Hey Boo’s & Babes.

My birthday is around the corner and just like I have done for the past few years, I have once again compiled my Birthday Wish List! Consumerism at its best! Okay, here goes and in no order of importance…

(I just realized that some of the same things that are on this list were on previous lists, so pardon the repeats).

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1. VINTAGE GOLD MEN’S ROLEX (CHAMPAGNE FACE): $11,000 – 17,000

My ladyboy style has evolved here and there into grown man steez. I drink whiskey neat from time to time and now I want a Vintage Gold Men’s Rolex. The chances that I might ever buy myself an expensive timepiece is slim to none, but hey – a tomboy can dream, can’t she?

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2. GHOST CHAIR BY STARCK: $410.00

Oh, the woes of being an adult and taking your home’s landscape seriously! I believe in buying affordable items (lord knows I own enough Ikea), but here and there adding in some fancy pieces. Enter, Starck’s Ghost Chairs. Sure, it’s just clear acrylic in the form of a simple chair – but I just love the way they look!

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3. Black + Blum’s Thermo Pot: $42.00

I’m all about containers for food and beverages that are finely designed and healthy (BPA Free, etc). This little thermos is excellently put together and sleek, making bringing your lunch a fashion forward move!

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4. OPENING CEREMONY COSMETIC BAG: $75

Opening Ceremony can do no wrong. Everything they make is amazing and this little makeup bag is the perfect addition to my life.

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5. MASSAGE AT GREAT JONES SPA: $140

This little gem has made my list every year. Great Jones is an exceptional spa for a local New York City breather. They have a water lounge that you can hang in with a sauna, hot tub, cold pool and steam room. From the moment I walk in, I forget that I am in the city and my stress melts away.

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6. KLEAN KANTEEN WATER BOTTLE (27 OZ.): $19.95

Hydration is super important, but it’s even more important not to drink from plastic water bottles…especially the ones we all mostly drink out of that has dangerous chemicals in them, just seeping out into our water. Klean Kanteen offers cute bottles made from BPA free stainless steel.

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7. VITAMIX BLENDER - 5200 SUPER HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: $549.00

I’ve always wanted one of these bad boys, they are the best in the business. A good blender is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and the more I delve into vegan recipes, raw recipes and smoothies…I find that I definitely could use a Vitamix!

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8. FUJI INSTAX CAMERA: $95.00

I can’t believe I still haven’t gotten this bad boy, especially being someone obsessed with cameras and Polaroids. I need to get it together!

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9. DSPTCH CAMERA SLING STRAP: $44.00

And for the many cameras I own, having a good strap is necessary once you realize the stock ones that come with most cameras these days are dreadful.

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10. GIFTCARD TO THE CONTAINER STORE: $$$

Let’s face it people, it’s hard to stay organized with life throwing fast ones at you left and right. Between work and home, I need a good organizational system and Container Store has some really good products.

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You could get me ANYTHING from this place and I would love you forever. One Lucky Duck has all the most delicious food, juices and treats that are RAW! All of my teeth are sweet teeth and eating raw desserts makes me feel less guilty about my inner fat kid.

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12. DIPTYQUE CANDLE – VIOLETTE or FIGUIER: $60.00

Candles are just the bomb. They are the perfect gift and can please almost anyone. Diptyqe has long been creating classic candles that spruce up any space with a chic feel.

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13. SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL:

A good mix CD of music I don’t know, an inspiring second-hand book, a record with a nice design…something…anything fun and inspiring.

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14. KING KRULE MERCH T-SHIRT: £14

My longtime readers know my love for King Krule and his music. Formerly known as Zoo Kid, this young ginger boy stole my heart and then crushed it with his somber music – oh, how I love misery! Anyways, his site finally has fully replenished stock and I need some tees.

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15. HANDMADE CARD: Free

I told my readers a while back that I loved handmade cards and on my birthday found an inbox full of the sweetest notes I could ever have asked for…seriously! You can check out all of them HERE. Since we were just on the topic of King Krule, peep one of my favorite cards made by B. Denise.

If you feel like sending me some birthday love, email it to INFO@VASHTIE.COM!

Oh and I have to mention that I share a birthday with William Shakespeare, Shirley Temple, Michael Moore, Taio, Roy Orbinson, Dev Patel, Kal Penn, Jessica Stam, Jaime King! Yay for bull-headed Tauruses!

Hey Guys…

As some of you might have noticed, I haven’t been properly blogging in my usual fashion lately. The reason you ask? Actually, I’m embarrassed to say that there is nothing in particular to take the blame…just life. As most of you know – I was in Paris for the Kenzo Show in March, then I had the flu for 3 weeks and lost about 15lbs from it (it was basically the Black Plague), took a few weeks after that to play catchup and now I’m here. I’m a Taurus and love routine, but after my routine was wiped out due to illness – I’ve been scrambling to get it back.

