FARISITA

Life is what you make it

2011-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

life is what you make it...

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/12/09/us/100000001215960/an-unexpected-debut.html

Ice Cube & Eames

2011-12-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

the smiths

2010-06-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

the smiths

are you kidding me!? HELLA CUTE... by far, the freshest family in hollywood

much love, faris

dream home

2010-06-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

dream home

images and all info from NY Times, shown to me by dear friend Rach ;)

Complete with a chicken coop and fresh honey from the beehive. Contemporary yet soulfully filled mid century interiors void of sterilization (aka not something you'd see outta DWR), my dream home sit atop Little Italy making the mesmerizing NYC to an absolute fairy tale ... maybe one day ... maybe not ... at least I have my dreams

xo faris

(back from my nap:)

Nneka

2010-06-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Nneka

peace & love,

faris

colombia...

2010-02-23T00:22:00.000-08:00

colombia...

I'm back... and feeling kind of bitter sweet. I had intentions of updating this thing while I was traveling but I couldn't reason the amount of time it takes me to post something while there. Sorry, deepest apologize. I had an amazing time, duh. I took time off work to visit dear friends in Bogota I MISS YOU NATY & JUANK!!! The dearest friends anyone could ever have, really. The type you can spend 6 years without seeing one another and come together again and not miss a beat... and we don't even share the same first language. It felt good to speak Spanish again... I hadn't done so, so consistently since 2006... Words were a bit slow at first but my understanding was only slightly worst from where I left off. Much better than I anticipated.

During the work week, I headed to the coast sola... Another thing I hadn't done since '06, travel alone. It's liberating navigating foreign land, but I would be lying if I didn't admit my moments of loneliness. Memories are better when shared, so above are some of my memories to share with you Oh that sounded so corny (Naty & Juank remember what corny means? ;)

Since Reagan, first thoughts that pop into most Americans heads' when they think of Colombia is cocaine cartel, drug lords and corruption. Now you can certainly find trouble if you're on the hunt, but if you want to strike up a conversation friendly local, indulge in well spent calories, walk cobblestone, and dance till sun soaking on the turquoise coast, Colombia maybe your place. With that being said, I think I studied too much about social inequalities to truly enjoy one place too much saturated with poor and privilege dichotomy... I guess Colombia is a land of deep juxtaposition.

It felt good to be out again. I hope to never stay in the country for that much time again... Too many beautiful things out there. Living that blessed life... Anyways y'all, I'm back, sorry about my absence, I'll try not to do it again, but I probably will...

Much love,

faris

steak, tomato romesco & the magic bullet

2010-02-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

steak, tomato romesco & the magic bullet

[TO MY ANIMAL LOVIN FRIENDS: I'm so so sorry. I love meat, and eat it very rare, moo-ing is absolutely normal. I hope it doesn't offend you nor deter you from reading the recipe for the tomato romesco because it's DELICIOUS and would be great with some tofu... 143]

My older sister, Lauren, introduced me to Mark Bittman a bit over a year ago. I adore his contributions to the NY Times in his MINIMALIST column and monitor it religiously. His style of cooking is non-intimidating and incorporates flavors from all over the world. Most importantly, his recipes are simple and don't demand the finest ingredients, he suggust them if you have them, however encourages subsitution when you don't want to leave your house ;) In addition, he includes short and charming videos to augment his writing. The following recipe is a very slight rendition of his steak with tomato romesco simply because I subsituted ingreditents I didn't have.

steak, tomato romesco & the magic bullet

1 lb. of flank or tri tip steak

1 handful of almonds I have small hands by the way ;)

1 handful of cherry or plum tomatoes you want the small ones

5 garlic cloves

1/2 lemon

2 t olive oil

2 t balsamic vinegar

1 t white vinegar I used white vinegar and balsamic vinegar because I didn't have sherry

crushed red pepper flakes to your liking

salt and pepper to taste

Rub down the steak with some salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet on high with some olive oil if you have a cast iron, it would be better, I only have steel so it'll have to do... You want it to be really really hot, so turn on the kitchen fan before your roommates start to haller at you. When you see the heat, add the seasoned steak, almonds and tomatoes to the pan. Add some more salt and pepper to the almonds and tomatoes. There will be smoke and the tomato and almonds will get blackend...you want this for a smokey flavor that will come out in your romesco. Sear this side of the meat for about 4 minutes. Flip the steak and scoop the tomatos and almonds into a blender or food processor. In my case, the magic bullet ;)

Turn the oven on broil and place the pan without the tomatoes and almonds into the oven. Broil for 7 - 12 minutes, depending on the thickness and likeness of your steak.

