MIKE SHINODA, JOE HAHN (LINKIN PARK) & JOSH MADDEN

I am not playing ya’ll. I’m living up to at least one of my resolutions to be social and attend things…instead of clinging to my couch and laptop.

Last night my friend MR. RICKEY KIM invited me to a dinner for LINKIN PARK at the THOMPSON HOTEL, followed by a small after-party at REED SPACE. Despite it being a bone-slicing cold outside, I hung out. It was fun – check it!

Apparently the food at the Thompson Hotel is amazing and while everyone was eating delicious Japanese dishes and sushi, I was feasting on…

Yep. Mouth watering and delectable hot water and lemon. I’m so mad my juice cleanse coincided with this amazing (and free) dinner at the Thompson. Oy vey.

MR. RICKEY KIM & DR. JOSH MADDEN

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I left the dinner a little early to get a head start to the party that was happening around the corner at REED SPACE.

JOSH MADDEN went in on some EVE, TUPAC and a little MC HAMMER. The music was #TOOLEGITTOQUIT

DJ HUGGY BEAR

ERIKA PEREZ rocking that old school Supreme. What you know about that?!

ERIKA PEREZ & ROSIE PEREZ

MARCUS TROY & WILLIAM YAN

BROOKLYN GIN. Can’t comment on what it tasted like since I’m on a cleanse, but I will say that the bottle is fantastico!

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The End!

Hope all my fellow East-Coasters are keeping warm in this wretched weather!

xo, va$htie.

If you’re a regular here at Vashtie.Com, then you probably know I’m into Juice Cleanses and have been for some years. As a student of life who is interested in increasing vitality and longevity, I’ve found that juicing is an integral part of life.

You may be asking: “Why sweet Vashtie? Why on earth would you not eat and only drink juice?”

My answer: “Well Baby Bubba, I juice every few months to give my body a break from food so that instead of my body constantly having to break down food and toxins – it can turn it’s attention to my body and work out whatever ailments or possible ailments might arise. You know that “itis” feeling we all get after eating? Yeah, that’s your body basically shutting down because it’s working in overdrive to breakdown whatever genius meal we decided to throw down our throats. Anyways, other folks do it for other reasons…spiritual, weight loss, etc. If you do it right, you’ll drink the amount of calories you need while giving your system a break from an overload of toxins – like; alcohol, sugar, dairy, meat, processed foods, etc.”

Really, if you need to know why to do a juice cleanse – just watch “FAT SICK & NEARLY DEAD”. Seriously. It could save your life or a friend or family member’s life!!!

I personally don’t have the discipline to juice all the juices myself, I mean who does. This is exactly why I love BLUE PRINT CLEANSE. Their motto says “WE THINK YOU DRINK” and it’s true. They broke down the science for you, so all you have to do is twist open a cap and drink your designated juice at the designated time you are supposed to. It’s really that easy! You can also pick your level of expertise.

I go in the middle with FOUNDATION…it’s a nice in between! You can also decide to do anywhere between 1 day and 6 days or more. I usually do 6 days in the Winter and 10 days in the Summer. Winter time isn’t really the best time to cleanse, but you can do 3 days and be fine. You should always consult with a doctor before embarking on something like this if you are new to it.

This may be the third time I’ve done BLUE PRINT CLEANSE. Sometimes I juice on my own and go to local juice shops to supplement my beverages, but every now and again in the Winter months I like to have it delivered to me. Did I mention BPC delivers to your front door? Yes, that is right. How easy is that?

Oh yeah, there are a lot of juice because I’m doing 6 days! 6 per day!

The number 6 drink is worth the whole day of juicing – Cashew Milk. Oh my goodness. It’s like a milkshake from the gods, I swear. Perfection!

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If you’re interested in a Juice Cleanse, I highly recommend BLUE PRINT CLEANSE! If you want to splurge on yourself, don’t buy any fancy object – buy a cleanse for yourself, something that will really improve your well being. It’s most important that you use the cleanse as a kick start into a healthy life style. A 3 day cleanse won’t give you Heidi Klum’s body, but it will give you energy and the desire to eat healthy while also shedding a couple pounds. If you do decide to do a cleanse, spend at least 3 days prior prepping…removing heavy foods like meat, dairy, processed foods, sugar, flour and alcohol. You don’t want to start anything cold turkey.

I am currently on Day 3 and feel great. Day 1 is always the hardest for me. I always have dreams/nightmares about food…usually that I overate and I wake up in a panic like “I ruined my cleanse!”. I have a ton of energy and I continue to workout even on the cleanse. I even go into overdrive with work! It’s really a picker upper.

When I got the call asking if I wanted to be interviewed for a CARMELO ANTHONY x JORDAN web documentary, what do YOU think I said – asks the girl who is obsessed with Jordans and a super fan of The New York Knicks?!

I mean, who in their right mind could turn that down? I guess a non-Melo or non-Knicks fan would, but a non fan of those two is just silly and incomprehensible.

