Ever Forward 4:41 PM

I couldn't be more proud of my sisters!!

The lovely ladies of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority- Eta Phi chapter have 4 amazing new members as of last night in their first semester as a chapter. Although I'm no longer a collegiate member, I have been able to meet the new ladies through my advisor position and they are fabulous. As they learn about Tri Sigma's philantrophic endeavors, it's history and it's values through their new member program, each of them will be one step closer to becoming a sister- my sister

It's amazing that what started in 1898 with kindred friends gathering in the trunk room at the State Female School in Farmville has made it's way to Pratt Institute where it continues. We strive to break the mold and make something of ourselves. The ladies of Eta Phi are not your stereotypical sorority girls. They are strong, confident, independent [yet dependent on each other]

Just as our founders represented a cross section of interest and personality, each had a unique contribution to make. A harmonious little band, they had common interest, but they had private dreams and goals.

A splash of color 12:56 PM

Color is soo important in my life. I grew up surrounded by saturated, rich ones. When I am down, all I need is wonderful hues to cure my blues.

Lately I've been gravitating towards blues, greens and purples. I've also been down lately, not in the zone and thought it would be great to share some of my colors with you. The images below are from the Fuerza Bruta show which I've previously blogged about. A sensory overload for sure!

Bring some color into your life, you'll be amaze at how it can help with the winter cold and feeling down.

A new wave of talent 11:38 AM

I am soo proud of what my fellow friends/prattlers have been up to lately. I can't help but get really excited for them and try to do whatever is possible to help them out.

Fellow Munsonite and photographer Alana Davis has started Luz Magazine. I look forward to the possibility of contributing.


Luz Magazine is an online curated magazine showcasing promising & talented artists. We hope to promote, exhibit, and publish many talents. While prominently a photography based mag, it will also feature various art medias. This includes interviews as well as a collection of work from many emerging artists.

And then there's REPUBLIC BROOKLYN who just had their Digital Rituals: New Art in the Fourth Dimension, curated by Jason Voegle and Lauren Culbreth. I was bummed to have missed out on the show but anxiously waiting for the next one.

*photo by allison joyce

Monica Lo is now a contributing writer for Modern Glossy. That girl is insane, a go-getter and honestly, i don't know if she ever sleeps.



I'm sure there is a ton more of awesome successful Pratt students that are taking full control of their dreams and aspirations. Congrats to all and let's keep doing what we do.

As for what's going on with me... well I guess you're going to have to wait and see :)

I want it, i want it 12:04 AM

It's 3am and dealing with a ridiculous episode of insomnia. After tossing and turning for what seemed to be hours, I decided to go online. I missed the Academy Awards so what better way to pass the time then to find out who won, who didn't and who wished they had gotten a nomination. Well aside from the no brainer of Slumdog Millionaire winning just about EVERYTHING [congrats btw!] I found this year to be an interesting one when it came to fashion and jewelry. I'm a girl, what can I say. Below are some of my favorite pieces. Someone please let me know when knock-offs start going on sale because that will be the only way I will be able to wear something like it.

Jewish Art 9:24 PM

Go and experience the beauty that the Jewish Museum is.

This past Saturday Ian and I went and saw the "Chagall and the Artists of Russian Jewish Theater, 1919 - 1949" as it was wonderfully suggested by the lovely Jacquie.

I'm not great at describing museum experiences, much less work and perhaps that's why Art History was never on my list of well-liked classes, but this museum took my breath away. Ian loves them and can't never stop talking when in one about the work. I'm the complete opposite... i like to just walk around and enjoy the work for myself. Well for the first time ever, Ian didn't say more than 5 words and that's because it was a new experience for him. What you find there isn't often found in your 19th or 20th century history books at Pratt.

I thoroughly enjoyed the drawing styles of the costume designs of the Russian Jewish Theatre. I could see most of those pieces beautifully displayed on my walls if I had them as source of inspiration.

Check Jacquie's blog, she goes into details about what you can find there.

Next weekend's museum trip?
Perhaps the Cooper Hewitt... i have yet to go

I just want to dance. 11:41 AM

I have resumed dancing. It has been gone from my life for way too long [thanks knee problem.. boo] and I've missed it. I have been thinking about my return but needed to find the perfect class for it.

My criteria: modern base, full of rhythm, and a fun environment/attitude. The last thing I would need is for my rusty self to be in a studio with 20 amazing dancers who live and breath dancing every day of their lives. That was me 5 years ago- not today!

I turned to the always trusting, extraordinary dance studio that Peridance Center is. It's right around the corner from work and I could just head over at the end of the day. All dance classes that I've ever taken while visiting or living in NYC have been at this place.

Peridance has many options, all depending on what you're looking for. I contemplated beginners ballet to get back into the technique aspect of things but that didn't really fit my original criteria of fun, full of rhythm. I then found Afro-Cuban taught by Noibis Licea...

His class description:
"This class is intended to create a movement environment that explores the various forms of Afro-Cuban dance tradition, while using modern techniques as a basis for strengthening and warm-up. The class will include discussion of the form’s history, and practice of different movements representing the Orishas (deities from the African traditions brought to Cuba) and allow discussion of the symbolism and importance of each movement and its application in dance expression. Each Orisha has its own unique identity and rhythm, and the steps and movement characteristics represent this through stories and interactions portrayed by the dancer. The class will develop an understanding of each Orisha’s specific steps and language in place, and as the course progresses, students will be able to use these combinations in traveling movements and be able to discern the different rhythms and calls to explore an even greater interpretation of the essence of each deity."

