It’s 5 days before Christmas and still no tree. Well I have the perfect solution.
Create your own tree….out of simple boxes.

All you need are boxes, wired ribbon and cool wrapping paper. Just that simple. All for a $10-$15 dollars. Do not pay for our boxes unless you have to.

Wrap and stack. How simple is that? You don’t have to worry about buying tons of ornament and lights, or cleaning up millions of pine needles, or even worst getting stuck. And most of all everything is recyclable. Christmas is now saved!

On a Thursday December 1, I met one of my idols, David Tutera — celebrity wedding planner and star of WE tv’s MY FAIR WEDDING – hosted an intimate dinner with local Chicago press at Devon Seafood Grill. Tutera was in town promoting the fifth season of his popular show, in which he gives everyday brides the wedding makeover of their dreams. We dined on scallops and salmon, while previewing an upcoming episode. All Attendees were given a DVD copy of the best of MFW — Weddings WE Love: My Fair Wedding with David Tutera – and a rhinestone pin from Bridal Collection by David Tutera. To cap off the night, one lucky guest – NBC Chicago’s Pam Oliver – walked away with a diamond watch from David’s jewelry line at Sears. “I have the greatest job in the world,” said Tutera during the post-screening Q&A. “I get to be a part of the happiest day of people’s lives.”

…..And he made me happy that day. He has such a warm spirit, very down to earth. David and his work has been such an inspiration to me and it was such an honor to meet him. That night was my confirmation that I am 100% on the right track.

MY FAIR WEDDING with DAVID TUTERA airs Sunday nights at 9/8c on WE tv! Visit the show at http://www.wetv.com/shows/my-fair-wedding.

Click To view video from that night

Who doesn’t love a good game, especially with your family? Let’s add some good ole fashion fun back to our homes. No need to pull out any board games. In the land of iPhones and iPads I found some great games that can be played with the entire family during this holiday season.

Family Fued and The Price is Right. Both are FREE! or $4.99.

These games will bring back so many memories. Who doesn’t remember watching these games with a bowl of cereal or snack screaming at the top of of our lungs the answers at the television? The free version is just as good as the upgrade. The $4.99 version allows you to create avatars and customize your game. But who needs all of that? That is for people with a little more time on their hands. My suggestion is to get the free version and call it a day.

Reverse Charades FREE!

If you love to see your family clowning around, then this game is perfect. Instead of one person acting out for the team, everyone on the team acts out for other teams, and it’s fast paced. Great game to get the active after all that eating.

FindIt 2 $1.99

This is a game of difference. You are given several mirrored pictures and you have to guess what is different in each. Definitely a great game the family can play as a team but make sure everyone has their glasses on. Your eyes will get tired.

And for the kids, Where’s Waldo in Hollywood. $2.99. One of the most popular difference games out there. Same rules apply for the FindIt game but certainly more kid-friendly.

All of these games can be found at the Apple App Store. Download and let the games begin!

I can’t pretend to like music that everyone else like. I’ve checked out on mainstream music. While driving, I have the urge to reach through the radio, take the artist’s album, ball it up, and throw it back in their face.

I realized early on that most people think the music I dig is weird. But who cares!The artists I listen to don’t fit into neosoul (which was just R&B anyway, right?), hip hop, rock or any other neat category. It’s what I’m listening to while I’m cooking, creating a haute design layout or hosting a great dinner party with close friends and family.

These artists are innovative. We share a kindred spirit.

So here is the Flavor In My Ear right now.. Vol 2

KING : The Story EP                     Released March 1, 2011

Such a cute, fun little EP. These three talented young ladies really stole my heart with this project. They quickly have become an overnight sensation to all underground music lovers and fellow musicians. I heard my neighbor playing this EP on replay for days straight and I wasn’t even mad at her. This EP only contains 3 songs but each song has been made to perfection, and I don’t usually say that for most musical projects. Each song is well written and executed just right. You can tell these are real musicians. The second song on the EP, Supernatural, has a great Steve Wonder vibe to it. Great chord progressions and a build up that will leave you feeling magical by the end of the song. An all girl group writing great material and singing their asses off. Yippy! I can’t wait to hear more from these ladies. GET MUSIC

EMILY KING : SEVEN EP            Release July 12, 2011

This EP literally snuck up on me. I had no clue about this EP until my husband introduced it onto the house IPod. I was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed all 7 tracks of it. The best cut on the album is Georgia. A timeless song, it made me instantly ask “Who is this girl and why haven’t I heard of her yet”? Her breathy, soft voice lay perfectly over each track. This album is perfect for a drive through the country side or cooking a good meal paired with a fabulous wine. Not overly produced, mixed, and mastered just right.  Beautiful lyrics. Just good, genre less music. I needed that. Thank You Emily! GIMMIE MUSIC

Muhsinah: GONE EP – FREE DOWNLOAD!

