Philadelphia's Restaurant Week kicked off Sunday, January 19th-24th and reconvenes on the January 26th-31st. If you plan to stop by the Indique Philadelphia Boutique at 1607 South Street, make it a full day adventure for you and a few of your girlfriends by visiting that restaurant you always wanted to try when ever you were in center city; now is the chance! With over 100 restaurants to choose from and three course entrees starting at $20-35, you have more reasons then one to get out and do some exploring! Click to view participating restaurants and plan your day in Philly!
Official Pink Soirée Launch Party-February 1st!
Make sure to mark your calendars for the official Pink Soirée Launch Party on February 1, 2014 at Indique Boutique Atlanta. See the flyer below for more details:
Explore the Windy City
Chicago has a great list of options for daytime and nightlife entertainment whether you're with family, friends or going on a date.
1. Navy Pier
This place has a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Explore outdoors during the warm months and stay indoors in the winter. Navy Pier is the one-stop place to shop, dine, view live entertainment, watch movies, ride on a boat or a Ferris wheel, see fireworks and let your kids experience some of the most awesome play and activity centers.
2. Chicago Bulls basketball game
Going to a Bulls game is always an exciting thing to do in the city. The aroma of pizza and popcorn fills the arena with a delicious smell. The bright lights and energy from the crowd will put an instant smile on your face. Root on the home team and grub on all of the junk food you can eat at this sporting event.
3. Endless restaurant options
Chicago is known for having some of the best restaurants. Experience the extensive list of eateries while you're in the city. Chicago style deep dish pizza is a must have.
4. Nightclubs, bars and lounges
The downtown area and north side of the city are packed with all types of bars, nightclubs and lounges. Whether you want to dance all night, join your friends for karaoke or sip your favorite beverage in a dim lit room with a good mix of people, Chicago nightlife will satisfy your needs.
5. Museums
Go see beautiful sculptures at the Art Institute of Chicago or take a family trip to the Museum of Science and Industry (they have the most exciting and interactive exhibits). You could also visit Chicago's popular Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium or any of the other museums in the city.
5 things you may not know about Zumba!
So you’ve heard a lot about it, but haven’t had a chance to try it. That’s ok! Here are a few things that may motivate you to finally give Zumba a shot. Let’s be honest, we all want to lose a little weight this year right? Why not have fun doing it! Here are 5 fun facts that you may not know about Zumba:
- Free Classes! Yes, there are tons of fitness and dance studios that offer Zumba classes for FREE. Now you have no reason not to try it!
- Zumba is a huge party! Everyone loves a good party right?
- Did you know that you can burn up to 1000 calories in one Zumba session? (500-600 are typical)
- Zumba isn’t only good for weight loss, it’s also great for toning your muscles! It’s also great for your mind. Because you have to focus and concentrate on learning the dance moves, you’re able to sharpen your mental health as well!
Photo Credit: nostudentleftindoors.com
MLK Celebration in Houston, TX
Indique Houston is excited about the MLK Parade Foundation - Houston:
Top 5 Diets That Work!
Click here to view the entire list!
So, the new year is here and you're looking for the perfect diet to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. Look no further, we're here to help! US News & World Report has just released the 2014 list of best diets. These diets were ranked based on how easy they are to follow, nutrition, and how safe and they are for weight loss and overall health. According to U.S. News, these are the top five:
#1: The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) Diet was developed to fight high blood pressure, not as an all-purpose diet. But it certainly looked like an all-star to our panel of experts, who gave it high marks for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health. Though obscure, it beat out a field full of better-known diets.
#2: Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC is a very solid diet plan created by the National Institutes of Health. It has no major weaknesses, and it’s particularly good at promoting cardiovascular health. One expert described it as a “very healthful, complete, safe diet.” But it requires a “do-it-yourself” approach, in contrast to the hand-holding provided by some commercial diets.
#3 (Tie): With its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, and other healthy fare, The Mediterranean Diet is eminently sensible. And experts’ assessments of it were resoundingly positive, giving this diet an edge over many competitors.
#3 (Tie): The Mayo Clinic Diet is the Mayo Clinic’s take on how to make healthy eating a lifelong habit. It earned especially high ratings from our experts for its nutrition and safety and as a tool against diabetes. Experts found it moderately effective for weight loss.
