Honest To Blog

In The Sky

2012-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

I bought this yesterday... you know where to find me.

Resolving

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Sure, it's almost February... but I have been thinking about this whole "resolution" thing a lot of I think I finally figured it out.

I am amazed at the difference between last year's resolutions in comparison to what is on my mind this year. In one year, how our priorities can change! Last year one of my resolutions was actually to wear aprons when I cooked. Seriously. Instead of being embarrassed, which was my initial feeling, I am embracing the changes that have taken place in me over this beautiful year.

This year... I resolve to...

Learn to surf
Go on a weekend trip completely alone
Continue meditation practice throughout the year
Play music

I have tons of other ideas for the year, and I hope to explore the world around me and my inner self more than ever. 2012 is going to be big. Who's ready!??!?

Feeling Good

2012-01-21T08:52:00.001-08:00

Unicorn hair

2012-01-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

I went pink.

Namaste

2012-01-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

There is but one.

Whales, Seals, Dolphins.

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

On the last day of my Christmas break, I spent the morning kayaking in La Jolla with my friend Nick. We were out on a whale-watching kayak tour and were lucky enough to see a grey whale come up VERY close to us. It was so amazing! We were about 3 miles out from shore and the guides said we could swim if we wanted. I was the only one on the tour to get in the water. A few minutes later some other people on the tour pointed behind me and gasped. I turned around and saw a seal staring straight at me from about 3 feet away. He slowly swam toward me and I froze... getting pretty scared as he got closer! Finally he came up right to me, swam underneath me, slapped my ass and swam down deep into the ocean, never to be seen again. It was one of the scariest and most incredible moments! I was too scared to laugh for a minute but eventually it was the joke of the tour. While kayaking back into shore, we saw a group of dolphins jumping through the waves. It was an absolutely beautiful morning.

Redlands

2012-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun with some of my best friends while I was home for the holidays.

I rang in 2012 in LA with Mandy and Rosie. We saw Best Coast and Wanda Jackson at Club Nokia and then stayed in the most janky-ass, low-down hotel in the world. No regrets.

It was amazingly warm while I was home and the first week of January was filled with cut-off shirts, cut-off shorts, picnics, swimming, and lying in the sun.

Christmas Day

2012-01-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Although Christmas Day was absolutely lovely in every way, I don't have many photos. This is due largely to the fact that this was me at 9:00 AM:

And this was me at 11:00 AM:

Those damn mimosas get me every time.

Our Christmas morning had 2 new family members this year. My mom's fiance and his son live with her now and we all blended together really nicely. We exchanged gifts and drank mimosas and then by the time I woke up from all of THAT, the rest of my family was over and we did it all again.

That night was spent at my friends' Stafford and Logan's house and we all drank cheap beer and danced the night away.

Clay

2012-01-11T22:35:00.000-08:00

My youngest brother came home for Christmas! Clay lives in North Carolina, where he is a freshman and diver at Duke. He's amazing, incredible, wonderful, and we have been friends his entire life. I loved having him home for Christmas, and had so much fun spending time with him. I miss him already! Until Summer...

Kaya's Birthday

2012-01-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

Kaya turned 2 on December 23rd. I took the day off and we did all of her favorite things. Dog park, eating at an outdoor restaurant so she could get felt up by strangers, and then went to the dog bakery so she could have some cookies and ice cream. I will never be able to properly put into words how special this little creature is to me. I just love her so.

Moving On... Even More.

2012-01-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Entire days go by without me thinking of my ex. This is a fucking TRIP. My life was once so consumed with him, his feelings, his worries, his cares, his everything. Don't get me wrong, I loved caring for a person that intensely, but since the time came for us to end it, I've experienced such a freedom. Daily caring for my own feelings, worries, cares, more than anything else.

Some people break up and get back together. We didn't do this.

Some people break up and continue to try being friends. We didn't do this.

Some people break up but still keep in touch through text messages or phone calls. We didn't even do this.

I needed complete separation, a clean cut. I needed his energy out of my space, and I needed to be stern about that. It hurt him, I know. I wish it didn't have to... but I needed to do what would be best for me. Since the end of July I have caught wind of what's going on with him, and who knows what the truth is, really... but the way I feel when I hear about him totally trips me out. I don't feel sad, I definitely don't feel angry, and I certainly don't want bad things for him... but I want him to be happy... separately from me.

A few days ago I got a message from his girlfriend, telling me not to talk to him. (I don't.) I don't know what made her angry but she was feeling something and wanted to make me angry too. She wrote me to tell me things about him and other girls. Things I didn't need or ask to know. I've never met this woman, and I never will, but the idea of her going out of her way to try to hurt me made me feel sick. I was flooded with weird emotions when I read her message, but surprisingly, none of them were jealousy. I didn't care about who else he has been with, and I certainly don't want to be in his girlfriend's position now.

My initial reaction was to respond and defend myself. I wanted her to know that I don't contact him at ALL and have no plans to do so. I wanted to tell her to leave me alone, and that I have nothing to do with their relationship. I sat on it a few days, knowing that an emotional response might not be smart. I decided in the end to not respond at all, and to block both of them from contacting me on facebook. I just don't want it.

The main point of all of this though isn't to tell you all a funny story... it's the fact that the way I responded and the way I felt about all of it made me really proud of how far I've come. I feel like I've taken the right steps to properly heal after losing what was the most substantial relationship of my life this far. I'll never doubt that we loved each other. His love was obvious, and mine was so big that it hurt, but in the end it just wasn't that one, big, life-long, always and forever, most important person you'll ever meet love. And I am at peace with that.

Well right or wrong, I sing either way.

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas song

And here's a funny re-make from last year.

I'm going to Redlands to spend Christmas with my family and friends. I get to spend over a week there without any homework, projects, work, ANYTHING. After finals, being sick, and working through the past few weekends... I am so ready.

I hope you have an amazing holiday, and get some badass stuff... I mean- spend time with the people you love.

I'm it.

2011-12-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Bekah tagged me to answer some questions she wrote. And then I get to tag some of my friends to answer mine. Come on... it's fun!

1. What are you grateful for?

Grateful every single day for the people who love me. My family and a handful of truly amazing, beautiful, loving friends.

2. Could you honestly say that you are happy?

I am the happiest I can remember being. It feels so good.

3.What motivates you?

I'm motivated by the sensation of creation. When I make something new, it's a new thing out in the world that didn't exist before. I live for that feeling.

4.What do you value most in a relationship?

I think each person in the relationship should believe that they are spending their days with the absolute coolest person on the planet.

5. How have you grown over this past year?

Long story short, I believe I am 100 x's stronger and 100 x's softer all at once. Does that make sense?