When the interview came close, I got super anxious and nervous. I mean…I’d be featured among incredible folks like Bernard King, Nas, Spike Lee, etc. Not only was this an opportunity of a lifetime, but I am not a Native New Yorker – so the honor was even more massive and I had to come correct.

The latest and last installment of “Playing For The City That Made Me: Episode 3″ is finally out and although my interview was cut and I am crying on the inside (and a little on the outside), I am still honored to be featured in a piece like this- let alone considered!!!

Special thanks to Director Niles Roth, Greenpoint Pictures, Wieden + Kennedy, Carmelo and Brand Jordan! GO KNICKS!!!

Not that long ago – My artist friend Mikey (Michael Quattlebaum Jr.) transitioned into music as rapping drag queen “MYKKI BLANCO”. Shortly thereafter, he became a raging overnight success. Some may not understand what it is, but to me it’s a perfect bridge between music and performance art. Isn’t that what music is today anyways? People who make music and put on an act? Some of the greats are excellent performance artists…Lady Gaga, Rick Ross, Drake, the list goes on. For others who may need a reference for clarification, think of him as an Avant-Garde & Hood RuPaul. His performances and videos always show a mix of him dressed as himself (Mikey) and in drag as Mykki, which is somehow brilliant!

Anyways. I am very happy for Mikey…eh em, Mykki. He has come a long way and is really making positive strides in art, performance art, hip hop and also the LGBT community. From write-ups in Spin, Interview, Vogue Italia and more – Mykki Blanco’s takeover is happening one fabulous editorial at a time!

MYKKI BLANCO & TERRY RICHARDSON

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A few hours before his show, I decided to get some food dolo before meeting up with ELLE CLAY. Who do I run into, but Miss MYKKI BLANCO! After a full day of photo shoots and recordings, he is still in full face and hair. I was very excited to catch some one on one time as he filled me in on all that he’s been up to. He even mentioned his parents and how supportive they are of his art, which made me melt. Parents don’t always have to understand what it is that we do, but it’s really a blessing to have their unconditional love and support.

Later at the show…

MYKKI BLANCO & VASHTIE NEGRO

ELLE CLAY, REBA MASSEY & SABEL BOO (for my reader or readers that love Miss Sabel)

VIVIAN & ELLE CLAY wearing shirts to celebrate two incredible birthday girls…

AALIYAH & SADE! Are the both Capricorns?! I love me some Capricorns (and Virgos!)

I then used the bathroom and wanted to share that with all of you.

Red Wine and Whiskey.

SABEL BOO getting cozy in her cute socks and Jordan 3′s! Hey yo!

MYKKI on stage…

Girls Night Owwwwww-t!  VIVIAN, AMARIS, REBA, ELLE CLAY, SABEL BOO & VASHTIE!

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As we were all discussing aging, I complimented VIVIAN on her skin and said “Girl, you know Asian skin don’t age”. She replied “Asian don’t raisin”.  Me and ELLE busted out laughing, because it was so spot on and funny. Then ELLE chimed in, “And black don’t crack”. Then the high fives commenced. The end!

Damn – we are some fine ass dudes!

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Check MYKKI BLANCO out if you have the chance. You don’t have to like his music, but I ask that you be open.

Also, please be kind in the comment section. Like our Mom’s always told us…if you have nothing nice to say then say nothing at all!

Vashtie (looking like Hell Boy under the red lights) & A$AP Rocky

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Upon the release of the highly anticipated album by A$AP ROCKY, there was an event to celebrate the great occasion. I got wind of it late in the day and figured, as part of my New Year’s Resolutions to be out more and to ignore my gut instincts to seek refuge in a small space when a social outing is on the table – I would attend not only to blog and share the experience, but to congratulate this creative young man known as ROCKY.

I met up with JOSH MADDEN and we ventured out into the rain. I knew what we would be greeted with…a mob filling the sidewalks and possibly cops arriving to shut down the chaos. I was already imagining that we’d have a hard time getting in. No matter who you know or who you are, I’ve seen all sorts of people (famous and influential) get turned away at release party for reasons ranging from capacity issues or a security guard having no clue of who “needs to be inside the party”.

Anyways. Like I imagined, we arrived on the scene just as security guards came out to shovel people off the block. I managed to meet some nice folks who wanted to take pictures with me as they chatted about their blogs and art work to me. It was nice meeting new faces and see what other creative types are doing.

As Josh and I were about to walk away, a friend working the door worked his magic and – TADOW! We were inside. I was stoked.

DEE & RICKY

JOSH MADDEN

A$AP iLLZ & DIY VA$HTIE

Open Hennessy Bar…

CEE GUDDA & BROCK

CURT@!N$

JOSH MADDEN & A$AP iLLZ

A$SAP iLLZ. I must note that my throat was burning in there…like I thought it would eventually bleed it was so painful.

A dedicated fan…

Rocky’s Mama and A$AP iLLZ

NATALIE LEVY, GUILLERMO (424 on Fairfax), VASHTIE

Timbo Bimbo

GENO SIMS & CREW
BROOK BOBBINS

The homie VICTOR CRUZ

A$AP TWELVVY getting into it…

BIG K.R.I.T. & ME

The masked girls with the flags were wearing no shoes and I felt bad for them. Nice French Manicure though…

ME and JOSH MADDEN’S shoe game.

