tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296344062012-01-23T22:14:20.122-05:00Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.comBlogger441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-61824868194195931632011-01-09T01:00:00.012-05:002011-01-09T23:29:48.575-05:00

Tree at 30 Rock After a few months of being inexcusably dormant, I wish you a Happy New Year! I have made a vow to bless this space at least once a week. Between my food blog (which pays the bills) my fashion blog (which keeps me sane) and this one (what started it all), I'm finding excitement in finding my jovial voice again. New York is that one place in the world where all cultures,

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-45168385577175888692010-10-22T00:34:00.000-04:002010-10-22T00:34:15.488-04:00

Top of bunker at Diamond Head. I've decided that I'm going to get married in Hawai'i in high fashion. Jumping out of plane. Yup. That's exactly what I will plan on doing! My fam just spent 8 fabulous days in paradise and so I share with you a serious teaser of some incredible scenes I saw... there is so much more to share, none of which require words. Mahalo. Blow Hole Beach. Private

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-79987685377412903982010-08-23T16:30:00.003-04:002010-11-13T01:02:30.980-05:00

(All pictures courtesy of  Shane Durrance) One of fun elements of my job as a journalist, is being just that and nothing else. No cooking. No critiquing (sometimes). No high-maintance clients.I do my research, sit, inquire and listen. I had started getting used to and really liked the idea of using a microphone adapter on my iPod to record conversations. For a short time it had proven to be

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-73849101006724827272010-07-05T09:52:00.004-04:002010-07-05T11:13:19.616-04:00

When I travel, there are certain "must" items that make the cut when packing.  Just as you consider your daily ensemble based on your meetings, the weather, etc.. the same applies for les voyages. You must consider your destination and length of stay. That will determine the size of your luggage. Once that's in order, the weather of your final destination will determine what you wear and

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-58424621384660349382010-06-20T22:20:00.007-04:002010-06-21T14:25:28.596-04:00

Late last year, I was fortunate to parlay and cook with a most esteemed, world-class chef, requiring a 3-day stay in Manhattan. Any time I go to that favorite city of mine, the first thing I consider is my wardrobe and then start looking for a place to kick my shoes off and have enough room to bring in one medium sized suitcase and a traveling hat case.  We all know NYC real estate is just about

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-41102430362042523352010-06-13T14:19:00.005-04:002010-07-05T09:25:46.698-04:00

I believe most of todays' pop music, be it hip-hop, R&B, jazz, etc... is heavily influenced and rooted in Cuban music. Understanding that Cuban music is a combination of Afro-beat and our own indigenous sounds and rhythms, is crucial to appreciating the sampling and role it plays in our tunes. My mom recently showed me this video of An der shoned blauen Donau doing the Cha Cha Cha, a classic

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-55125711173483777772010-04-08T10:21:00.004-04:002010-06-13T13:57:21.588-04:00

Dear Tiger, I used to love you. Like really love you. I went to one of the Major's in '97, only to lay my eyes on your beautiful, young and innocent face. Because of you and the guy I was dating at that time, I started playing golf. It's been 13 years. But, has it been 13 years of lies, deceit, masked by wins and huge purses? If so, I'm over here smashing my golf clubs into the ground, the

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-52609901012900932872010-03-15T18:44:00.007-04:002010-05-02T19:05:14.382-04:00

I first met Raheem DeVaughn 8 years ago, before he was barely a known name in D.C., both our hometowns.  I saw then, what is happening today: A complete blossoming of a prolific artist that breaks the stereotype of your Bobby Valentino’s, Ne-Yo’s and Usher’s. 8 years later, both of us in Atlanta, pursuing our own respective musical and artistic dreams, I had the chance to be reintroduced and

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-52386724526610359272010-03-02T00:50:00.001-05:002010-03-03T00:09:41.405-05:00

