Ladies Who Lunch...and Brunch...and Happy Hour

Charleston, also known as the food mecca of the south, offers visitors and residents alike with an abundance of dinning option. Everything from bar food to fine dining is available to the pickiest of eaters to the most experienced foodie. Everyone from  Southern Living, Food & Wine and even Epicurious have all formed their own lists on notable Charleston restaurants.

In this series, I will take you along on my newest journey - to eat my way through Charleston one award winning/hole-in-the-wall restaurant at a time. Although my heart and soul will always belong to the mom-and-pop style eateries, I'm intrigued to eat at these restaurants that have attracted the attention of the culinary elite. Pull up a seat, grab your favorite bottle of wine and come join me in this food coma.

Lupita the Slayer

And Lupita Nyong'o just keeps slayin'!  This time she's in Vogue Italia struttin' her flawless skin and gorgeous smile oh so effortlessly. This woman can truly do no wrong! Enjoy! And you're welcome!

Shot by Tom Munroe, styled by Patti Wilson

Sapeurs of Congo

"I am the master of my faith, I am the captain of my soul"

In this recently released Guinness commercial, the brand has placed a spotlight on a side of African culture rarely seen by the western world.  Too often Africa is associated with despair and pity and not the vibrant, family oriented, deeply-rooted-in-culture land that I know it as. Just today I was having a conversation with a co-worker about Africa, and couldn't get past the pity in her voice as she recalled conversations with people who had visited (on mission trips mind you). Yes there is still work to be done, but there is work to be done EVERYWHERE.

The Sapeurs of Congo are a society of blue-collar workers who, after a long day's work, defy circumstances and transform into their sophisticated true selves. They believe in the trans-formative and uplifting affects that come with simply dressing well. Bravo to Guinness! Enjoy!

Is Michelle the BEST first lady or what????

Africa's Presence in Hollywood

Over the past few years we've noticed a growing presence of African actors appearing in big name Hollywood films.  While slaying Hollywood with their talent, style and flavor, many of these actors and actresses are paving the way for other up-and-coming African actors to break through the mainstream, Hollywood glass ceiling.

 Lupita Nyong'o

 

What is your New Year Resolution??

Every year people try to change certain aspects of their lifestyle. Majority of the time, it involves weight loss and change in body size. Personally, my new year resolution is to be more patient in every aspect of my life. Dealing with people at work requires being patient. Driving requires patience. 

Here are a few tips on how to accomplish your goal:

• Create a crystal clear vision for ‘ultimate success’ so you know exactly what you want, where you're headed, and what you need to do to make it happen in 2014.

• Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your ability to make changes that last or that are slowing down your progress

• It is never too late to start and never give up!

Wishing you the best this year!

Top 3 Last Minute Gift Guide - For Her

We took care of the men, now it's time to make sure the ladies don't wake up Christmas morning disappointed. If you have yet to find that great gift for the lovely lady in your life, well we're here to help!

1. Jewelry

With New Year's Eve just around the corner a nice piece of bling is a perfect gift. Now gentlemen even if it's not time for the ULTIMATE piece of bling, these pieces are sure to impress.

1. ASOS Cupid Chime Earrings 2. B&C Spiked Collar 3. Cutout Craze Midi Ring Set 

4. Ambrosia Rhinestone Bracelet 5. Fanned Droplets Necklace 6. B&C Midnight Drops

2. The Gift of Music

Now if your lady is a true fan, chances are she's already copped this. However an iTunes gift certificate may not have the same impact, but is equally as thoughtful.

3. Lingerie

The gift that keeps on giving..fellas, am I right?!

1. Embellished Merrywidow 2. Katherine Satin Chemise

3. Linea Donatella Wrap and Satin Wrap and Chemise Set 4.'Imogen' Waist Cincher

Top 3 Last Minute Gift Guide - For Him

Believe it or not, but there are only 8 days left until Christmas. I KNOW! If you're like me, you see tons of gift ideas from January to November, but once December rolls around you're looking like this:

Don't fret, I've put together a last minute gift guide for the men in your lives.

1. Cologne

Cologne. Can't go wrong. Well actually you can. I'm sure we've all been in the fragrance isle spritzing and spraying everything from essence-of-skunk-musk to field-of-a-billion-flowers all in an attempt to find the perfect scent. Well both of these are winners. They have a great manly scent while still appealing to women.

As an added bonus, Ulta has 10% off all fragrances through Dec. 24th 

and a gift with purchase over $40.

1. Guilty Pour Homme 2.Gold Eau de Toilette Spray

2. Stylish Blazer

I am in love with this decadent velvet blazer from ASOS. This is a great alternative to the typical sport coat and can easily be dressed up or down. SO CHIC!

3. Gift of Music

Appropriately named the "pill" this new speaker system recently released by Beats by Dre packs a punch. Add Bluetooth capability, with full-range, powerful sound and an internal microphone, this is sure to put a smile on even the most techy of beaus.

Nelson Mandela- Tribute in Art

In honor of the recent passing of Freedom Fighter, Social Activist, and Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, we've put together art pieces from around the world depicting the wisdom, strength, courage and acceptance that Mandela embodied.

Though his presence on earth will forever be missed, we can take comfort in knowing that his influence and the values he fought for will continue to live on in all of us.

Artist- Patrice Murciano, France

Trashy to Artsy

Tim Noble and Sue Webster are the London-based art duo behind some incredibly artistic and thought-inspiring pieces. 

In a recent collection, the duo used garbage, debris, wood, scrap metal, dead animals and strategically placed lighting to create impressive shadows depicting, landscapes, severed heads, and human forms. 

Each piece of garbage, debris, and animal cadaver was strategically placed to create the exact shadow effect the duo wanted to depict. 

The results are ridiculous! Take a look!