COINCIDENCE? [just for you molo] Members of my biological fathers side of the family practice Santeria and I have an uncle on my mother's side who is a Babalawo. I grew up around it. Although I have never been a believer, it is fascinating.

Back to the class-- it was amazing, an incredible work out that I'm most certainly feeling all over my body. Afro-Cuban is new for most of the students in the class. The way your body moves is unexpected. You could tell that a few of the dancers have a modern or ballet background. Most do the class for the experience of being exposed to an unfamiliar movement. It is loose and rhythmic, your body melts and grooves. Of course, I started out worrying too much about the combination and stopped having fun. Noibis probably caught on to that and reminded us all to just let ourselves go. I got over that hump and just closed my eyes and let the music guide me.

To my disappointment, the class is only being taught on Saturday evenings. It was originally supposed to have been on Fridays as well but because there isn't such a large turnout to the class, especially on Fridays they're going to see how the Saturday classes turn out and decide from there. I want for there to be a loyal following to this class, myself included. Pass the word out, not many Afro-Cuban classes are being taught in NYC.

"... so much bigger than i thought" 3:14 PM

Monica and I were watching CNN today and the Vermont Teddy Bear commercial came on.

OMG, sooo cheesy and ridiculous



and so I went to their website and found it even funnier when reading some of the bear options.... wow






sadly enough, i know some people who would actually do this...

Tick Tock Tick Tock 7:59 PM

If today is any sign of what the rest of the week will be like, let's just say that it's going to be a busy, frustrating, ever changing one. I'm counting down the hours until Ian and I get on a bus Friday morning and sleep through our ride to Saratoga Springs-- home at last. At the same time, I wish I wasn't counting because it is a constant reminder that there aren't enough hours for me to accomplish all that is on my to do list.

This is a short entry. It is that time again where I play the Fuerza Bruta soundtrack 7 times in a row, pull an all nighter and create some badass work.

Progression and Change 11:42 AM

Everything lately has been about "refresh" and "change". Well I jumped on that bandwagon once again-- with my hair. I am extremely iffy with who cuts it. Keep in mind that I've only let 4 people in my 22yrs of existence cut my hair.

I woke up last Friday and decided I was going to go shorter with my hair. For the past 3 years I've been getting my hair cut by Chuck from Arrojo Studios. Yes the studio owned by Nick Arrojo from What Not To Wear. It is also the same studio that Nicole from Season 2 of Shear Genius is from. I have always come in with an image of the haircut I wanted. Today was different. I walked in and said to Chuck "you're going to love me today, DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WITH MY HAIR-- as long as it's short, fun and playful". He turned me around and started cutting away. I put my long hispanic locks in Chuck's hands 3 years ago and he did amazingly. Once again, he has done amazingly... I love it, it's fresh, light and playful. New hair for a new season.



I've always had long hair all the way up to junior year of college when I had a few life changing experiences.

Vivid dream 9:16 AM

Last night I had one of the most vivid dreams I've had in a while. I was at what used to be my family's beach house back in Cuba. There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't miss the beach and the culture. It's been more than 10 years since we left the country and although I'm no longer associated with my family in any shape, way or form-- I miss Cuba and that part of me. I cannot wait until I can travel back and be able to bring Ian with me. I feel like he has been missing out sooo much on who I am and what has shaped me to be who I am today. And then this morning, I read this article on CNN... I hope it happens and that it happens soon!

Lunch affair with Monlo 7:03 PM

For those of you who read Monica's blog, my apologies as you'll hear and see about the same thing she's been blogging. We are taking full advantage of Restaurant Week. Our second lunch date was to Central Park Boathouse on a beautiful Friday. The weather was perfectly sunny and warm. We snuck out of work and took a cab to Central Park. The scenery is beautiful and I cannot wait to go back for more. Next up, Ian and I are going to experience Tavern on the Greene

Food images from Monica 6:22 PM

Cold Sesame Noodles and Tofu and Seaweed soup at Joe's Shanghai

Soup Dumplings at Grand Sichuan, it is supposed to be better than Joe's Shanghai, well it is NOT.


Third time I've been to Crif Dogs and it has me coming back for more.


Restaurant Week has been extended to February 27, that is going to be HEAVENLY.

tengo hambre 5:31 PM

So part of the semi-new me is to be more adventurous with what I eat. I'm an extremely picky eater. A lot of it has to do with food allergies and the way I was raised. Fortunately I work with the biggest food junkie ever and she has become the biggest influence on me with what we grub on weekly. Below is the photo dump of what I've been experiencing lately.



The Mutton Biryani at Madiba's is to die for. We have always been a fan of this South African restaurant on Dekalb ave but have barely made it there due to our schedules and well their prices are a little high. They are all about your experience while you're there. They are a well established hang out spot in the Fort Greene area. During the Inauguration of President Obama, they were jammed pack. Fortunately their brunch menu is amazing, delicious and affordable. We have made it our Sunday brunch tradition and have been going there every week for the past month.




Before we discovered Madiba's amazing brunch menu, we checked out Rice which is a block further down the street. Their food is light, perfect pertions and a mouth watering experience.