ICONIC TRIBUTE: Whitney Houston Passes away at age 48

REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF AN ICON

Ms. Houston Bowing out for the final time.

"It is with a broken heart that I pay homage to a woman who forever touched the lives of so many people including myself with her music and presence. He passing will bring about a major void in the music industry and in the hearts of her followers. As a child of the 80s i grew up listening the sounds of her amazing voice with decades of chart topping hits. Then of course came the roles in box office hit movies such as The Bodyguard (Ive seen 1000 times) Waiting to Exhale, The Preachers Wife and many more. 
I  will never forget this Iconic Woman. " - Richard Tomas

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963) is an American recording artist, actress, and former fashion model. A relative to several prominent soul singers, including her mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick, and godmother Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing at her New Jersey church as a member of a junior gospel choir at age eleven. After she began performing alongside her mother at night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis.

Houston released her debut album Whitney Houston in 1985, which became the best-selling debut album by a female artist.

Her second studio album Whitney (1987) became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Houston's crossover appeal on the popular music charts as well as her prominence on MTV enabled several African-American women to follow in her success.

Following her marriage to fellow singer Bobby Brown, Houston appeared in her first starring role in the feature film The Bodyguard in 1992. The film's original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and became the world's best-selling soundtrack.

 Its lead single, "I Will Always Love You", became one of the best-selling singles in music history. Houston continued to star in feature films and contributed to soundtracks including 

Waiting to Exhale (1995) 

and The Preacher's Wife (1996). 

After the release of her fourth studio album My Love Is Your Love (1998), she renewed her recording contract with Arista Records in 2001 for a historic $100 million dollars. 

She subsequently released her fifth studio album,Just Whitney the following year with One Wish: The Holiday Album being released in 2003. Amidst widespread media coverage of personal and professional turmoil, Houston's marriage to Brown ended in 2006.

Houston is one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 140 million albums and 50 million singles, worldwide. She is ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 54 million certified albums. Known as "The Voice" for her "powerful, penetrating pop-gospel" vocals, she has been listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Her Final Album ironically titled "I look to You" her anthem of loosing everything and looking back to God. 

A collection of memorable photos - 

The EARLY YEARS

The Bodyguard

On the set of The Bodygaurd

I HAVE NOTHING

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU





WAITING TO EXHALE










THE PREACHERS WIFE
What an amazing movie....the soundtrack alone will send the listener into total rapture......

Whitney Singing with the Georgia Mass Choir on the set of the Preachers Wife

Shopping with her personal angel Denzel Washington





I BELIEVE IN YOU AND ME





MORE MEMORABLE PHOTOS


Ms. Houston Belts the National Anthem

Whitney on the shoulder of Nelson Mandela

Whitney rocking out I will always love You in honor of her mentor Clive Davis

With her daughter Bobbi Christi

Some of her most memorable performances.
The ed sullivan show "Home"

"One Moment in Time" at the Grammy's

"I am changing" RARE VIDEO

Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey "When you Believe"

 HERE IS A GREAT COMPILATION REMIX VIDEO OF WHITNEY!  ENJOY

Whitney You have blessed the world with the very gift God gave you. You will be forever missed in this Life.

My prayers are with your remaining family and friends.

Be at Peace with God

You were LOVED

WHITNEY HOUSTON

1963 - 2012

Style Inspiration: Madonna at the SuperBowl in Givenchy Couture

Madonna ROCKS out in GIVENCHY!

Madonna is SHE-RA, PRINCESS OF POWER!.....LOL

And we kind of love her for it – although I have always had her pegged as more of a “Jem and the Holograms” sort of gal.

What a spectacular set of stagewear this was. We always whine about her not really moving forward, but this is the kind of stuff we want to see. It feels totally Madonna, but not in a way that makes us cringe or say “Really, Madge? At your age? Isn’t it time to move on?”  This felt like her moving on. Not necessarily a bold new step or anything, just not a look that refers to underwear, crucifixes, matador’s girlfriends, or old Italian widows. She looked dramatic and unusual and still quite beautiful. If that’s not the essence of Madonna, we don’t know what is.

Besides: Givenchy Couture and vogueing AT THE FREAKING SUPERBOWL. WE LOVE YOU AGAIN, MADGE.

Check out the PERFORMANCE!

Sunday Delectables - Brunch Tabbouleh Recipe

MAKE TODAY COUNT!!

It’s Sunday.