In the magic bullet that now holds the tomatoes and almonds add the olive oil, garlic, squeezed lemon juice, vinegar and salt to taste and blend away. You want a good gritty consistency... and there you have your tomato romesco. mmmmmmmmmm

Once steak is done, let it sit, so the juices can settle maybe about 8 minutes or so slice, and serve with your tomato romesco. Very easy, and very yummy. Tell me what you think!

ENJOY!

much love,

faris

for real??

2010-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

for real??

photos

I can't let you know how much I LOVE Kelis. I think she's fly as hell, I mean, I put her in the same vein as Aaliyah, if you know what I mean. But with that being said, we all have our moments of not-so greatness... I love you Kel, but this is one of them...

Are you for real rockin a grey rat tail, with a irodescent pink lycra/patent leather suit, the McQueen shoes and some feather lashes..? Now each of those items are relatively fly on the individual level well minus the grey rat tail, but as a collective, its a no go my lady...

More power to you for rockin some crazy ish... but I can't help but shake my head to this one.

much love,

faris

Peter Callesen

2010-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Peter Callesen

This week was the beginning of my night classes at the local city college hence why I haven't posted with such frequency, soso sorry. On Tuesday, I attended what I thought was going to be 3D Design Drawing but turned out to be simply 3D Design class. At first I was a little skeptical mainly because of the intense attendance policy but I've settled with excitement that it's not just another drawing course. Through the semester we will be using a variety of mediums to create 3D art. Our first medium: Paper.

Via our first lesson, I learned to Peter Callesen. His work is world renowned so I feel that many people may already be aware of who he is, however it's my first introduction.

Most of his work simply uses A4 paper which is in between letter and legal. With the most simple medium, he's been able to transform paper something we can all relate to into something magical. His themes are laced with romanticism and tragedy, givin you that "ah-huh" and "how the hell did you do that" sensation. What's even more amazing and not to mention sustainable he only uses the paper that he cuts out for the shadow to construct his 3D forms. Pretty cool, huh?

Anyways, thanks for reading. I'm new to this blog world and love receiving all your feedback and the flattery that comes with ;)

much love and until next time,

farisita

buttery lentils

2010-01-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

buttery lentils

Lentils are one of those foods that I crave. They're a great way to get your dosage of legumes without the hassle of soaking PLUS the texture has me hooked. Here's a simple recipe that's a great starter that you can always build upon.

buttery lentils Mmmmmmmm

2 1/2 cups of dried brown lentils

3 carrots

1 shallot

1/2 stick of butter

2 T of olive oil approximation... you may use more

1/2 lemon

1 T balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar

salt & pepper to taste

Throw the lentils and a pot and cover them with water, about 1 inch above the legume line. Add some salt about 1t & olive oil in about 1T and bring to a boil. Once boiling, place on low and cover you're gonna cook these for about 35-40 minutes, until tender... make sure you don't over cook because it becomes mushy You may have to add water while they cook, so check on them every 10 minutes or so.

While lentils are cooking, slice up the shallots. Melt the butter in a pan big enough to hold all the lentils because you'll be adding them in later and throw the shallots in with a dash of salt and olive oil. Saute on medium/low...about 10 minutes. Chop up the carrots, and throw into the sautéed shallots towards the end of the 10 minutes.

Once lentils are tender, strain out the water and add them to the shallot/butter/carrot pan. Mix it all up the burner should be on low. Make sure that all the beans are covered with the shallot butter. Take off the heat, squeeze the 1/2 lemon over the lentils, mix in the vinegar, and add salt & pepper to taste, you might want some extra olive oil too.