6. What gift would you love to give to a loved one?

Self-love

7. Best date night.

A lifetime of date nights

8. Current etsy love?

A local jewelry artist has an etsy shop and she just filled it up with goodies. She's absolutely amazing. I only have a few pieces of hers but I find all of my other jewelry collecting dust. Her etsy shop is Bahgsu Jewels.

9. Current blog love?

My friend Rosie has recently said good bye to a long-term relationship and has totally found a new side of herself through it. If you find yourself on my blog, you know that I can relate to that a little bit! Her blog, With Good Intention, is my favorite to read.

10. Book recommendation?

Succulent Wild Woman, Cunt, The Vegan Slow Cooker, Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How, We'Moon 2012.

11. Favorite gift you are giving this year?

I am absolutely PUMPED about my brother's gift. He has an infatuation and a connection with his dog like none I have ever seen before, and my other brother and I got Chase and his pug Cassidee an appointment with a pet psychic.

I tag: Dena, Rosie, Angi, Mandy, and Ashley. And honestly, anyone else who'd like to answer these questions. I am honestly curious. Even if you just want to answer them in a comment, I'd love to read.

1. What's the most important thing you learned from your mother?

2. How did you/will you know you're with the right one?

3. What has been the most beautiful moment in your life this far?

4. What do you believe is the coolest thing about women?

5. How do you get yourself to feel better when you're having an "ugly day?"

6. What is the most beautiful thing about you?

7. Who loves you?

8. Why do you keep a blog?

9. What song do you sing the loudest to in your car? (Post a youtube video!)

10. Where do you go when you need to get away?

11. When do you think you became a grown-up?

Geno

2011-12-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

My great Grandpa, Geno Grassi, passed yesterday at the ripe age of 95.

Young Geno

Grandpa Geno and Grandma Audrey

His 95th birthday party/family reunion. This was the last time I saw him.

Geno was the coolest great-grandfather there ever was. When my cousins and I were kids he would catch toads in his backyard with us. He wore overalls 99% of the time. He was seriously hilarious. He'd tell me every time I saw him how much he loved my mom, and that she was his favorite grandchild. He was a total jokester. He'd tease me, keeping a totally straight face for a few seconds, and then he'd wink. It was a guaranteed fact that his wife would be right next to him at all times, and that he would be holding her hand. I love you so much, Grandpa Geno.

Holding my hand a few months ago.

Pinterest puts me in a bad mood.

2011-12-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

I love Pinterest. I love that I can search for something and find beautiful images, usually linked back to the website they came from. I follow artists and inspirational women and boards with amazing photos of wild animals and the most beautiful scenery in the world.

I also hate Pinterest. I hate that women who are single are planning their weddings. The diamond, the flowers, the bridesmaid's dresses, the hand-painted wooden signs, the engagement photos, the mason jars, the moss-covered initials, the bride's hair and make up, the mustaches on sticks, and every other detail.

Weddings are beautiful. I have said that I would cry even at a stranger's wedding from the sidewalk outside the chapel doors. They are meaningful and wonderful and I totally get that. I also get that if you are actually engaged, pinterest is probably a perfect tool for collecting ideas and planning.

BUT! I'm just so fed up with women obsessing over the planning for a day that is not in the near future, especially when they don't even know who this marriage will be to. How can you plan the celebration of a marriage without even knowing the man you'll marry? What if he doesn't want to wear that trendy checkered bow-tie and black rimmed glasses? How will you survive?

I hope this doesn't come off as me trying to be a cool "guy's girl." I am so not a guy's girl. I am 100% girl's girl but that's why I want MORE for young women! Enjoy this care-free life rather than counting down the moments until you are a housewife or mother. Being a mother is the most honorable job in the world, but I'll get there when I get there. For now, I'd rather plan a dinner party than my wedding.

I've been ranting about this issue to a few of my friends for a while now and today I found this image and it made me so happy...

I hope my husband isn't set on the checkered bow-tie and black rimmed glasses... 'cause that ain't my shit.

Mercury Retrograde

2011-12-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else's life a little funky lately?

My phone is smashed, my bike was stolen, I lost half of the pattern pieces for a coat I'm working on, my rent check was lost in the mail from here to the landlord, and I've been sick. None of these things are detrimental to my happiness at all but it's all explained by my friend Nathalie who reminded me that mercury is in retrograde. Basically, it's moving backwards. Therefore- technology and society and life as we know it may feel a little mixed up... and mine totally is. Not to mention, this month's full moon is approaching quickly and that makes me feel a little psycho too. The planets will all be back to normal by the first of the year, so that's just another reason to celebrate.

My bike only went missing today and I've already let the issue go, convincing myself that a poor father stole it so that his young child can have a Christmas gift. That's probably what happened, right?

I have finals next week so if you need me... you can find me at the sewing machine, hopefully not sewing any of my digits to the garments.

"Of all the blossoms in life’s garden, Friendship is the most fragrant!"

2011-12-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

I'm the luckiest girl.

Table For One.

2011-12-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

I like to go out to eat alone. I remember reading in one of SARK's books that people, (women especially) should experience more life on their own. Spending time alone has never been hard for me, I am always comfortable in my own presence, but I hadn't intentionally gone out and sat at a restaurant by myself... on purpose.

Since making a conscious effort to do more of this, I have made some interesting observations.

Whenever I walk in, the host automatically assumes I am there for take-out. They sometimes even walk up to me with a menu and put it in my hands.

When I tell them I'd like to be seated, they usually say, "Just one?" That word "just" kills me... One! Proudly asking for a table for one, please.

The waitress is always intensely friendly. Maybe she feels bad for me?

I usually get a free appetizer or drink or something. Maybe they think I'm a food critic?

Anyway. I know I am very lucky to have so much time to myself. I live alone, I am single, I don't have any children. If you have the time to get away and sit at a table alone with a glass of wine and a nice meal, treat yourself to a table for one.

Truly.

2011-12-07T13:35:00.001-08:00

Pet Snakes

2011-12-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

I worked an extremely long day yesterday but it was beautiful outside and I love those babies more than words. A 12 hour day with children is infinitely better than a 12 hour day cleaning sewers, giving parking tickets, or like... selling shit.

I came home to my housewife of a kitchen appliance, (crockpot,) smelling like Heaven. I enjoyed sweet potato/rainbow chard dal. On sourdough toast. With fresh cilantro. And a Stella. I went to bed at 8:30 and slept like no other.

Maggie

2011-12-03T14:36:00.003-08:00

Home for Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

I spent about 5 whole days in Redlands last week for the holiday. I always love going home to see my family and some of my closest friends. I ate a lot, drank a lot, laughed the most, and got some really good sleep. And I saw Morrissey Monday night!

Driving home

Mama

3 generations

My GG

Mom, me, grandma, auntie

Sassiest member of the family

3 generations

A home video of my cousin and me singing karaoke. Cut-off jeans shorts, holes in my tights, lipstick, stuffed bra... And we were singing Unchained Melody.