My girl Muhsinah is back with a new EP titled Gone. She went a totally different direction with this project. Some tracks may sound a little mainstream (like something from the Gossip Girl soundtrack) but I still dug it. This could be the EP that crosses her. Good for her if that’s what she wants. What is cool about this EP is that 3 songs have alternate versions. Kinda cool. It wasn’t until I looked at the titles and realized that I kept hearing the same hooks repeating on certain songs. DOWN to 1 and STOP are the best songs on the EP. Genius. Talk about getting amped up! Great work out music. When I hear these two songs I just want to sprint. The guitar rift on STOP is just delightful. Killed it. Overall I’m pleased. I didn’t expect any less from her. I’m just happy to finally hear something new from her. I don’t like to see any of my favorite artists away for too long. DOWNLOAD

Little Dragon: Ritual Union       Released July 25, 2011

Little Dragon, what are thinking when you write these cuts? Genius.

I expect nothing but greatness from this group. Once again they showed up and showed out on their third album. That’s what they do. They make good music. They had me from the first track ,titled Ritual Union. Refreshing and new. When they drop a new album, time stops for me. Tracks like Crystalfilm and When I Go Out literally stole my heart and soul. Even though it doesn’t compare to there first self titled album, it’s still great. If you’re not familiar with Little Dragon you can get this album and still really enjoy it, especially if you like good quality music.

Also they are awesome live. When this band comes to your city, please go and see them. It could easily be one of the best shows you will see that year. RELEASE THE DRAGON

THUNDERCAT: The Golden Age of Apocalypse                                     Released Aug 2011

Thunder, thunder, thundercat Hoooooo!

That damn THUNDERCAT made the hell out of this album. This is the album that made me want to write this post. I was inspired. I saw bright colors and tasted sweetness on my taste buds. I kept hearing his name being mentioned amongst my industry friends so I found him and that was all she wrote.

I put on my Cheetara outfit on and rode this THUNDERCAT wave. Let’s fight. I got your back. This album is soooo flipping fun. Co-produced by Flying Lotus, who I dig totally, this album is a music lovers dream. You can taste how organic this album is, like tasting earth from a vegetable coming from the ground. On certain tracks such as For Love I Come I could tell this brotha played bass from the arrangement. It’s mostly instrumental with very little singing. I respect that. The songs are pretty short. For the best experience just turn it on, don’t look at the time and enjoy. This album will be my theme music for this fall. Had to throw on the Cheetara outfit and everything! Yep, I grew whiskers and a tail listening to THUNDERCAT. Trust me just this one time, you are going to love it. NEED MUSIC NOW

Ok…now take the time to listen to these artists and leave a comment on the blog about what you think. Was I right or wrong? I want to know.

Ciao till the next hot album.

Erika AKA ErockaJ

1. The Churro Factory 2214 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL 60608 in Pilsen. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. This has to be one of the most dangerous sweet shops in Chicago. Hot churros and funnel cakes made fresh everyday… all day…unreal. They have special fillings each day and my favorite is the Nutella on Tuesdays. Can you say Yum! www.churrofactory.com

2. Jimmy Jams Sweet Potato Pies 1844 W. 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643 in Beverly. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. All I can say is Sweet Potato Cupcakes! So rich.. so fabulous. just right.  The name itself sounds interesting but once you taste it..Hooked. Amazing!

3. Zberry Frozen Yogurt 1368 1/2 E. 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 in Hyde Park. Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. I am in love with this place. It is my guilty pleasure. Sweet and tasty frozen yogurt, great topping, and .45 an ounce price brings me in this place at least once a week. It’s good for you and it tastes soooo good. The cake batter flavor is out of sight. It’s the perfect base to add any toppings. Give it a swirl.. you’ll be happy you did. www.myzberry.com

But I am a really big fan of Earth Hour which will be held this year on March 26, 2011, which is tomorrow from 8:30-9:30pm. Earth Hour which I try my best to make my personal earth day, really helps me to reflect on how we can live our lives more green. How we can for at least one hour, take time to reflect on her, Mother Earth.

It’s amazing to reflect on how only over 20 years ago we didn’t have computers in every home, everyone didn’t have cellphones embedded to their ears and Ipods in their hands. Life was much simpler. We either stayed home and waited patiently or anxiously for a phone call or to come home to hear that awesome message on our answering machines or voicemail which was high tech back then.

I sometimes wish we could hit a rewind button and go back to those days but I can’t. All I can do is look back on those memories and try to find a way in this modern day and  technology to make things simpler again. And I found it. TURN IT OFF. Turn off the phone, TV, Computer and anything that can get your attention.  Don’t have it on if you are not using it.  Give yourself a break and unplug out of the matrix.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Earth Hour.

