boston

Boston’s Newest Hot Spot-bartaco

July 11, 2019 · Leave a Comment

bartaco is Boston’s newest jumping eatery located in the seaport district. When I say jumping I’m telling no lies, the place is always full of excitement and people. Walking into the restaurant is like stepping into a beach side California eatery complete with upscale street food and refreshing drinks. The interior reminds me of a boat house with intricate woven basket light fixtures and comfy wooden chairs filled with guests chatting over tacos and house-made margaritas. It’s the perfect spot to sit down and hangout for lunch, dinner or just some casual drinks—you’ll instantly feel immersed in the exciting atmosphere.

bartaco aims to give guests a coastal comfy vibe. There’s literally something for guest of all ages and food pallets.bartaco features a full menu for kids, including four different child-friendly juice cocktails. Nothing beats enjoying your adult margarita on the patio while the kids sip on a nojito (mint + lime juice + club soda) also if you have a friend that’s vegetarian or vegan there’s so many yummy offerings for them to enjoy as well.

Some of my fav items on the menu are the plantains, fried fish taco, pork belly taco and chips and guacamole. Besides their extensive taco menu, bartaco also offers rice bowls, soups and salads. It’s basically every food lover’s dream under one roof.

I can’t forget to mention how every month they feature a new secret taco that’s not on the menu. It’s kinda cool playing a guessing game seeing what they will come up with next. So if you’re in the Boston seaport area check it out, or check the site to see if there is a location near you. bartaco is at the top of my list of places to check out when it comes to date night, girls night or a simple quick lunch.

Thanks For Stopping In

Vana B

Polka Dots Are Back On The Scene

April 17, 2018 · 1 Comment

Hey, Guys hope all is well out there in the world for everyone. I wanted to tell ya about a fashion trend that seems to be coming back on the rise. Can anyone guess what it is?….anyone?…it’s POLKA DOTS! Honestly, I have always loved polka dots since I was a kid. So I guess for me the trend never really left my closet ha ha. I know for many, polka dots became a print of their childhood and therefore a fashion HELL NO. Now that Spring is making her way into the world, well she’s trying I should say. I have been noticing black and white polka dots all over the stores and my Instagram feed. My heart is so overjoyed to find polka dots making come back. Usually, the only place I really could find polka dots was thrifting or in my grannies closet. Now polka dots are trendy all over again and taking over the fashion scene, so without any more of me babbling let’s get into my fab outfit.

My polka dot shirt is from my fav store Rainbow Shops. The Shirt is made of chiffon material and has a ruffled sleeve detailing which really gave the top a stylish edge.The Pants which are also from Rainbow were a perfect combo making the whole outfit look high quality and trendy. The pants featured a cute tie waist belt and some ruffling at the top of the hemline. Last but not least the shoes. I’m so over the days of wearing high heels ( my knees aren’t built like they use to be lol) So I threw on these cute little block heels from Amazon which are SUPER COMFY. Block heels are all the rave right now, I suggest you put down the five inches and switch to a block heel girlfriend. I was so excited for less then than $50 bucks I purchased a fun classy outfit. I think this fab combo will be a hit for the workplace or even a simple night on the town.

I’m so happy that designers are making clothing fun again. Fashion is now showcasing prints such as polka dots, florals, bold lines, and funky patterns. I’m so over everyone living the past few years in minimalist trends and boring ensembles. Its like life has been breathed back into the fashion world finally. Do ya’ll think you will partake in the polka dot fashion trend? I know I surely will because life is always better with fun prints to brighten up any day. Let me know below if this trend is a hit or miss for you. As always Thanks for stopping by and Owl See ya Later!

Outfit Details:Shirt~Pants~Shoes

Love

Vana

Black Boston Creatives & Businesses Killing The Game.

February 8, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Hey, Y’all so I’m super late but HAPPY 2018…..I know I have been super MIA for while I’ll get into why another time. In other news its FEBRUARY which means it’s Black History Month. So today on the blog I wanted to highlight black creatives and businesses who are killing the game.

Seeing that I was born and raised in Boston I wanted to focus on the greatness that comes out of my own hometown. So in no particular order here’s my list of creatives and business who out lighting up the city. Also can I just say this was very hard. I had like 50 names, so I may just make another list. Why should we hide all the talent this city possesses.

Bel Monique– Digital Magazine

BÈL is the only digital magazine where Everyday black women are the celebrities! The founder and CEO Berlhey Narcisse has helped women reconnect with both their internal and external beauty. The magazine has over 800 monthly website visitors and over 1,000 email subscribers, BÈL gives women a way to connect with one another on beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle.