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The end. Go out and buy his album to support! xo, va$htie..

Homemade Supreme Bag by Rafael Rios

If you are a long-time reader, then you are familiar with my bestie Miss ELLE CLAY. You are probably familiar with all of our random travels, ridiculous conversations and fun-filled in-betweens. I’ve been knowing this little gem for about 6 years now and I am very thankful to have a friend like her in my life!

If you are a new reader, I urge you to search all of me and ELLE CLAY’S escapades in the search box in the upper right hand corner! You may find some, if not a lot, of giggles in there.

RAFAEL RIOS & Friend

JASMINE & JAE.

AVIVA, REBA & SABEL BOO.

NIGEL SYLVESTER & ELLE CLAY

ELLE CLAY & HARRY MCNALLY

JUNGLE PUSSY & CEDDY

ELLE CLAY & VASHIUS KLAY

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLE!!!

A$AP ILLZ & VASHTIE via INSTAGRAM (original photo by JOSH MADDEN, SoHo NYC 2013)

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Our homie BROCK FETCH was in New York City shooting portraits of all his friends at a bomb studio in Soho. It also happened to be directly next door to the building that was set ablaze the night before by a douche-bag husband that had the intent to kill his wife. 9 people were injured, 1 person died and the entire building is in shambles. Did I mention the guy who did it was a douche-bag? Anyways, it was nice to come to the studio and watch another creative work while meeting other creative folks! Here are some snaps I took.

The incredible BROCK FETCH!

Miss JASMINE SOLANO was my behind the scenes photographer.

Hood Girl Pose!

ME, BROCK & JASMINE

A$AP CREW & BROCK FETCH

JOEY BADA$$

TIMBO BIMBO.

I was so mad at myself that it took practically forever for me to visit my twin homies restaurant! When I finally got there, I was blown away. From the decor, to the drinks, to the food! Here’s what my experience looked like!

ELLE CLAY was there to hang and choke me out.

YOUNG SCOOZLE & RICKY up to no good!

Excuse us DEE. Can you spare a dollar? Or two…hundred?

Family Portrait.

DEE came over to see Vladimir The Fraidy Cat! How adorable!

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Overall, the food and drinks were incredible – although I have no photos to show for that. It was all so good that I inhaled everything before being able to capture it…I think thats the old school thought of living life! If you are in the hood or looking for an excellent West Indian inspired restaurant - please check it out!

Dee & Ricky’s Home Cooking

503 Myrtle Ave
(between Ryerson St & Grand Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill

(718) 789-1111

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I love their bitmapped website! So cute!!!

Oh man, the holidays can get so craze…but I have to admit, that it is a joyful time. Maybe it’s our own nostalgia for the time or maybe it’s the forced coziness we feel watching Holiday commercials and movies. Whatever it is, it latches its claws into you and you have no choice but to enjoy it. Am I right? Why are you looking at me like I’m crazy?!

Ok anyways. I really did have a lovely holiday session with friends!

CHRISTMAS EVE: I spent a traditional “Nochebuena” with my Filipino friends who cooked a feast (from scratch)! Masarap (Filipino word for “delicious”)! Seriously. Karl Justin and Erik outdid themselves and I was more than happy to enjoy every ounce of it! Check out the spread!

KARL gave me a nice gift!

This dish is Lumpia.

It’s sort of a fresh spring roll, lightly fried (the one time of year I’ll eat fried) and full of delicious things. These were made Vegetarian.

This dish is Bringhe (pronounced ‘bring hay’)

This is a delicious dish that originated from Pampanga, the place where Karl and Erik’s family are from. It’s similar to paella – but instead, this dish is wrapped in banana leaves so the rice gets crisp without sticking to the pan. I wish I could send you all a bite of this, it would just melt in your mouth.

These are called Paradada’s.

They were made with a special Filipino bread, with the middle scooped out a potato and crab mixture went into the center. It was then pan seared! Let’s just say that I ate enough for all of you reading…

This is Sinigang.

A Filipino stew or soup known for its savory and sour flavors.

Filipino Lecheflan.

Need I say more? Karl made this from scratch, like everything else. It’s like flan, but way creamier and heavenly. I don’t eat dairy, but I did take an ever so small bite. Let’s just say, I dream about this bitch all the time!

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New Years Eve: I rang in the New Year with my manager and dear friend Jonny Shipes. After I picked him up, we went to a grown-up dinner with friends and then danced the night away with friends like music industry legend Sylvia Rhone.

JONNY SHIPES & VASHTIE

FLORENCIA & JOHNNY FAMOUS

HARRY MCNALLY, BOBBY WALTZER, NICK POE, SCOTT WILLIAMS

JONNY SHIPES, ME and SYLVIA RHONE

MAX, NIKO SCOTT & SANSHO SCOTT

SANSHO SCOTT & MISTER MORT

JOHNNY FAMOUS

The fellas enjoying the moment!

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HAPPY 2013 YA’LL