Inside La Perle Des Antilles Fashion Show.

Me and my baby girls.
Photo by: Brother

Hi everyone!

I hope you all are doing okay. Especially after hurricane Sandy. My prayers to everyone who has been affected by it. I am back now with updates on the fundraising fashion show organized by hey! and Temple University Haitian Student Union. They had an awesome turn out and I had a great time. A job well done.

Here are the pics below. Enjoy!

Our naturals came out sporting their beautiful coiffed hair and styles.

Print. Color. Not afraid to be bold here.
These Haitian fashionistas brought it out. From nails to accessories.

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Sistah) in basic black.
This gorgeous naturelle kept it classy with all black, worn with a statement necklace.
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Put your best foot or shall I say shoe forward.
These buddies showed their shoe game.

Even mommy-to-be came in with style.
I bet that baby is gonna be looking fly, and say "I got it from my Momma!"



This dapper dude wearing this seasons fall color BURGUNDY.

Curran J. Swint of Kings Rule Together.

A humble gentleman, who is a fashion stylist, a blogger and many more. Curran J. launched his very own clothing line that showcases a positive message. For the Kings and the Queens! You may have seen them worn on celebs such as the former host of BET 106 and Park Terence Jenkins and "Karate Kid" Jaden Smith.  I love his T-shirts and hoodies. Its so positive and INSPIRE-ing. You can get your T-shirts and pullover hoodies HERE or visit his site by clicking the link below the picture seen above.

Look at all those goodies! Where can you get these wonderful gems?

From this beautiful lady right here. Neko Nicole (Nekoo) is a Jewelry consultant of Glitz and Glam. She sells an assortment of fashionable jewelry that will definitely make you look fierce. Add, like and visit her Facebook page to get your hands on one of her fabulous jewelry at www.facebook.com/NekoNicoleBoutique

Rockin' the Love vs. Money tee from the Guy Benson collection, which was featured in the fashion show. Guy Benson is a collection founded by Guy Charlot and Derrick Graham who named their collection after their grandfather. Has been favorably worn by DJ Envy of Power 105.1 and rappers like Busta Rhymes. There are tee shirts and sweat shirts for both men and woman, even cute iPhone cases. 

Source: Guy Benson tumblr (Purchase here)

Love vs.Money tee shirt (Purchase here)

Visit Our Closet 1119 boutique for more dresses. They have so many items to choose from and are super affordable. 

Some of the models wearing Hey! t-shirts and pullovers which are selling like hot cakes. All to support missions to Haiti this upcoming year to provide aid, mentor-ship and change for our youth in Haiti. Other models gracing the runway with Guy Benson and Kings Rule Together collection.  

Recording artist/songwriter Ley Joans posing with a fan. One of the musical guest performers and a hey! supporter. Did a great job on stage. Sung her latest selection of her single I Wanna Dance available on iTunes (get it here)

   

So there you have it the hey! fashion show experience. If you would like to support this organization or would like to donate visit hey1804.org. Apparel is also available when you click here

Naturelle Me...Sunday Modest Feature!

I am so late with this post, I know. Sorry!

It was such a beautiful Sunday morning and I have all the reasons to thank God. Even when the body is weak, the spirit is willing and boy my spirit was willing. That is why I thank God every chance I get for awakening my spirit, getting me up each morning and starting my day. I was not feeling well whatsoever and did not want to get out of bed. I was getting hit with aches. A fever that was on and off and a sore throat. I felt terrible!

But my spirit was not having it at all. It was pushing me to get up and go to church. I obeyed. Got myself together, and said Lord I am going to praise you anyhow, despite how I feel. So, I phoned a friend to see if I can hitch a ride with her and visit her church. I am so glad I went. There was some coughing here and there while in worship, but that did not hinder me from giving God praise. I was feeling better. My throat wasn't as sore as it was before and I didn't feel as achy as I was that morning. I don't have much of my voice back yet but I know I will regain it soon.

I got a great word on God's faithfulness even when we are faithless. That is something most of us must work on. Having faith and stepping out on faith as well as looking to please God and not people. Lastly, to know that when God has done great things for you before, he will do it again. So don't doubt. Keep pressing and trust in him to help you reach the unreachable and do the impossibles that you thought could not be done. He is a can do God, not a can't do God. He's so able. His word says it in  Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (King James Version) Also here in 2 Corinthians 6:8 Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.(International Standard Version). So go on ahead and have faith and trust in the Lord. Watch and see how much you can conquer. You're in good hands and Allstate sure can't give you that, lol!

And now, my Sunday Modest Feature 
Enjoy, and feel free to comment.

The Bauble Necklace

Necklace: Ebay
(Similar: Purchase here)

Dress: House of Fraser

Dress: Alice Temperley "Molina" (here)

The Platform Pumps

Shoes: Delicious (Purchase here)

Shoe: Aldos (here)

He is the sunshine and light in my life!

