Archive for September, 2011

I freaking LOVE IT! Angela Simmons strips for PETA

Ahhhhh! You guys know I love animals….

You know I love PETA…

I love NAKED things too…

It all came together for me when I saw Rev Run’s daughter pose for PETAs latest ad campaign…”Eating Meat is a Sin”
Angela is a vegetarian..most likely taking after her very famous, conscious uncle Russell Simmons who lives a vegan lifestyle and is a spokesperson for holistic health.

You GO Angela!

Although I am certainly not famous enough for PETA to come knocking at my door, over the summer I had my own VEGAN Awareness, PETA inspired ad…check it out if you missed it..thanks again to the Unique Photography and Design team for making it happen!

eMerge Trade Show/Fashion Show

It’s that time of year again! Are you ready?? I will be hosting the 2nd annual eMerge trade show at the Zadok Art Gallery in the Miami Art District! I will also be interviewing local celebs and designers as they arrive! All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and Project Kite! Minimum donation $5, but you are welcome to donate more.

Come see Aluna Swimwear debut her new collection and listen to the tunes of DJ Mr. Sandman! See you there!

A Secret Vegan Garden/Restaurant

If you are looking for an organic, orgasmic experience for your taste buds, you need look no further than Mi Vida Café. Located in the trendy Mimo District just north of the Design District (right off Biscayne and 70th Street) you will find this beautiful, quaint vegan restaurant. Do not fear that there isn’t enough space indoors! There is a spacious, colorful, relaxing garden out back with eclectic pieces of outdoor furniture and soothing music to fill your ears.

Owner Daniela La Gamma was a very successful private chef before fulfilling her dream of offering her healthy, filling, animal product free cuisine to all. Raised in Argentina, she brings some of her Latin flavored dishes to the vegan menu.

Prices are reasonable considering that the products are all natural, juices freshly squeezed (literally right before your eyes,) and she uses no cheap shortcuts. Chef La Gamma has NO microwave in her restaurant, NO frying, NO preservatives, NO genetically modified ingredients and absolutely no High Fructose Corn Syrup. You can check the menu out at www.mividacafe.net.

Do you like delicious tacos? They have the vegan versions! Maybe you are in the mood for tasty “chicken” marsala? They have a version made with seitan (a meat substitute.) Is pizza your thing? Try their colorful, raw asparagus/pesto pizza! My absolute FAVORITE is the vegan mushroom sloppy joe. In addition they have fresh salads, eggplant a italiana, and grilled chimichurri (seitan) you will be in vegan HEAVEN. Chef LaGamma also has yummy homemade cookies, pies and ice pops for desert. Eat up!

If you want to give your body a healthy treat, make sure to stop by Mi Vida Café or check them out online and support this wonderful change of pace for the city of Miami. Your soul will feel guilt-free knowing that you are giving your body the absolute best nutrients and saving an animal’s life at the same time.

vegan sloppy joe!

entrance to garden

WORDS: Aisha Thalia
IMAGES: Unique Photography and Design

I Love Paula Patton


(A picture of some of my girls along with Paula on my birthday weekend at the American Black Film Festival)

You may have seen Paula Patton in films such as Idewild with Andre 3000, De Ja Vu alongside Denzel Washington, or as the beautiful gold digging cousin of Queen Latifah’s character in Just Wright.

I love Paula’s acting, her spirit, her looks and her ability to juggle her career and family. I can totally see her as the next Halle Berry. I admire her laid back beauty and style. She’s the woman that can look stunning dressed up and equally as amazing in jeans and a t-shirt.

A long time ago, I saw this shoot she did with Giant Magazine and fell in LOVE with it. I told myself that I wanted to recreate the look but with my own spin on it. Here are some of her amazing images…

The artistic direction for our shoot below was a collective effort. I styled it myself, Ms. Kippish enhanced my already curly hair adding her magic touch and Melissa did a dope job on the smokey lids. Unique Photography and Design was the company responsible for the photography. I loved every second of this shoot! Here is my tribute to Paula:

I look forward to seeing more of Paula in the near future!