Take a bath by candlelight.

Go outside and look at the moon and stars. Get some fresh air.

Talk to your husband, wife, kids, who ever is in your house by candlelight. Tell stories, reminisce, or play games. Have drinks and snacks. But make sure you prepare your snacks prior to earth hour you need to use electricity.

Pray or Meditate by candlelight.

Whatever you do.. do it by candlelight. The earth will be glad you took some quality time out for her.

To learn more about earth hour visit. www.earthhour.org

Szechwan Chicken

3lbs of boneless chicken breast

1 green pepper

2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon of ginger (can substitute ginger powder)

2 tablespoon of hoisin sauce

3 tablespoon of szechwan chili sauce

2 teaspoon of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

2 dried red chilies

1-2oz of non salted cashews.

2 tablespoon of stir fry oil or vegetable oil.

Black Pepper to taste

Add the 2 dried red chilies to a bowl of cold water. You want to hydrate for 10 minutes before you cut them. Cut to small size.

Cut the green peppers to a medium size. You do not want them to be cut finely. Dice the garlic and fresh ginger finely and place to the side.

Chop the chicken breast into small bite size pieces. Add black pepper to the chicken.

Once your wok is nice and hot, add in 1 tablespoon of oil and the chicken breast. Cook for 7 minutes or until the chicken turns pale. Take the chicken out and place into a bowl and set aside. Don’t turn off the stove.

Add in the other tablespoon of oil, garlic, ginger, green peppers, chilies, and cashews to the wok. Add more black pepper if you want. Stir continuously for 3 minutes and add the chicken back in.  Stir for 5 minutes or so.  Add in the soy, sesame oil, hoisin, and schezwan chili sauces into the mix and let it heat for 2 minutes.

Serve immediately. Serves 4

Bilal

Airtight’s Revenge

This album is one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time. A person with varied musical tastes will enjoy at least 9 out the 11 songs on this album. What I love about Bilal is not only his flawless vocals but that he takes risks musically. Songs like Levels gives it that mix between a Radiohead cut with super soulful vocals layered on top. This is not your average soul album and it’s nothing like his previous albums. It is not overproduced. It’s RAW. It is what music lacks these days. You will laugh, cry, and reflect. It is an emotional rollercoaster that you won’t want to get off of. GET MUSIC

COULTRAIN/SEYMOUR LIBERTY

GodMustBeABoogieMan and The Adventures of Seymour Liberty

Fabulous!!! A breathe of fresh air. The man with two names is absolutely fabulous. GodMustBeABoogieMan has to be one of the best EP’s I’ve heard in a long time. If you have never heard of him, GodMustBeABoogieMan is a great introduction. The EP is divided into three segments, A Prince’s Departures, A Roof Top Experience, and A Charlatan’s Return, which will take you on a whirlwind of happiness. Interludes filled with letters and jazz samples help tell a story. And to top it off.. it’s a FREE DOWNLOAD!!! Yippie!

I needed more from this artist so I tracked down his previous album, The Adventures of Seymour Liberty. I fell in love all over again. Very well written songs, lyrics with great arrangements and appropriate samples. It is the perfect equation for a great album. Songs like Untitled (Follow your Lead) is a song you can play everyday with no shame. Currently it is the soundtrack to my life. MUSIC NOW

Push the envelope like this artists and take the time to check them out

And Everything Nice….

I am at my best with food beautifully plated in front of me. I truly enjoy dinner parties and dining out. Over the last ten years my palate has become more global by dining at ethnic restaurants and meeting various people from different cultures.  Dining Globally can be very different, fun, and educational. Over the years, I have become a little obsessed with learning about other cultures and their dining etiquette. If you are dining out at an ethnic restaurant or someone’s home, try to learn the dining traditions from their country. It’s so rewarding.

Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you are Dining Globally:

Chinese
- Never eat or take food before the eldest person (grandparents) at the table.
- Holding your bowl of rice or food is acceptable but palm the bowl from the bottom.
-Don’t let your thumb or fingers grip the lip of the bowl.
- Don’t mix your food up with your rice. Think of the white rice as a palate cleaner. It gets you ready for your next item.
- Don’t take more than one food item at a time.

Ethiopian
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Make sure everyone has injera (a sponge like bread that is use to pick up food)
- Don’t lick or suck on your fingers. Wipe your fingers instead.
- Never reach over someone else’s hand or arm to get some food.
- Try all dishes. Don’t assume that you have to eat only the entree you ordered – this is communal eating.

