Here are 9 reasons why I want an iPhone.
Can you believe these photos were taken by a cell phone? These vintage-looking snapshots are amazing...oh technology...
May 31, 2011
May 26, 2011
Music Review: TV On The Radio
My favorite album of 2011 so far is hands down TV on the Radio’s Nine Types of Light. This is a rare occurrence for me. Normally my favorite albums involve some sort of southern rock, harmonica, Hammond B3, blues or slide guitar solos, or a mixture of all of the above. Nine Types of Light, however, is none of the above. One night a few weeks ago Nicole (miss Chic, Sleek and Simply Unique herself) was sending me youtube links of songs. In the mix of this, I stumbled upon a video by TV on the Radio entitled “Nine Types of Light.” I had heard of the Brooklyn based “art rock” band before, but I had only really liked a few of their songs. I never truly “got” their sound. The video for Nine Types of Light, a collection of music videos for the album’s songs, interspersed with fascinating interviews of people explaining their dreams, nevertheless captivated me throughout. It is part short film exhibition and part musical joyride. Each song is better than the next, and each video intriguing and thought-provoking. I have since listened to the album from start to finish more times than I can count. There is no song I don’t like. It is like nothing you have ever heard: a mixture of soulful singing, sonic sounds, and perfect arrangements. For example, take the horns that come into play in “Second Song,” or the bridge at the 52 second mark in “Caffeinated Consciousness.” Everything on this album is, in my opinion, flawless. It has both power, and pure beauty, as in “Killer Crane” or “Keep Your Heart.” Take a listen, and better yet, watch the video, or at least a portion of it. You will enjoy what you see and hear.
That’s all for now, but I’ll see you where the water tastes like wine…
May 19, 2011
Smooth Operator
Hi guys! I have been so busy with end-of-the-year packing/moving (to my new Boston apartment with Mike pictures will be up soon), I apologize for slacking!
I was actually inspired to write this post because of my current crazy lifestyle. Mornings can be especially hectic, and if you are a morning person- like myself and my boyfriend- then you probably have most of your appointments or daily tasks set up bright and early. This can cut into breakfast time, which is not good! I came up with 3 easy-to-make alternatives to breakfast, still packed with nutrients, vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates to jump start your day. All three smoothies are the perfect energy boosters and should keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
These are also great for, mid-day slumps, post and pre gym workouts, & snack cravings
Try them out and let me know if you like them :)
Enjoy!
xox
May 16, 2011
Cheat-sheet
Sometimes we don't always remember which foods incorporate into our diet and why...don't fret! Take a look at this anti-oxidant cheat sheet to refresh your memory.
May 12, 2011
Christie's
Tuesday afternoon I was fortunate enough to view some incredible pieces of art being auctioned off at Christie's in NYC. Most of these paintings/photographs have been nestled away in the homes of some very prestigious art collectors, and have not been publicly viewable until now. Thanks to my mother {who is an artist herself} we were able to get tickets to the Post-War and Contemporary Art auction. It was very inspiring, as well as breathtaking, to see original work from artists like Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein, and Cindy Sherman. The highlights, in my opinion, included the auction of Mark Rothko's 'Untitled No. 17' which was sold for $33,682,500 & Andy Warhol's 'Self - Portrait' selling for a hefty $38,442,500. Those two paintings were aesthetically my favorites of the night, but Warhol's 'Self - Portrait' also has a fabulous back-story. Scroll down to view some of the amazing works auctioned off along with the 'Self- Portrait' history...and a special thanks to my mom for the rare opportunity of seeing such unbelievable one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Andy Warhol (1928-1987)
Self-Portrait
$38,442,500
Excerpt from the Detroit Free Press "The Detroit art collector Florence Barron was known for her sense of adventure, her sharp eye and her nose for the future. In 1963, those qualities led her straight to Andy Warhol's doorstep. Warhol -- shy, eccentric, prescient -- was in the midst of discovering his greatness, morphing from a successful graphic designer into the leader of the emerging avant-garde known as Pop art. He wanted to paint Barron's portrait. She had another idea. Nobody knows who I am, she said, but everybody will want to know about you. She struck a deal: You can paint me, but only if you also paint yourself. The result was Warhol's first self-portrait, a four-panel acrylic and silkscreen in super-cool blues. She paid $1,600 -- in installments."
Mark Rothko (1903-1970)
Untitled No. 17
$33,682,500
Andy Warhol (1928-1987)
Jackie
$1,986,500
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)
Drawing for Kiss V
$2,098,500
Inside the gallery {photos 1,2: Liz Forrest}
Enjoy!
xox
May 10, 2011
May 8, 2011
World's Best Lychee-tini
This past week I posted about the healthy effects of the Lychee fruit. Well, if you want to spice up your Lychee use a bit, I found the perfect way. My cousin Jennifer messaged me this delicious Lychee-tini recipe! Try it out!
3 oz premium vodka
1.5 oz lychee juice
1.5 oz white grape juice
Splash of grenadine
A few lychee's to garnish
1.5 oz lychee juice
1.5 oz white grape juice
Splash of grenadine
A few lychee's to garnish
Add ice, shake, pour, enjoy!