#3 (Tie): Weight Watchers is a smart, effective diet. It surpassed other commercial diet plans in multiple areas, including short- and long-term weight loss and how easy it is to follow. It’s also nutritionally sound and safe, according to experts. Among its pluses: An emphasis on group support, lots of fruits and vegetables, and room for occasional indulgences.
Indique Hair on "Being Mary Jane"
Starting tonight, Gabrielle Union will be starring in Being Mary Jane, the first scripted drama developed for the BET network. It was introduced back in July with a movie-length pilot that attracted over 4 million viewers! Be sure to tune in tonight at 10P/9C. Gabrielle Union is wearing the HYSTERIA Collection in Chocolate & Chestnut!
Click here to watch an exclusive clip from tonight's series premier!
2014 Vacation Destinations
A new year calls for new vacation-planning ideas. From the foods you'll experience to the arts and culture you'll encounter, going away to a new destination can be exhilarating and send your mind, body, and soul on an unforgettable journey. With some vaca ideas from Lifestylemirror.com we're excited to have these locations on our long list of places to visit!
VILLA DE LEYVA, COLOMBIA Seaside Cartagena may be trendy these days. But for weekends Bogota’s elite drive four hours to a tranquil 16th century town ensconced in a highland valley. Cobblestoned Villa de Leyva is built around the sparse Plaza Mayor, dominated by a simple whitewashed church. Park your car for good before selecting a red-tiled hacienda-turned-B&B tucked in a private courtyard. You might even wander over to the farmers’ markets on horseback.
MALTA With its mix of Semitic and western influences, the Mediterranean island nation of Malta is luring ever more discerning travelers to make the quick jaunt over from Sicily. Protected by honey-colored Knights of Malta fortifications, the elevated capital Valletta has stunning harbor views. Neolithic temple complexes dot the land, while the hilltop town of Mdna is laced with narrow alleys and the satellite island of Gozo is alluringly stark.
DÃO REGION, PORTUGAL Gaining in reputation on the nearby Douro, Portugal’s northern Dão River region produces robust red varieties like Touriga Nacional and Jaen which enthusiasts savor at vineyards along several wine routes. Craggy gorges and medieval fortresses fill the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Converted convent hotels have opened in the old Roman city of Viseu and the hilltop town of Belmonte with a museum dedicated to the secret Jews of the Inquisition.
TURKISH BLACK SEA Just a 90-minute flight from Istanbul the mountainous eastern Black Sea region—with its local specialties like gooey fondue and grilled anchovies—makes for a delightful counterpoint to the now in-vogue Turkish capital. Perched in a wooded cliff, the grand 4th-century Greek orthodox monastery of Sumela is reached via twisting roads. Tea plantations cover the lower riverine hillsides, while in Alpine-like villages travelers bask in hot springs and sleep snug in small chalet inns.
TURKISH BLACK SEA Just a 90-minute flight from Istanbul the mountainous eastern Black Sea region—with its local specialties like gooey fondue and grilled anchovies—makes for a delightful counterpoint to the now in-vogue Turkish capital. Perched in a wooded cliff, the grand 4th-century Greek orthodox monastery of Sumela is reached via twisting roads. Tea plantations cover the lower riverine hillsides, while in Alpine-like villages travelers bask in hot springs and sleep snug in small chalet inns.
CAPE VERDE Some 350 miles off West Africa, ten islands make up the archipelago nation of Cape Verde. The former Portuguese colony was put on the map by the late singing star Cesária Évora from sparse São Vincente. Santo Antão is filled with lush valleys, while Fogo (Fire) is a soaring volcanic isle with a fine winery right inside its crater. Lovely colonial buildings in the main town of São Filipe have lately been morphing into intimate inns.
NAMIBIA A continent’s worth of natural and cultural treasures lie in Namibia in southwest Africa. Adventure travelers now fly deep into the Kalahari desert and flock to 8,000-square-mile Etosha game park to see lions, elephants, and wildebeest roam. Along the Atlantic coast, visitors tour old German colonial ghost towns, as well as admire Walvis Bay’s flamingos. After boarding down the massive Sossusvlei sand dunes, it’s time to frolic at a Swakopmund beach resort.
