"Searching for Sugar Man"

I attended a movie screening of "Searching for Sugar Man". The story behind the music and the mystery behind this man is absolutely incredible: a moving film about a musician who was discovered in the '60's only to seemingly fall off the face of the Earth. However, a recording of his music somehow made its way to South Africa, and despite the fact that noone knew of "Sugar Man's" whereabouts "for decades", his music was a phenomenon -- "as big as the Beatles".

With Rodriguez a.k.a. "Sugar Man"

at NARAS event

Sony Building, NYC

I had the honor of meeting the myth himself. I was completely captivated by the manner in which he spoke; how humble he is, despite all his success and recognition in South Africa, but what I really admire most is how kind he seems in spite of his music career and parts of his life being on the "B side", so to speak, for many years.

He is a prolific songwriter (self-described "musical political" and I'm an even bigger fan once he mentioned supporting President Obama!). I want you to see the film and appreciate the way the story unfolds the way I have. This movie re-iterates the power of music, and that love and music transcends boundaries.

I'm grateful that Craig Bartholomew-Strydom (who wrote the article "Looking for Rodriguez") and Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman (who was "involved in the re-discovery of Rodriguez and his subsequent re-emergence, and co-runs Sugarman.org, the official Rodriguez website") had the passion and dedication to seek out Sugar Man and bring his story back-to-life!

"Sometimes a fantasy is better kept alive" ~ Eva Rodriguez, his daughter

Also special thanks to the Recording Academy, Matt Sullivan (Co-founder, Light in the Attic Records) and Adam Block (President, Legacy Records at Sony Music Entertainment) for organising and hosting such a great event.

Click here to find out where the film's showing near you and check out his website for more info.

Before the movie screening, Rodriguez was on the David Letterman show...see a clip of the living legend below...

NARS lip gloss!

Usually I have MAC attack but every once in a while I fall in love with something new; this time it's NARS lip gloss!



NARS Lip Gloss - Giza

The lip color I'm feeling at the moment is Giza. It's creamy but not sticky which I like (side eye - ha!) and they have other interesting shades like Downtown, Misbehave, Pillow Talk and Orgasm! Check it out and see if you find a color your into!

Kudos to Keshorn !

Keshorn Walcott

Olympic gold medalist from Trinidad

(Google image)



Today Trinidad and Tobago celebrate a national holiday in honor of Keshorn Walcott, the 19 yr old who won the Olympic gold medal in the Men's Javelin Finals this year.

At first I thought it was just another excuse for Trinis to have a holiday (hey Trinis are notorious for wanting a holiday for everything; even if they sneeze too much lol) but all jokes aside, I'm glad they are paying homage to Keshorn for all his hard work and dedication, and for putting Trinidad in high regard on our World map.

I read an article which said Trinidad is known for its "cricket, doubles and annual Carnival" and although it was probably meant to poke a little fun at the twin-island, Keshorn Walcott is a great reminder that there is so much more to the country.

Keshorn is the 2nd gold medalist for T&T, the first being Hasely Crawford, who won the 100 m final in 1976. In addition to the holiday and a motorcade throughout his hometown of Toco, Keshorn is being gifted with a home, money (a million dollars I heard?) and a scholarship to UTT (the University of Trinidad and Tobago).

Congrats Keshorn Walcott!

"The dangers of a single story"

My friend, Ana, shared this video with me and I think it's so powerful; I HAD to share with you.
Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete."

~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Spice Thai Cuisine

I probably shouldn't mention this little treasure nestled in the heart of Bloomfield (NJ), but good things are meant to be shared (well, sometimes! lol).
My friend, Ana, took me to dinner at Spice Thai Cuisine for my birthday, and the food's so delicious! The chicken dumplings are yum, and don't be deterred by the name "Spice" because they DO have items on the menu which are not spicy at all!

For dessert, we tried the Fried Purple Yam ice cream; the name sounds crazy and it looks radioactive in the pic (below) but trust me when I say it's delish (and the portion's enough for two!)

Fried Purple Yam icecream

@Spice Thai Cuisine, Bloomfield

"Treasure your relationships, not your possessions" ~ Anthony J D'Angelo

Tiramisu Cheesecake

from Top's Diner, Newark NJ

THANKS to everyone for such warm wishes on my birthday! Well-wishes started pouring in last Friday and a week later it continues! That could only be classified as LOVE!!!

I had a fantastic birthday weekend and as I received all those beautiful messages from family and friends etc I am so thankful!

This week on Twitter I saw this message, "Treasure your relationships, not your possessions" ~ Anthony J D'Angelo...and I thought how apropos! It states EXACTLY how I feel about the people who have passed through my life and those who remain. I have learned something from each person and situation, and for that in itself, I am grateful!

So yes, I am still accepting presents, matter of fact I accept those all year (ha!) but I want you to know I appreciate YOU!
Much Love,
Mandy