Lavish Magazine. For Rich Minds

Recipe: Neopolitan Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:45:25 PDT

An oversimplified schema of the pizza-making process. Click image to enlarge.

If you got a chance to take a look at the latest New York Magazine, your tastebuds must've popped at the drool-inducing pizza's. Inside, the magazine gives us a simple recipe so that we can make our own specialty slices--and it looks pretty simple too!

Jim Lahey’s No-Knead Pizza Margherita

FOR DOUGH
(yields 3 10-inch crusts):
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
1/4 tsp. instant yeast
11/2 tsp. salt
11/4 cups water

FOR SAUCE:
1 vine-ripened or heirloom tomato (about 5 oz.)
1 pinch salt
1/4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

FOR EACH PIZZA:
5 tbs. tomato purée
2 oz. buffalo mozzarella (about 1/4 ball)
basil leaves
1 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

To make dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and stir until blended (the dough will be very sticky). Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 12 to 24 hours in a warm spot, about 70 degrees.

Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle the top with flour. Fold the dough over on itself once or twice, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes.

Shape the dough into 3 or 4 balls, depending on how thick you want the crust. Generously sprinkle a clean cotton towel with flour and cover the dough with it. Let the dough rise for 2 hours.

To make sauce: Blanch tomato for 5 seconds in boiling water and quickly remove. Allow to cool to the touch. Peel the skin with your hands and quarter the tomato. Remove the jelly and seeds, and reserve in a strainer or fine sieve. Strain the jelly to remove seeds, and combine resulting liquid in a bowl with the flesh of the tomatoes. Proceed to crush the tomatoes with your hands. Add salt and olive oil and stir.

To make pizza: Place pizza stone on the middle rack of the oven and preheat on high broil. Stretch or toss the dough into a disk approximately 10 inches in diameter. Pull rack out of oven and place the dough on top of the preheated pizza stone. Drizzle 5 generous tablespoons of sauce over the dough, and spread evenly. Try to keep the sauce about ½ inch away from the perimeter of the dough. Break apart or slice the buffalo mozzarella and arrange over the dough. Return rack and pizza stone to the middle of the oven and broil for approximately 6 minutes. Remove and top with basil, olive oil, and salt.

Source

Lavish Culture Concierge

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:04 PDT

There's alot of stuff going on this summer, so be sure to check out the Lavish Culture Concierge for all the fab events happening around town!

So Much To Do: Harlem Book Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:45:10 PDT

All Events are FREE!

DOIN' IT: PROMOTING & SELLING YOUR BOOK ONLINE
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Time: 1:30 noon - 2:45pm
Location: Auditorium at Countee Cullen Library
(at corner of W. 136th and Malcolm X Blvd., NYC)

Author Talk with YVONNE BYNOE
with Special Guest APRIL R. SILVER
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Thurgood Marshall Academy
200 W. 135th Street • NYC
(at Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.)

If its too good to be true...

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:40:05 PDT

You've all seen the ads for the $149 Christian Louboutin's, and more recently the YSLs. They lurk on websites in their small ads, with the unmistakable styles that you love. I myself have even gazed longingly at one of the sites and even clicked through once to take a harder look. Even though I knew there was something fishy about them you can't help but think -- $160 for a pair of Louboutin boots? But alternately I thought, 'how well could these be made?' Because no one wants to crack an ankle in a pair of cheap imitations. And even more personally, as a former employee of the small and intimate company, would I want to disrespect the man who I admired, and had a pleasure working for? The answer is no. The NY Daily News gives us a few more reasons why these knockoff are just a bad idea.

Despite ultra-convincing pictures and claims that the Web sites are run directly by the designers and the footwear is individually crafted in Europe, it's a scam.

The goods are neither handmade nor exclusive. They are mass-produced in China.

The "leather" often smells of toxic chemicals, the "hand-stitching" is replicated by sewing machine, and the sizing is inaccurate.

Return the purchase and, on top of the cost of shipping, customers are subject to a "restocking" fee of up to 20%. Little wonder most swallow the disappointment and don't bother to send them back.

If disappointment were the only result of the fraud, it wouldn't make headlines. Who really cares about image-obsessed fashionistas being ripped off?