Dee The Artist and Damn Rotten Kid– Graphic Designer/Artist

If your ever on the internet I’m sure you have come across this sister duos art work. Both girls make artistic comics and visual art that relates to black men and women in todays society. Both women are truly talented when it comes to putting feelings and emotions into the pictures they portray for all to see. I love that all the art is relatable and always has a message or meaning behind it.

Kitchen Table Talk-Podcast

Kitchen Table talk is a podcast that airs Saturdays @ 5 pm live on Facebook and Youtube featuring Ms.Bea, Comedian Chris Footman, and Chef It’s All Gravy Baby. This dynamic trio comes together to discuss a variety of topic with no limitations. While topics are being discussed Ms. Bea’s Husband (Chef It’s All Gravy) can be seen and heard in the background cooking up a meal each show. What’s better than chatting about different topics all while learning how to make a tasty meal.

Omar Parkman– Model/ Influencer

Omar Parkman is an influencer/model who has really made a name for himself within the last year. As we all know beards are pretty trendy and Omar makes no mistakes rocking his beard so well. Omar’s stylish fashion senses and modeling photos have featured him in such publications such as Essence Magazine and Fashionbomb daily. At the rate, Omar is going he for sure will be in a Gucci ad in the near Future.

Genevieve Bien-Aime– Blogger/Writer/Radio Personality

Genevieve is the definition of a true Boss lady. She’s a radio personality on Boston Come through that airs Weds @ 9 pm on Boston Free Radio. A blogger who documents her life and travels On her own personal blog. And she’s also a contributing writer for BÈL magazine. Genevieve posses true major Black Girl Magic.

Anita Marshall– Model

Anita Marshall is a 5’11” beauty who is a top international plus model. Anita has worked for many brands such as Forever 21, Target, Elloquii, NY&CO, Asos, and Nike just to name a few. She has been featured in PAPER magazine and on the cover of PLUS Model Magazine multiple times. Anita continues to break barriers her mark on this industry proving that curves are taking over.

Alex Joachim– Creative Director

Alex Joachim is a photographer, videographer, graphic illustrator, designer and more. He’s a one-man show who’s photography and artistic skills are unlike no other. His artistic mindset and abilities bring anything he touches to life. Alex also has been the creative mastermind behind a few start-up companies marketing ideas. Some of his photography has also been featured on Buzzfeed, Plusmodel Mag, It’s Lit Boston and many more. I can see him being the Next Hype Williams of the new

Envieux-Fashion Designer

Envieux is a ready-to-wear custom clothing line for women of all sizes. The owner Kerley Bernard really brings fashion to another level with her elegant one of kind pieces. Envieux has displayed her pieces on many runways and really pushes the envelope in making beautiful garments for women to feel classy and confident.

Bred Gourmet -Restaurant

Is a burger bar right in the heart of lower mills. Bred serves gourmet-style burgers, smoothies, salads and more. The choices at Bred are great for health conscious individuals since all meat is grass fed, and they also offer vegetarian options as well.

Zaz Resturant– Restaurant

is a Contemporary restaurant ran by owner Chef Olrie Roberts where he incorporates a variety of culture-based flavors such as Caribbean, Asian, Italian and Spanish. With choices like Lobster mac and cheese, Thai fried rice, creole wraps and coconut dream smoothies there is something for all taste buds to enjoy under one roof.

Slades Bar and Grill– Restaurant

Slades Bar & Grill serves soul food to patrons and hosts a number of events, such as Comedy shows on Wednesdays and Old school throwback Thursday. Slades is well known for the Fried Chicken and friendly loving staff that makes you feel like family while visiting.

Hair Me Out-Hair Salon

Hair Me Out is a hair salon owned by Aisha Lambert that specializes in natural hair care, especially Locs! The salon takes pride in being able to not only treat all hair types but give clients the knowledge to do so as well! Services include roll and sets, lineups, Braids, loc styles and an in-house Massage therapist.

Nastahja’s Hair Bar-Hair Salon

Nastahjas Hair Bar is another great hair salon ran and owned but Nastahja Cazeau where they specialize in sew ins, feed in method braids, permanent lock extensions and other hair care needs. The Hair Bar was voted best hair salon of 2017. The Hair Bar even offers there own custom line of virgin premium hair and wig making services.

Pink Shoe Lounge– Clothing and Apparel

Pink Shoe Lounge is a one-stop shop for women of all sizes. Pink Shoe Lounge puts their customers needs first by targeting the fashionista who is a trendsetter and loves to be unique. Pink Show Lounge sells shoes and apparel for women ranging from a size small to 3x. You can find something for any women in your life young and old.