My 3 favorite dogs in the world

Another beautiful pup

Nazar boncugu... turkish evil eye

shaye and ash

Amy <3

Lulu

Love them

A picnic/all-day bender with Rosie

Angi <3

Lincoln

Stafford and Burak before Morrissey

Some of our friends that saw Morrissey Monday night

Homesick

2011-11-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

I think I was literally homesick for San Diego last night because I felt like complete shit but this morning I woke up in my own apartment for the first time in 6 days and I feel like a whole new woman.

Thanksgiving was so nice, but I am glad to be back in my own space.

Path

2011-11-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

I've realized recently that my entire life from the present moment onward is a complete mystery. I could end up absolutely anywhere with absolutely anyone. I won't always live in this apartment, or go to my school, or babysit my cousins. I don't even have a real plan for my life. My only plan is this:

1. Do whatever I want to do and go wherever I want to go.

6.

2011-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Stella turns 6 years old today. So blessed to have watched her grow up, and so excited to see what else she has up her sleeve. I can't imagine loving any human being more.

2006

2011

2009

Happy Birthday to my best little friend!

A Little

2011-11-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

Squeeze her, don't tease her, never leave her

Full Moon

2011-11-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

“The man who has seen the rising moon break out of the clouds at midnight has been present like an archangel at the creation of light and of the world” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stretching

2011-11-06T18:27:00.001-08:00

I live in Sugar Town

2011-11-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

Swim the sea

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pisces

2011-10-31T21:26:00.000-07:00

à l'eau

2011-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Space

2011-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's funny how time outside of an old relationship brings things to light. I can see so many holes in our relationship now that I am out of it. I had molded into what I was supposed to be in order for us to work. That mold was boring.

Halloween II

2011-10-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Jaclyn is Wednesday Addams. Amy is a mime. Travis is a lumberjack. I am a hippie. None of us bought a thing. (Yes, I already owned the orange floral jumpsuit. Things Single Girls Wear!) Last-minute costumes are sometimes the best.

PS Do you like my new couch?

Saturday morning

2011-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Wake up
Put on a record
Brush Teeth
Comb hair
Put on robe and slippers
Flip record
Make breakfast
Eat breakfast
New record
Clean up
Make tea
Flip record
Sew
Drink tea
New record
Sew
Flip record
Sew
More tea
New record
Sew
Flip record
Walk dog
Bath.

Always Sweet

2011-10-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you already read Danielle's blog, Sometimes Sweet, but in case you missed it... you can see my nudes on her Tattoo Tuesday feature. Just click here!

2011-10-24T07:47:00.003-07:00

Spooky Spooky

2011-10-24T00:26:00.000-07:00

Amy and I went home this weekend for a Redlands Halloween.

Wounded.

2011-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last night in advanced sewing I sewed my finger to a pair of floral pants. The needle and thread went straight through the center of my nail and out the other side.

If I Talk Real Slowly...

2011-10-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

A friend shared this album with me and this song has been on repeat ever since. I can't stop.

If you love me with all that you are
If you love me
I'll make you a star in my universe
You'll never have to go to work
You'll spend every day
Shining your light my way

blonde.

2011-10-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

angi put me in a time machine this weekend and sent me back to tenth grade. i feel so pretty.

What Love Looks Like

2011-10-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

hugging kelli before she moved to new york.

weekends with stella, my 5 year old friend.

kaya and her boyfriend, harvey.

already miss her so badly.

matching tattoos with my brother, chase.

a drunken day with my aunt and mom.

my cousin, dean.

my friend stella. she said, "they have a ham sandwich! it's ninety-five dollars."

reading an entire book without any help from me.

serenity.

an intense friendship i will never take advantage of.

dean's sweet face and bed-head.

and of course, my dog... humping the shit out of my leg.

Grandma

2011-10-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

The photo on the left is a painting of my grandmother that is hanging in her home. The resemblance is so special to me. Growing up, she was my favorite human on the planet. We spent so many days picking flowers and so many nights watching the moon. Still, she sends me sweet photos of sunsets whenever she sees one. We are kindred spirits.

Recent beauty

2011-10-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

Full Moon

2011-10-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

This full moon was crazy. I hope you saw it. It was the first full moon that I felt pulled by. I couldn't get myself to go to my night class because I just felt like there was so much more to be done. Last night San Diego was the absolute perfect temperature for walking around without a sweater. I was exhausted but couldn't bring myself to go to bed. I spent time lying on my deck drinking wine, smoking a cigarette or two, just staring at the moon. I stayed up late, listening to music and moving around my apartment, not sure what to do. I dreamt a few really intense dreams. One was one of the most beautiful I've ever dreamt, my friends and I spent the whole day swimming out in the middle of the ocean. I'm obviously going to spend today at the beach. I wonder if anyone else felt that way? Or another way? Does the full moon make everyone crazy or just me?

Reflect.

2011-09-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Life is such a blessing. There is so much opportunity to experience it in different, beautiful ways. I have been taking advantage of it more than ever, and I am truly happy. To the core.

I feel so protected.

On paper, I should not be this happy. The man I loved for years changed into a person I don't want to spend my life with. I invested so much into him, and us, and now that person and relationship are gone. There were many times that I would have sworn he and I were meant to be, and that we would grow old together. Why am I ok? I swear I'm not pretending. Something weird happened and took Kevin away from me, but something else even weirder happened that made me strong. I'm thriving, and appreciating the love we shared, but completely ready to say good bye. I am surrounded by the truest of love, and the most caring of friends. I am so blessed.

Film V.2

2011-09-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Things Single Girls Wear: Mandy

2011-09-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mandy is my neighbor. She is also a token single girl. We sit on my porch drinking sangria talking about our opinions on balls. She and I came up with this idea together and I think you will see many single girl outfits from her on this feature!

When deciding on a location for this shoot we simply had to look out the kitchen window. We have a neighbor who is a legitimate hoarder and a few weeks ago the landlord asked him to clear the house out and make it livable for insurance purposes. Hoarder decided he would simply set it outside of his door, in our shared yard. Isn't that lovely? We knew this was just the perfect location for Mandy's photos.

Today Mandy is wearing every boyfriend's worst nightmare: a pink floral romper.

The romper is paired with an over-sized houndstooth sweater and clear jellies.

Mandy says her favorite aspect of this outfit is, "the functionality of the romper. It's like a dress but you can still get down and dirty."

We also love that the romper has the tendency to creep right up the butt for a beautiful, single-girl's wedgie. Who could resist that???

Let your Single Girl flag fly, Mandy!

Film

2011-09-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

In 6th grade my grandmother bought me a camera. I was obsessed, and probably went through 20 rolls in a week one year at Summer Camp. I have boxes and boxes of prints that I love to find and look through every couple of years. A couple of days ago, I put fresh batteries and a new roll of film into the camera and I am already back to my old ways, going through a couple of rolls daily. I am becoming quite good friends with the lady who works at the photo counter.