And that's it.

with love & a full belly,

farisita

soggy toes

2010-01-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

soggy toes

It was just one of dem days today. Stormin like Seattle here in California, I was rushing like crazy to work due to my heavy thumb hitting the snooze twenty too many times and got the splash n drive up my hip, which wasn't all that bad since I was soaked through and through already, I conveniently forgot an umbrella. All I could do was laugh, and the dude behind me shared the giggle. It was funny minus the soggy toes...

I'll be back at it tomorrow. Much love y'all,

farisita

martha davis SS10

2010-01-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

martha davis ss10

Martha Davis is to die for...

I was tempted to post all of her SS10, but didn't want to overwhelm visually, check her collection out here

Relatively new to the fashion scene but no stranger to good design & the importance of quality construction Made in Italy at the same factories of Cholé and Chanel & Martha is a former industrial designer. Martha Davis never fails to twist contemporary styles into timeless treasures that make you feel elegant and fly simultaneously. Most definitely a designer to watch, so take a look now and keep your ears to the street, you'll be hearing about her soon.

much love,

farisita

saturday farmer's market

2010-01-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

saturday farmer's market

overalls: thrifted Levi's, wife beater: Hanes, cardigan: Old Navy, shoes: Converse, sunglasses: vintage YSL, purse: NYC boutique...can't remember

I love going to the farmers market. It's just one of those optimistic places that lifts my spirits. Not that I was down or anything, but I was definitely feeling last night's toxins. Anything to distract the temple pound is a good thing. Me and my girl, Hilary many of my photos courtesy of her, rolled thru to pick up some veggies for the week and a humble bbq. Selection is kind of slim this time of the year, but I was able to find some yummy beets, chard, satsumas, cauliflower & radishes.

We headed back to the house and made a feast: mini corndogs made by hil, sooo good, bbq chicken, beet orange salad, cauliflower ... etc ... and we capped it off with a backyard fire. It was a good day.

sweet dreams y'all,

farisita

happy friday

2010-01-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

happy friday

lunch break

sunpeek at kellan's farm

laundry day

fish cake with cheese

django being silly

osso bucco & tony's cauliflower

hey! let's have sex!! ♥

back to work...

kick off your shoes and relax your feet... happy friday!

much love,

farisita

haiti

2010-01-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

haiti

photos courtesy of NY Times

Looking over the Port-au-Prince Bay, hillsides of once humble homes now lay as ruins of concrete. An earthquake with a magnitude of no mercy has buried everyone - from UN workers and the Parliament to the most impoverished communities of the world. An estimated ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND HUMANS have lost their lives.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, by a severe margin. Four out of five people live in poverty and more than half in abject poverty. Prior to Tuesday's earthquake, aid was greatly needed. Now, even more so.

If you have some bucks to spare, be it by cooking at home for the eve or resisting tempting purchases, Haiti can use it.

Technology has simplified donations. You can text "Yele" to 501501, which will donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund donations will be charged to your cell phone bill, or you can click here.

Anything helps. Do it for Teddy.

RIP Teddy P

Sorry for the sad post but we need to reflect on what's wrong in order to celebrate what's right.

xoxo

farisita

asian fried eggplant

2010-01-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

fried eggplant asian style

My eggplant had to be cooked up tonight it was starting to look not so good. It can be a tricky vegetable for me. I often create a mushy platter however there seems to be two solid ways that come out consistently: grilling and frying. Since its a tid bit nippy and I'm not tryin to light up the grill, I fried some eggplant and made an asian sweet soy sauce for dipping you can surely find better ingredients for the dipping sauce, but I'm going with what I had

fried eggplant asian style

2 Japanese Eggplants

3 C Panko japanese bread crumbs, can be found at ANY asian market

1 C Flour

1 T Corn Starch
1 t Salt
6 C Peanut Oil or Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil
3 eggs

1 C Low Sodium Soy Sauce I always like to use low sodium because you can increase saltyness but not take it away
1/4 C Ketchup
1/3 C Sugar
1 T Rice Vinegar
Sriracha to taste

Go ahead and chop up the eggplant into 1/2 inch pieces and put aside. Combine Panko, Flour, Corn Starch and Salt on a flat dish. In a separate bowl beat the eggs.

