Saggy Pants

So I did this “Saggy Pants” story last week in light of the UNM Football Player who got kicked off a US Airways flight for “sagging”…then this week a photo comes out of a guy in woman’s lingerie who flew on a cross-country US Airways flight with no problem…hmmm?? Anyway, I was so intrigued by this photo..I just had to post. I mean, I would’ve asked him to cover up…just sayin!

Yet another reason to fall back from flying US Airways …they def aren’t my airline of choice.

And, my Saggy Pants story for KRON…thanks to the Hoodstarz who have a song called “Saggy Jean Era” and Jan at FATLACE SF for breaking down what the “sag” means to them!

100 Montaditos

I loved this place so much, I just had to blog about it! My friend introduced me to this “tapas” type restaurant (he had already been there several times) that was really good and very inexpensive, so I was with it – those 2 things generally make me happy! Well, I had no idea what a treat it would be to eat at 100 Montaditos! **SOOOOOO impressed, I just had to blog about it!

First off, it’s located at Midtown Miami, a place I frequent often to go to Target..but I had yet to notice this new spot. Second, beyond the idea of tapas…they are the cutest (and tastiest) “Montaditos” or tiny sandwiches. The restaurant itself is very appealing, cute modern style, with festive decor…that new but authentic look and feel. Last, it’s simple, the people are nice and it’s clean. P.S. They stay open late too!

Apparently the Miami location is the first in America, but there are some 200 locations worldwide – in France, Mexico, Portugal, and, mostly, in its hometown Spain. I think it’s an excellent concept…not sure why it’s just hit the States now, but I’m confident it’ll be coming to a neighborhood near you very soon! Actually, I should buy a franchise!!! Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than this…they have $1 Wednesdays when all the Montaditos are $1 and they have beer bucket deals on Friday…buy one get one. Even if it’s not a “deal” day, it’s super low cost. They’ve got screens in there too, so you can hang out and watch games.

Okay, so other than its smart (affordable) concept…it really is GOOD. I mean, usually we’ll compromise taste & quality when it’s “cheap” …but you can go in there and get 3 of these baby sandwiches for a buck each and be full AND feel like you truly got your money’s worth…you’d probably have even been willing to pay more for these tasty treats! Another reason I like it is because I can order varied flavors of montaditos, each for just one dollar!! You know when you look at a menu and you want multiple things but you can’t decide?? Now you can order to your heart’s content… and pick more than one thing and not waste the food or money! Gosh, I don’t know, you just have to experience it. There was seriously a “party in my mouth”…yum, yum, YUM!

So, in the platter pictures above (about $12)…I had #1 -Serrano Ham and Olive Oil, #2- Chorizo, #9 -Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam (gotta satisfy the sweet tooth), #69 – Pulled BBQ Pork with Iberic Cheese and Brava Sauce, #70 – Pulled BBQ Pork with Bacon, Guacamole and Green Pepper and #77 – Shrimp with Ali Oli! I know it’s A LOT..but I had to sample everything!! Each item was unique and very tasty…I felt like a happy “montadito” when I walked out! Apparently they have really good ice cream too…I’ll have to dig into that item next visit. http://www.100montaditos.com/miami/

JAY-Z + BING

I attended a press event at the Delano on Miami Beach this evening.  Jay-Z and BING have teamed up with a fun, very creative way to promote his forthcoming book DECODED with an interactive game on BING. The book will be released on November 16. BTW…my friend Luxury Mindz has a page (photo he took) in that book too, so look out for it!!

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Basically, we all gathered in the pool area of the Delano Hotel and Jay-Z, along with the CEO of BING  made an announcement about his book and showed a video that pretty much showcased the billboards and different marketing of how this Decode Jay-Z stuff works. Now, this is pretty cool..the first person to “decode” a particular page wins that page autographed and there will only be one…and the first guy/fan who successfully decoded, was present…and they presented him with his page! He came all the way from London and he explained how he was able to do the decode. Then, they asked us to all go over to the pool…

Well, when they turned the lights on..this is what we got… the next page to decode! Pretty amazing… it’s the lyrics to Big Pimpin’ if I’m not mistaken. *Sidenote – as I attempted to take the above photo with my blackberry, I sort of had to get up to the very edge of the pool and you know when you try to hold the camera over someone’s head to take a picture…uhm, well I was pretty much doing that over Beyonce’s head (well to the side)…except I didn’t realize it was her until my girl pointed it out to me (after the fact)!! LOL I can be a little oblivious at times… I mean, it’s not like she was wearing a red dress or anything!?!? YES, she was in RED….Ha! Anyhoo, no harm done, but I felt bad…I’m not one to be all pushy, but I was so taken by the pool, I had to snap a photo…and since I was on paparazzi status…I decided to take one of Jigga too!

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Here’s the official DECODED + BING description from the press release:

Today Bing, the decision engine from Microsoft, launched a multi-platform search experience and interactive game to help fans decode JAY-Z’s life and lyrics found in his debut book, DECODED. Through an unprecedented partnership with Bing, JAY-Z’s words will be taken off the page allowing readers to find the very locations that inspired them.

Online, fans will find a one of a kind search experience built on Bing technologies using Bing Maps and Bing Entertainment to walk the streets JAY-Z walked, searching and deciding how to decode his life and lyrics at every turn.  Over the course of one month, five to ten pages will be unveiled each day, allowing fans to come together as a community to compile DECODED online before it hits bookshelves.  200 winners and one grand prize winner will be selected from the people who help uncover the 300-plus pages, located in 15 locations around the world and in Bing Maps.

