Happy 2012

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Thrift Store Finds: DeBarge, Nina Simone & Michael Jackson on Wax

My latest trip to the thrift store was a great one. I found three great albums that any lover of "black" music would enjoy having in their music library. And I was so pleased to finally find "Thriller" in its complete package at an affordable price.

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Thrift Store Finds: Cookbooks

Now, these three books don't have any Real Housewives of New Jersey drama within their pages, so that's a plus. I honestly had no intentions on buying any cookbooks, but for about $4.50 for all three, I couldn't resist.

The first one "Rocco Gets Real" was honestly bought because I saw him on the Wendy Williams show today. What I like about the book is that the recipes are short and don't require a lot of ingredients. "Glamour's Gourmet on the Run" is geared directly towards my demographic, the busy 20 and 30-something gals who don't want to spend a lot of time making a meal, but who do want to whip up something that is absolutely yummy. This book has different charts like how to mix different greens when making a salad, how to create different cocktails and non-alcholic drinks, and simple ways to make your favorite desserts. The book is super girly, yet practical, which is what I love.

The last book "Julia and Jaques Cooking at Home" was a steal. It doesn't look like it was used, and I only paid about $2. This book retails for nearly $60 and Julia Child is a cooking genius, so I couldn't pass this up. However, I probably won't crack this book open until it gets a little closer to Thanksgiving. I can already tell from its weight that the recipes will take a lot of time and patience in order to create something good.

So stay posted to my site as I'll be posting different things that I make from each book. I'll write about the cooking process, how it tastes, and will also put up the recipes!!Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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X Factor Taping in NJ

Tonight is the last night of auditions for the X Factor. This episode will consist of hopefuls that ranged from a foreign woman singing Lady Gaga to a young Brooklyn kid rapping about his mother. How do I know all of this you ask? Because I was at the Jersey taping!

I also have a brief video showcasing the judges speaking with the audience (it's featured on my RamonaAlcantara YouTube page). I can't wait to see how things were edited. I also can't wait to see if there are any funny tidbits left in--like a Target worker who totally failed at singing that five-hundred, twenty-one-thousand, six-hundred minutes song. (Did I even write that correctly?)

Either way, it will be a great episode, and I can't wait to see it. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Missoni for Target Pop-Up in NYC

Last week as I was walking up towards 42nd St. from Herald Square, I noticed some bright and recognizable prints sprinkled on the Met Life building. At first I thought they were just some ads for the upcoming Missoni x Target collection. But as I made a left on the corner of 42nd, I remembered that the space below the building was where brands like Pop Tart, and Cottonelle had pop-up stores in the past. After I put the zig zag puzzle pieces together, I realized what would be taking over that space next.

Beginning September 8th, b.k.a. Fashion's Night Out, the Missoni for Target store will be open to the public and they can purchase pieces from the much anticipated collaboration (while supplies last). You better believe that I will be one of the first in line to grab whatever I can. 

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Nailin' It: American Apparel Lacquer

Here's the current polish that I'm wearing. The color is called Rouge and I thought it would be a nice transitional color into fall. It's a very thick and creamy color and if you're in a rush, you can easily get away with doing one coat. So far this polish has held up between opening many envelopes, typing, and other daily activities that require handy work. And to keep my nails looking super shiny, I always use the fast drying top coat by N.Y.C.Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Michael Jackson "The Early Years"

This album features 10 of young Michael's most memorable songs. Tracks include "Got to be There," "Ben," "The Love You Save," and "Never Can Say Goodbye."Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Karl Lagerfeld Set To Do Macy's

He's the mind behind Chanel, Fendi, his own self-titled brand, and now he will be bringing in a line for Macy's. WWD reported the news this morning with a sketch (seen below). Now, us awaiting Lagerfeld lovers will be saving our dollars for the official date when these items hit the Macy's racks. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

 

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Record Collection: Miami Sound Machine "Primitive Love" 1985

Keeping up with the 1980's sounds! Gloria Estefan and her fellow band mates brought it with this record.

Favorite Songs: "Primitive Love," "Bad Boy," and "Conga."Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: WHAM! "Make It Big" 1984

George Michael was my first crush and lately I've been on such a GM and WHAM! kick. So since it is Friday, I decided to go through my vinyl collection and break out the duo's "Big" album.

Favorite Songs: "Everything She Wants," "Freedom," "If You Were There," and "Careless Whisper."
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Thrifty: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" LP

For those who know me well, they are aware of my two favorite celebs-- Michael Jackson and Audrey Hepburn. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is one of my top three favorite movies and was brought into my life during a very trying time. I watched it everyday for a week because it gave me comfort and escapism--something that's hard to come across in movies today.