Phases

2011-09-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you have had a conversation with me at all within the last two months, I guarantee you have heard me say the word, "transition." This journey has been so beautiful. I am so inspired by the moon, and how every woman I know on an intimate level is also going through a huge transitional period. Everything is changing. Relationships, health, eating habits, talents, roommates, homes, jobs, life. Every woman I know is doing wonderful, beautiful things. I am so honored to be friends with them.

The moon and lunar phases have been my biggest inspiration, lately. I want to know EVERYTHING about it. We are all so connected to it, especially as women. Our bodies need it! Isn't that wild? I bought an amazing lunar calendar at The Controversial Bookstore a couple of weeks ago but it doesn't start until 2012. I plan on using it as a journal, and trying to find patterns in how the moon effects my mood and life. Moon mood.

Transition is so beautiful. I know I have written that here in this space over and over but I just never want it to end. And it shouldn't. I hope to keep transitioning for the rest of my life. And then some.

Wellness

2011-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend at a Yoga and Wellness retreat in Angelus Oaks with one of my dearest friends, Rosie and her goddess of a mother, Gail. Between the workshops, hikes, kayak ride, delicious vegan food, and quality time with nature and my friend Rosie, it was a weekend I will not soon forget. I came back to San Diego feeling refreshed and very happy.

You probably heard about the insane blackout here in San Diego last week. If you weren't here, you just won't ever grasp the WEIRDNESS in the air that night. I attempted to get home (Redlands) but soon found that every other person on Earth was on the same freeways that I was on and it just wasn't going to happen.

Turns out I got to enjoy a beautiful candle-lit evening with some good friends in Cardiff that night. There was a real sense of community around the town as people were standing outside bbqing and talking to each other. Some stores were open and allowing people to come in and shop one at a time. People were either buying water and flashlights or beer. We were on the beer side of things.

The electricity came on sometime early Friday morning and life immediately picked up and moved right along. So surreal.

The night of the black out, my cell phone fell out of my purse at some point while I was running around with Kaya at Dog Beach. I went a week without a phone and it was really nice to be disconnected from everything for once... SIKE! I wanted to write that but it is such a lie. I love my phone and I am so glad to have one again. Call me!

The Good

2011-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I want to share some things that have been making me smile lately.

I love this print so much! I am finding my summer!

I am so obsessed with this song on Vanessa Carlton's new album. I can't NOT roll the windows down and belt it in my car.

Can't stop listening to The Civil Wars and watching their videos.

STRONGLY considering that so-cliche post-breakup hair chop. I love having short hair! We'll see...

Most importantly, I am in the process of a detox. No- I'm not drinking vegetables... I am cleaning out my apartment. I am sticking to very strict rules like only keeping summer shoes that I actually wore THIS summer, and finally getting rid of all of the hair product that I haven't used in ages, (six months today actually!) I should be finishing up the process today and I am so super excited.

I know this sounds reeeeeally dumb but I am working on something new. It's that thing where you can like, or even LOVE something, but not buy it and bring it home. Oh, lots of people do that? Weird... It's new to me. For instance, at the grocer last week I found a BEAUTIFUL bamboo bread board that I pushed around in my cart while shopping and then right before checking out I gave it my love and put it back for someone else to buy. Why is that so hard for me? I'm a pack-rat! I find myself less and less interested in STUFF and drawn to real things that matter. This is exciting.

B is for Bike.

2011-09-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I treated myself to something fun... a beautiful bike! I have been having so much fun riding it around North Park! I don't have a lock yet so I have mostly been riding it to Amy's but I look forward to using it more than my car! It's such a simple pleasure and I am loving it.

Scary eyeballs and a beautiful bicycle:

B also stands for Bangs:

Other than bangs and bikes, my life has been more and more transition. My ex has a new girlfriend, and that was really hard to deal with but I am processing, changing, and growing. I am feeling extremely adventurous and having lots of fun! A couple of days ago, Amy and I took a tandem kayak out in La Jolla for a few hours and hung out with sea lions. Life is really beautiful.

Things Single Girls Wear

2011-08-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to Target to buy a light bulb. Because Target's genius and super-sneaky marketing team puts the womens' clothes right by the front door, I glanced over and saw something beautiful. Pin-striped. Over-all. Shorts. I tried them on. I fell in love. I bought them. I wore them.

In the dressing room, I did not consider what my boyfriend would think about his 23 year old girlfriend wearing overalls because, well... I don't have one! Low and behold, I got TWO light bulbs at Target: one for my ceiling fan, and one that hung over my head as I thought... "OMG, Things Single Girls Wear."

Things Single Girls Wear is going to be a very fun, probably sporadic feature here on my blog which shows fun things that I (and my single friends) wear without having to be boyfriend-approved.

Disclaimer: OBVIOUSLY I love women and believe that any woman can and should wear whatever she wants, regardless of her relationship status. These posts are simply a light-hearted concept and should not be read into any further than, "Haha, yep, my boyfriend would hate those overalls."

BULA (or cheers) to TSGW! Look forward to the next post, featuring my single friend/neighbor, MANDY.

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Om.

2011-08-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

I went to a yoga class tonight with my friend Emiscah. It was a detox yoga practice, by candlelight, to the sounds of a live Harpist/Singer. It was perfect, and just what I needed. The things and experiences that I need have been manifested in my life and the timing has all been so perfect and surreal. Life is beautiful.

Someone who met me shortly before my break-up with Kevin was at the kava bar tonight and when I reminded him who I was he said, "Wow! Well, you look like you lost about 180 lbs." I could not have said it better myself! (*Not referring to my actual physical weight.) I am only carrying myself now. Sometimes it feels like flying.

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

I want to share my absolute favorite way to moisturize my face. I've been using jojoba oil and rosewater for a couple of months now and it has become my favorite part of getting ready.

Jojoba oil is the closest match to the natural oil that your face makes itself, (sebum, a magical beautiful thing that is essential to a healthy face.) I dip my finger into the oil and dab it on my forehead, chin, left cheek, right cheek, (Hail Mary style.) I then spray the rosewater generously all over my face and massage it all in.  Voila! Please try! You will love it! It smells perfect and you feel so moisturized but not "greasy."   

To my friends:

2011-08-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for all of you who have been here to support and encourage me. I am blessed by you every single day. Yesterday, just as I was feeling down, I got a sweet little reminder from Rosie that just made me feel like God is using all of you immensely in the reconstruction of my heart. Flowers from Amy, Angi always answering her phone, (except when she was busy moshing,) books and phone calls from Anja, and everyone writing me supportive words and loving me have saved me from the potential of this being a very ugly process. You all are beautiful. The world is magic! I love you all so much.

