindsided‘ . the new album Bon Iver, Bon Iver also received a nomination for this year’s Grammy’s Best Alternative Album of the Year (the song Holocene is nominated for record of the year and song of the year tooo). fat chance the guy’s gonna win.

but hey, my best wishes and vote (if it counts) go to the first German Rapper ever signed to ROC nation. yes the one and only….

Jermaine Lamarr Cole a.k.a J Cole

27, a communication graduate of St. John’s University with a magna cum laude who looks up to Tupac and Canibus. how can the world not excited about him? he is educated, not a typical gangster wannabe with tattooes and chains all over (reminds me of Drake), and he doesn’t rap about vain subject matters. how rare is that!

“I represent the struggle nigga, I say what they never say, whenever they spit that bullshit on that pulpit I give these niggas gospel. I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team, everything ain’t what it seem.  Every lady ain’t no ho and every bitch ain’t no queen. Every nigga ain’t no dawg, and every nigga ain’t no king, everything happens for a reason, everything is everything “ 

or

“Did you forget all those conversations that we had way back? Bout your father and you told me that you hate that nigga. Talkin’ bout he a coward and you so glad that you aint that nigga . Cause he left your mamma when she had you and he ain’t shit. Here you go doin’ the same shit. You aint shit nigga!”

he just gotta win. *fingerscrossed*

anyways, I also hope Jay-z wins the best rap album instead of Weezy *for all the right reason* hehe

Coppola does Marni

Director and fimmaker, not to mention daughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola is back again with a fashion campaign. Not Dior this time, but H&M. not a regular H&M campaign of course. this is Marni for H&M line!!

these two ladies are responsible for this epic partnership, Consuelo Castiglioni (founder of Marni) and Margareta van den Bosch (the last name sounds familiar? a governor by the same last name ruled Indonesia once).

anyways, I could only wish I could get an item from this collection. enjoy this Coppola piece shot in Morocco.

current “omg-I’m-getting-hitched” musings

sorry for not updating this blog for a while. I’ve been overwhelmed by so many surprises, esp. on this year’s change of agenda. yes, you read the title, I’m getting hitched

souvenirs, dresses, venues, caterings, cakes — ah so many tings to arrange. in the mean time. these are some cool stuff that I find refreshing lately.

Ooh La La La by The Fugees (1996)

this album is magical. I mean Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Pras Michael teaming up with Diamond D andJohn Forte? The Score was a success back in the mid 90′s when ‘alternative hip hop’ was dominating the music scene. (if u thought backstreet boys was the shit, u missed out a lot!) anyways, I came across this song again when I was visiting to this cool club in Bali called The Cave last September. Gosh they play everything cool! from the Fugees, Warren G, old Janet Jackson stuff, and of course Bob Marley.

with this on my playlist, dress-hunting feels so relaxing haha.

The Black Ivy editorial

thanks to my friend’s facebook page, I was introduced to this awesome blog by 2 very stylish black guys from New York, Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs.

this documentary is a tribute to the first black colleges that provide common ground for the creativity and hardwork of young african-americans. These guys are super stylish !!! they’re sooo fashionable, without looking gay. i mean, you won’t expect a black guy wearing a pink checked shirt right? watching the video inspires me alot.

Jonas Peterson’s Website

oh my god!! this guy is the god of wedding photography!! he could really capture the moments without being cheesy. not too much digital work, even if there is, it’s subtle and sweet.

mother of wedding photography!

Bon Appetite online recipes

I can’t cook. but the guy I’m marrying feel loved when somebody cooks for him *this exclude his maids or some random chefs at resto’s okay*. so, what do I do? yes, browse for online recipes honey.

1 menu done so far. still got a long way to go, but I’m doing my best

————————-

on top of it all, I’m happy.I know I’m young. but I’m not missing out on anything good in life by committing to the right person, no? as one of my favorite rappers once tweeted,

“don’t just play the game, change it” – J. Cole

what. up.

on the King.

We’ve got difficulties ahead, but it really don’t matter to me now, cause I’ve been to the mountain top. and I don’t mind.  Like anybody I would like to live a long life. But I’m not concerned about it now. I just wanna do God’s will. and He’s allowed me to go the mountain. I’ve looked over. I’ve seen the promise land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we’ll get to the promise land!!! So I’m happy tonight, I’m not worried about anything, I’m not fearing any man. My eyes have seen he glory of the coming of the Lord.

— the speech of the great Dr. King on the night before he was assassinated in April 4, 1968

though he grew up in a pastor’s home, MLK jr. used to  ‘doubt’ Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus Christ up until the age of 13. It was not until he found many ‘profound truth’ in the bible that he started to go radical for it. (wow, I’m not the only “bad” pastor’s kid :p)

he took his faith a million step further since then, by understanding how God the Creator sees human as equally precious as one another, and by turning this understanding into an action when the world  desperately needed someone to stand up for equality.

as a result? his house was bombed twice, his family received death threats, imprisonment (he was jailed 12 times), assassination…and…..

……a crown of glory in Heaven, a fulfilled dream, a legacy, and a better world.

 see, a true King demonstrates power through love.  a true King serves.

————————

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness. only light can do that

Hate cannot drive out hate. only LOVE can do that”

Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty. I am Free at last.

Happy dr. King’s day everyone may you dream like the King today.