{Wednesday Wisdom} with Warsan Shire

{MONDAY MOJO} Making cakies!

What a delicious and fun way to end an exhausting week! After drooling over Jonathan's The Candid Appetite blog, I thought it would be nice to make something yummy for my end of year party, so I made my not-so-own version of his Strawberry Shortcake under the supervision and with the help of baker extraordinaire Dewbien of Bailey Ana Cakes.

A creamy and delightful cake for the sweet palates...

2 layers of strawberries goodness, dark rum, whipped cream and a side chopped almonds... Delish!

The cake is a 2-tier vanilla sponge with strawberry and whipped cream, imbibed with a dark rum syrup and a side of almonds... It's hard to describe how tasty it was! And if I get into more deets (not to show off, of course), there more fresh strawberries and more whipped cream inbetween the tiers giving the whole cake a rich and creamy texture without overpowering flavours. My advice is that if you want that amazing recipe, you better ask somebody nicely!

In the meantime, I'm going to find the next best recipe and try it out. I definitely need more yumminess in my life!

{Friday finds} 1 blog I loved this week... (and every single week!)

I've had a lot of fun browsing the web this week, something I don't do enough as my little phone device is usually my weapon of choice when it comes to surfing and I don't tend to read blog posts as much. Instagram and Pinterest literally rock my world! It's all about the visuals they say...

Well this week, after much consideration and thinking, I've decided to feature my 3 favourite blog finds. 

 The Candid Appetite is one my favourite blogs! 

Also probably one of the most gorgeous food blogs out there! I'm often skeptical about food blogs as my attention span is very limited and I do sometimes find them a tad boring (often not enough good quality visuals). However, Jonathan, founder of The Candid Appetite, has got my full attention at every single of his creations! The guy is an actual genius and manages to capture his prowessed baked goodies  with such beauty and sharpness I can't seem to stay away. Check for yourself... One of his latest posts is about this gorgeous Strawberry Shortcake, need I say more?

GET TO KNOW!
Find out more about Jonathan and his blog:

Website: www.thecandidappetite.com

Tumblr: http://candidappetite.tumblr.com

Instagram: @Jonjon33

{Tuesday TIP} Lusting over LesBInTheKitchen

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with the lovely Aarum from LesBInTheKitchen. If you don't know Aarum, she's a gorgeous ball of super energetic vibes who can rustle up the tastiest American-style dishes! Thanks to the magic of Skype, we entered a world of creativity and storytelling and through her eyes, I was able to catch a glimpse of her own creative mind - it didn't fail to impress me. Now, it's widely known that I have a soft spot for sister friends who are doing it, but her story was so passionately told that it had to be shared.

Her tag line? 'Just a person who loves to cook / Self taught'

I stumbled upon the lady via the channels of Instagram (don't ask me how!) and I have been curious to find out about her craft and how she came up with the idea of LesBInTheKitchen - I digged deep! Through Aarum's story, I saw a woman who is fiercely committed to creating the most delicious and authentic dishes (with her own little twist, needless to say) - an homage to her own heritage and experience of homely Southern comfort and her family surroundings. It's as real as it can get. I listened to the deep but sweet words of a woman who wants to reach out to a wide audience and share her passion of good old home made cooking, whilst creating that same welcoming feeling amongst her audience.
Check that smile out! I'm glad we got to connect and I'll be sure to pay her a visit next time I'm in California (hint, hint!).

For more juicy food inspiration, check out Aarum's Instagram feed at LesBInTheKitchen or holla on the Twitterverse @LBITK. And a little tip... She's got an e-book coming out soon! If you're about that life, GET TO KNOW!

{Wednesday Wisdom} with Audre Lorde

{MONDAY MOJO} Caribbean conversations, connections, & cupcakes with Chantal Miller

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being invited by Chantal Miller, founder of ChantiMedia, to be a panellist, cater for and style her event, a filmed interview about 'Carribbean style'.
I was slightly nervous about being on camera, all the while excited with the prospect of doing something I hardly ever do! Now, I can't reveal much about the event itself but I was delighted to be part of this experience and I'm very much looking forward to the interview being published - hurry up, Chantal!

Before the video is revealed, I wanted to share a few snaps of the work I produced for Chantal, a flashy decor with vibrant hues of gold and a hint of tradition with my madras table runner - an ode to my beloved Guadeloupe. The scrumptious banana cupcakes were also a treat that complemented the event perfectly... Needless to say they went down quickly!

