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Blog Life Week 35

Written by Viella

Let me preface this post by declaring that I am exhausted! I have attended so many events, parties and dinners this summer.

New York winters can be brutal as you know, so I make sure to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer during the warm months. The sun has really played its part this year, New York has had so many beautiful days and warm breezy evenings, so it has been a pleasure to saunter around the city having a bite here and a drink there, shaking my hips to the beat over there and socializing with folks here and there.Read More

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Blog Life Week 32

Written by Viella

This week was less blog life and more cute chubby mouse on a wheel. No new experiences, no lessons learned, but I did find solace in some music. I downloaded a couple oldies by Rose Royce – Love Don’t Live Here Anymore and Wishing on a Star;  a rather haunting song by Lapsley – Falling Short; and finally, Jill Scott’s new album, Woman. My favorite song on the album right now is Can’t Wait. Anyone know the sampled backing track? I’ve googled the heck out of it and searched the producer’s Twitter and Instagram pages but to no avail. It’s driving me nuts! I know it, I can almost sing, I just need the opening line. Please help ease my pain.

Blog Life Week 32

 

Blog Life

Blog Life Week 31

Written by Viella

It was so good to get back into the kitchen, testing and creating recipes after a busy schedule traveling and having fun.

The kitchen is where I belong, it really is. I tested my brie stuffed bacon wrapped jalapeno peppers, some tequila based cocktails and a very nice miso marinade. I cooked, and I cooked, and I cooked. I love my blog life. Recipes to come.

Last Sunday afternoon I joined my niece to support and check out our fellow Harlem creatives and entrepreneurs:

Vivrant Beauty, a new store on 220 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Harlem, NY, where you can find hair care, skin care and cosmetics.

Sugar Hill Market, a curated designer market featuring original products from harlem locals. Check out their Instagram page where they feature the creators of this local fare and updates on when the market returns to Harlem at Maison d’art, 259 West 132nd St.blog lifeblog life - week 31

I was tempted to buy some artisanal jam from Albane at Crosstown Sweets and a mug from Jonathan Castro, of Jonathan Castro Designs, but I spent all of my money on my fav lip care line Elo Lip Care, with no regrets I must add. Timothy George, the owner/creator makes a really good product. I have bought so many lip balms and scrubs from Elo Lip Care for my friends and family and they are all in love with his products.Read More

Blog Life

Blog Life

Written by Viella

I have been unable to share recipes recently. I’ve been so very busy, so I thought I should share what’s been going on with me. My blog life.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and activities. I’ve been having a great time. I’ve attended some cool parties, spent a few days in Mexico and then, the BlogHer conference. Such fun, many drinks and great meals.

Mexico was very nice, four days in the sun, can’t complain. I stayed in the Azul Sensatori, one in a group of Karisma hotels in Riviera Maya. Azul Sensatori is a beautifully laid out hotel with a whole host of amenities for the young and old. An all-inclusive resort with everything you need including premium liquor and really good food.

Blog Life

This was my first meal at the resort, pork belly with tropical salsa. I’m not really a fan of all-inclusive hotels, as IPork Belly Azul Sensatori have been disappointed one too many times with the quality of food and drinks available. But the Karisma staff pride themselves on their gourmet menus, and I was truly impressed.

The vegetables served throughout all of the hotels are home-grown, by Karisma. So my lunchtime meals consisted of salads and/or veggies and a small portion of meat or fish. My ideal diet, particularly in hot sunny climates.

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Diverse Dinners Travels

Written by Viella
1 Comment

I’m back! Did you notice that I was gone?! Diverse Dinners was on a hiatus.

I have been indulging in my other passion, traveling, and boy did I have a blast. I celebrated my birthday on the islands of St. Martin, St. Barths and Anguilla. I stayed in a villa in the French side of St. Martin in Terres Basses, here’s the view from the living room.

St Martin

I usually take time out to peel away from everyone and everything on my birthday to regroup, but this year I invited my family to join me. It was a milestone birthday so I wanted to look forward and celebrate my achievements with those who care for me most, those who believe I can do anything. Check us out.

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