New Chromeo Video!!!

Who knew Dave 1 was such a good dancer?! He can be on dwts!

Chromeo "Night By Night" Video on Vimeo - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Basement Jaxx -- Feelings Gone


Basement Jaxx - Feelings Gone on MUZU.

This song is awesome, and this video is hilarious

Festivus for the rest of us

Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays. This is was my first in Chicago and away from my family, but I was determined to make it a memorable one.

In an attempt to make Chi-town Thanksgiving feel like a Quinones Thanksgiving I decided to make a pernil (pork shoulder). This is no easy task! For starters, where was I going to get one? Not in the middle of downtown Chicago. I made the treck out to Humboldt Park, Chicago's Puerto Rican neighborhood, on the way there I called the family cooks (grandma and mi papi) and asked the daunting question: how do you cook a 10lb slab of meat? They both gave me the same answer, SAZON, and not the Goya kind.

After five plus hours in the oven, out came this wonderful juicy, crispy pernil -- sorry, the recipe will remain a QQ secret. Along with the pernil, we had Puerto Rican pastelon, stuffed sausage balls with gravy, sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, biscuits, and the main bird, Turkey. For dessert I made a creamy coconut flan and crunchy oatmeal cookies. Needless to say, everyone was stuffed.

This Thanksgiving I was grateful for family and friends but also grateful to know that I can recreate the feeling of home in one bite.

Hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving!

Qurious Quinones

It’s been about two months since my last posting – basically an eternity in the blogosphere! A million apologies to all my readers, there’s been a TON going on – but there is no excuse. From now on, I promise you will NEVER wait this long for a post again.

So what have I been up to? Everything from crazy dance nights, fashion shows, trips to Miami and chill out movie premiers have gone down in the past two months. What can I say, life is crazy when you’re Qurious Q.

Here is a quick recap of my escapades in the great city of Chicago and beyond!!!

Amigos Invisibles - Logan Square, Sept. 18th
One of my favorite bands, Amigos Invisibles, was in Chicago and put on an amazing show! Yes, they are my invisible friends from Venezuela and they can be yours too! Los Amigos are rumba, sweat and sparks of sexual energy beaming out of the lead singer. Needless to say, I was a spinning like a dreidel all night!

Mentiras




Mexico vs. Colombia
In late September, I was in Dallas, TX for a Mexican National Team match against Colombia. My client sponsors the Mexican team, so I was there to activate the event. Lucky for me, it was easy to root for the winning team, COLOMBIA! Colombia wasn’t the only victor of the night; I won a bet down to the score. Victory is sweet…thanks for dinner ;)

Seriously, Soccer will be the sport of 2010…So get on the soccer bus!! Plus the players are super cute. Check me out with Memo Ochoa, goal keeper for the Mexican National Team.



Chromeo - Congress Theater, Oct. 30th
It was Halloween eve and the freaks do come out at night, even when it’s super cold. At one point I was dancing next to Oscar the Grouch. I don’t know what happened but the next morning I had a tiny black and blue on my eyelid. I had such a great time at this show.
Chromeo played all the favorite tracks and there was fancy footwork on the dance floor! The costumes were awesome!



Basement Jaxx - Congress Theater, Nov. 6th
I love Basement Jaxx since my college radio days and it was amazing to hear them spin. Even though they didn’t play many of the favorites, they did play a couple of tracks from the new album, which I love (of course)!
Here’s a home made recipe for a hangover: Booty bumping tracks, Tequila shots and a dash of beers. I did my research, and it’s a killa hangover.

Sept. 3rd, 1982

Let the countdown begin!

I usually like to make a big splash on my birthday, and this year is no exception. As a matter of fact, this year I’m celebrating more than ever! The past year has been a transitional one for me, to say the least. From the gritty city streets of New York to the hair tousling Windy City, I finally feel like I’ve come into my own.

Chicago has opened a new chapter for me and I’m excited to celebrate my first birthday in this city. I’m re-energized by the prospect of a new beginning but also nervous about the uncertainty the future holds. Whatever this year brings me, I know I can handle it with courage, hope and a little alcohol.

