Model Bites: The Holiday Edition

The days leading up to Christmas are always a busy time at my family's home. The kids are all running around talking about Santa Claus. The boys are all sitting around watching football and eating my sister's cookies. My mom is baking her famous Red Velvet Cakes. Meanwhile, my friends and I are watching mom bake waiting for a little piece of deliciousness. Oh, and somehow my mother convinces us to help her wrap Christmans gifts. These are the holiday traditions that I look forward to every December.

It used to be that I was only a spectator in the sport of holiday cooking. All that baking and making a turkey just seemed like too much work for little ol' me. But recently I've surrounded myself with good people who enjoy cooking as much as they enjoy life itself. During Thanksgiving, we concocted the feast of all feasts. Each person was asked to bring a dish and we pulled out all the stops. For some strange reason, I was in charge of the turkey. I've never done this before, and in order to feed everyone I had to cook not one, but two birds! I tried to play it cool, but the day of the party I was freaking out. Much to my surprise, the turkeys were perfect. Days after that success, I made a sweet potato soufflé and two sweet potato pies. I don't know what's gotten into me.
On my quest to becoming a domestic goddess, I picked up a few tricks that may be helpful to you too. First of all, start early. Find a recipe you love and make sure you have all the ingredients you need before you start cooking. I'm really into fusing family recipes with new things I find on Epicurious or the Food Network. Next, pace yourself. When you have a lot of cooking to do, a simple recipe that should only take 30 minutes might end up taking over an hour. If you're feeling overwhelmed, recruit some help. Every chef needs a sous chef, a line cook, and all that the usual staff of a five star restaurant even if you're just in your own kitchen. Finally, I like to cook with music. If I'm singing and dancing, then I'm putting love into the food. You can taste the difference between someone who just follows a recipe and someone who really put their foot in it, if you know what I mean.

Share the gift of good food this holiday. Cook from your heart. Eat enough that your tummy is full, but make sure you have enough for leftovers. Spread the love.

I got 99 problems, but a gift ain't one

Oh holiday shopping. While I love exchanging gifts and all, I despise actually going to a store and finding presents for my loved ones. You never want to be that girl who gives her sister an ugly sweater that ends up getting donated to the Goodwill after a few months. Or the daughter who gives her dad a tie every year, but you know he doesn't ever wear one. Enough is enough. Let's break those bad gift giving habits. Here are few of my favorite things to put under the Christmas tree this winter season.

1. The Coveted Graphic T - If you really know my style, then you know that I live for graphic tees. If it says something witty or has amazing artwork, then you know your girl's rocking it. My latest obsession are these County of Milan shirts by the amazing Marcelo Burlon. Swoon! These babies are hard to come by unless you're in one of the fashion capitals of the world. It's one of those gifts that if you do actually manage to score one, whoever you're giving it to will appreciate the quest you went on to get it.

2. Statement Jewelery - What a way to say I love you! Every woman likes things that sparkle and I'm totally into this crystal ear cuff from ASOS. I've been eyeing this ear cuff for months waiting for the right time to profess my adoration of it. I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to make some noise wearing this statement piece. The important thing to remember about buying jewelry as a present: the price isn't as as important as the bling factor. This ear cuff is less than 20 bucks!

3. Books With Style - Who doesn't appreciate a good coffee table book. It's got great photography and wonderful writing that will hold your attention while you relax on the couch with a cup of eggnog. And anyone who's claims to be into fashion with love this 3-volume set about the history of one of the most famous brands in the world, Chanel. Written by ELLE magazine contributor Francois Baudot, the books include a valuable background about Chanel, Chanel Fine Jewelry, and Chanel Perfume.

4. Chic Gadgets and Accessories - Silicon Valley meets Upper Westside. One of last year coolest gifts is making a return this season. The Jonathan Adler Smartphone dock is a porcelain homage to the old school rotary phone.  It's elegant and will fit in with any decor whether your home is modern or retro. If white isn't your color, the smartphone dock also comes in black. I'm totally getting this for someone. Tre chic.

5. Anything Sorta Goth, But Not - Skulls and crosses are so in this winter. You see them on scarves, jackets, and on so many accessories. I've even seen little kids sporting skulls. Which is why these Diamond - Studded Skull Earbuds are so right for right now. They're shiny and functional. Cha-ching! Another great gift for the chick who's a little goth but not are these metallic print cross leggings. I saw one of my girls wearing them and knew they would be a hot ticket item. I'm sure you can find similar ones at Urban Outfitters, but I found these on my new fave online boutique Lusts for Life. Hopefully, someone's gifting me a pair. Wink wink.

Now I know we only have a few days left until Christmas, but you still have time to get something awesome for the people you love. If you can't order online, shop local. What matters the most isn't the amount of money you spend or what you buy. It's all about giving from your heart. Happy Holidays!

A Man's Story

When a man has a vision and the drive to get him where he wants to go, there's no stopping him. He is a force to be reckoned. British menswear designer Ozwald Boateng is that very man. He's achieved many milestones in his career including being the first tailor to show at Paris Fashion Week. Ozwald is also the youngest and first black tailor to open a store on the famous Saville Row. He has been at the creative helm of Givenchy and dressed many of Hollywood's leading men. But Ozwald's success comes with a hefty price tag of heartache and struggle. A new documentary "A Man's Story" explores Ozwald's triumphs and tragedies for over a decade of his life.

In 1998, filmmaker Varon Bonnicos set out to shoot up-and-coming menswear designer Ozwald Boateng. What originally started as a six-month project turned into 12 years with Bonnicos bearing witness to many of Boateng's dilemmas both personal and professional. The film opens with Ozwald ending his first marriage and beginning his trek to fame.

If you're familiar with Ozwald's history, then you know the facts. You know that his talent is undeniable. Ozwald's approach to design marries traditional tailoring and detail with the spiritual form of the man who wears his artistry. He is a strong, determined man who won't let anything get in the way of his vision. The film allows you to see this powerful force is his most vulnerable moments. Ozwald sees things falling apart around him and realizes that he can do nothing about it but move forward.

While watching the documentary, I started thinking about the people I know who have sacrificed so much for their dreams. The hours spent working hard at their craft, but away from the people who love them. The missed birthdays and holidays. The apologies for just not being there. I wonder if Ozwald Boateng would do anything differently knowing that he would go bankrupt, almost lose his business, and nearly lose his family. It really just comes down to believing in yourself despite all odds. Ozwald's determination is inspiring. Even through the tough times, he knows he's going to come out on top.

"Belief is a cornerstone of being a man. You don't have belief, you don't have anything."
-Ozwald Boateng
Get more details on A Man's Story HERE.

In the Spotlight

Boy, oh boy! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind with no sleep but so much work. I'm actually waiting at audition as I write. It's such a blessing to be grinding. But I realize I have been M.I.A. I have missed you so!

A little over a month ago, I was invited to do a shoot with photographer Allen Henson in conjunction with Modelwire Network. We created and laughed together. I've got so much respect for the whole team. To my surprise after the shoot, I was asked by Modelwire Network to be featured as the December Model member of the month. Hurray! If you think you know everything there is to know about me, you have no idea. Check out the feature like NOW!

xoxo,
Nikia