Dear Gwen Stefani,  I cook. I cook my ass off. I wear heels. I wear the hell out of some heels.I wear your heels. I rock the hell out of your heels when I cook. I get men talking and panting about my shoes when I cook in them. I leave women wanting to cook when I wear your shoes.  I could do great things for the L.A.M.B line in the culinary industry. I see a place for the brand. I could bring

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-12058374716080206172010-01-24T23:12:00.005-05:002010-01-25T00:08:18.356-05:00

People always ask me what my next venture or interview will be or what country I'll find myself freely galavanting about; and my answer is always: I'm working on it. Just know it's something to be recokned with. I take what I do seriously, but with a grain of salt because at the end of the day, it's a hustle. Haiti has been cursed with a devastating earthquake and its people are suffering more

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-23656748399625867382010-01-09T23:22:00.015-05:002010-01-10T01:25:03.951-05:00

It's a shame. Really. Last time I posted something here was an in-depth interview of a soulful French-Canadian artist, breaking into the American market. That was July LAST year, and we're now in 2010. Before I continue, Happy New Year! Since that last post, so much has developed and so many places have graced my memory to make an impression. My commitment is to recount all those delightful

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-11834256532242331042009-07-14T11:03:00.011-04:002009-07-15T11:19:39.660-04:00

The brother hails from French-Canada and looks the part. But his soul and spirit is deeper than most can even imagine. His painful witness of genocide in his native Rwanda and his evolution into a star in France and Canada, make for an incredible story. Melodically written in song, Corneille brings to mind a young Marvin Gaye: thought provoking, smooth vocals and always looking for growth. I was

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-72613366573792613552009-04-14T15:36:00.012-04:002009-04-15T09:02:49.489-04:00

(neighborhood street in Cojimar, La Habana)I just came back from the grocery store, holding a bag with 3 bright lemons. 3 for $1. Pretty good, right? They were on sale. I'm going to make a really good lemonade and sweeten with honey so I can sip on it while I pontificate. Ahh, so refreshing. So good. And so easy to obtain.Not in Cuba. Getting in your car is not so readily feasible. Buying one at

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-5945230101302506152009-02-12T11:05:00.006-05:002009-02-12T11:24:20.782-05:00

I really do love what I do. I say this often because I'm truly blessed to have a family and few friends that support me unconditionally. Even when times are tough, they bat for me. I get to interview artists, and sometimes establish a personal relationship with them. My most recent girl foolish moment was when I had the chance to interview Grammy winner Anthony Hamilon. At time of press of the

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-69618103434134688022009-01-08T18:42:00.012-05:002009-06-05T16:14:26.220-04:00

(beach view from the grounds of our resort the Grand Mayan)Mexicans are underrated. Period.My family travels to this Middle American country at least every two years. We love it. It's an escape to realism. A journey to a land of struggle and profound ethic. We eat great food, tread really blue water, talk to honest people, receive unparalleled customer service, and perch our eyes on historical

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-64903830978150925982008-11-26T22:10:00.009-05:002008-12-08T14:25:50.106-05:00

Atlanta is still racist. I was starting to get used to the sorrows of a majority black and white city. Sorrows that are seen by way of incult people and absent cultural tolerance. And then Saturday happened. I had a well paid cooking gig in Buckhead; 16 people, Cuban food, board games and John Legend on the sound waves. My friend Abdul, a low key, Harlem native, accompanied me, as he always does

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-19260542136467511332008-10-30T14:49:00.004-04:002008-10-30T18:49:10.835-04:00

I wish I would have found this picture sooner as it would have been plastered all over my screens, fridge, bathroom wall, car door, and anywhere else that could support its mounting. But I didn't so I won't dwell on it. Though when I look at the picture, it has a spooky resemblance to the counter-culture, murder icon Che's picture. It only hit me while I was writing this. Our pop culture and

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-17571786240343981752008-10-27T19:53:00.004-04:002008-10-28T17:04:46.582-04:00