To add to this, counterfeits fund terrorism, gangs, and child labor. Is that shoe or handbag really worth it? I personally could never own a fake. I would rather go to a vintage store, and find an older model, or just save up for the real thing. I think fakes are obvious and it pains me when I see a young girl proudly displaying her obvious knock-off. Not a good look ladies...

Source

Vintage Lavish Diva - Jody Watley

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:57:36 PDT

Having recently caught the Shalamar episode of TVOne's Unsung, I was reintroduced to one of my favorite childhood divas - the unimitable Jody Watley:

Though I was too young to remember her meteoric rise from Soul Train dancer to the female lead of the late-70s and early-80s group, I definitely remember the splash she'd made on the scene when she broke out as a solo artist in the late 80s:

Setting herself apart from the run-of-the-mill dance and R&B divas with her mix of street style and runway glam, Jody set trends in her videos that impacted future style divas such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga. And while her career has winded down a bit since her Real Love heyday, she's living proof that fifty can definitely be fabulous:

And what better way to celebrate the Diva than with one of her iconic (and my personal favorite) videos - shot on location at the Paris Opera House and featuring some of the best face in video:

Jody watley - still a thrill
Uploaded by coolfunk. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

NY+LA Beauty Booker

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:12:28 PDT

If you're in New York City or Los Angeles and you care to save a few bucks on your beauty grind (who isn't ?), I suggest you head over to Lifebooker.com, where you'll find all of your favorite beauty treatments at up to 50% off regular prices. And at some of the best salons in town too!

Dirty Sexy Money: Litter SF

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:37:09 PDT

Catwalk, $98

Chains, leather, and straps. No, this isn't parts of a costume for a Bettie Page flick. It's the core set of materials used in the surprisingly affordable, ridiculously chic line of shoe jewelry by SF Litter. These hints of hardware ad an extra bit of bad-ass to an otherwise tame pair of pumps. Prices range from $80 and up.

Walkabout, $135

Streetwalk, $98

Litter SF Website

Blog to Check: SheGeeks

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:13:00 PDT

Get your tech on with Corvida Raven, self-proclaimed "Oprah of the Internet". The surprisingly low-tech, high info website gives you the slant on all things web.

Shegeeks.net

Girl, How do I Look?

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:22:53 PDT

Amber chillin' with a fan in Soho July 13th

Call her ho if you want to, but you'll only be highlighting your jealousy. Amber is just straight up GORGEOUS. The girl's got great skin, style, and sass. Peep these standard polaroids from the Ford Modeling agency that could pass for an impromptu editorial. Girlfriend's got it goin' on!

So Much To Do: Classical on the Great Lawn

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:37:55 PDT

NY Philharmonic at Central Park

Be sure to check out the NY Philharmonic in various parks around the city. Its a beautiful thing to do on a beautiful night, and its FREE!

July 14th, Central Park Great Lawn

July 15, Prospect Park Bandshell
July 16th Van Cortlandt Park

All Concerts start at 8pm.
Bring yourself some wine cheese an prosciutto!

Complete info here.

There Goes Barack Making history again

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:56:32 PDT

Regina Benjamin with the President today as she was nominated U.S. Surgeon General

Sonya Sotomayor at her confirmation hearing today.

The good news: President Barack Obama has appointed two women of color into some pretty powerful positions.

Bronx native Judge Sonia Sotomayor, 55, has been nominated for U.S. Supreme Court Justice, becoming the first Hispanic and to do so. Her confirmation hearings began today.

Dr. Regina Benjamin, 53, a doctor from Alabama, who has twice reopened her clinic in the wake of natural disasters, was nominated to be U.S. Surgeon General today. She was the first Black woman on the America Medical Association's board of trustees.

The bad news: Unemployment for Black New Yorkers is disproportionately high during the recession. And no one seems to be able to explain it.

She's Got The Look: Anna Sui for Target

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:22:41 PDT

Anna Sui for Target: I see Blair!