Me at the height of my flu with just enough energy for a selfie, tugging on my hair that hadn’t been washed in about 2 weeks because I had the chills. Also note: I sweated through about 4-5 shirts a day at a minimum. The moment I took this photo was also the moment that I realized I had lost a TON of weight. I always thought being super skinny would work for me, but when I tried my clothes on I looked like a pre-pubescent boy playing dress-up with his moms clothes. I’ve always stayed in a range of 118-130 since I was in Junior High (I was the same height in 5th grade that I am now, 5’4″) and prior to getting sick I was about 119lbs, but I’m positive I got down to about 105lbs at my sickest. Which means, I haven’t been at that weight since I was in about 3rd or 4th grade. That is so shocking. A few of you have left some concerned comments about my weight loss and I appreciate it. Hahaha, what if I was like “stay out my business” and @’ed the people who left the comments. I’m totally kidding and I really do appreciate the supporters I have that care. I’m gaining the weight back, slowly…but surely.

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I will say that I am MUCH busier with a lot of behind the scenes work while juggling many different gigs, but I’d hate to be all “I’m too busy working to blog” blah blah.

I am very busy, as I’m sure you all are – so I won’t make any excuses. I will say that I promise to make time for you guys, because I do love you and appreciate the support. If you guys want to continue reading and seeing my posts, then I will carry on! In the mean-time, I offer you a Mariah Carey Video and some photos of things I haven’t had time to blog…

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212 Tuesdays // The Darby (The night before I got the Black Plague)

Angelo Baque & Me

Angelo Baque & Hunter Muraira

Dee Twin, Ricky Powell & Ricky Twin

Bobby Waltzer (Two One Two), Young Scoozle & Sebo

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I went to Miami for Winter Music Conference and I was so ready to take many pictures when my camera died after I took this photo…

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I also went to Albany to attend a memorial for Jessica, my dear friend Dave’s fiancee. She was an absolute sweetheart who was loved immensely by everyone who knew her. I’m sad I didn’t have the chance to get to know her as well as other people did. Her life was taken too soon, but she won’t be forgotten. #breatheeasysmiley

While I was in Albany, I also found out that my father’s good friend who we affectionately called “Uncle Mike” also passed away. I remember him fondly, he was very loving and kind. I have wonderful memories of him from my childhood. He will be missed.

All in all, my Albany trip was nice but sad. I re-connected with some old chums and realized just how fast time flies and as resilient as life is, it’s also fragile. We must truly spend time with the ones we love…and the ones that you love, but are too busy to spend time with. I’ve spent too much time away from my hometown of Albany. I have my reasons, but…when events like these happen, those reasons don’t add up to much.

Having a website affords you many rad things (but, I guess since I pay for my site I’m actually just getting what I pay for). One, for example, is finding out who your site visitors are. I especially love seeing the country list to see where the visitors are actually clicking from. As a kid, I was in love with the idea of Pen Pals from around the world, and this sort of fulfills that for me. I assume I am most popular in the United States, which I am – but, knowing that someone in Russia or Finland might be checking out my posts is so amazing to me!

Here is the screen shot of this list (ranging from most hits to least). Although, I have a good sense of who is coming through to good ol’ Vashtie.Com, I like to ask you since it’s more personal. Think of it (for you old people like me) as an updated version of “A/S/L”

Whats your name?

Where are you from?

Where are you living now?

It’s 2:48 am as I write this…

Las Vegas 2008, The Wynn Hotel

I’ve been an insomniac since as far back as I can remember. I can recall being around 8 or 9 years old and my Mother barging into my room to only find me re-arranging it…at 2am. It’s been a burden, but the fact that it’s carried on with me for so long makes it nostalgic in some ways.

Solitude spent with yourself as the sleeping world rests is quite exciting and depressing. You can almost feel how limitless the universe is while being the seemingly only person to recognize it. At the same time, you’re contemplating every single issue that is happening or “could” happen. Over-thinking every problem, but imagining solutions. It’s a strange place to be…

What are the habits of an insomniac, you ask? Well, pre-cell phones with internet plans…it was being up late online on a computer. Maybe updating a page here, posting something there, searching for an old friend/bully or crush. On the rare and best of occasions, it would take me to my sketchbook. There I would write stream of consciousness paragraphs or draw the portraits of loved ones, while listening to a song that I was obsessed with at the moment.

Right now at this moment (because it will change), my insomniac habits are (in no specific order):

1. Listening to Gang Gang Dance’s “Adult Goth” on Repeat…like literally!

2. Online Shopping for Home Goods & Furnishings…

3. Searching My Junior High Bullies Online or Checking on My Friend’s Pages that have Kids…I usually go with the latter, I’m not completely a vengeful-maniac.

