Taco Tuesday – My dinner at New Rebozo.

For those of you who are on social media, we all have heard of Taco Tuesdays.  It makes sense right?  Throwback Thursday……so why not a Taco Tuesday. I think it’s perfect…and so does the restaurants.   Restaurants have taken advantage of Taco Tuesdays and has even offered specials.  Because I am a self-proclaimed foodie, I asked my look alike if she would be interested in going to dinner with her younger sister…MY TREAT.  She was all in and even reminded me that she did buy me that Wildfox Couture sweatshirt that I wanted so it’s only fair that I pay.  Thanks sister….

Tonya and I love going out to dinner….if we stopped going out, we would literally save thousands, but the socialite in us won’t let us.  Which is why we extended the invite to our members of our makeup group chat.  Our Chica Charita said she would meet us there at 630…it was on!

Tonya and I have been to New Rebozo years ago….we stopped in for a quick bite and ordered the Chimichunga and of course that was good, but nothing would have prepared me for the taste I experienced by the hands of Chef Paco on this day.

Can we talk?  We had reservations so when we arrived our table was ready.  Out comes my favorite chef and he greets us with kisses.  We sat down and Chef Paco recommended a margarita made with Mezcal…it was absolutely amazing.  He then came by with his IPad to show us todays specials. Although we didn’t choose of the specials, what we had puts every Mexican restaurant to shame.  (Sorry Maya, I still love you guys) Tonya and I had the chicken enchiladas with a mole sauce that included 12 ingredients!!! Each ingredient built this flavor profile that was like a pop rock…it was PHENOMENAL! Rita, had a spicy shrimp dish called the Camaron Diablo, which she said it was the best she has ever had.  Oh wait, hit the rewind button. I forgot to mention that Chef Paco gave us a sample of mini burritos filled with goat cheese and some kind of sweet and smoky sauce.  I am not a goat cheese fan but Tonya and Rita thought it was really good.  After we finished our dinner, Chef Paco had one more trick up his sleeve.  He brought out FLAN!  Not just any flan…a light, custard like awesomeness with a graham cracker crust and strawberries…OMG!!!!   That is the only thing I can say..

If you are looking for authentic, Mexican food with a gourmet twist, look no further, New Rebozo is it. I am loyal Oak Parker, so I usually try to support places in my town but there is another location for those that love downtown.  Visit and leave us a comment of what you thought of the restaurant. 

New Rebozo

Oak Park          1116 Madison Street

Chicago            46 E Superior Street

Until Next Time,

Latoya

How to beat the Monday Blues

Monday…..UGH……Ok let’s do this!!!

I use to hate Mondays but I’ve found ways to deal with this dreadful day. I don’t hate them but I don’t love them either.  I tolerate Mondays LOL. Here are some ways to deal with Monday:

1.       Look cute  - Start the week off by slaying.  A great outfit will make your Mondays feel like Fridays. Wake up thirty minutes early to put a little more effort into your Monday outfit. Show the world that you are ready for the week.

2.       Treat yourself to a latte - If you know us you know we love coffee….buy yourself a latte and get that extra boost you need.  A tall vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso with soy will definitely make you smile  

(Yes , baristas at Starbucks know their favorite gold card members). Our coffee game is serious!  I promise this will be a well spent $5

3.       Send an inspirational text or email – Nothing makes me happier than to receive an early morning text from a friend reminding me that I am in charge of how I feel and it will be a great day. 

4.       Find an afternoon pick me up - My sister Latoya makes sure she has her GNC Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism.  This is the perfect supplement to take after lunch….if you are one that likes to bring your Sunday dinner as lunch, it can sometimes be a little heavy. (She had greens, baked chicken and macaroni and cheese for lunch today)  This is a great way to prevent droopy eyelids, Oh wait, did I mention it has all of your vitamins and it is calorie burning??? Need I say more? Visit any GNC or gnc.com to purchase.  

Bow Tie Brunch

So Saturday March 12^th Latoya and I hosted our first empowerment brunch at Mike Ditka’s Restaurant in Chicago. We had a great time eating bananas foster french toast, chicken piccata, sipping mimosas and getting empowered by Afkara Mason (Owner of Frill Accessories) and Loriane Jackson (Owner of IGH) Salon in Chicago IL

We decided to wear bow ties because wearing a bow tie during the day says that you care about how you look and aren’t afraid to be bold. It projects confidence and gives personality. Latoya wore a black extreme bow short sleeve top with a blazer and black slacks.  The shoes she had on were Salvatore Ferragamo.  I had on a mesh pussy bow dress in black with Giuseppe Zanotti open toe pumps. Both had on Jewelry by Michele, Tiffany and David Yurman

LaToya and I wanted to provide an outlet where women can empower each other, establish relationships and friendships. This empowerment brunch was founded as a way to support, connect and inspire women in a comfortable atmosphere over the most important meal of the week…..Brunch!

We host the most inspiring and influential women every three months over brunch and mimosas. We pick a new restaurant and speaker for a unique dining experience.