Fashionistas are jumping for joy in the hotly anticipated Anna Sui collection based on the hit teen soap drama Gossip Girl. Why am I interested? Because 1) I'm a closet GG fan and 2) because the clothes are damn cute! Rumor has it that the line was to be featured in a future episode of the show, but Target pulled out at the last minute. From the Daily News:

A “Gossip Girl” insider tells us that a party scene featuring Blair and Chuck (played by Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick) was set to shoot at Sui’s flagship store in SoHo last Tuesday; models being used as extras were to wear Sui’s Target collection. “There was going to be signage, as well as Target symbols in purple and black — Anna’s signature colors,” says the snitch. “And it was rumored that Anna herself was going to be making a cameo appearance.”

Target staffers even sent over boxes of clothes for the episode, labeled with the names of each female character (Jessica Szohr’s Vanessa, Taylor Momsen’s Jenny, Meester’s Blair and the aforementioned Serena). But the store pulled out at the last second.

Now, claims our source, everyone on set is furious. “The crew was thrown into a frenzy because they had to scrap everything they had planned,” says the insider. “They can’t believe Target would bail on them, especially after publicly announcing the collaboration. It’s Target’s loss, because the line would have sold better if it had played a part in the show.”
Source

Here's the whole shebang...

Mmmm... Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:23:43 PDT

Martha Stewart's Coconut Cupcakes

Last week, I passed by Magnolia's in the West Village and had to get my cupcake fix. There's just something about those fluffy, sweet, miniature cakes that wins me over every time. Here's a recipe for Martha Stewart's favorite coconut cupcakes:

Ingredients

Makes 2 dozen

3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup coconut milk
8 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Seven-Minute Frosting
Fresh Roasted Coconut, for garnish

Lavish Culture Concierge

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:00:06 PDT

There's alot of stuff going on this summer, so be sure to check out the Lavish Culture Concierge for all the fab events happening around town!

The New Vixen: A Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:33:34 PDT

Karrine Steffans: Don't Mistake this Vixen for a fool

It has become too easy to dismiss Karrine Steffans as a whore. She has become the poster child for all that a woman shouldn't do, the bar that young career-driven women should not dip below, all that is unholy and unsanctified. Steffans, now married, has made a fortune in telling the torrid tales of her escapades with rappers, ballers, and actors, and is hated simply for capitalizing on the very currency that 'the boys' have for centuries: sex. There is no doubt that Steffans revels in the name-dropping, whether she's outing Shaquille O'Neal as her big poppa or purposely mentioning (repeatedly) her Mercedes Benz. This woman knows what she's after, and she's managed to grab your attention in the process.

The Vixen Manual is a turn from the sordid storytelling so many became familiar with in Confessions and Diaries. In this new "How-To" Guide, Steffans takes a refreshing departure from the dependent, fame-seeking, professional-giving video girl and transforms into an astute woman with enough knowledge to which her experiences put her in complete control.

The 50 chapter (illustrated!) guide is neatly divided into 2-3 page sections that run the gamut from figuring out if you have 'porn pussy', to ditching the dog, to finally settling. Each section has a handy set of "Vixen Tips" and little quips about relationships that break up the reading monotony. Not surprisingly, the longest chapter is devoted to sex, to which Karrine is unequivocally deemed an expert. Each chapter has it's most important quotes highlighted in pink, with a recap at the end like a tidy school teacher that asks us 'what have we learned here children?'. Many of her tips are tried and true methods that have been passed down for ages. But unlike a lot of relationship manuals, Steffans stays true to herself by sprinkling a few curse words here and there, and name dropping some of her favorite products in a way only she can.Take it from a woman who has been there and be glad that you yourself don't have to subject yourself to the public humiliation, and can comfortably read this woman's escapades from the privacy of your living room.

Though this book may be better suited for the 20-something set, Steffans has demonstrated that she understands the value of a woman in a relationship--no matter her age-- and recognizes where she herself went terribly wrong. Now it seems as if she is determined to become an asset instead of a wanting, needing liability. And at this very moment in her life, she has.

The Vixen Manual comes out today.
Available at Amazon and Karrine.com

The Vixen Diaries Audiobook Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:54:33 PDT

The winner for the Vixen Diaries Audiobook giveaway is...
Johannah Brookwell from Virginia

Congrats!!! And thanks to all who entered. Stay tuned for the Black Radiance beauty giveaway starting next week!