Dip the eggplant pieces into the egg, after soaked, dredge in Panko mixture, once breaded, put on a separate dish, they are ready to be fried. Everyone has their different assembly line system, I prefer to make about 6 at a time. Continue this process until all the eggplant is breaded.

If you have a iron pan, great, if not, any old sauce pan will work fine. My dutch oven was occupied with some coconut chicken so I just used a regular pan. :) Because I'm not completely submerging my eggplant in oil, but rather I cooking them a side at a time, I like to heat 2 cups of oil at a time. Heat up it up on high, and when hot enough you can tell by sprinkling a little of the panko in the pan and it'll sizzle start frying them up! Again, I like to do about 6 - 8 at a time. I fry them until they're golden on one side and flip them until they're golden on the other if you check out the pictures below, it makes more sense, I think... Fry them all up and place them on some paper towels to soak up the excess oil.

For the sauce: stir up all the ingredients into a small sauce pan on med-high and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, let it cool down and you have yourself some yummy sauce.

Frying can be intimidating, but it's super simple and very yummy... ENJOY!

with love and a full belly,

farisita

luscious ladies

2010-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

luscious ladies

I'm sure many of you have seen pictures from the upcoming V magazine's size issue due to hit stands Jan 14th. It is groundbreakingly marvelous and about time ladies that aren't scared to occasionally indulge in one of life's greatest pleasures, not to mention necessity of life, FOOD.

Myself being on the opposite spectrum, standing just below the 5' but above 4' 11" and having played soccer all my life sculpting thick thighs and a round derrière, I longed for a "model" figure. Their clothes always drape well no worries on tummy or thigh cling-ege or stubby leg syndrome. I'm sure they've never had hem a pair of pants or duct tape their pants under until they bring 'em to a tailor, but that's always procrastinated until pants are essentially ruined. And when they want to check out their favorite artist perform live, they can see no getting stuck behind that stubborn sweaty man that towers - by a foot - and refuses to let you in front of him even though there is NO WAY you could ever block his lanky ass even with your 5" Platforms. ugh.

Ultimate envy.

That is until J-Lo hit the scene as a Fly Girl and 'Shorty' became the subject of every top 40, club banger not that I actual listen to that ish on my own...only in the club and on the radio ;)

Since then, I've learned about proportions when dressing, taught myself how to sew, and rush to the front if I can't get backstage.

Long story short, I LOVE what I've seen so far of V mag's size issue.

Girls, embrace those curves, there's is nothing more feminine! And Shorties, just remember, we got more to choose from ;)

Pictures from V Magazine; Styled by Nicola Formichetti aka Lady Gaga's style mastermind

much love,

farisita

Support Local Artist!

2010-01-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

Support Local Artist!

It starts in 3 hours, so it's a little tardy for this one, but if you're in the Seattle area head over to Georgetown and say what's up to Jesse for me. He's a dear friend of my sis's and an inspiring and humble self-taught artist.

Also hailing from the 206 but showing in the 415, a dear and old friend Miles Stemper, has an art opening this Saturday at the Gray Area Foundation For The Arts (GAFFTA) in the TL.
55 Taylor St. San Francisco, CA 94102

6pm - Midnight

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTIST!

xo farisita

roasted chicken n grapes

2010-01-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

roasted chicken n grapes

I came home tonight and wanted something comfy in my tummy. Again, too lazy to go to the store, I peeped my fridge to see what was available. hmmm... chicken, grapes... arugula, spinach, avocado... buttery yellow dutch taters, shallots... and lots of rice jasmine, short, long, brown, you name it, I love rice oh, and wine, lots of wine too.