I don't know why I haven't been here since July. It's not like I've fallen in love. Or hit the jackpot. Or even decided to lock down a sugar-daddy. You know, things that would without a doubt keep me from sharing my life with you. But I'm back. Not sure if I'm excited about it or not, but I'm here. There's so much to catch you up on, I don't know where to begin. Let's see, since last time I

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-10018413789047413512008-07-28T00:54:00.022-04:002008-08-08T12:26:06.104-04:00

Writers are spoiled individuals. Especially travel writers. We get these unsolicited invitations to go to exotic destinations, on someone else's dime, to explore, indulge and be pampered. I mean how many people get to go to a Caribbean island for 5 days only to sip fine spirits, soak in the sun, eat good ass food and tan on an 80 ft sailboat? Not many, I suspect. And yet somehow we seem to find a

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-70768007979067621802008-06-24T01:52:00.002-04:002008-06-24T02:01:24.704-04:00

Another love letter received. 6/--/2008Bren, We'd like to invite you to an indulgence and decadence tour on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Please join us for a week long gourmet wining and dining, sensual spa treatments and beach side serenades. Please reply as soon as you decide and we will begin preparation of you itinerary. Sincerely, S.K. REPLYDear S.K.,Uhm, yeah, next time,

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-52364165058268040732008-05-29T18:38:00.008-04:002008-12-09T01:57:01.612-05:00

I love the lotus flower. My return from Trinidad/Tobago was exciting, sans the 10 minute super bumpy connecting flight from Miami to ATL, which had me clutching my seat arms like a petrified child. I'm pretty courageous, but turbulence like that shakes me. I was happy to get home because I had desperately detox from all eating I did. Yes, I was on the dual island to cover their exquisite culinary

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-20689120387201660592008-04-16T11:03:00.005-04:002008-12-09T01:57:01.884-05:00

I haven't received a love letter from a boy in a really long time. Not the kind a girl likes to get anyways. You know, check the box type thing were the mean option of "NO" appears and probably checked off. That actually happened to me once, in 3rd grade. That's a sad story today, because the little blond hair, blue eyed boy who said no to me, is severely injured from battle wounds in Iraq. My

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-22864864658846262002008-02-25T21:26:00.010-05:002008-12-09T01:57:02.079-05:00

(Chrisette Michelle and Bren Herrera in ATL)Living in Atlanta has been one of the most entertaining moments of my life. Being in the music industry has given me cool chances to interact and meet people we love to see on T.V. Lunch with this singer, or sing back up for that singer. Phone interview with another artist or backstage parties with that guy. It's all great

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-49713006441344810942008-01-09T14:52:00.000-05:002008-01-09T15:28:26.286-05:00

That trip last month, just 4 weeks ago was all that and a bag of chips. With Christmas and New Year's being incredible, I can't ask for more. It simply couldn't have been better. I was with all 8 nephews and nieces, my 4 siblings, my parents and surrogate grandmother! Geisha, my pup, unfortunately couldn't make it with me but she was in the good hands of Jason. Now, I'm off to cover the Jazz

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-6856707943026111052007-12-19T13:24:00.003-05:002008-12-09T01:57:03.128-05:00

I was just reminded of the exciting uphill trek I took last year with the calmest, yet stubborn llamas I've ever been in contact with. His name was Damien. A fellow freelance writer colleague of mine emails today to tell me that one of the other writers on our trip to Taos has suddenly died of heart ailment while in Greece. Though I didn't know the fella, I was saddened by the thought of his

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-64861931311421080332007-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:002008-12-09T01:57:03.732-05:00

The Barbados report begins with a long exhale of "aaaahhhhh". I'll spare you another travel horror story in consideration of the superb BTA guide we had. I can't speak for other islands such as the Caymans, but Barbados is something to talk about. I went in with the expectation of seeing something different, a bit more destitute, but after learning that Tiger Woods rented out the entire Sandy

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-29699129145626118412007-12-11T08:16:00.000-05:002007-12-11T14:21:02.638-05:00