For my 27th birthday I’ve put together a list of the 27 things that will help me along as I navigate a new year.

1. Peace on Earth
2. For Mimi to be well behaved for JUST one day!!!
3. Salud, Dinero y Amor for all my friends and family
4. To Party like its 1999!!!
5. Exciting new novels in Spanish
6. Haircut
7. Headphones (preferably a pair I can workout with)
8. Shots of Tequila
9. Digital Camera
10. Michele two tone watch strap bracelet
11. For the METS to get their act together (next season)
12. Hermes Fragrance – Un Jardin en Mediterranee
13. Wine glasses
14. Andy Warhol Lips Tray
15. Shots of Whiskey
16. Socks
17. CVS Gift Card
18. Exciting new novels in English
19. ITunes gift card
20. Skinny Black Hudson jeans
21. Flowers
22. Anita Ko’s Gold Spike Stud earrings
23. Shots of Tequila
24. Ice Cream Cake
25. Champagne
26. Heart rate monitor
27. Hugs and Kisses

xo
QQ

Jamaican-Me-Crazy

For this year's family vacation, my mom decided on Jamaica. I know you all think I had something to do with it, but it was totally her idea.

Below are a few Highlights from my trip.

Sea Horses:
We went on a horse back riding excursion, where you are a guided through a plantation (more like a dirt road) and get to ride in the water. This was no biggie for me, I have gone horse back riding before, but then the water part came. My thoughts were that we would ride the horses along side the water. NO. Once we finished with our “plantation” tour we rode to an ocean side shack where the saddles were taken off our horses and we were guided into the water -bare back, holding onto the mane of the horse, into 20 feet of water! The horse was swimming and I was riding it - in the water!!
The funny thing is the horse in front of me pooped and my fear switched from riding a horse in 20 feet of water, to not letting the poop touch me!

Negril:
Seven miles of soft white sand beaches and crystal clear water along with that relaxed Jamaican vibe. You can’t beat that!! Total BLISS! Thats Negril!
That soon ended when our tour bus pulled into Rick’s Café to see the world famous Jamaican Sunset and the divers. People were flinging themselves of the top of trees over 50 feet in the air! Obvi, I didn’t partake in the 50 foot jump. I went for a more mild 25 feet. After my jump a random guy came over to me and asked if it hurt. Confused I said no, only to have him point out that I had blood all over my mouth. I busted my lip as I hit the water. I had so much adrenaline pumping through me that I didn’t feel a thing.

So scared!

On my way down

Braids:
I didn’t want to be a total cheese ball and come back with braids, but I had a vision of me with bad ass braids on one side of my head. So I did it! I wish I had the balls to actually shave one side of my hair and be a REAL bad ass, but I'm a wimp.

I had a great time and will be returning to Jamaica and maybe this time I'll try the 35 foot jump!

YAH MON!
QQ

Bomba Estero is BLOWING UP!

You know my love for music and my love for Colombia! Bomba Estereo mixes both my loves seamlessly into beats, sounds and awesome lyrics.

If you haven't checked them out, here is an interview they did in Spain.



Translation:
Simon: Bomba Estero is a project that has been in the works for a few years. I started working the format of mixing folk music with electronica with a project called Entrecasa in 2002, and thats where that interest was born of fusing together those two types of music. There was a project called AM770 and that evolved into Bomba Estero.

Li: I sing about things that happen to me. They are simple lyrics but I like to say what I feel and I like to say what I don't like. I think that when you have the advantage of being in front of an audience you have a responsibility of what you see - so people can also see it that way. If you don't like something in society or whats going on in the streets, then if your responsibility that the people feel that too.