MUSCAT, OMAN Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hyped. But their Arabian Peninsula neighbor, Oman, is where the savvy head for fine coastal resorts to marvel at historic forts and the traditional dhows that sail past Muscat’s Corniche. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third biggest in the world, while the Royal Opera House is brand new. At the legendary Muttrah Souq visitors take home handicrafts like nifty silver-filigree Khanjar daggers.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN Since the bamboo-shaped Tapei 101 skyscraper went up a decade ago, Taipei has gone from stodgy to stylish. The city is packed with high-end shopping, dining, and upscale hotels like the new W, while the National Palace Museum houses the world’s finest collection of Chinese art. Foodies rave about night markets for their tapas-sized dishes from oyster omelettes to snake meat. Sun Moon Lake in the central mountains is the ideal getaway.
DOMINICA Blissfully free of mega-resorts, the island of Dominica with its original small Carib population is as close to a pure Caribbean as exists. Recently eco-conscious properties like Jungle Bay on the south coast have sprung up in the English-speaking nation. Banana farms give way to rainforests in the mountainous terrain, while the Boiling Lake literally bubbles in a volcanic crater. Whale-watching opportunities are superb and the diving spectacular as well.
VALPARAÍSO, CHILE Thigh-strengthening hills make Valparaíso “Little San Francisco.” Once a mighty port turned dodgy, the Pacific city is again giving out-of-towners a thrill out of riding its dozen century-old funiculars. Vibrantly-painted, tin-clad, and gingerbread houses line the steep blocks. And several fine old mansions that overlook the bay are now boutique hotels. The new Palacio Astoreca inn is filled with contemporary art and fittingly sits across from the recently renovated fine arts museum. (Lifestylemirror.com)
'Tis The Season To Be Engaged?
This year has definitely been the year of celebrity engagements. Check out some of the most talked about celebrity engagements and flawless rocks below:
1. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West- Kanye did it big when he proposed to Kim at a baseball stadium with close family members and friends, complete with champagne and an orchestra.
2. Gabriel Union and Dwayne Wade- Wade recruited his two sons and his nephew to help him propose to the soon-to-be Mrs.Wade.
3. Evelyn Lozado and Carl Crawford- Reality Star Evelyn Lozado may be recently divorced from NFL player Chad OchoCinco Johnson, but she seems to madly in love with her new beau and father of her baby, MLB player Carl Crawford. He popped the question on Christmas.
4. Ciara and Future- Lately the singer and rapper have been making headlines for their adorable couple outings and family affairs. This year the couple got engaged and Cici has already expressed her eagerness to plan the big day.
5. Kelly Rowland and Tim Witherspoon- The r&b superstar and X Factor judge is engaged to her long time boyfriend and manager, Tim. Kelly revealed that he popped the question on Skype.
6. Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker- Perhaps the former member of the 90s girl group Xscape has one of the most talked about engagements of the year in reality television. Kandi's mom may not be excited about her engagement but we congratulate her on finding Mr.Right.
7. Naya Rivera and Big Sean- This couple is so talented and gorgeous. Earlier this month Naya snatched wigs with her perfectly beat face, flawless hair and that plunging neckline red sequined gown she wore for their Christmas card picture.
Bonus: Tamar Braxton and Vincent Hubert- The reality TV duo is already married but Vince surprised Tamar with a new wedding ring on Christmas. Looks like the couple may renew their vowels. We applaud Tamar's hubby for being so romantic and picking a gorgeous ring.
5 Ways to Bring in the New Year
Still looking for New Year's Eve plans? We're here to help you celebrate New Years Eve in any city.
- Party all night with your friends in a dim lit room and pulsating party music at your favorite nightclub or lounge.
- Attend a New Year's Eve Party hosted at a luxury hotel.
- Bring in your New Year with your mate by having a romantic dinner at a top notch restaurant.
- Host a soiree at home complete with food, drinks and good conversation for your closest friends and family members.
- Stay in and relax while watching your favorite New Year's Eve countdown shows.
Indique Holiday Photo Op!