Service

2011-08-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is another beautiful piece from my favorite illustrator, Katie Daisy. In Succulent Wild Woman, SARK writes a page called "The 'Good Girlfriend' Must Die." It hit me straight in the gut. She writes, "The 'good girlfriend' always knows what to bring to a potluck, makes good potato salad, does all of the communication tasks, makes her hair big and sexy, compromises about where to sit in movies, is available, isn't 'too serious,' is sexy, doesn't say fuck, is available, blends with her partner, is assertive but fake, is a 'nice girl'... is angry but says she's 'annoyed,' is full of rage but says she's 'upset,' buys the gifts, carefully controls atmosphere and environment, reveals only her best and finest qualities, always has effortless and pleasing orgasms."

Ugh... the things I had in common with this good girlfriend. Always trying extra extra hard to make sure things were right for him, and to me second. I think that's why I feel so free now... so spoiled by myself, and lucky to be able to give myself all of the attention I have. SARK said she had "connected love and performance together." YEP. Me too.

My cup.

2011-07-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

How do you love someone? How do you give love away? For some of us it comes easy, and for others it is a bit harder to do. I do know, however, that the best love given is leftover love. I am working on filling my own cup with love first and foremost. I am giving myself everything. When my cup is full, let it overflow and that extra love is the love I will share. Loving yourself is the best way to love others.

Metamorphosis.

2011-07-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Kevin and I said goodbye. Turns out after 2.5 years and many incredible memories and smiles, we are not meant to be. I am sure this is always a very rough transition, but he was my first relationship, (aside from puppy love,) and therefore my first break-up. Parts of it suck. Parts of it are absolutely beautiful. If you're in a happy relationship right now, you probably can't imagine how losing that could feel good, but I am going through such a LEARNING experience right now. I am learning about myself in ways I never knew... and it has been less than 2 weeks. I am allowing sadness to come and go as it pleases, and giving myself the opportunity to mourn and be sad, angry, hurt, whatever I need to feel. I am extremely open to feeling defeated or lost but I am going to be honest with myself, and then with you, and say that I. am. happy.

Feeling happy in the midst of a breakup comes with guilt, initially. Feeling for the other person, knowing that they aren't feeling this joy. For a split second I tried to suppress the joy and be sad again but I quickly realized that I am entitled to celebrate this new stage in my life and I am looking forward to loving myself like I never have before. Today I read a book called Succulent Wild Woman by Sark.

Book description from Sark's website:

"This book is my glowing invitation to you -- to live a rich, succulent life! I explore love, sexuality, romance, money, fat, fear and creativity. It's a little bit like reading my diary -- with permission. Succulence is powerFull! and so are we as women."

I cannot recommend this book more. I have never felt more proud to be a woman and excited to start living life more "juicy." Please, for the love of YOU, read this book. I'd like to thank my friend Anja for giving me a copy yesterday and being a succulent wild friend.

Another positive thing in my new life has been the extreme outpour of love from my female friends. I cry more out of thankfulness for them than anything. Almost every single friend or family member has at least taken the time to write me a thoughtful text simply saying "love you" or "you ok?" You don't realize how important it is to send those texts until you're the one receiving them. They mean so much. I would not feel this strong without them! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I think the direction of this blog will be changing soon. I started this as a journal, with literally 3 readers, my only other friends that had blogs at the time. I wrote candidly and from the heart, not worrying about how it would sound to strangers or people who don't know me well. When more people began reading my ramblings, that changed. My blog became more organized and politically correct. No more! I'm taking my blog back. This is now a collection of things that I am learning, ways that I am growing, and things that are on my heart. I want to empower other people, especially my amazing friends, to do whatever they want to do. If you want to read a feminist book in one day, eat a vegan hotdog with grilled onions and sriracha from a food truck, or smoke pot in a vegetable garden, then do it. Heck, I did all of those things today. And it was a great day.

Here's to me and my new relationship... with myself!

Photos shot last weekend by my extremely talented and succulent friend, Amy.

Fresh Air

2011-07-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

This week has been extremely trying. I am going through a huge transition and the days seemed to creep by so so slowly. Today I feel a little bit more refreshed, but still emotionally drained. In a couple of hours I am heading up the mountain to Big Bear for the weekend to celebrate a friend's birthday. The fresh air has never been more anticipated! I hope you all have a lovely, sunny weekend.

My Favorite Sun Tea

2011-07-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

I make sun tea almost daily. I have a large deck that gets sun all day long and is perfect for brewing. If you haven't ever made sun tea, it is the easiest thing in the world to do. All you really have to do is put tea bags and water in a glass container and wait a day. My summertime memories consist of my brothers and me running all over the yard, spending the entire day outdoors, and in every little memory I see my mom's glass sun tea jar with a red lid simply filled with water and a few Lipton tea bags. Somehow tea brewed by the sun feels different.

Since moving into this apartment with this lovely deck, I have experimented with several different teas. (I am a tea person. Pass on the coffee, thanks.) I wanted to share my favorite tea ever, the one I make almost every time.

Ingredients:

Lots of peppermint

Peel of 1 lemon

Lavender

3-4 black tea bags

You will also need:

A glass jar

Sunlight

Set it out in the morning and bring it inside when the sun goes down. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Redlands

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I loved spending so much time with my friends in Redlands both before and after my trip to Portland.

Lots of time with Lincoln Nelson

and with his beautiful mother, Angi

We had a girls night out on the town last week.

Spent some time, (but not enough,) with my Stella

Ate a plate full of tomatoes from my mom's back yard

celebrated Jess' 30th birthday

and spent the night at Joanna's!

On Wednesday, Angi, Dena, and I took Joanna and Jess to Glen Ivy for their birthdays. I don't have any photos so you'll have to wait for a post from Jess or Dena! It was such a fun day with my friends. Just another reminder that I am very blessed with beautiful, wonderful, caring, loving, hilarious girlfriends.

Things I ate in Portland.

2011-07-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy photos of food... this one is for you! (Everything posted is vegan aside from the macaroons.)

Oreo donut from Voodoo Donuts

Chicken Fried Steak... Looks bleh, tasted YUM. I usually don't love tempeh but this was delicious.

I don't remember what this was called but it was good. The toast was gluten-free and that's margarine and tahini sauce.

Raw cheesecake.

blue fishbowl baby!

Beer.

Tea and bagels. This coffee shop makes spreads with tofutti better than cream cheese. I chose the black olive spread 'cause I'm a freak like that.

Oreo cuppy.

Afternoon snack. Latte and mango macaroon.

MOST AMAZING MEAL OF MY LIFE. Eggplant ravioli, cilantro pesto, and those are crushed pumpkin seeds on top. Heaven-sent.

Blueberry and lime martini.

Ice cream sandwich.

Rosie's tiramisu.

Peach mimosa.

Spicy potato scramble with "spicy tofu sauce." Looks gross... tasted great.