My Beautiful God-Baby Amaya! She’s getting so big!

What about you guys? Anyone else a night person like me? Don’t leave me hanging friends. If you are a recovering insomniac, share your remedies!

Good Morning Babes and Boo’s!

So, I may or may not be on a WORLD TOUR for 2013 and I need the help of you locals. Since I am “Downtown’s Sweetheart” repping New York City, I can tell you a thing or two about the Rotten Apple. But – because I don’t live elsewhere, it’s hard for me to truly know what’s up in other cities. This is where you guys can help me out!

Below is a list of cities that I may or may not be coming to. If you live there or you know a thing or two about this city, holler at a playette so we can take pictures together and /or have a dance-off (your choice, but I’m letting you know now – I will lose the dance-off).

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW:

Your Picks That Would Perfectly Collaborate With Me For Each Perspective City.

They Don’t Have To Be Huge Names. They Could Just Be The Best, Most Creative Doing Their Thing In Your Zip Code!

Please Include: Any Links, Sites, Twitter, Facebook or Black People Meet Pages (Haha, Please Don’t)!

1. BEST DJ’S

2. BEST VENUES/CLUB

3. BEST STORES

4. WHO SHOULD VASHTIE BRING WITH HER?!

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LIST OF US CITIES:

ATLANTA

DC

LOS ANGELES

CHICAGO

MIAMI

PHILADELPHIA

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LIST OF INTERNATIONAL CITIES:

LONDON

PARIS

STOCKHOLM

GLASGOW

COPENHAGEN

AMSTERDAM

BERLIN

BARCELONA

DUBLIN

TOKYO

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I thank you all ahead of time for your help. Also, don’t hesitate to nominate any city not listed that you think I should also visit. It’s time that I take a break from New York City and come meet all of you…and I can’t wait!!!

So, after the highly anticipated Frank Ocean Album “Channel Orange” dropped I couldn’t wait to give it a good listen. But, in fact…I had to wait. I have this weird thing about experiencing certain highly anticipated things alone. So at almost all my get-togethers since the album dropped, people would ask – “want to hear the new Frank Ocean?”…I would always say no and try and explain my odd behavior as much as possible.

Anyways. I finally gave the album a good listen…cried a few times…went to my lonely place…and then came back up a new girl! When I came across “PILOT JONES” I thought my iTunes made a mistake and that I was listening the intro of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists – “Wet My Bed” by Stone Temple Pilots off the “Core” Album.

Give both a listen, each have similar intros. I haven’t read any reviews about the album, nor I have I had the chance to hear Frank’s interviews surrounding the album – but I’m positive he was inspired by Stone Temple Pilot’s track “Wet My Bed.

Stone Temple Pilots…Pilot Jones.

Another year and another birthday celebration! I can’t lie, I’ve hated getting older since I was 15. Maybe it was because at that age I already had an after-school job and a weekend job, I must have understood then that life would only get harder with every passing day. Lately, I’ve felt better about the whole sha-bang and as always – here is my BIRTHDAY WISH LIST just for fun!

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1. FUJIFILM INSTAX 210 INSTANT FILM CAMERA: $60.00

You know your girl walks around with at least 2 cameras and another one to add to the mix would be just lovely.

2. GOYARD RED CARD CASE: $280

Because I carry my wallet in my back pocket like a dude and why not add a little pizazz to my masculine tendencies?

3. QUASAR POWER PACK: $749

Taking care of your skin is muy importante!

4. ARNUVO DENIM CAMERA STRAP (OpeningCeremony.US) : $30

A nice stylish way of showing the world your an art nerd!

5. VINTAGE CONCERT T-SHIRTS: $$$

I’m stuck in every era except the present one.

6. VALENTINO FLAT LACE ESPADRILLES: $475

7. PETITE CHERIE EAU DE PARFUM: $100

8. SWEDISH MASSAGE (GREAT JONES SPA): $140

You know I hate when people touch me, but I love a good massage…enough to let a stranger put hands on me, even the stranger depicted below with the nice French Manicure.

9. CANON 5D MARK III: $3,499

Coco Chanel once said; “A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Cameras…”. Okay, maybe she didn’t, but…I love cameras and I have too many and I don’t care (run-on sentence). If someone gets this for me, I might get on bended knee and sing a Boyz II Men song.

10. VITAMIX BLENDER: $500

Because I’ve become a weird vegan/raw food lover and I need it to make cashew milk.

11. HOMEMADE CARDS: PRICELE$$

Seriously, I love a good birthday card…homemade of course. It brings me joy like I cannot explain and gives me a deeper glimpse into the person who made it.