ENDS TONITE: The Vixen Diaries Audiobook Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:56:32 PDT

CONTEST ENDS TONITE at Midnight!

This is a quickie contest. Its the full unabridged audiobook set of Karrine Stephan's The Vixen Diaries. More gossip, more juicy celebrity details, and more to love/hate about the video girl turned business maven. Send your name, address and phone info to lavishfreebies@gmail.com

The Vixen Diaries Audiobook Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:56:32 PDT

CONTEST ENDS THIS FRIDAY (July 10, 2009) at Midnight!

This is a quickie contest. Its the full unabridged audiobook set of Karrine Stephan's The Vixen Diaries. More gossip, more juicy celebrity details, and more to love/hate about the video girl turned business maven. Send your name, address and phone info to lavishfreebies@gmail.com

Made by Niki Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:27:30 PDT

I'm in love with Lingerie, and this British import is sexy, well made, and kittenish enough to add to my collection. Visit the sale and score big--they ship to the US.

Shop the Made by Niki sale

One Fab Chic: First Lady Tigra

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:07:01 PDT

One Fab Chic: The Lady Tigra

I've been quietly following Miami-bass pop artist Lady Tigra and watching her slowly blow up on the music scene. I also love her cool, laid back rocker style, which seem effortlessly comfortable but chic. Here is her first official bio:

The Lady Tigra was one of the original members of L'Trimm--one of hip-hop's earliest, sassiest, and most influential female duos (with fellow rapper Bunny D). ... (more) The L'Trimm sound influenced everyone from Peaches to Fannypack to Gwen Stefani. At just fifteen years old, the girls busted out of the Miami Bass movement and are best known for the infectious "Cars With the Boom," an ode to sub-woofers. The bouncy rap glorified the sub-woofer culture and snuck onto the Billboard charts. Having three albums recorded before their 21st birthdays, L'Trimm was voted by Source Magazine as "Hip-Hop Goddesses." After disappearing from the music scene, The Lady Tigra returns with a new album under her arm Please Mr. Boombox and control of her music.

I love her single "First Black, First Lady which is a gentle homage to Michelle Obama with a throwback rhythm reminiscent of late '80s hip hop block parties. And though her femme voice doesn't have the punch of say, Roxanne Shanté, this little Lady is letting herself be heard.

Download First Black, First Lady
and watch a video:

The Vixen Diaries Audiobook GIveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:56:32 PDT

Pescatore Light

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:00:23 PDT

My absolute favorite dish is a good old fashioned plate of Pescatore, the fun, Italian seafood-filled pasta dish that hits my spot every time. And it's a good thing that the delicious mixture of squid, octopus, scallops, and oysters are simmered in a drool-inducing tomato sauce; otherwise, I might just pass on the squid altogether--because the thought of chewing on the suction cup of an octopus just freaks me out. I'd rather enjoy this sea monster in a non-threatening way:

Like this cute necklace by Fairies 'N Berries that I spotted at Etsy. For half the price of a plate of Pescatore at Pomodorino's, you can get your squid fix without the horrors of a tentacle in your mouth.
Mr. Octopussy necklace, $14, available at Etsy

The Vixen Diaries Audiobook Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:56:32 PDT

Style Down: Amber Rose

ArliceNichole@gmail.com (Arlice Nichole) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:03:17 PDT

When it comes to Amber Rose, comments concerning her haven't always been positive ones.

What's certain is that I've never seen anyone rock this haircut quite like her.

Many have referred to her as arm candy, an accessory and even Kanye's pet! I will say that she makes Kanye look very good.

It's been said that she used to be a stripper...ok. If you had a body like hers you might want the world to see what you're working with too. Yeah, you would. I would.

Some have wondered why she had to even appear in this Louis Vuitton ad. I thought what she brought to the picture was brilliant! This is art!

The Amber Roses of the world are refreshing!

No matter if she's wearing blue hair or sea green tights with multi-colored high-tops or a wearing something elegant, she's got style down! Forget what you heard.

Arlice Nichole

Lavish Culture Concierge

noreply@blogger.com (Tatiana Smith for Lavish Magazine) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:06:49 PDT

There's alot of stuff going on this summer, so be sure to check out the Lavish Culture Concierge for all the fab events happening around town!