Usually a time when we start to dread going back to work.  Realizing nothing was crossed off your to do list.  Feeling stressed just at the thought tomorrow is Monday.

Forget all that.

You’ve probably heard me say this on or Facebook, but it’s Sunday, it’s still the weekend so make it count. My dad started this a few years back when we got consumed with a little something called life and stopped appreciating the little things.  That quickly changed. We started gathering for family dinner table again for delicious southern cooking and great conversation. I can almost hear him saying " come on its the Lord's day we should make today count"

Other little things we started to do were morning walks coupled with morning prayer....(a good time for reflection), brunch on the back patio.......starbucks coffee breaks in the sitting room....lol,....fresh flowers from the market, etc.

So, whatever you decide to do, whether it’s new or part of your Sunday routine,make it count.

On sunday of course i do not like to eat a heavy meal for lunch since dinner seems to be quite large....I found this recipe a few years ago and have loved introducing to my friends and family during "sunday brunch".....I know you will enjoy it!!

Red & White Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

I’m sorry.

I meant to share this recipe with you WAY back in September. and now it’s February....

I know it’s not summer anymore, but this can be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s light, refreshing and absolutely delicious!

The traditional Tabbouleh is made with couscous, which contains gluten. Thank goodness for alternatives, like quinoa, we’ve got options!

It’s also a great option for entertaining. Serve in endive boats or in mini glasses with a mini wooden fork. OR serve as a salad or side for buffet or sit down dinner.

However you decide to serve this, ENJOY because it’s delish!

Red and White Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

[adapted from New York Times]

PRINT Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup white (original) quinoa
• 1/2 cup red quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice or lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 6-8 scallions, white part and light green sections, finely chopped
• 1 red or orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

Optional – not necessary for all. . .before cooking, rinse the quinoa (white & red) thoroughly.

In a medium saucepan, add quinoa, water and 1-teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. If there’s excess water, drain through a strainer and then spoon the quinoa back into the saucepan. Let sit uncovered or with a paper towel covering for 20 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa.

To make the dressing, whisk together the lemon (or lime) juice, olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and cumin.

Transfer quinoa to a large bowl, drizzle dressing over and toss until well combined. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.

Enjoy

*Gluten-free *Dairy-free

ICON TRIBUTE: Don Cornelius Founder of Soul Train Passes away.

“Soul Train” creator and host Don Cornelius, who brought R&B into America’s living rooms with his long-running television show, committed suicide Wednesday, Los Angeles police said.

The 75-year-old Cornelius was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head about 4 a.m. in his Sherman Oaks, Calif., home, Los Angeles police said. He was pronounced dead at 4:56 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Police were called to the music impresario’s home by a report of a shooting.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of my friend, colleague and business partner,” said Grammy-winning musician/producer Quincy Jones.

“Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV, there was ‘Soul Train.’ That will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius.”

DON CORNELIUS THROUGH THE YEARS: THE "SOUL TRAIN" HOST WITH MUSIC'S BIGGEST ACTS

Cornelius had battled health problems in recent years, and endured an ugly, public divorce that followed a 2009 sentence of three years’ probation for spousal battery. His legendary television show, dubbed “The Hippest Trip in America,” presented stars like Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Barry White to a national television audience. Cornelius, with his deep voice, stylish clothes and soaring Afro, provided a hipper alternative to Dick Clark and “American Bandstand” when his show debuted on Aug. 17, 1970. The first episodes aired locally in Chicago, broadcasting from a too-small studio in the Chicago Board of Trade building. Cornelius put up $400 of his own money to produce the first show.

Don with Ms. Aretha Franklin on the show.

Diana Ross sings.

He then lured the talent to the unusual venue: the Staple Singers, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King. The show was syndicated a year later, making Cornelius a national star. Although he dropped out as host in 1993, the weekly program continued running until December 2007.

It was Clark who inspired the Chicago insurance salesman to quit his day job and get into the television: “I wanted to do a black ‘American Bandstand,’” Cornelius said in a documentary on the show.

THE SOUL TRAIN DANCERS.

Born in Chicago, Cornelius became the epitome of cool with his low-key style. He ended every broadcast by telling his audience, “We wish you peace, love ... and soooul.” The Rev. Al Sharpton recalled his first meeting with Cornelius — as a 19-year-old brought along by James Brown for a “Soul Train” appearance. “He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown, and he was a cultural game changer on a global level,” Sharpton said. “Had it not not been for Don Cornelius, we would not have ever transcended from the ‘Chitlin circuit’ to become mainstream cultural trendsetters.” The show became as much a Saturday morning staple as corn flakes and orange juice, with weekly features like the Soul Train line becoming part of pop culture.