May 5, 2011
The Situation Room
It’s been a few weeks, but last time around we asked if you could travel back in time for one concert, which concert would you choose? And we actually had a comment last week! I’d personally like to thank Brian, whoever you are, for commenting on the post. Hopefully this week’s question will tempt more of you to comment and tell us your answer to this week’s Situation Room question.
This week’s question was inspired by my mother. Last time I was home she was telling me about an amazing day she had that was completely unplanned and unintended. And it got me thinking. Often the days and nights we remember most are those that were completely unintentional. It’s the opposite of nearly every New Years Eve: zero expectations and 100% fun. With that said, we want to ask what is your most memorable unplanned moment?
For me, it was this past summer. My boyfriend and I went to St. John, New Brunswick on a cruise. We got there and the city was covered with heavy fog. After attempting to see the traditional tourist sites, we gave up. The fog and rain was too much. We instead spent the first few hours in an incredible local market trying out the food. In fact, I ate a delicious bowl of chili at 10:30 a.m., which I do not regret one bit. After that, we walked back towards the water in St. John and stumbled upon a local musical festival. We proceeded to sit at the tables outside a strip of bars for several hours and treat ourselves to some local Canadian Beers and surprisingly great music. I cannot recall the names of the beers or the bands, but does it really matter? No, all that matters is that we had an awesome day that grew out of our initial disappointment at the weather. The days that are unplanned are often the ones you remember most.
Please drop us a line in the comments and let us know what is your most memorable unplanned moment?
May 4, 2011
Sun & Sand
Who needs a vacation right about now? I know I do! End of the semester finals/papers/graduation stress, when all I want to do is just lay on a beach!
What are some of your favorite vacation spots? Any that you have been to more than once? Any that you will never go back to again? I'd love to hear about it!
drop a comment below! ;)
May 3, 2011
Follow Me On Twitter !
Hi everyone! I would love if you follow me on my new twitter account @chicsleekunique
I will be posting updates on the latest and greatest - new music, events, trends, nutrition updates - all on my twitter!
Click here to go to my twitter page & thanks for all your support!
xox Nikki
Bizarre Health
These unconventional fruits provide countless health benefits, and I have to say, they are all delicious too!
Don't be shy of these bizarre foods :)
Lychee
Benefits: Low in calories, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol, but rich in dietary fiber which can be very important for individuals who are concerned about their excess body weight. Like citrus fruits, they are an excellent source of vitamin C; providing 119% of daily recommended value of vitamin C per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. Very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and copper. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure; thus offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
Try: Seltzer water, splash of pomegranate juice, and 2 fresh peeled lychee - over ice
Papaya
Benefit: The nutritional highlight of papaya is a proteolytic enzyme called papain which is an excellent aid to digestion. This enzyme is so powerful that it is said to digest an amazing 200 times its own weight in protein. It assists our body's own enzymes in assimilating the maximum nutritional value from the food we eat. It is a rich source of anti-oxidant nutrients such as beta-carotene (which is what gives it the orange color; green papaya does not contain this carotene), vitamin A and C and flavonoids, B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid.
Try: Oatmeal with fresh sliced papaya for breakfast
Acai Berries
Benefits: Acai’s high antioxidant levels not only slow the aging process, but may also prevent metabolic diseases from occurring. Acai berries are an important source of resveratrol and anthocyanins. Resveratrol and anthocyanins are substances found in red grapes and red wine, and can extend your life. Many believe resveratrol and anthocyanins in red wine are why the French have a low incidence of coronary disease, despite having a diet rich in saturated fats. Another nutritional benefit of acai berries are their high protein levels. Usually foods high in protein have high levels of unhealthy cholesterol, but acai berries do not. This means acai berries are a great way to lower your cholesterol while getting your required amount of protein. They also offer a rich source of glucosamine. For years, arthritis sufferers have known that glucosamine helps ease the pain of their osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Try: Acai berry, blueberry smoothie
Ingredients:1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, ½ cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup frozen blueberries, ½ cup frozen pineapple, ½ cup fresh apple, chopped, 1 (3.5) oz packet unsweetened frozen acai, Handful of fresh baby spinach, 1 tbsp flaxseed---Blend
Guava
Benefits: Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in giving relief in cough and cold by loosening cough, reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and
lungs and inhibiting microbial activity due to its astringent properties.
Further, other nutrients in guava, such as vitamin-C, Carotenoids and potassium strengthens and tones up the digestive system and disinfect it. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, also helps reduce blood pressure.
Try: Adding sliced guava to a traditional fruit salad
Enjoy!
May 1, 2011
By the City, For the City
For two weeks now, New Yorkers have been submitting ideas to By The City / For the City, a massive brainstorm to create an "atlas of opportunity" for urban improvement.
Submit your ideas for improving NYC! 'Urban Designers 2011' is taking submissions now until May 8th, every idea is heard and considered!
Click here to share your thoughts :)
Click here to share your thoughts :)
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