French
- A French dinner often consists of a salad with vinaigrette for the starter, main course, cheese course, dessert, and coffee.
- Bread is always laid on the tablecloth not on a bread plate unless it’s a formal affair.
- At the end of your meal use a piece of bread on your fork, as a means of cleaning the plate for the next course. This is done when eating at a friend’s house, otherwise in a more formal setting, each course is served on a new plate.
- When in doubt, follow the lead of your house. When the lady of the house puts her plate in your lap you do too.
- Put your good clothes on. The French version of casual to dress up but don’t overdress.
- Don’t cut your salad. Fold the lettuce on to the fork.

Indian
- Don’t ever ask for pork or beef…you won’t get it. All Indian will not serve beef or pork. Hindus believe that the cow is a sacred animal and Muslims believe that the pig is a filthy animal. So there you go.
- You can eat anything with your hand as long as it is not messy or wet. They believe that eating is a very sensual thing and should be experienced with all the senses.
- Be prepared to go out for after dinner drinks. You most likely will not find alcohol in an Indian restaurant and if they do, the bar is very minimal.

Italian
- Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
- The host gives the first toast yet the honored guest returns the host with a toast later.
- Take a small amount of food so you can take the second helping that is guaranteed to be offered. It is ok to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
- If invited to a dinner party, bring wine or chocolate.

Japanese
- Try to eat all sushi pieces in one bite. Sushi is a wonderful work of art. You shouldn’t want to destroy the artwork.
- It is ok to drink your miso soup out of the bowl but eat the big pieces with the chopsticks.
- Serve each other when pouring alcoholic beverages. Never pour your own. And if someone wants to serve you more, quickly drink it down and hold towards that person. Don’t start drinking until everyone’s glass is poured.
- Never pour soy sauce on your white rice. Pour it in the small dish provided to you but never pour more than you will use. It is considered bad manners to waste soy sauce.

Polish
- If the host is wearing slippers, be prepared to take off you shoes.
- Always offer to help the host or hostess with anything. Out of politeness they won’t turn you down.
- Don’t ask for a tour of the house.
- Toasts will be made throughout the meal and made with vodka.
- Don’t come in your flyest clothes. Dress a little conservatively for this dinner.

Spanish
- Talk, Talk, Talk. Never let a meal go silent. Conversation is the heart of a good meal.
- The Spanish like to see your hands but keep your elbows off the table. Keep your hands visible when eating.
- You may use a small piece of bread to help push food on your fork but only do this when you are at a family affair, not in the restaurants.
- Cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife when you’re done eating.

Thai
- Thai food is to be shared. Take small portions
- Finish everything on your plate; it lets the host know you enjoyed the meal.
- Don’t look around for your knife. Your fork is your knife.
- You will rarely see chopsticks at a Thai restaurant for they do not eat with them. They will have chopsticks but you will have to ask. They have chopsticks for the people who think you are supposed to eat ALL Asian food with chopsticks.

Extra Tips:
When eating Chinese and Japanese food:
When eating soups and noodles it is ok to make some slurping noises. Eating noodles without sound in Japan and China is looked upon as weird.

Chopsticks are the main utensil used when eating Chinese and Japanese dishes. If you are getting something from a large dish, do not use the end that was in your mouth, use the top ends to push food onto your plate.

The best way to learn how to eat with chopsticks is to eat with them more often. Do it at home when you’re eating Asian dishes in the privacy of your own home. You will be a pro by the time you dine out.

Universal Tips on Etiquette
Wait to be seated when going to a dinner party. They may have a special seat for you. Once you’re seated, wait till the host gives you permission to begin eating.

French, Spanish, Polish and Jamaican (if formal) table manners are continental, meaning the fork is in the left hand and knife in the right while eating.

Break your bread into pieces before eating. You should never bite down into a piece of bread.

Always be on time if you’re going to a dinner party. No exceptions. If you know you’re going to be late, call as soon as possible.

Always take small amounts of food especially during a buffet.

Creating Fabulous
Honoring Daddy

To celebrate the great Dad in your life, I have a great idea for you. With a video camera, you can create a “docu-card” for the Man of Honor, telling him how great a job he is doing as a Father. Get creative and have fun with it. Involve his parents, siblings and friends. Have them talk about their point of view, watching him become the Father that he is. End the “docu-card” by letting the children speak about having a special Father like him. Set up the screening as family movie time after the Father’s day festivities earlier that day. He will be so surprised that you took the time to do something SO special for him. Remember it doesn’t have to perfect. You are not making this film to enter in the Cannes Film Festival, you just want to present a different way to express your thanks: something that he can keep forever.

Tip:
If you don’t have a video camera but still want to do the “docu-card,” CVS Pharmacy has a one-time use video camera for $29.99. It gives you 20 minutes of footage and you bring it back to any CVS with a 1 hour lab and they will transfer it over to DVD for you. How great is that!