Cornelius became a broadcasting icon. He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. Last year, a Chicago street was named in his honor at the 40th anniversary of the show’s syndication.

Rest in Peace Mr. Cornelius!

Ike and Tina Turner on Soul Train

MONDAY DELECTABLES: Spiced Pear Smoothie Recipe

A GREEN WAY TO START YOUR DAY!!

THE SPICED PEAR SMOOTHIE

When I find something I like, it’s balls to the walls, no turning back. and yes, I said it. I totally have an addictive personality......Loving healthy food keeps me loving my HEALTHY BODY!!

 Okay, I’m done.

This brings me to my new obsession...my favorite smoothie. For this month, at least. I have to credit the Guilty Kitchen for introducing me to her smoothie which then inspired this one below.

I’ll have this mid-morning or later afternoon. It’s been a daily ritual this past week.

I’d be going strong, but I’m heading out of town tomorrow. Already looking forward to it when I return, unless there’s a new one.

Let me just tell you, this is one delicious way to get in your daily greens.

Spiced Pear Smoothie

PRINT Recipe

Ingredients

• 5-6 ice cubes
• 1 cup almond milk, or milk of preference
• 1 pear, peeled and diced – about 1 cup
• 1/2 cup Kale, stems removed and cut or torn into pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• drop of vanilla extract
• pinch of stevia for added sweetness – or honey or agave

Directions

Add ice cubes and milk to your blender and pulse a few times or choose option “crush ice”. Then add in the rest of your ingredients and blend until completely smooth.

Pour yourself a big tall glass and enjoy!

Tip: Peel and chop pear(s), put them in a ziplock or airtight container and freeze. This will help make your smoothies extra cold.

Serves 1

Thursday Design Inspiration: The Creations of Eddie Ross

EDDIE ROSS TRANSFORMS A ROOM FOR SOUTHERN LIVING MAG.

First let me say that I love me some Eddie Ross. His charm, creativity, style & demeanor are a few of the things that set him apart from all of the other designers in the industry. Eddie recently transformed a master bedroom for North Carolina native Elizabeth Harris which can be seen in the upcoming issue of Southern Living. The results were nothing short of amazing considering that most of the items used in the re-design were found at a local flea market. How GREAT is that. Take a look!

Eddie with Elizabeth in front of her newly designed fireplace.

Shopping at the 127 Corridor (The WORLDS longest yard sale) in union Kentucky proved to be very successful in this transformation.

THE BEFORE PICTURE

Drab - Dated - Lifeless

THE AFTER PICTURE

Vibrant - Cozy - Elegant

Stoping at Calico Corners (fabric store) Eddie selected 2 fabrics that compliment each other well giving giving the dark room a life of its own.

Jacobean Print with a Pastel blue and green Buffalo Check brings together the feminine and masculine feel.

Adding a fresh coat of paint to the room and the remaining furniture while replacing the dingy tan carpet for a vivid white shag allows this space to become a clean white canvas. 

A GOOD STARTING POINT !

By adding canopy rails and elegant fabric panels to the four-poster bed you can create a cozy room within a room. 

By changing out the old armoire and TV for an elegant (painted) secretary desk, Eddie created a place for Elizabeth and her husband to unwind while catching up on one of there favorite novels or internet blogs ....like STYLECODE.....(wink wink)

BEFORE 

AFTER

The FIREPLACE

BEFORE

Using the fireplace as a focal point, Eddie carved out a great space for coffee and good conversation with two freshly painted chairs anchored on a choral patterned rug.  To brighten up the area antique mirror pieces were added around the fireplace. 

THE DRESSER

BEFORE

After brightening up the dresser with a little paint, a faux bamboo mirror was hung flanked by wall brackets and accessories (foo dogs) for that well traveled feel. The canister lamps were purchased for only $10 at the yard sale and revamped to add an elegant glow. (Hello..!!..AMAZING)

AFTER

Well that about wraps up another transformation by illustrious Eddie Ross here are the final before and after pictures.

I HOPE YOU WERE INSPIRED by this PROJECT,  as I was

TO MAKE EVERY DAY A BEAUTIFUL DAY!