Amazingly spicy bloody mary.

Lavender macaroon.

And of course... the flights home.

Portland

2011-07-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

I flew to Portland, Oregon to visit my dear friend Rosie and her boyfriend Travis during the last week of June. We had the best time! The company was obviously my favorite part but food was a close second. I took photos of everything I ate and will post them for you to drool over later.

She looks good in green.

Rosie directed me to a book she thought I would like and maaaaan... she was right. I didn't get a chance to really dive into it until yesterday but I can't put it down. I have been looking up every single medical problem I have ever experienced and reading about all of the natural remedies. Part of me is looking forward to feeling sick, only so I can cure it. That's weird.

Travis and Rosie and some hungry tigers.

This was my favorite beverage from the trip. It was an Erase Your Face fishbowl.... yep.

Beer tasting.

My favorite lock of Rosie's hair.

On our way to our fancy date at Portobello.

Rosie had a booboo.

Best food I have ever eaten.

The only sunny Portland day I experienced... it was lovely.

More to come.

Home Sweet Home.

2011-07-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

After 2 weeks of traveling and couch-surfing, I am back in my own apartment and it is bitter-sweet. Sweet because it is mine and I am home with Kevin and Kaya... but extremely bitter because unpacking and reorganizing my life after being away SUCKS.

Today there is lots to do... but I think I will probably just go sit on the beach instead.

Before I run off, here are some photos of my family and how we like to spend the summer:

Nona

Nono

Who's foot is that?

My boo.

Mama/Babe

Dean

Clay

Cole

My brothers and cousins and I all knew how to swim before we could talk. We basically grew up in this pool! It's so fun when summer comes around and we all find ourselves there again. Within the past few weeks we have put in some serious hours!

Like A Thief In The Night

2011-06-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that I'm not in California! I'm in Portland, Oregon spending some quality time with my dear friend, Rosie.  We are eating food, drinking drinks, and wearing sweaters.  It's crazy.

Sending love from Portland! I hope you all are having a beautiful summer so far.

Wet Hair.

2011-06-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

When I leave my house in the morning with wet hair and nothing but sunscreen on my face, I can't help but feel really proud of myself. Go back about 2 years and I wouldn't even go to Urgent Care like this, but now it's how I feel beautiful.

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-06-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

First things first, HAPPY SATURDAY MORNING!

Yesterday was my last day of Spring quarter and now I have 3 weeks off from school for Summer so naturally, I spent the afternoon drinking wine by myself in my apartment. Thus: Food on your face Friday, on a Saturday.

I'm not sharing a moisturizer today because quite frankly, when you're using the olive oil cleansing method, you don't need one. Clease, tone, and then a nice SPF would be nice, and those are in the forms of moisturizers anyway so there you go.

I do want to share some nail care! How are your nails looking? Mine have been ROUGH lately. My nails have always grown extremely quickly but they peel like no other.

One thing I have been doing for a while is using coconut oil to moisturize my nails and cuticles. I swear it makes such a difference! My nails haaaate nail polish, even the non-toxic brands, so I need them to look good naturally without any polish on. When you're moisturizing the rest of your body with coconut oil, (olive oil works too!) just save some for your finger and toe nails and the skin around them.

Another thing I just tried out is a "HOT B SOAK"

1 cup hot water

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp apple cider vinegar.

In a small bowl, combine ingredients.

Soak fingers for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Use daily until nails are restored.

I don't know how strongly I can commit to 15 minutes a day for 2 weeks but I definitely noticed improvement after the FIRST soak and a little more after the second. These are things we all have at home already, so give your nails some TLC!

Tiny Buddha

2011-06-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! If you're in school and on the quarter system like me, happy Summer vacation! I only get 3 weeks off as opposed to the entire summer like most college students but I am THRILLED! I have a lot of fun things planned, including a trip to Portland to visit my dear friend, Rosie!

I wanted to share this article with you from Tiny Buddha. It was refreshing and enlightening to read, I hope you enjoy it!

Have a beautiful weekend.

Absofruitly

2011-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I walked to the coffee shop this morning and returned to find Kaya just chompin' on a nectarine. Look at that tongue.

A cute Saturday song that's on repeat at our house lately:

Shameless

2011-06-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here I am, shamelessly entering a blog contest. A trip to Paris is on the line, people! Whatever you do... DON'T ENTER... I want to win.

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-06-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

TONER TIME. Time to get toned.

I read some really great comments about the olive oil cleanser. It's awesome that so many people tried it and liked it! I know how surprised I was when I tried it the first time.

Toning is the second phase in properly cleansing your face. There are maaaany different at-home toners you can create. The easiest is just plain old H2O.

After cleansing your face with warm water, your pores are wide open. A great way to close them up and tighten your skin is to simply fill a bowl with cold water and place it in your sink. Splash the water over your face repeatedly for a minute or so. Many different ingredients can be added to the water for your desired outcome. Apple cider vinegar, essential oils, rosewater, lemon juice, a tiny bit of oil, or anything else you'd like to try.

You can even fill your sink or a bowl with super hot water and steep a couple of tea bags in it. After the tea is infused into the water, hold your face over it and maybe lie a towel over your head.

Once you start experimenting with these things, you learn about what your skin and body likes and needs. Watch and pay attention to how your face reacts to certain things. For example, my skin absolutely loves honey. I had a break-out all over my chin (thanks, menstrual cycle) a few days ago so before bed I covered my chin with a mixture of honey and cinnamon and when I woke up the next morning my chin looked like NEW. Amy's beautiful face, on the other hand, doesn't like honey so much. You never know unless you try!

This is a recipe for a toner that I made a couple of weeks ago that I absolutely love love love.

Luscious Face Toner

2 tbsp + 2 tsp distilled water
3 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp glycerin
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
2 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix all ingredients and keep in a dark glass spray bottle (I bought mine at the co-op, but you can also buy them online.) Keep in the refrigerator and use within 2 months.

Amy and I have both LOVED this little potion. I use it after cleansing and sometimes just throughout the day to freshen/cool off my skin. Not all of the ingredients are things most people already have at home but if you don't already have a few essential oils, I would strongly recommend investing in a couple. They last forever and they are extremely effective. I use them for everything. This morning, for instance, I couldn't turn my head to the left without my neck saying "I HATE YOU" and it sucked and hurt really bad and it was scary to drive. A couple of hours ago I rubbed just 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil onto the sore part of my neck and rubbed it in and I swear it feels SO much better. I also keep a spray bottle of water and lavender essential oil to use as a bathroom spray, hair perfume, and it's lovely to spray on your sheets and pillows before going to sleep. Essential oils are... essential. Cheese. But true.