Let him shine, and remember we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalms 139:14

Review Of The Day: Basil + Seed + Honey= Drink!

Do you know what time it is?

Mens watch: Fossils

Borrowed from my Dad for my prop.

Clearly it's too big for my wrist. 

Womens watch: Fossils ( Purchase here)

Yup, it's time for

Naturelle Me... Review Of The Day.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across something. Well, my mother introduced me to it and I wanted to tell you about it.

Drum roll please! 
Ok I don't have any drums!  But I do have this:

Source: Otherfishlandlocked.wordpress.com

The Basil Seed Drink with Honey

Mmm... sounds yummy doesn't it? 

Uh ...

Nuh! 

When I first saw it, I was like "What in the heavens is this?
Looking closer at the picture I went on asking. "What is swarming in that glass?"  and of course more questions. "What is a basil seed? When did they have this drink out and where does my mom get these weird concoction for a drink?"

I'm sure it reads Basil Seed with Honey.

There it was, right on the table just staring at me. My mother on the other hand is just chugging this baby up like it was the last supper. And I'm looking at her like this:

Source: FashionWestie.blogspot.com

She really liked it and thought that I should consider trying it before passing off judgment. Yes, I did hesitate a little. But could you blame me?

So, I said alright I'll give it a try. Mind you, my mom did not give me much detail or fair warning about the drink as I was bringing it to my mouth.

Before I spill the beans on what my taste buds experienced. Let me fill you in on the Basil Seed (Thai Basil).

 What is it ?

Basil Seed (Thai Basil) is a herb that is mostly found in  India and in the southern regions of Asia and is used in various Asian cuisines. The Thai basil itself has more of a licorice or anise flavor. The leaves are smaller than the regular basil leaves used in Italian cooking. There are an array of basil cultivars such as sweet basil, cinnamon basil (smells like cinnamon), holy basil, lemon basil and the list goes on.

Source: Knitting Non Pareil

Dry basil flowers. The stems (doesn't have pods) contain the
black seeds that you see above this picture.
Source: 500M2 In Sydney

Source: Cookthink.com

The seeds when it sits in water can expand and produces a jelly like ball, which is used in drinks or as a dessert. To get the seeds, normally people wait till the plant turns dry and brown.

Do you see the seeds inside?
Source: mrbrownthumb.blospot.com

What are the benefits ?

Seeds are nutritious and a great source of fiber. Basil seeds (Thai basil) aid in digestion. It helps to relieve cramping, constipation, indigestion and irregular bowel movements. Relieves colds, stress and if crushed and mixed in oil can be used for skin infections or cuts.
I heard that it reduces your appetite and minimizes food cravings which results in weight loss. 

Why do you lose weight?

Due to its jelly or gelatinous texture as it swells in water, it makes you feel full, which could help to curb your appetite if you consume it before meals. 

Ingredients: Water, Basil seed, cane sugar, honey, banana flavor .

So now that you know a little bit about the basil seed, I will tell you how my tasting test went.  

Don't laugh!

As the can got closer, the liquid began to pour into my mouth. Suddenly, I felt a bunch of stuff enter my mouth and touch my tongue and palette. I instantly pulled away from the can with my mouth full. All I can hear is my mom  laughing and saying " Oh gosh girl, just chew it and swallow. You're always dramatic about everything" I didn't know what to do, it was as if I forgot how to swallow and chew at the same time. In my mind I was screaming " AHH what the big bird is this in my mouth?". I had to woman up and just drink it. I really felt like I was one of the contestants on Fear Factor. 

I chewed and I swallowed and you know what it wasn't that bad. It was weird but not bad. I poured some into my cup and this is what I found.

It freaked me out a little because you automatically think you just ingested tadpoles or some odd species. These were the basil seeds in their gelatinous form when soaked. Here is a closer look:

Soaked basil seeds
Source: eatfoo.com

This actually taste good. It is sweet, not overly sweetened which is good.  I could taste the banana flavor that they added. The seeds were crunchy not hard to chew. I thought it was easier for me to chew and then swallow, some folks just gulp it down (like my mother). I like it and my mom loves it. My mom has been drinking this for about a week or two and she did say that she felt full and didn't have much of an appetite. And yes this is good for digestion. It did make it easier to go and didn't cause any stomach discomfort. Overall I think this drink is good. I wouldn't drink it simply because I don't want to lose weight. I would only drink it if I felt constipated. 

You can find this at any Asian market or buy online (here). Also, you can make it yourself all you need are the seeds, water and some honey and a little bit of pure sugar. But make sure you let the seeds soak to swell. 

P.S. You can do further research on your own if hesitant about it. Consult with your physician before trying if you are diabetic. If you choose to try, it feel free to let me know what your experience was like.

God Bless!