Black Market-Pop Up Shop

Black Market is a Black-Owned, cooperative-style retail business that operates within a Pan-African pop-up paradigm. Currently operating two-weekend pop-ups per month, Black Market transforms its Retail Space into a bustling marketplace where dozens of local artists, vendors and entrepreneurs showcase and sell products to patrons who visit.

Honorable Mentions

Bethany Richards-Model

Magnificent Flowers & Design – Event planner

Glamou rUp Cosmetics -Cosmetic Line

Not Your Momma’s Jars- Homemade Desserts

Event Envy– Event planner

Tenders- Mobile Bartending Service

Darryl’s Corner Bar –Restaurant

The Fit Pit– Personal Training and Gym

Make sure to follow, visit and support everyone above. I hope this encourages you all to check out your local black businesses and support our creative brothers and sisters. Until next time Owl see ya Later.

Mellow In Yellow

August 2, 2017 · 1 Comment

Being in front of the limelight is something I have always loved and hold near and dear to me. My mom sparked my interest early in my childhood. She would enroll me into beauty pageants,modeling schools and different theather programs. I loved being on stage or in front of a camera lense for all the world. As I got older I stuck with the hobby and tried to perfect my craft. I attend multiple workshops, conferences and entered other pageants to become more knowledgeable with what it takes to be successful in the industry.

Well…let me tell ya this industry is not an easy one to maneuver but anything worth wanting is worth working hard for. With much hard work and determination you can most definitely leave your mark upon it. For example the plus size modeling industry is still pretty new on the scene. Over time it has gotten better and will continue to grow. Being only 5’3 and plus size for sure has its downfalls when it comes to the real modeling world. Agencies and designers prefer plus models to be 5’8 or taller and between the sizes of a size 12-16. So at the end of the day that leaves me wondering where the heck does a petite plus size girl like myself fit in. I always have been one to show up to castings even if the requirements specified what they wanted. I feel like yes.. I may have some odds against me, but I shouldn’t let it hinder me from going for what I want.

I don’t have the perfect body or the prefect shape. I have scars and extra skin due to weight loss; but I still strive to be seen and heard. I feel like more people should strive for what they want no matter what society may say. I may not be 5’6 with long legs and toned arms, but I can walk down a runway and slay just like the best of them. You’ll have days you want to give up and feel discouraged ( trust me those days happen ALOT). So many times I have felt like giving up from being hard on myself. At the end of the day you can’t let it get to you, One simply has to brush it off and keep pushing because a break through will happen.

Outfit Details

Jeans : Charlotte Russe Top: Charlotte Russe

So if theres something you beentrying to achieve but having a hard time. DONT GIVE UP!!! it’s just simply not your time. Maybe try something different that’s out of the norm for you when tackling goals. I would hope someday to be the face of a fashion campaign or walk a run way for a well known designer, but even if that never happens I can say I tried. What matters most is you gave it your all to achieve that goal and left a imprint on at least one person along the way.

Thanks for stopping by

Vana

90’s Fashion Is Making A Come Back

July 27, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Sooo the 90’s is seriously making a come back in the fashion world and I’m loving every minute of it. Everything I recall wearing as kid is appearing in all the stores and its brings back so many memories. As a kid growing up in the 90s everyone was so carefree and full of life, not to mention we had the best TV shows and snacks to-date. Boy do I wish I could go back to being a kid again “adulating” is hard ( I really get it now why Peter Pan loved Never Never Land). Thanks to Forever 21 they give me a chance to embrace that inner child in me with the new styles they have been offering.

I was in Forever 21 the other day and came upon the cutest Crushed Velvet Dress in blush pink. Now listen, I’m in no way a fan of pink like that because pink is just not a color I fancy…but this dress screamed Spice Girls! Who didn’t like the Spice girls as a kid!? Baby Spice, Emma Bunton, always would wear cute little dresses with the those funky platform sneakers. This dress screamed 90’s and made me think of so many ways to style it. I can wear a white tee under it like they use to back in the day or “as-is” the way I did over the weekend. The dress is super comfy and was great for the summer heat to take on my weekend errands. I paired it with a cute pair of faux leather pink skippes and added my Pink Clear Satchel Bag for a Pink monochrom finish. Now me dressed in all pink was a rare occasion and barely ever happens but I felt like such a 90s kid rocking the look.

Dress : Forever 21

Shoes: Wet Seal ( There old never wore them)

Bag: Forever 21

So if your looking for a store that lets you indulge in your inner youth, I say check out Forever 21 because they have you covered with everything from rock band tees, cute 90s sunglasses and all the crushed velvet looks you can think of. Is there anything you ladies wish would make a comeback into the fashion scene from the 90s let me know. As always thanks for stopping by and Owl see you later.

Love,

Vana