The beautiful panel (including myself) involved two other Caribbean sisters and we had a really interesting conversation about what 'Caribbean style' means to us that we could have elaborated for ages! Unfortunately, we had to wrap up the conversation at some point but the connections are still buzzing...

Behind the scenes, the golden transformation...

I had a lot of fun delving into my props and getting my hands on my can of gold spray paint to transform the centrepieces! I do have a little obsession with all things gold and thought it would add a nice touch to the tablescape arrangement. Top it up with colourful pink and white roses, and you get a nice medley of colours that complement each other and clash in a nice and colourful way. Vibrancy was a necessary element to my interpretation of 'Caribbean style'.

Delish concoctions: banana-flavoured cupcakes with a rich vanilla buttercream, decorated with sugar flowers and sprinkled with gold edible glitter... A real treat for everyone! Made with love with the help of my Dewbien from Bailey Ana Cakes (honestly, she did most of the job!)

What a great day we all had! There are other projects on the talks so keep your eyes peeled. Chantal's energy gets everyone going and I can't wait to brainstorm and work with her again... Island girls truly rocks!

If you want to holla at Ms Miller, do reach out via Facebook where you can find more information about her and new projects with ChantiMedia, mind-blowance guaranteed!

{Tuesday TIP} A tour of Istanbul

Those who know me and are following me on Instagram have had a glance into my holiday snaps a few weeks ago. I had a blissful break away from the city and escaped to 2 very different, but gorgeous cities: Geneva and Istanbul. While my first stop in Geneva was family-time-kinda-time, I chose Istanbul as my destination for my solo venture this year. The excitement of unknown territories.

Until I met a Geneva-based Londoner on the plane who kindly shared tips about the city (where to go and, most importantly, where to eat!), I didn't have a plan on how I would spend my holidays, I just knew I was drawn to Istanbul and wanted to explore its treasures.

Istanbul, city of cats

My first impression of the city: seed of approval. The heavy atmosphere of the jammed roads, the golden crescents of the mosques peeking at every street corners, the numerous food shops offering the best-priced deals, the peaceful locals, and the coral sunsets. I felt a sense of relief. My hostess, Basma, also was the warmest woman and welcomed me with sweet Turkish tea, fresh fruits and a heap of affection. I almost felt home.

As I explored the city of many façades, I relish the solitude. I lusted after the delights that Istanbul offered me without an ounce of guilt. I navigated through the busy side roads of Taksim Square aimlessly; made my way through narrow cobbled alleyways, greeted by sweets merchants and hookah smokers; sailed to Asia on the Bosphorus; gorged on thickly sliced fish sandwiches layered on coats of cholesterol-induced condiments; indulged in the most exquisitely presented and deliciously famous Turkish delights; and soaked every single ray of sun I could. My soul smiling all along.

Montana propaganda?

Beyond the tourist-imbibed areas, lies that urban-flavoured city that I was eager to unfold. The graffiti art shows up here and there, the trendy coffee shops/networking spots, and the hip young artists working on the cobbled streets with tea and sketch pads in hands. It was another side of Istanbul one cannot ignore!

Istanbul has my heart in many ways and I hope I cross her path again...

{Tuesday TIP} Breaking boundaries with London Bridgez

The power of social media linked me to this Boston-based spoken word poetess London Bridgez and I have been swamped by her energy ever since. The woman oozes electrifying vibes and enough sass to keep her crowd on their feet - all night! Whether on a background of brushed bassline, tantalising trumpet, and punchy drums or acapella, she waxes the finest lyrics combining feminism, social justice, hip hop, and activism. And guess what? I am fortunate enough that I have been treated to a private live performance of 'SHE' via Skype, which was a pure moment of elation. This is the performance that really does it for me and the one I deeply connect with. London has a very special message to spread and I hope you enjoy (re)watching this video as much as I do!

 
London performing 'SHE'... Speakers on!

The sheer beauty of London's passion for her craft is enough to keep you entertained, mesmerised, and inspired. She adds a new dimension to poetry with her powerful prose.

Check out my sister friend London Bridgez if you dig the work! Chitty-chat on the Twitterverse, keep up with live gigs on Facebook (you never know, she may pass by your area!), or hit her YouTube channel for more awesomeness... GET TO KNOW!

