Pitingo, my new muse

Sure. I can have a male muse. I'm a woman and I normally find women to inspire me when it comes to various things, like beauty, fashion, art, dance, etc...but a man?

Promo photos from Malecon Street

I have discovered my new muse. He is a man. Not just any man, He is a Gypsy man. His name is Pitingo and he is ultra-fresh. He is not only an extraordinary singer who is Über-talented, but beautiful, amazingly well-dressed with a fashion sense like no other, and has that Gitano male poise, confidence, and coolness just flowing through his veins. Perhaps this is why he is named Pitingo, meaning conceited in Spanish. He's as tough as a super hero, cooler than a gangsta lean, and smoother than baby oil. He's got a golden glow to his Gypsy skin, mysterious Gypsy eyes, an amiable smile ...and that Andalusian accent...! His voice may just make you get weak in the knees. You can't get hipper than this!

To the left. Source: Elle off-the-record

 
I admit. In the past, I used to find him not all that. I didn't have an appreciation for his voice until I heard him sing flamenco. Until then, I was floored. And then I saw his documentary Malecon Street that made me actually appreciate his artistry. You have to understand me. I come from the school of flamenco thought that discards anything untraditional, and so I never gave him a chance. I still prefer his flamenco voice over his pop tone, which is too common, nonetheless, he is skillfully versatile and a master in vocal dexterity. I can't deny, this Gypsy brother's got mad soul!

Don't get me wrong. When women like male stars and performers, it has to do with their physical appearance and having a crush on a star. I don't. I have a crush on my husband (actually more than a crush) and find him to be the most handsomest, gorgeous man in the world. I never found Pitingo handsome or cute or anything like that, and even now, I probably wouldn't notice him walking down the street but for his style, yet he has become one of those muses because of the package he is. He inspires me as an artist and I admire how he can be so modern yet traditional. He is definitely rooted in his Gitano origins...and I like that! In addition, did I mention that I love his fashion sense? Anyway, here's a video I found on youtube where I am diggin' his style and where you are able to hear that voice!

Ole Pitingo!

Roma dancers from Transsylvania

Talk about high-energy! Here's a fascinating video from Romafest Gypsy ensemble- Verbunk from Transsylvania, Romania.
Enjoy!

IKEA Share Space!

You know that I love Ikea. I don't know how new or old this is, but I just discovered the Ikea Share Space and it is great! I put some photos of my workspace and my living room, perhaps I can inspire someone out there. But also, they have some great photos of other Ikea fans, which I think is great since it's real people who put photos up, not rich folks who shop at places I cannot afford. Check it out!!!

Click here to visit my IKEA Share Space!

Beating the urban blues: 6 Tips to your own global sanctuary

There's nothing like traveling! It makes one feel adventurous, even younger, clears your mind at times, allows you to see things in a whole new way, and talk about an educational experience! Then what happens? You come home and return to your normal life. You look around, and your casa looks blah, uncool, and uninteresting. You rather be out and about because honestly, your living quarters make you uninspired; not quite picturesque as your trip was! And if you live in a city, like I do, you will feel the stress from the city rush and hyperactivity. You wish it was possible to bring back a little of your experiences, your surroundings,  and that atmosphere back home. You consider yourself a nomadic soul...a bohemian spirit, but either you are having a creative dry spell or you consider yourself totally uncreative without an artistic bone in your body to transform your abode into your own little global sanctuary where you can repose. It also may be that you are broke as heck and don't have the cash to start remodeling. What to do?

Shoppin' in Morocco!

Here are 6 tips on creating your own sabbatical retreat to inspire you and get you to stay home a little more...and actually enjoying it!

1) Time to showcase those souvenirs!
Take out all those trinkets you have hidden in the closet; stuff you got from your travels in the past, festivals, or gifts and find ways of displaying them. You can buy shadowboxes and display coins or your beautiful jewelry you've purchased. Frame some of your postcards or travel posters. Place small instruments, accessories, plates, frames, or any little keepsakes on top of book stack on your bookshelf, or just display them there or on the wall. Look around for ideas sur le web or in books.

My favorite Afghan treasures in a shadowbox!

Showcasing my flamenco poster & postcard collection and North African art.

2) Shop for Cultural Art!
Hit the thrift stores, Ikea, Ross, and Homegoods! I have found the coolest African baskets, Indian Saris I turned into curtains, amazing Moorish-looking lamps, jewelry to decorate the home, and other cool stuff at second-hand shops. All these places have inexpensive home stuff to make your home look like a vacation spot! Ikea has cool furniture, especially that stuff made of banana fiber, like this rocking chair and stool (in photo below)! Homegoods and Ross have amazing stuff like Indian lanterns, frames, and other cultural art that you might also find at World Market, for a fraction of the price. I love World Market, but if you can't afford it, take a trip to Homegoods (TJ Max and Marshalls both belong to same company)! Buy a few inexpensive things that float your boat and display, frame, or whatever.

My Moroccan trinkets! (and Indian shoes)

A hookah I bought overseas just for the look!

4) Colors, textiles, and patterns!
Adding pops of color and tons of patterns and textiles will liven your home anytime! It makes it much more interesting, but be careful to not overwhelm the place, otherwise your home will look like a garage sale! It's all about balance. By adding colorful cushions, bright curtains, a patterned rug (like the one above), baskets, lanterns, and so forth, will give your home a nomadic feel!

Indian embroidered fabric, a gift given to me, framed.

4) Turn off your TV and computer OFF! 
If you want to feel like you are away, the worse thing to do is get on your Facebook account, turn on the TV to remind you of the craziness here, and if you are even braver, turn off the phone. I dare ya!

5) ...and head over to Pandora!
Create yourself an international station with cool vibes and relax. Need some ideas? Start off with Cesaria Evora, Reggae music, Hinda Zahra, Paris Combo, or look for inspiration in this blog!

6) Cook something different and celebrate!
Instead, grab a glass of wine, make some tapas or something amazing, and chill out! Call some friends over to celebrate your new atmosphere. Make it an event! Pretend you are in France and call your buds over for an apéritifs and conversate. Or google a paella recipe! Why not? 


let me know what happens...

Desert Chic

Monday inspiration...(Grazia UK June 2012, via Trend Hunter)

Italia, sempre nella mia mente!

A few years ago I went to Italy with a friend. I was so enamored by my surroundings, experiencing sensory overload that I forgot it was my birthday until she reminded me.  I'm no photographer, but I was pretty impressed with my shots (I'm a terrible photographer!) and I know it wasn't the camera. There were so many beautiful details everywhere, that really, you can't go that wrong.
One thing I love about digital cameras is that you can take a look at the photos you like and trash the poor ones. BUT, the problem is you got a billion stashed away in computer files. What to do? Share them with friends on a blog. Here you go! A few of my faves! Dream on...

embellish me please!

via Style.com

via Fashion Editorials

Givenchy, Source

 Check that piece out! via Discotreats.com