Please let me know if you try a new toner this week! Maybe you try something I listed here, or maybe you are encouraged to find your own special routine.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Carynn

Life is a beach

2011-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

I'm busy! It's fun! Kevin is staying with me and job-hunting with hopes of planting his roots in this little apartment of mine for goodsies. I have never been more excited about us. I loved living alone but hated only seeing him on the weekends and having to drive 100 miles to do so. We belong together, and that's that. My heart feels happy.

I am in my last 2 weeks of Spring quarter. All that's going on right now is finals and final projects. Art school is way more about projects than tests, (hence, why I love it,) so even when I am home, I am a busy bee, adding final touches to garments and mood boards. I am getting so excited about actually being super close to my dream career... fashion designer! Creator of pretty things! Making money having fun!

Because my apartment is basically pink and covered in butterflies and flowers, I am slowly transitioning into a more co-ed space. Kevin says he doesn't care, but I really don't want it to feel like my place with him just visiting. I want to make it ours. My bedroom is now the closest to being done but I am working on it slowly and making sure I love everything I buy.

My brother was visiting this week with his pug, Cassidee. Yesterday we all went to Heaven, aka the dog beach. I have a problem with how much I love the dog beach. The dogs feel so free and they love the ocean! Kaya is a PRO at running around in the sand and through the waves. I would take her every day if I could but I have to give her a bath every time we go and let me tell you... there's a reason groomers want to charge $100 to bathe a husky. It sucks.

I'm off to study for my fashion marketing final... Au revoir! See you tomorrow!

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Bonjour. It is an absolutely beautiful morning in San Diego and I'm inside hiding from the sunlight drinking gallons of coconut water, experiencing my first hangover. Tequila is weird like that. Today's post is for that beautiful face of yours.

I have never been a master of skin-care. It seems like only yesterday that I began wearing sunscreen on my face. Oh wait... it was. This natural beauty products journey of mine has lead me to care more and more about my skin, especially because it has changed drastically. Just the other day at the coffee shop, I met a lady and as we were talking she complimented my skin. I can't even tell you how good that felt! It was probably my favorite compliment ever, especially because I had zero powder, foundation, or concealer on. As a matter of fact, I ran out of powder about a month ago and haven't bought or used any since... and it's awesome.

How on Earth did I get so comfortable with my skin? I found something that works for me... and I think you should try it. It just might work for you too.

So... as most people know, (I didn't,) your facial cleansing routine should consist of 3 steps.

Cleansing
Toning
Moisturizing

My grandmother always had 3 beautiful bottles of Lancome potions and would spend time every evening and every night going through each step. Me, I bought whichever face wash made my face burn the best and thought that would work. It doesn't.

So, my friends... here is what I wash my face with:

OLIVE OIL.

I swear.

If you haven't heard about or tried the Oil Cleansing Method before, don't think I am psycho just yet. I know oily is the very last thing you want your skin to be but just trust me. See... there's science to it. Science isn't really my thing but from what I understand, the oil gets down underneath the gook in your pores like cleanser can't. It gently removes said gook while leaving your skin clean, healthy, moisturized, and happy.

My routine:

Rinse your face with water
Massage the olive oil into your skin. Really massage it. Take a few moments to just love on yourself and make your face and skin feel loved. I keep a jar of olive oil in my bathroom and I added peppermint essential oil to it. It's a lovely addition. You can add any essential oil that you like. During this process, you may feel a little bit of "grit" underneath your fingers. You guys... do you know what that is? It's a black head. This happened to me often when I first began the process. Massaging your face with oil literally ROLLS the blackheads out.
After spending a few moments massaging, rinse a cloth with hot water. (As hot as you can stand it is best.) Wring out your rag and lie it on your face to steam the oil out. The oil won't wash away with just water, so this step is crucial. When the rag doesn't feel hot anymore, use it to wipe your face, rinse it again and repeat. I do that about 3 times.

If you have read a few of these posts, you know that my friend Amy is just as much a guinea pig to all of these experiments as I, and she was not stoked to try this one but once she did, she loved it. Also, my friend Rosie talks about her oil cleansing method here. I swear, it will shock you. I haven't yet talked to anyone who it hasn't worked for, (though I am sure there are some out there, everyone is different.) Please try!

Next Friday... Toner Time. See you then. And thank you all for your interest and comments, I am really excited about all of this and happy that some of my posts have worked for you!

Carynn

Heads up!

2011-06-01T23:30:00.001-07:00

I made a custom header to pretend I am an interesting blogger!

Sun Tea Summer

2011-06-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

I've been making sun tea every chance I get. If the sun is out, there is a mason jar on my deck, guaranteed. Yesterday I made my favorite tea ever and wanted to share!

First- if you've never made sun tea, it's 100% simple. You simply fill a glass jar with water and tea bags, or loose leaf if you prefer. Add anything you'd usually brew in your tea pot and let it sit out all day. Solar power at its finest!

Yesterday I filled my mason jar with water and green tea bags and added dried lavender in a tea ball. Oh my gosh! Lavender green tea! Seriously so good. I have almost finished all of it already. I gave some to the gas man who was here working on some things today and he said "Dees ees reelly tasty ma'am." So, take it from the gas man. Put some lavender in your sun tea.

Lazy morning

2011-06-01T10:34:00.001-07:00

Painting Party

2011-05-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Amy came over Friday morning and we spray painted a million things, it was a fabulous day. I wanted to share a couple of my finished projects with y'all... and I'm working on lots more.

Amy and I painted silverware using a tutorial I found here and silverware sets we found at Target for $9.

Mine:

Amy's:

Another project I am SO happy with is my mirror. I lucked out on this mirror years ago when my mom bought a house and the people who lived there previously left tons of goodies. The gold was beautiful but just wasn't vibin' with my girly-girl apartment decor.

BEFORE

(Like how the carpet that Kaya painted is now my painting area on my deck?

AFTER!

I'm so super happy with the color and it brightens up the room. (Taking a photo of a mirror is tricky.) And yes... that's my cheesy mousepad of Kevin and me and I love it. :)

Alterna 2011

2011-05-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last night Amy and I went to my school's (The Art Institute of California San Diego) annual Alterna "IT" Fashion show. It is put on 100% by student designers and marketers and it was a fabulous event! Amy and I lucked out on VIP seats even though we had general admission tickets (the perks of being a lady) and had a lovely view of the show. I even hired Travis to be our driver for the night so we could enjoy the bar at the show. He dressed up and got into character and it made the night extra fun. Thank you Travis!

The show was at Loew's Coronado Bay Resort, which was so beautiful and fancy and RIGHT on the bay. Some of our favorite designers of the night won awards so that was exciting to watch. After the show we went to the hotel bar and had some potato tacos that were almost as good as my favorite food, the hot potato tacos at Avanti Cafe in Costa Mesa. Mmmmm.... That just wasn't enough so we had our driver take us to Santanas and then came back to my place. The original plan was to go out to Splash, a wine bar here in North Park, but Amy and I are 45 year olds stuck in 23 year old bodies and we were dunzo. Zzzzzz...