That's right! You heard it right... I won a limbo contest at a Rhythm and Roots show while visiting Barbados! Up against four other women, I shook my rump, lowered my back and walked away with gorgeous blue topaz necklace as the prize!It felt great winning by applause of about 400 ppl. Not to mention I was not the least bit nervous on the bright lit stage or intimated by the other women. After

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-62090964879673578752007-12-05T13:35:00.001-05:002008-12-09T01:57:03.957-05:00

I'm back in check with a project I'm working on but am not at super free disposal to discuss in much depth. It relates to food! Yes, that vital thing we all need in order to keep moving along, healthy. While in France one year ago, I had some of the best food ever (outside of my mother's kitchen)! It was delicioso! Not being afraid to try anything new, I successfully attempted this warm fresh

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-59622381055207537622007-11-22T21:08:00.000-05:002007-12-05T21:29:42.237-05:00

Hoping everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Mine was only great once I sat down and actually devoured my mother's cooking. Please refer to the Interstate post somewhere below. How many times am I going to fall to pressure and simply stand still?I get in my car at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, day before Thanksgiving, stop at Costco for gas (about .15 cheaper than my regular choice of B.P.) and hit

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-63741030792083241132007-11-18T01:59:00.000-05:002008-12-09T01:57:04.116-05:00

Every year, my family goes on vacation for a few consecutive weeks to some ultra cool location, a la the Griswalds. 4 adults (sans the eldest sibling) and my parents pack up and fly the friendly skies to unknown lands of the foreigner. The Mexicans treat us like Latin superiority, the French force us to step up our style game, the Italians feed us to no end and the Spanish put a choke hold with

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-68237483487819890792007-11-16T12:58:00.000-05:002008-12-09T01:57:04.421-05:00

This is SOOO overdue but as my mornings go, I'm pensive, recreating life and my endeavors (the execution process at minimum). Not the slightest bit bored, (not that I can afford to be bored...but hey a hard working gal like myself should be allowed ONE measly dia de reposo), I had a need to write. I love to write but somehow do not commit 20 minutes of creative penmanship here. I've implemented a

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-2647243157036686962007-11-11T19:43:00.001-05:002008-12-09T01:57:04.477-05:00

Pimp this! Katt Williams (whom I spoke of last time I was on here) has a new movie out called "American Hustle". It's the on-screen chronicle of this year's Pimp tour. Katt's posse includes Lunelle, Melanie Camacho and Red Grant (oh yeah and let us not forget the German Shepard named Wendy Williams-LOL!). They get in a car and make stops throughout the states--a tour, really. So, since the movie

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-60508586132785279322007-10-18T09:58:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:04.647-05:00

Black people, my black people!Must we show out everytime!?!? I was scheduled to go to the red carpet activities in Atlanta last weekend for the B.E.T Hip Hop awards, but real life called my attention and I stayed home. Didn't even watch them. However, as fast as bombers land in the Middle East, urban news spreads. Thanks to the likes of iPhones and things. T.I., rapper sensationalist, was

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-90495084885917916342007-10-04T23:12:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:04.951-05:00

I hustled and found a Dominican driver who took me to the Sheraton NY in a lovely white stretch limo--- all for $25. Yup. Can't beat that! My very casual and authentically thick Spanish helped. MEETING HIM WENT LIKE THIS:It was one of those cheezy ones, yet sincere. I'm only 5'1" so I had to spot him out first. Nerves kicked in. I stepped on his foot, I think, rambled about nothingness and did

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-52833431311554091342007-09-15T01:51:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:05.104-05:00

Rising to fame in the 1990s as the lead vocalist for Groove Theory, known for their ubiquitous hit, “Tell Me”, Amel has managed to create a wonderfully varied and complex solo career. Her newest album, Lovely Standards, is her fourth release as a solo artist.As sweet and peaceful as her face appears on her latest release, Amel Larriuex’s vocals will sweep you to a comfort zone where you easily

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-71421506917799570272007-08-17T14:24:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:05.228-05:00