About a month ago I borrowed a first edition copy of the book from my local library and fell in love with Truman Capote's original words. After reading it I had put my feelings into the world and stated that I needed to find the album. I already own the CD, but nothing beats an original. Lucky for me, my wish was granted yesterday during a swift vinyl search at the thrift store. The record was about fourth one in from the front and when I saw Audrey's face and her chin rested upon her palm, I squealed with excitement.

It seems that around the fourth of July, I tend to find an album that I was wishing to find (like last year when I found Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" for .50 cents in great condition).

So, as I bring this post to an end, remember that if you put your wishes out there, and with a pure heart, your wish may just come true. And sometimes, it may only cost .50 cents.

(The image in this post shows the album along with a poster I have framed above my bed.)
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Simplicity Sewing

Hi everyone! I know that it's been some time since my last post. I've been keeping busy with some projects that I will share with you very soon.
However, as some of you may know, I have taken up some (light) sewing. As I've grown into the hobby, I've come to love vintage patterns. Classics never go out of style and I feel that these four Simplicity patterns I scored today fall into the timeless category. One was printed in the 1950's while the other three were printed in the 60's. You have no idea how excited I am about putting these together so I can wear them. Once I've mastered the techniques I will certainly create more to share with you all. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: The Eagles "Hotel California" 1976

"Hotel California" is one of my favorite soft rock songs ever. The first time I heard it was when I used to work at the clothing store ESPRIT and it was featured on the store's playlist. It is such a breezy summer song with great story telling. It always long to pack an overnight bag and hop on the first flight out to California.

Favorite Songs: "Hotel California," "Wasted Time (Reprise)," and "Victim of Love." Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Elton John "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" 1973

This double album is one of John's classic works. On eBay it sells for about $25--luckily I found it recently for about .75 cents. As mentioned, I came across a bunch of John's albums at the thrift store. Whenever I see a collection of work newly displayed on the shelves, my first thought is that someone passed away and their family decided to donate these records. It's always bittersweet when you think about it because someone (willingly or unwillingly) is giving up their music. Lucky for me though, I never take that for granted and treat each record I bring home like my new adopted album child.

This album also contains the song, "Candle in the Wind." John's farewell song to Marilyn Monroe along with the banger "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."

Also, the artwork is amazing on the jacket. It's tri-folded and each song is accompanied by lyrics and specific artwork.

Favorite Songs: "Funeral For a Friend," "Bennie and the Jets," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "This Song Has No Title," Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Hot Flash: Kim Kardashian Finally Got a Ring

The self proclaimed princess of the Kardashian clan can finally make her wedding wishes come true. She's never been one to shy away from the fact that she's always wanted to walk down the aisle--remember the Khloe K. and Lamar Odom E! wedding special and every other episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians?" And just like her little sis, she will be the second sister to bring a basketball player, Kris Humphries who plays for the New Jersey Nets, into the family.

Congrats Kim and Kris!Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Bee Gees "Children of the World" 1976

In a previous post, I mentioned that came across a bunch of albums by the Bee Gees. And for nearly .75 cents a record, there was no way I would not allow myself to get a hold of them. "Children of the World" is an album that's filled with disco and soul. It was also the album that brought them into the "Saturday Night Fever" craze.

Favorite Songs: "You Should Be Dancing," "You Stepped Into My Life," "Can't Keep a Good Man Down," "The Way it Was."Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Bee Gees "Horizontal" 1968

Favorite Songs: "And the Sun Will Shine," "Lemons Never Forget," "Birdie Told Me," "The Change is Made."
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Record Collection: Bee Gees "Idea" 1968

Favorite Songs: "Let There Be Love," "I've Gotta Get a Message To You," "I Started a Joke."Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Elton John "Reg Strikes Back" 1988

Upon a recent trip to the thrift store, I stumbled upon a slew of album collections by the Bee Gees and Elton John. I'm very familiar with these across the pond artists, but I must admit that I didn't recognize any work off of John's "Reg Strikes Back." What did draw me to purchase this record is the album cover; the front and back displays many of John's outrageous costumes over the years. There's a lot of sequins, sunglasses, hats and heels. And in the midst of this glamorous madness is a black and white photo of the singer as a child a la 'Where's Waldo.'

Favorite Songs: "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That," "Heavy Traffic," "Since God Invented Girls."Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Record Collection: Bee Gees' "1st" 1967

I was under the impression that this was the group's first album, being that it's called "1st." However, after doing some research, I discovered that it was actually their third album. The title makes its point by stating that it was their first international release. That may also explain Barry's shirt on the cover that appears to read "MADE IN USA."

Favorite songs: "New York Mining Disaster," "To Love Somebody." Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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