I'm a big fan of mixing up meat and fruit... easy way to balance a savory dish wish sweetness. So how about chicken and grapes...? Here you go:

Chicken n Grapes

4 lbs of Chicken be it a whole chicken or pieces, it just so happened I had 6 legs

1 lb of grapes that's definitely an estimate, use your best judgement

5 shallots I LOVE shallots, I think they go with everything, you can us less if you'd like

2 cups of white wine I had some 2 buck chuck, pinot grigio to donate... wine purist puke if you will

6 sprigs of thyme I love thyme too...

salt & pepper to taste

olive oil

Preheat your oven to 400 F

Chop the shallots length-wise in forths, strip the thyme sprigs leaving a few shot springs is fine, and separate the grapes.

Toss them all in a bowl with some olive oil and put to the side.

Salt, pepper and olive oil your chicken, rub it good.

If you have a dutch oven, great!, if not, just a big pan just make sure that it'll fit all the chicken n grapes in will do. Heat up the pan with some olive oil and fry the outers of the rubbed chicken until it is ideally crisp and golden I'm always impatient so golden is fine for me :) you may need to do 2 or 3 batches depending on your pan.

Once golden, add in the grape mixture to the pan.

Try and evenly disperse the fruit and chicken in other words, don't have all the chicken be at the bottom and all the grape mixture be at the top.

Pour in wine, cover it up and pop it in the oven

Let cook for 1 hr - 1.5 hrs.

While you wait, balance your nutrients and makes some sides.

I'm also a big believer in letting your meat sit for a minute about 10 is good so all the juices stay in as much as possible. Plate the chicken and scoop ladle the yummy juices and grapes in a separate bowl to enjoy while eating if you throw it away, you're a fool, this is the best part!

I served it with Dutch potatoes & shallots, arugula-spinach-avocado salad, and some rice it soaks up the best part so good

Enjoy my friends did!

with love and a full belly,

farisita

new year's anthem: shine blockers

2009-12-31T17:51:00.000-08:00

new year's anthem: shine blockers

Big Boi Ft. Gucci Mane - Shine Blockas (Official Video) from SNORT THIS TV on Vimeo.

Just gettin ready for the eve right now and have this on repeat so I wanted to share it. Black eyed peas are on the stove (I'll post the recipe if it turned out good), champagne is ready to be popped, and I'm thinkin I may have to recycle my fit from Evan's holiday party... except maybe with some giuseppe heels on!

Join the celebration and play this joint on repeat, HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!!!

much love,

farisita

happy holidays

2009-12-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

happy holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It flew by, stomping on the way

2009-12-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

It flew by, stomping on the way

Record attendance (estimated 1.2 million people) welcome our new first family into office

Tension between Israelis and Palestinians continue as Israel invades Gaza, again

Iran opposes their election results in large numbers

Swine Flu takes our world by storm

The King of Pop passes on

The Philippines flood, killing more than 600 people

I wonder if we'll have a white Christmas in Seattle... NYC will.

New York Times presents The Year in Pictures . Above were my most heart-felt/wrenching moments. I was tempted to post all while sifting through them.
There's so much tension in the air, I'm excited to toast in the new year--I think I've already mentioned that a few times.
much love,
farisita

way too young

2009-12-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

way too young...

RIP B Murphy

farisita

tutu

2009-12-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

1st Grade Career Day: My older sister rummaged through my mom's suits and grabbed my pop's briefcase posing to be a lawyer. I opted for my florescent spandix, white leo and turquoise tutu. I wanted to be a ballerina soooo bad. Still kinda do but I'll settle for a tutu at this point.

Trying to up my craftiness and looking at life through some serious budget goggles, I'm gonna try and DIM it -- do it myself. Wish me luck, I'll be sure to post some creation photos when I'm done.

xo farisita

from left to right: HANNELI, Valentino, Toga, tfs

Gangsta's Life

2009-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

what's making me move right now...

I'm livin life far from a gangsta, yet I can't help but feel fresh when I listen to this joint. Nothing like a little Nipsey Hussle and Snoop Dogg in the morning to get you dressed.

xoxo farisita

RIP I.D.