After a 4-year hiatus from the scene, Donnie has hit the stage with prolific writing, hard knock real life stories and emotionally provocative self analysis. The Daily News puts Donnie front and center of audiences relating to his hurt, his joy, his experience, his talent and above all, his perseverance. Soulful chords and politically consciousness lyrics are juxtaposed to create a “new” kind of

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-76045859284174703642007-08-01T11:00:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:05.326-05:00

Ken Ford is well poised and studious looking on the cover of his latest album suggesting his music is classical. Two minutes into the first track and you’ll be in for a sweet surprise of uncommon jazz melodies and finger movements unseen to even a skilled type writer. His sold out shows begin with an uproar of howling women and men standing in anticipation of his smoky stage entrance. A strong

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-78617916529010492792007-06-11T18:15:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:05.653-05:00

Rewind to Jan' 07. We're celebrating our ?? b-day, the three of us. We book an unheard of deal for a week in Acapulco, Mexico, laying our heads at the Grand Mayan Resort. Thanks mom and dad. Extravagant, surreal, paradise...yeah, yeah, all those mushy terms we use to describe our location. Well true indeed it was all that! And them some! I reiterate, we're there to celebrate our big ?? b-day,

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-67473315923362916742007-04-15T14:24:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:05.816-05:00

Somewhere in S. Florida- Spring '07I must like the highway. It offers some solace. After all, it too is lonely at 2:30 in the morning. It's quiet. An occasional object sound of wind. Black pavement turned gray from so much rubber friction. Flickering lights that aren’t powerful enough to shine luminosity on a would be male murderer (a la Aileen Wuornos) and sewage odors that follow you for a few

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-2000870252460464042007-04-09T23:53:00.000-04:002007-06-20T18:59:07.489-04:00

If you read the 285, 85, 95, 485 blog below you'll be surprised that I did it again! I failed miserably at maintaining the commitment to not enduring another 8.5 painful hours of pure boredom. I was so bored, I almost turned on the video camera to record the 650 mile return viaje. After all, I should have. Someone would have watched iton Youtube!

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-18053161232633791912007-04-05T10:40:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:57:06.769-05:00

So this place my parents took me to was incredible. Full of quiet mornings with a serene stream pushing water behindthe house we stayed in, turning twenty something in a few days wasn't so bad after all. I ate the best damn goat cheeseever, went grocery shopping where they sell the latest and greatest national music, and saw the most amazing castles! I did get sick for a painful 24 hours that

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-1154442251496717972007-03-14T12:50:00.000-04:002007-03-16T00:50:36.312-04:00

Atlanta is definitely an interesting city. I've never seen anything like it. I've never had such interesting enounters in such a short period of time. But nothing beats what I'm about to share with you. The situation below happened back in August '06.Most in my world know I tend to drive pretty agressively. In and out of lanes on the highway. Move! I see my needle go to 95 and within 5 seconds

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-1150483554583680352006-06-16T14:45:00.000-04:002007-03-16T00:54:44.335-04:00

Why is gas $3.10? Why is airfare $260, one-way, for a 1:15 hour flight? Oh yeah, the $3.10 is for regular. Highway robbery. Pun intended. ****Driving up the four interstate highways is never fun. 8 hours and 45 minutes of reading ugly brown signs bearing names of Indian Rivers, basins & parks, none of which will stay in my long term memory, is just plain boring. Blue signs of competing gas

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29634406.post-1150173861001575662006-06-13T13:15:00.001-04:002009-06-05T15:02:27.947-04:00

RIO GRANDE GORGE, TAOS, NM- I fell out the damn kayak! I spoke too soon and took a gulp of Rio Grande water. Cisqo did everything he could to keep from laughing.After a 1 mile hike down a steep & rocky trail, we made it to the "middle box" of the Rio Grande gorge. The red kayaks were still, waiting for nuebies to saddle down. I sat in my funyak, unafraid and confident that my canoeing in years

Bren Herreranoreply@blogger.com0