{MONDAY MOJO} Tea Party time!

HAPPY MONDAY!

I had a lot of fun tea-partying with my lovely sister friends last week-end! I had been planning a gathering for a little while and was pleasantly surprised by how the day unfolded. We started the afternoon in style and we ended the shindig on the rim of debauchery!

A vibrant tropical setting embellished with colourful lilies and a heavenly vanilla sponge with summer berries & lemon cream, courtesy of Bailey Ana Cakes

Love in abundance was at the party...

I couldn't have asked for better surroundings to celebrate love & friendship: in the comfort of my home, we proclaimed sisterhood in the most organic way. I had an idea of how I wanted the day to turn out when I sent out my invites, but I had no idea it would be such an enriching experience: an overwhelming medley of powerful energies.

Fatima & Astrid, my fellow Frenchies!

Delish chocolate & ginger mini loafs by Bailey Ana Cakes

For this tablescape, I went for a bright decor that completely overturned London's grey skies and temperamental winds. It was warm and welcoming, with an abundance of tea lights, gorgeous gems, potent tea cocktails with sweet & minty flavours, a lot of laughs, and a lot of love. We partied until the sun came down, wrapping up the day with a couple of dance moves and a lot of fond memories.

A big cheer to my sister friends for a beautiful day.

{MONDAY MOJO} On set with Latoya Stash + Tendai Pottinger

It's Monday already! This week end flew by but was crafted with some fabulous events.
On last Saturday's photo shoot, I had the pleasure of collaborating with an old friend, Latoya Stash; and also work with a great filmmaker, Tendai Pottinger, who did an amazing job with the videography for a studio dance session.

Latoya is a talented dancer and working with her was truly a pleasure. We worked together to get the most out of her dance moves and I also managed to get some beautiful shots when she wasn't paying attention to the camera. As the day unfolded, I was able to capture a more relaxed and confident Latoya. She was at ease and her beauty shone through her poise as her movements became sharper, lighter, and more gracious. What a beautiful subject she was! The dance session was completely freestyled to let Latoya express herself with no boundaries. I really enjoyed watching her unleash her creative flow and the complete freedom it brought her.

 Capturing Tendai while filming with Latoya in the background - possibly one of my favourite moments.

 Sensuality & allure.

 Freedom!

I had an amazing day ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the work we were creating! For this shoot I mainly used a Canon 85mm 1:8 lens (courtesy of Tendai!), and a Sigma 18-200mm lens which gave me the flexibility I wanted with the technical features I needed - a superb combo for impeccable work.

Keep your eyes peeled for more creative collabos very soon!

{Friday finds} 3 things I loved this week

{BlogHug}

It's Friday finds, folks! It's been a rather eventful week so it's time to unwind and ease up into the week end. The mood is palpable as we've been hit with serious weather woes so I've selected a few links that will revive our spirits.

 If you are on Instagram, you couldn't have missed the buzz around the 'A Beautiful Mess' app. You just couldn't! It's a lot of fun, very easy to use, and only cost a mere £0.69 from the iTunes store. There are some pretty cool designs to play with... Thumbs up!

 Hop on Preston Bailey's blog to infuse Kathy Romero's wisdom. 5 paths to happiness was a helpful tool this week. We all go through hardships, personal & professionals, that are hard to come by but the key to most emotional mishap is to transform negative energy into positive thinking. I've read a lot on the subject of happiness which doesn't always hit the spot but this came at a handy time. Easier said than done, yes, I'm working on that myself and these particular words resonates a lot:

 

Live Your Own Dream

We all want to be better. We all want to be loved, and we all want to be recognized. These are all natural attributes of the human condition. But when we don’t feel these things are happening soon enough, we tend to let our imaginations go wild. This often results in our getting sidetracked. We become so focused on their next step and what they are doing that we forget ours. Be patient and learn to allow your own story to unfold.  Things tend to happen when they are supposed to.

 

I hope it works for you too!

 

Dietlind Wolf has been my absolute favourite artist to follow and enjoy this week. Thanks to the magic of Pinterest, I spotted Dietlind's work and I've been drooling over it until unreasonable hours of the night. She has a very sharp eye and her photography skills are worth having a good look at.

 

colour concept + styling: Dietling Wolf/photo: Torsten Suedfels

 

 Don't forget to check out 'Saturday Zeal', my Tumblr adventure, tomorrow!