2009-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

RIP I.D.

ugh, this is so sad.

Added to the casualty list of 2009: I.D. magazine. A publication that has inspired so many including myself. The mag came up in conversation at last night's bday/dinner party. Their design review deadline was at midnight and a friend-of-a-friend's project was taking a while to upload for entrance so he had to leave early. It all spawned the praise by the party-goers of those great venues that reach out to the aspiring.

I guess this whole blog thing is bittersweetness. It's enabled anyone with discipline to share thoughts but in transition has killed some material romanticism... But you can't place blame on anything this year, it's been a crazy ride and I can't wait for 2010. I have one of those tummy-pleasing-sweet-in-the-back-of-the-throat type of feelings. I guess we'll see.
Anyways, RIP I.D. You'll be missed.

xo farisita

keds x opening ceremony

2009-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

keds x opening ceremony

Grandma Audrey gave me my first pair of keds. They were purple ~~vinyl?... i think...~~ definitely purple though. Anyways, long story short, keds are an all time classic and oh so comfy.

Right now, everyone seems to be creating their own rendition or collabing with the classic company. I just got a glance at these Opening Ceremony pony hair edition and thought they were pretty fly. I might just have to update my black canvas ones -- lord knows I need to with all those scuff marks.

much love,

farisita

welcome back, SADE

2009-12-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

welcome back, SADE

After a 9 year hiatus, Sade, the queen of all queens, is back! Her entire album is set to release in February 2010, but here's her single -- Soilder of Love.

Welcome back, Sade! & thank you!

farisita

2009-11-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

gobble

Feels good to be home for the holidays. The family just moved into a new house, one my parent's have been working on for some time now. Being born in the house prior, it's a little strange coming home to a new pad. But they kept all the mid-century classics I grew up with (barcelona tables, eames lounge & credenza, saarinen tulip bed stands, etc...), so at times it just feels like a fresh paint job, a REALLY nice fresh paint job.

The feast steamed up the flat. Turkey was moist and golden, mash potatoes were oh so creamy and the brussel sprouts rocked my world (most likely because bacon was involved). My aunt made her sticky rice and cousin brought over salmon -- the cliche is true, no Seattle feast is complete without it. We ate mango pudding and marscarpone cake to celebrate me and my uncle's early-birthday and drowled over the newest baby, Lucianna. It all felt really good. Not one of those forced family gatherings. We really love each other, and I am very thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

love, farisita

sessy gloves

2009-11-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

SESSY gloves

Fall is finally coming in San Francisco. Our Indian summer still shines but mis deditos are beginning to freeze on my morning ride to work. In celebration of the season change, I purchased some new sessy gloves. They're not exactly riding gloves, but they're so pretty and match my red vintage bianchi too well.

I'm going to miss this ride when I move over to the East Bay but your girl needs some space to touch her toes... I hear there's a $1 bike shuttle that'll take you from MacArthur to Transbay, which I'll look into further because BART won't let you take your bike on during the only times you need to. BART is a perfect example on how NOT to do public transportation. Be it it's $7 round-trip daily expense to the carpet flooring and cloth seating -- I don't even want to know what's in there, ugh.

That's it for now, much love,

farisita

I GOT MY VANS ON

2009-10-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

i got my vans on but they look like sneakers

Happy Day!

I really wish I could embed the video, but check it out here

much love, farisita

MISS BADU

2009-09-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

MISS BADU

Apologies for the poor image. I was limited to my iphone and most likely shaking from excitement. But I had to share it, last night I saw ERYKAH BADU!!!

My adoration for her is well known. I think all my closest girlfriends from high school know the ENTIRE Mama's Gun album as it was the only tape I owned (that is after D'angelo's Voodoo was found smashed on the street outside my house -- whoops).

Anyways, beats were BANGIN'!!! I sang along to every classic cut and she sneak peeked her new Cannabinoids joints. Not to mention mama was rockin some fly overalls with YSL black patent leather booties! (you can peep them if you look close... oooo weeee!)

I'm still excited and will be riding off that one for a minute.

much love, farisita