S'MACdown: S'MAC Mac-n-Cheese Competition

Beginning on May 6, macaroni and cheese lovers, aficionados and self-professed professionals were given the opportunity to share their creations in a S'MACdown sponsored by S'MAC.


Competitors were allowed to create any mac & cheese dish -- no ingredient off limits. 2 out of the 4 finalists choose bacon (the bacon craze doesn't seem to be losing steam just yet).


The live judging event took place on  May 19 at the Murray Hill S'MAC location. The panel of judges included S'MAC owner Sarita Ekya, Barbara Rich, consulting chef for S'MAC, and Tom Birchard, owner of Veselka who tasted and deliberated over the four finalist creations.

Speed Rack USA Women's Finals for Breast Cancer

On May 16, Speed Rack USA held the finals of the women's bartending competition in New York. It was a fundraising event with 100% of the proceeds going to breast cancer research and education. My good friend, Glendaliz Camacho works for SHARE, a beneficiary of the funds raised at the event.

Ask Abbie: In Love With Another Woman

In Love With Another Woman Asks:

I am turning 52 this month. I've been happily married for nearly 25 years, we have three kids, the youngest of whom is 14, the oldest in college. I work at home, and several years ago, with my wife's full knowledge and consent, I hired a friend of ours, a mom I'll call Karen, to help me with my business. We got along fine, it was good for my business, a strictly working relationship, and she left after about 2 years to take a full time job.

She was a friend to both of ours, and she still came over often after her job ended, our kids were pals, etc. We walked dogs together. On one of these walks, she gave me a letter, asking me to read it later. When I did, it told me that she loved me, but she knew I was married, and that she couldn't keep relating to me the same way. We could no longer be friends.

The problem is, I'd fallen in love with her as well. I rushed to her and told her so. We spent a month talking tearfully back and forth before my wife found out. She was outraged, naturally, and I stopped all communication with Karen.

Ask Abbie: Losing Her To Her Work

Mr. Second To Her Career Asks:

So I have been dating this girl for a little over a year now. Things were great until her career started consuming her life and distancing her from me. Now, don't get me wrong, I want her to be successful but I feel neglected. I don't hear from her for extended periods of time, sometimes days. When I do hear from her all she really says is she is busy with work or to ask me to do something for her. At this point I feel like an unpaid intern on call 24 hours a day, rearranging my personal life to preform menial tasks for someone else for no compensation. 

Overexposed (NSFW)

Every once in a while what looks like a loss can be turned into a gem.

Overexposed.

NSFW images after the jump.

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Ask Abbie: A Matter of Black And White and Ego

White Guy With Black Girl Issue Asks:

So I've been working closely with a beautiful black woman for the past couple of months. Drive her home, take her out for food and drink a couple times, turn my game up to full power, get her in a hotel (sorry she is married and I knew and didn't care. Whole nother issue). Lucky for me it seems I'm one of the white guys with a big fat dick, know what I want and, know how to give it. It's a big secret, so no one knows and, the other day I overhear her with other black coworkers talking about how she would "never fuck wit a white boy". Blah blah except this one white guy, hot, movie star or someone. I'm pissed but, more than pissed I'm hurt. Hung out one night shortly after and admittingly I was not myself, got out, got distracted but, still looking to rationally state my case to her.


For some reason I'd like to continue our relationship (probably those hips and lips) but, I really want her to understand what she did and why it was wrong, or am I wrong?

From The Vault of Abigail Ekue Photography

I had a vivid dream the other night about photography. It's calling me back. I shut my eyes and reached into the vault. Here's a selection of what I pulled out. 2010 - present.

Ask Abbie: Passion For the Bottle...Not Him

Passionless and Unfulfilled Asks:

Hi - I'm involved in what can charitably be called a passionless marriage. My wife doesn't sleep in the same room as me. She has certain personal habits, specifically heavy drinking, which turn me off. It's a cliche, but by now, I stay in it for the kids. On the plus side they're 17 and 20, and will soon be on their own. Yet if I divorce, my wife will have no means of support and would probably wind up on the street. Despite my frustration, I don't want to leave her to fate for what I consider an addiction, but one she refuses to even acknowledge.


In terms of my owns needs and desires, I do have a sex drive which is very unfulfilled My question to you is, do you think it would be cheating for me to find sex outside of marriage? I'm attracted to many women I see, but I can't get myself to follow up with them. I appreciate any advice you have.

Ask Abbie: Sex Doesn't Last

Not Getting Enough Asks:

Let's start off with sex, we don't have any. He thrusts 3 times and stops for a while sometimes he'll be too tired to continue. He always wants to be on top as well and sex is getting boring. When I do go on top he slips outta me and softens up. Any tips because I wanna take control with no mistakes and wow him to spice our relationship.

Pie Face NYC

Pie Face is Native Creative Concierge™ approved

Due to the fact that I haven't been to Australia yet, the only taste of Down Under I've had thus far is a burger creation at The Sunburnt Cow (another Hurricane Sandy casualty) a few years ago.

I can now add a stacked Philly Cheese Steak pie.

It was free.

But it was not in lieu of compensation for this endorsement. Au contraire. I went to Pie Face to satisfy my curiosity and sweet tooth on a Saturday afternoon and ended up walking out with dinner.

Feeling Great About Work

I've been working a lot lately. Native Creative Concierge™ and all the things related to it have kept me busy over the past month. And I've loved it. The obvious reason would be my business is gaining traction, so why wouldn't I feel good about that? Exactly. The work is meaningful to me.