'Tis the Season for family fun and holiday cheer. Be camera ready and look out for opportunities to create memories that’ll last forever!
Some fun photo ops could include:
- Gift Opening
- Surprise Holiday Visits
- Mistletoe Kisses
- Your Amazing Holiday Look
- Full Family Pictures
- New Year’s Eve Party With Friends
New Year's Eve 2014--Chicago
Spending your NYE in Chicago? Lucky you! Having a good time will be easy to accomplish in the windy city. Check out the following link to find the perfect event to fit your mood. There will be plenty of hotel parties, galas, concerts and even a firework display at the Navy Pier. http://chicagonye.com/wordpress/
"Beyonce" Private Album Release Party
Right after the most anticipated show of her tour Mrs. Carter shut New York City down. She celebrated the release of her self-titled album at Dave and Busters in Times Square. Unlike the creation of her album, the release party was no secret. She shared highlights from the celebration on her Instagram page. If you missed them, check them out below:
5 Go-To Gifts for Your Bestie
1. Touch-Screen Sensor Gloves
2. Perfume
3. Minimergency Kits
4. Vanity Box for Cosmetics
5. Fashionable Phone Case
Sample Sale!
Stop by Indique SoHo for our sample sale!
Milano Di Rouge
Indique ambassador and creative consultant, Milan Rouge, hosted an event on Sunday December 15th to celebrate the anniversary of her clothing line. The event was held at the James Oliver Gallery in Philadelphia and include, music, live performances from Philadelphia natives, and a fashion show to conclude the event. Milan, who is wearing the white Milano shirt in the picture below, wore Indique’s Tahitian curl during this event. She blew out the hair and curled it rather than wearing its loose wave texture. Tahitian curl looks great either way. Never forget hair is a part of fashion!
Holiday Recipe: Red Velvet Cake With Coconut Frosting
Are you ready for the holidays? Are you looking for a great holiday treat? Check out this Red Velvet Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons red liquid food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
Preparation
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add food coloring and vanilla, beating until blended.
- 2. Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Spoon batter into 4 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.
- 3. Bake all pans at the same time, with 2 pans on top rack and 2 pans on bottom rack, at 350° for 10 minutes; rotate pans, and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).
- 4. Spread about 1 cup Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting between cake layers; spread remaining frosting on top and sides of cake.
New Year's Eve at Ginny's
Looking for something fun to do on New Year's Eve in the NYC area? Consider Ginny's Supper Club at the Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem!
With a hat tipped to the Harlem Renaissance, Ginny's is a modern reincarnation of the glamorous speakeasies and Harlem nights of the Twenties. Ginny's was created by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and is the perfect mix of live music, creative cocktails, soulful food, inclusive spirit, and Harlem's vibrant culture.
New Year's Eve at Ginny's will feature the musical stylings of DJ Moma and a champagne toast at midnight sponsored by Moet & Chandon.
Visit the website for more information and to purchase advanced tickets:
http://www.ginnyssupperclub.com/event/439869-new-years-eve-ginnys-new-york/
Holiday Fave: Sugar Cookies
Try your hand at this holiday favorite using the recipe below!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Colored Icing, recipe follows
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, stir together flour and baking powder. In another bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, a third at a time to make a stiff dough. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll out a portion of cookie dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Place on lightly greased or nonstick cookie sheets. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minute, rotating baking sheet halfway through cooking time. Cool completely on pans about 5 minutes, transfer to cooling racks and cool completely before decorating.
Colored Icing:
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 3 to 4 drops food coloring, plus more as needed
- Colored sprinkles, optional
In a small bowl, mix sugar and water to form a thick, smooth icing. Stir in food coloring to reach desired shade. Drop icing onto cookies using a small teaspoon and smooth with the back of the spoon. Make additional bowls for additional colors.
Additional multi-colored sprinkles can be added on top of icing before it dries for more decorative cookies, if desired.
Haute Hair Alert!
We just love Tika Sumpter's sleek, bone straight hairstyle! It compliments her festive Alice and Olivia pantsuit to perfection. Go from drab to fab with longer locks that blend nicely with darker hair tones! You can achieve this look by wearing our Hysteria, color Ebony in 22".