You know, maybe I should get in on this puzzle solving stuff, I really like exercising my mind, and one of my friends was telling me (not too long ago) how popular this scavenger hunt stuff is getting. So, go ahead…it’s your chance to Decode Jay -Z with BING! http://bing.com/jay-z

Step Up 3D

I should probably preface this entry by saying I was pretty indecisive on whether or not to go see this screening. I had just caught Step Up 2 on TV last week and even though that one was pretty painful, I figured why not! At the very least I’ll see some great dancing. Okay, so all that to say… that is two hours of my life I’ll never get back! lol Within the first few moments it was obvious the story was gonna be super cheesy and very forced. The film tries way too hard to be “cool” and to me it comes off very silly. I don’t know if it’s just me getting “old” or being out of it…but the dance battles I remember were never like the ones in the movie and I doubt they’re like that now. So, maybe this film would be better off in a fantasy or sci-fi category! I’m not sure it needed to be 3D, but I guess they needed a gimmick to sell it. I’m sure there was lots of GREAT choreography going on, but again, just too much was happening where you couldn’t even see the full choreo to focus or the camera angles just kept changing up so it was hard to follow. I’m probably old school when watching dance, but I love to see the formations and technique too. Yes, this is a “teenie booper” type flick and I probably should’ve just skipped it altogether… It’s SUPER cheesy with the contrived storyline and lack of chemistry with the actors. And, in addition to the 3D gimmick, the effects came off funny to me too. It was just too “silly” for me!

The Veterano

The good folks at PNOY Apparel have developed and are releasing a very special jacket called “The Veterano.” I applaud their dedication and commitment to not only educate, pay tribute and honor the heroes of our (Filipino) heritage, but they also give back! Bravo… Both my grandfathers were among the 250,000 Philippine soldiers who marched and fought alongside the Americans against the Japanese during WWII, so although gone, they are not forgotten.

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The Veterano jacket by PNOY Apparel is honoring the 250,000 Filipino American veterans who fought side by side their American counterparts without compensation or recognition. ONLY after almost 70 years, the Stimulus Plan hands out $15K to those who became U.S. Citizens and $9K to non-citizens veterans for their duty, a small reward for a life’s worth.

PNOY Apparel wants to help with proceeds of The Veterano to be donated to JFAV (Justice for Filipino American Veterans) to help our dying heroes.

Custom Cut-N-Sew Details:

  • Full ringstop camoflouge material
  • Full zip with double zipper enclosures
  • Stuffed embroidered “PNOY” pullers
  • Welted pockets
  • Single zip puller on hoodie
  • Button enclosure on hoodie
  • Zip chords at inside bottom of jacket
  • Knetted inside lining
  • Embroidered Philippine sun on upper back
  • Elbow patches
  • Four custom embroidered patches
  • Printed WW II soldier running at you with a grenade inside jacket
  • Pre-washed
  • UNI-SEX

Sizes Available: XS-XXXL
ONLY 300 made and will be available at the strike of 12:00 midnight Pacific Time Wednesday, July 28, 2010 online www.pnoyapparel.com

SPECIAL PRICE FOR THE FIRST WEEK ONLY! Good luck and don’t get caught sleeping. The most detailed jacket to date and one to HELP OUT OUR VETERANOS!!

Video – “Son of Ran – Death March” for PNOY Apparel Veterano

Pin Up Girl

This week’s throwback was one of my very first segments I put together for Deco Drive! I profiled a group of gals who specialize in Vintage and 40’s style Pin Up photography, makeup, styling, etc… and they did a transformation on me too!

It was SO MUCH fun and I even got some very cute shots out of it!! 🙂

Going Pro

I recently added a “consultant” title to my resume…I’ve officially signed on to do consultant work with Going Pro Entertainment. This company which is comprised of former professional dancers and cheerleaders, provides consulting services (among other things) to women who are interested in “Going Pro!” I’m very excited about about devoting some time to this project. I’ve often been (unofficially) providing consulting services on pro teams, public speaking, media training, TV reporting, pageants, etc… as a guest speaker and answering emails, so it seemed like a natural fit to do this for GPE. Pro dance is something I hold close to my heart, as I performed on the sidelines for 3 teams in the NBA and NFL, the Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders and Arizona Cardinals. Now, that I’ve retired the poms and dance shoes, I’ve judged several team auditions and consulting for GPE is a way for me to still be involved and give my two cents in upholding tradition and standards!

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See my bio on the site by clicking here: GPE Welcome Miami Consultant Aubrey Aquino

SLime Flu T-Shirt

“Slime Flu” fans can now get the first look at the Crooks & Castles design in partnership with Harlem rapper VADO and NYC stores Vault/Goliath. The graphic is iconic with the Crooks line of street wear, putting a “Slime Flu” spin on their ever-popular ‘Medusa’ shirt with a ‘Bandito’ look!

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VADO will release his exclusive “Slime Flu” shirt collaboration Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 6pm, during an in-store Meet and Greet and “Slime Flu” mixtape listening session at Vault in Harlem. The limited edition tee falls in line with VADO’s highly anticipated “Slime Flu” mixtape, which will officially infect the streets at the end of May. The custom shirts will be available for sale in limited quantity and are only available at Vault/Goliath stores until they sell out! This is VADO’s first collaboration with Crooks & Castles and Vault/Goliath.

AND – DJ Drama, Cam’ron and VADO came out with Boss of All Bosses 2.5 earlier this week….

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You can get your copy here: http://www.halloffamemixtapes.com/