Simon: I'll wake up and turn on the radio turn the dial, listen to that, then put on an folk track, I'll listen to electronica, reggae, rock. El Joe (Arroyo) - We are super Joe fans

Li: In my personal case, Yes, I get a lot of influence from La Mala and I get a lot of influence from singers. I try to be then but in terms of melodies, that just gets stuck in your head. If we become famous or whatever. I would really like to play in a plaza or people who can't buy tickets. To play where ever, so people listen to band and know the songs. Wow, that would be my dream.

White Sox, Wet Socks

Lets get one thing straight, I'm a METS Fan. There is no meaning behind my attendance at last night's White Sox game.

Now that we got that out of the way, lets talk baseball. The game was great last night. There was a lot of rain, good plays, and even a couple of home runs accompanied with fire works!

The game started out wet and slow - it rained and we sipped our beers instead of chugging them. By the third inning I was on my way for curly fries, beer # 3 and half a hot dog to follow the first.
[SIDE BAR: I gotta give it up to Chicago, those baseball hot dogs were really really good, especially with the grilled onions.]
The game started picking up and the crowd got excited, so excited that the Wave did three consistent loops around the stadium.

Finally after three innings of rain, the Sox won. I love going to the baseball stadium, you sing songs, do a little batter up dance and talk trash about the other team. By the 9Th inning our group had dwindled to five people trying to chug beers so we could beat the crowd.

That's my recap of the game. I have no idea who the players are on the Sox team so I can't go into detail on all that. For a full recap go to ESPN.com


QQ

ONE <3 ONE <3

Shakira SHE WOLF!

I think everyone knows I'm totally obsessed with Shakira!! AS ALWAYS, Shaki's songs are much better in Spanish but whatever, I'll take what I can get.

This video is my work out inspiration!

Shakira - New Music - More Music Videos

BOMBA ESTERO! BOOM!

Mimi

It took a little bit of time, but La gorda de Mimi is in CHICAGO!

Mimi is the best littlest doggie friend to hang out with! Although she gets more compliments and attention, she's still my top b*tch!

I love my little crazy - shes like a 100lb dog trapped in a 10lb body -

Qurious About...FOOD COMAS

Just a Taste, of more than 50 of Chicago’s restaurants is what you will get at Taste of Chicago. Full of energy and appetite I ventured out on a sunny Saturday to Grant Park to experience gastronomy like never before. Everything from saucy BBQ ribs to fruity gelatos was available to your most glutinous desires.

I had to attend this massive food adventure with my fellow food beast – Jani & Antonio. We started with shrimp and veggie tempura, not my favorite. What I really wanted was ribs!!! So saucy and meaty – all I have to say is thank God I did not wear white. I was like messy four year-old – sauce everywhere. I was glad to see mis paisanos; Colombia was in the house with Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse – I resisted and only had maduros. After a (or three) glass of wine, a cup of gazpacho soup, ice cream and soy chips, I was on my way to a full on food coma.

By the time I got home - after the sun, food, and wine - I was ready to call it quits, and I did for two hours.

The rest of the weekend went almost in the same direction but instead of going out to we stayed in and had a rooftop BBQ. Salt potato's, Mexican chorizo, Guava paste with goat cheese and slices of melons all as appetizers. Burgers topped off with roasted mushrooms and peppers with grilled red onions and avocado! YUMMY!! Needless to say, I all plans for the rest of the day/night were canceled.

Into my food coma I went...

PHOTO: Experiencing a mild food coma at the park

RIP Michael

We are all so sadden by the death of Michael Jackson. I remember pretending to do Bad with my little brother, wearing the white glove, spinning around screaming Woooooooo, Eheeeee.

This is my one of my favorite MJ albums, plus he was so cute back in 1979

Post your MJ Memories!

RIP Celebs

So this is a sad day for celebs.

Farrah Fawcett died today...RIP

Now there are reports that Wacko Jacko is in the Hospital! http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20287724,00.html

You know what they say, celebs always die in 3's...so who will be next?

I guess...Jessica Simpson. Maybe we can be spared from that new beauty show she's doing.

Days of Summer

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the private screening for the movie (500) Days of Summer. An indie romp-com with cutie Zoey Deschanel (Summer) and Joseph Gorden Levitt (Tom) at the Music Box theater as part of the GenArt Film Festival.