But also the process of the work -- the paperwork (which I usually procrastinate on, got done), the inquiries and referrals that I have to respond to "seal the deal" have me flexing my communication muscles, designing my business cards and having those delivered, spending a few days with a corporate client while they were in NY being able to take photos and eat where Anthony Bourdain ate are all pluses. The planning of my Boozy Treats Tour, the food events in the "event proposal stages" and the networking needed to have those events become a reality are all rolling right along.

Tribeca Film Festival - Midnight

The Tribeca Film Festival Midnight section (formerly known as Cinemania) has been rebranded for this year's festival and offers seven films. features horror movies and thrillers where strong women dominate. Midnight programmer Cara Cusumano sums it up, "Featuring telekinetic children, mad scientists and middle-class suburban cannibals, this year's Midnight section is more diverse and entertaining than ever before, and a true celebration of the innovative, risky and groundbreaking stories and styles that can only be found in genre cinema." Films from the Midnight section include Dark Touch, Frankenstein's Army, Fresh Meat and Raze.

They look like creepy, bloody fun.

Ask Abbie: Always A Cheater, Never Alone

Lost Asks:

Okay ....I'm a 39 year old man married for over 15 years....I have 2 kids who I love...Now here's my problem. ...I've never been faithful to my wife. She knows about the other women...but I promised every time to leave them alone... I've always looked and found someone to have sex with have fun with. ...everything you're supposed to do with your wife. I've had several girls on the side but one in particular has been there for years, over 10.... I know shame on me. ...I've wanted to leave and be with her but I would chicken out...Now that I really want to, she doesn't.... My question is how do you move on to loving your wife and not the other woman? Please help me...Signed lost..

WWE Superstars For Sandy Relief Auction

How would you like to attend a NASCAR event with WWE Superstar John Cena or attend the Sandy Relief Party with The Miz (and ride there with him in a limo) because he's awesome?

The WWE is auctioning these opportunities to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief. Five months later and many people who were affected by the superstorm are still displaced or haven't received any hurricane relief. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief. The auction will run for 2 weeks until Tuesday, April 9, 2013.

Ask Abbie: So Glad She's Gone

Is it OK to feel better when your partner is gone?

Needs Solitude Asks:

I've been seeing someone for awhile. Love her, truly but I lack a connection somewhere. What I mean is she's been away and I haven't really missed her. I've thought about her and hope her trip is going well, but I think I dread her return somewhat. The solitude has been needed (I can't remember the last time I had all this time to myself) and I know I'll feel crowded and looked to for attention upon her return.

Plain truth is that I lack intimacy with her often. I don't really want to talk to her and tell her what's on my mind. I just want to be left alone, mostly. Sometimes it's fun to hang out together, but then I'll want to be left alone.

We've been together for years...

My head feels all f**ked up. My heart too.

A Random Moment With A Proud Owner Of A Micropenis (NSFW)

Martin, proud owner of a  micropenis

I stumbled on to his tumblr, Martin's Tiny Penis, a few months ago via reblogs. Martin has a micropenis and is proud of it. I am always intrigued by bodies, their owners and the relationship people have with/in their bodies.  He has a willingness to show himself and answer questions and reply to the comments from tumblr followers. I had a few questions of my own which he was happy to answer.


NSFW photos after the jump...

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Ask Abbie: The One Or The Hooker

Done Being A Virgin Asks:

im a college student but still a virgin, with no foreseeable options in the near future. thinking about getting a hooker, what do u think?

wait till i find the ONE or just fuck a whore....

Concussion Center at NYU Langone Medical Center

I was invited to the launch of the Concussion Center at NYU Langone Medical Center on March 19, 2013. The Concussion Center will provide personalized care for pediatric and adult patients with concussions.At the event there were presentations, including one from guest speaker Adam Graves, former NHL player, and a panel discussion on Head Injuries and Concussion in Sports: What You Need to Know.


There's a lot to know about concussions -- the causes, effects and treatment. Because of the dangers to young athletes who sometimes compete with concussions or suffer repeat concussions, New York State passed Concussion Management legislation in June 2012. There are now 33 states and the District of Columbia who have strict guidelines on youth athletes treatment and return to play after concussions.


Athletes aren't the only population at risk for concussions. Nearly 4 million people a year (considered an underestimation) suffer from concussions and less than 15% of them seek any medical treatment. A direct blow to the head which causes an alteration in mental state is a concussion. A person does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion either. Depending where on the head a person receives a blow can determine the area of the brain which is injured -- memory, concentration, balance etc.


Symptoms of concussion:

• Fatigue or insomnia
• Feeling dazed, confused or "out of it", difficulty concentrating
• More emotional than usual, mood swings, irritability, anger, anxious, depression
• Headache

The Rock at G.I. JOE: Retaliation London Premiere

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
G.I. JOE: Retaliation UK Premiere
March 18, 2013
Empire Leicester Square, London, UK
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images 

For those in the WWE Universe wondering why Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson wasn't on Raw this past Monday, it's because he was at the London premiere of his latest film, G.I. JOE Retaliation, along with co-stars Channing Tatum, Elodie Yung and Adrianne Palicki.

A Random Moment With Gwyn Joy of Paradou

Gwyn Joy, bartender/manager at Paradou restaurant, illustrator

Here's "the more" from Gwyn Joy as promised. Read on to find out more about his art, foie gras, corporate branding, advice for brunching at Paradou, his doppelganger... and foie gras.

To think he didn't even want the job.