Check out some previous birthday cards sent in by some lovely folks HERE…

This one by B. DENISE has become a cult classic in my heart! It depicts ZOO KID, now called KING KRULE, lovingly flashing me…

Email them to INFO@VASHTIE.COM if you like!

76 year old, Masafuni Nagasaki is the sole resident of tiny Sotobanari Island in Japan. He used to be a photographer before becoming a hermit and now walks around on his beach nude all day…I mean, what else are you supposed to do. I’m living for the pink wash cloth knotted on his head. Work.

via BUZZFEED

“This is my contribution to Black History Month.

I’m taking a guitar to the Subway Platform and I’m going to sing that…”

-ELLE CLAY

So, it is that time of year that I’ve dreaded since I turned 15 – April 23rd, my birthday. Why at age 15 did I know life could only get worse with time? Well, I was experiencing all the good and bad things of being an adult at that tender age; working an after-school job at a tattoo shop, a weekend job at a sneaker store and clubbing on school nights (my mom worked a lot of double shifts).

How old am I turning you ask? If I go off how I feel, I’m certainly turning 50 this year.

Anyways, I can’t really complain at all. The universe has blessed me and I am very happy. Life is certainly an interesting journey…just when you think you’ve figured it out – you’re dead wrong!

Now…I present to you my list of birthday wishes in proper consumer-American swag!

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1. COMMES DES GARCON WALLET – RED ($100)
I still put my wallet in my back pocket like a dude. I also hear red is the color a wallet should be, according to Chinese culture.

2. FENDI PURSE – RED ($595)
Despite the fact that I put nothing in my handbags but maybe cameras, I still love a well made hand bag and have a good collection of them.

3. BIALETTI ESPRESSO MAKER ($30)
I love coffee and espresso and apparently the stove top action is the Italian steelo that can’t be topped. I need it bad.

4. POLAROID CAMERA PACKAGE ($)
I already own 2 of these bad boys, but one got a bruising from BUSTA RHYMES which I will NEVER forgive. I am in need of a freshly refurbished one…woo ha.

5. MOROCCAN TEA GLASSES ($)
I love going to CAFE GITANE and getting their Moroccan Mint Tea, which they serve in Moroccan tea glasses. They can make anyone holding them look sophisticated and worldly!

6. AEROLATTE MILK FROTHER ($25)
Oh right, I need this to make some frothy cappuccino’s with my espresso maker. Although I avoid dairy at all costs and I’m off of SOY MILK, I’ll be frothing some ALMOND and CASHEW MILK with this sucker…I mean frother.

7. FACIAL BY MAMIE ($150)
No one else touches this mug!

8. OPENING CEREMONY x CHLOE SEVIGNY MARY JANES ($395)
I know I won’t wear these that often, but need I explain why I need them in my life?

9. HEELYS ($60)
A lovely boy gave me a pair once for my birthday when I was working at Def Jam. It was right after I raved to him about how cool kids looked wizzing down the street in them. I thought it was a thoughtful and hilarious gift. I wore them in the office and while I was finessing my glides – I fell straight on my butt. I was so freaked out I never put them on again, but I think I’m ready to give it another go.

10. A BABY BY ZOO KID (NO CHILD SUPPORT NEEDED)
Hahaha, although I wouldn’t mind having a mixed, red-headed, freckled babe – I’m joking. But, I seriously want to see him perform live. I’m not always a live-show watching kind of gal, but for the right performer I am.

11. JEAN PAUL GAULTIER MARINER BOOT ($240)
Gaultier can do no wrong!

12. CLAUS PORTO CANDLES ($34)
They are my all-time favorite candles. They burn for “long-time” and they also can be used as a drinking glass afterwards. My favorite scent is “PARADA”, delicious aroma of sandalwood and pear!

13. A NICE EVENING WITH CLOSE FRIENDS (PRICELESS)
We’ll see what happens on my actual day…maybe bowling, karaoke or gun range shooting. Okay fine, maybe just dinner – who knows!

14. A TRIP TO PARIS ($)
It’s long overdue. If I had to think of one other place I would live other than New York, it would be Paris. I’m already learning French with Rosetta Stone, I’ll keep you posted.

15. GREAT JONES SPA MASSAGE ($100)
I’m addicted to massages, which is interesting because I utterly dislike being touched by other people. Maybe it stems from my domestic abuse childhood, but things like a random touch of the leg when sitting next to someone who is telling you a story or the touch of an arm during a conversation totally irritates me. I’m not touchy feely with friends and especially not girlfriends; I am no cuddle bunny. Makes no sense I know. I’m not entirely weird…when it comes to intimate relationships of love – that is a different story.

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Above all, I love a HANDMADE CARD. Seriously, I love making them for friends and I love getting them from others! It’s the best way to show your love for someone! If you want to send me one for my birthday like how my loving supporters did last year, you can email it to: INFO@ VASHTIE.COM