The movie was so cute and a little heartbreaking as we are told in the beginning of the film; this is NOT a love story. Zoey Deschanel plays a sweet, easy to love kinda girl that JGL just falls head over heels for. We've all been there...a guy you don't really want to call your BF, but he kinda is your BF. And we've all been on the flip side too. At some point we have all been Summer, and we have all been Tom.

The chemistry between these two was made in indie heaven with an indie soundtrack to add. I will most likely will be downloading it.

The really cool thing about this movie is how the director added fun treatments to it like cartooning, split screens of reality vs. expectations, dance numbers and flipping back and forth from the past to the present.

I say go see it. You will cry, laugh and think about your ex-boyfriend.

Summer Singles

Dancing the night away!

Summer Singles

Meeting new friends.

Summer Singles

JB, MQ, NDvM - Summer Singles event @ CMA

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ COLOMBIA ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Publish Post
My cousin just posted this on her facebook about Colombia. I HAD to do a blog post about it.

Here is the translation and below is in Spanish:

Colombians are Love, Peace and Happiness

Us Costeños are all about the Rumba, Drinks, and Parties

We are Kind Hearted True Friends

We love to enjoy our coast and beaches

And we are the Best Colombia Has to offer

I LOVE MY HOMELAND!

THANK God having been born in Colombia ...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ COLOMBIA ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥:

LOS COLOMBIANOS SOMOS AMOR ,PAZ ,ALEGRIA.LOS COSTEñOS RUMBA .TRAGO,PARRANDA,ALEGRIA VERDADEROS AMIGOS,AMABLES, AMOROSOS,TRANQUILOS,NOS GUSTA DIFRUTAR DE NUSTRA COSTA,SOMO LO MEJOR QUE TIENE COLOMBIA, PERO COMO SEA AMO A MI PATRIA, GRACIAS DIOS POR HABER NACIDO EN COLOMBIA...

GET VIVA COLOMBIA!!

QQ

Qurious about you...single in the sizzling summer

After using every weather accessories in Mary Poppins bag - umbrella, galoshes, sunglasses, flip flops and sweatshirt - and being nearly blown away by the Chicago wind. I headed to the museum of Contemporary Art for Chicago Magazines Summer Singles event last night. Since I arrived in Chi-town I have been so excited for event. Boys, check. Good food AND Drink, check. The chance to meet new friends, CHECK. It's ON.

I always love to check out what everyone is wearing to determine the mood of the event..and flirty cocktail dresses were in full effect. The girls brought it! From super summery eyelet dresses to bold brights it was a good mix of fashionistas. The guys looked good too, with usual man wear - button down shirt, jeans or nice pants and sometimes a port jacket. Some got a little creative but men's wear is not really my thing. Movin on...

As an event planner myself, there where a few thing that I would have changed. It was raining so hard and everyone was packed into the main hall upstairs and PR and marketing people talked, and talked and talked AND talked! It was really annoying. Finally the music started playing and it was surprisingly good. Again, where was the dance area? I was ready to get down while drinking back Bulleit Gin! YUM. Bulleit bourbin and something else....Whatever it was, damn good!!!

Met some great girls, which I hope after a night of triple D's (drinking, dancing and debauchery) - still want to befriend me.

Pictures tk

xo

QQ

Rooftop

The summer has officially started - The rooftop is open!! The view @ LSD is amazing and I cant wait to get BRONZED up there.

If you are a male living in Chicago and want to be a personal suntan lotion butler, please comment with your name, age, shirtless picture and email...

BTW - I knonw I need a "real" camera...not a camera phone

Hola Hola!

After being emerged in a super intense think-tank for my blog name, I came up with my blog name; Qurious Quinones.

They say Quriousity killed the cat, but I'm more like a dog.

Hope you all enjoy the future random post on my new life in CHICAGO, stuff I find interesting, annoying, exciting, and everything in between.

xo
QQ