Check out some of our pictures from our event.....

Birthday Gifts....To buy or not to buy

Growing up birthdays were big for Tonya and I.  Those were the times we would get those higher priced handbags.  At 16, I was a Dooney and Bourke addict and just had to have my initials engraved on the front of the purse LOL.  Needless to say, buying gifts for birthdays is one of my many love languages.  I may not always tell someone that I love them, but if you get a gift from me, that means I really do.  With birthday’s being “my thing”, I had to make sure my gifts were a mixture of what I like and the recipients taste.  What does that mean?  I had to do some work.  Before the geniuses behind elfster, I had to check my friend’s Facebook pages to see what they usually bought and what places they frequently visit etc.  Now, let me warn you…doing this is not an easy task, but for someone like Tonya and it is sooooooooo much fun!  There will be times when there is no thinking involved.  For instance, my best friend has always wanted a Burberry coat.  Every time we went into the stores, that’s the first placed she stopped.  She turned 40 in December and guess what? Yep, I purchased a Burberry trench for her birthday.  I remember speaking to the sales associate and she asked if it was a special occasion.  I informed her it was my best friend’s birthday and she said “Oh my, you are a great friend”.  After telling her how amazing she was, she started crying and of course she made me cry.  Geesh….okay, enough of that mushy stuff.  Now, I am definitely not saying spend that much money but you should buy a gift that will be used.  I have a friend that hates makeup, so that means I shouldn’t buy her the new Urban Decay makeup palette that was just released.  Below are some things that will help when purchasing a gift for someone else.

1.      We spend too much trying to be sentimental.  There is no need to purchase a gift that will make the person cry.  Purchase something practical. This is something they will use and also shows the giver cares.  My friend Nike’ used to wear the baddest jewelry.  I visited a small African American owned business and purchased the boldest piece of jewelry I knew she would love.

2.      With the popularity of social media there is absolutely no reason for someone to stress out over what to buy someone.  I can go to my page and pick out a gift for each of my friends.  You know why?  We share what we love.  What that being said, if I always share I like to eat the gift is easy.  Purchase a gift card not a bag of trinkets. 

Tonya and I get invited to a lot of birthday dinners that aren’t sponsored.  Do you still bring a gift?  

Below is a picture of Tonya and I at one of our birthday parties J  

How to fight your lady mustache…..

So let me start by saying that I hate facial hair on women. I hate it I hate it I hate it! When that little fine hair starts growing above my upper lip I get anxiety LOL LOL. It makes my makeup look terrible and no matter how much concealer you try to use to cover that mustache it doesn’t work. Don’t get caught cuddling with your significant other and he/she says “Looks like someone is growing a mustache”. How embarrassing is that??? I’ve had a conversation with women who have said they don’t remove the hair because it grows back….UH SO WHAT?!?!?! Removing hair from your face and body is like getting your hair, nails and toes done. It’s a part of your regular maintenance as a woman. It’s your civic duty!!!

Here are my 3 secret weapons for fighting upper lip and body hair…..

Tipping and Splitting the Check woes?

I can smell spring...and what does that mean?  More brunches on rooftops

Tonya and I get invited to a lot of dinners and if there is a large group, when the bill comes we used to get anxiety.  That is until we figured out how to master paying the bill.   This is what you need to do:

1.            The whole point of going out is to enjoy yourself....which means know your audience.  If you invite a group and when the bill comes they break out the calculator and leave a $2 tip you probably shouldn't pick a restaurant where the prices are $50 and up.   If you are invited it is okay to suggest another restaurant without an explanation.  You can just say you heard about this restaurant on thrillist and want to try it. 

2.            Tonya and I limit the drinks to 1 per person at the table.  All others must be purchased at the bar.  The drinks are usually around the same amount, so no problems there.

3.            If you select a place where the prices are almost the same price, we recommend you suck it up and split the check down the middle.  However, if someone's meal is 50% more than yours, it is okay to tell her what he or she owes.  If you have another engagement and must leave early, please give your share quietly but make sure you leave your portion plus extra for the tip. 

4.            If you are having dinner at your local bar, it is absolutely okay to ask for separate bills.  If you are dining in a $50 and up restaurant....asking for separate checks in our opinion is an absolute NO NO.

5.            If you are celebrating a friend's birthday at dinner....split the bill and make sure you don't include her in the number.  If her meal is 60.00 and its 12 of you, adding another $5 or $6 to your bill shouldn't be a big deal. 

6.            If you have to bring your child to dinner, please make sure you pay for them. 

What are some of your issues that you have with tipping and splitting the check?

Rain boots

Winter is almost over and I’m already thinking about spring.  Once the sky starts to leak be ready for a reliable pair of rain boots. A good quality pair of rain boots will last you from season to season.  They can be versatile and extremely stylish. You can pair rain boots with ripped jeans, tee and a utility jacket for a relaxed cool look. Check out some of our favorite rain boots.....

What are your favorite rain boots??