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-05-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Danielle ever-so-kindly posted a link to my Food On Your Face Friday feature and now I have some new ladies who are interested in natural, made-at-home beauty remedies. Welcome! I am feeling the pressure to stay consistent and I even made a cute little banner for my Friday posts... See? Professional.

This week I wanted to use lemons again because my mom has an incredible lemon tree in her yard and I have a million of the best lemons in a bowl on my kitchen table. Lemons are very popular in homemade beauty recipes. You can even use them to bleach your elbows! Crazy... Wonder what else you can bleach...

Anyway, I decided to make a lemon sugar scrub. I made a lemon sea salt scrub a few weeks ago but wasn't that into it... the sea salt burnt my legs after I shaved and the recipe I used was too oily. The sugar scrub, on the other hand, is just lovely!

Start with 1/2 cup sugar

Add chopped lemon peel and stir (no precise measurement, just feel it out. I used 1/2 of a super large lemon.)

Mix in just enough olive oil to create a paste. You don't need much!

Here's what you get!

This can be used in either the shower or bath. I sent some home with Amy and she used it in the shower, I used it in the bath! It's totally fine that it soaks in the water after you're finished soaking, I just would use it after you're done cleaning your hair, so the olive oil doesn't get in it. I liked letting the little pieces of lemon peel steep in my bath water, it smelled really good.

Amy and I both loved this scrub! It's awesome on your feet, legs, arms, whatever! Neither of us needed to use a moisturizer after we used the scrub because the olive oil was just enough, without leaving us greasy.

Thanks again for reading! I'm off to get ready for a fashion show that Amy and I are going to tonight. As always, please let me know if you give this recipe a try.

Happy Monday

2011-05-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Judgement

2011-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't thought much about this "end of the world" thing that is happening tomorrow. I have been driving past billboards for months and haven't even bat an eye. It just had no effect on me.

I don't know who came up with this specific day, and I don't know how or why but suddenly, 5 minutes ago, I felt such a deep sadness for them. Not because I think they are an idiot, or crazy, or anything. I think they are feeling lost and in looking for answers, they found one. Somehow. They also got the whole world talking about it and many people who were also feeling lost believe that tomorrow will be their last day here.

I am so heartbroken over the hate that they will experience on May 22nd. When they find that the world goes on just as it has been, their dreams and hopes and beliefs will be crushed. The thing they believed in more than anything else will no longer be true to them. I feel really sad for them.

I can't help but think about the person who believes God told them that Judgement Day is May 21, 2011. I think it's probably a highly spiritual matter and that they did hear a message, but it wasn't from the spirit they think it was. Who knows what they heard or saw. There's no way that someone would fabricate this date out of thin air and then try to convince the whole world to believe it. They must truly believe it in their heart in order to do that.

I can't imagine the one thing I believe in suddenly being proven a lie. And then to face the masses the next day and be hated and ridiculed for being wrong. The heartbreak.

My thoughts aren't clearly organized but I do know that I am going to use Judgment Day as a day to not judge. I will not be one of the people laughing in anyone's face when I wake up on Sunday morning, I will choose to be thankful for another day and go on with my life.

.

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-05-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

We all know that carrots are wildly healthy for us to consume and by eating carrots we are doing our skin a huge favor. I was so excited to make this mask and give it a try but when I mixed this mask together and started to put it on my face I was thinking, "This isn't good." It was just too wet and messy and I wished I had done it in the shower or something. I didn't give up though, and after tucking a paper towel into my T-shirt to catch drips, I let the mask do what it wanted to do.

My skin feels so smooth and clean, I love this mask. I feel the effects of the honey mask that I've used many times but the carrots brightened my face a little bit and the cooked carrots release tons of vitamin A into your skin. This mask is great for acne and firms your skin. This and some green tea bags on my eyes and my face feels bright, tight, and ready. (Does that sound perverted?)

Ingredients:

2-3 large carrots
4 Tbsp honey

You can also add some lemon juice, orange juice, yogurt, crushed almonds, or crushed granola, depending on what benefits you are seeking.

How To:

Peel and slice carrots
Boil until soft
Smush in bowl
Mix in honey

Apply to face and let sit 10 minutes
Rinse with cool water

Avoid your dog if she likes carrots
Enjoy your fabulously fresh, glowing face

Recommendations/Tips:

Apply this mask in the shower or with a towel below your chin to catch drips. It's not as thick as other masks.

I expected my face to be covered in carrot puree but that's not how the mask turns out. The benefits from the carrots are released in the honey and though there will be some pieces of carrot on your face, the honey is your main focus. It's doing the job.

This recipe makes too much for just one application. I am going to save mine in the fridge but for one-time use try cutting the recipe in half.

Today is supposed to be hair wash day but I don't think I need it yet! I can't believe I'm up to only washing my hair about every 9 days. 3 months ago I was washing my hair every. single. morning. The shower cap and I are becoming best friends and I love it!

Strega Nona Wednesday

2011-05-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

None of my coats have hoods on them so when I woke up this morning and it was pouring rain, I found my go-to rainy-day look:

The Strega Nona

See the resemblance?

Then I made this for dinner.

Man Cans

2011-05-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while the boys were napping, I was catching up on one of my favorite shows, The Doctors.  They featured a young boy, (I think he was 10?) who had started a candle business.  Man Cans are manly-scented candles that come in scents such as New Mitt, Fresh Cut Grass, and Campfire.

Here's the description from their Facebook page:

 "Man  scented candles that come in a recycled soup can with recycled labels.   Each candle has fed the hungry, either at a soup kitchen, a church  dinner, or all of our next door neighbors."

The boy's name is Hart (how FITTING) and he makes the candles in his kitchen and uses the money to sponsor his own little league team! I  heart Hart. 

I think this is a wonderful business to support and I can't wait for my order to arrive.

Internet = TMI.

2011-05-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

I know way too much about people that I hardly even see because of the internet. I have "unfollowed" people for no apparent reason other than they were just putting too much out there that I didn't ask for. To each their own, whatever floats your boat, or whatever mantra you want to use. You do whatever you want to do but I'm not fascinated by screen shots of local weather forecasts or scrabble games and I don't think it's necessary that I know every single place you check in or see photos of every single thing you eat.

I love the internet. I always have. Since that first AOL cd came in the mail in 4th grade, the internet has HAD me. I use it to learn, share, and keep in touch. I love social networking and have an account on too many sites to name but I just feel so sick of knowing everyone's business!

I keep a lot of things to myself. It makes for better conversations when I actually get to catch up with my friends in person, or even just a nice phone conversation. And some things are either too boring or too special to share with everyone I've ever met and a few that I haven't.

That being said... go on witcha bad self... do whatever you want. These are just my thoughts.

Cousins

2011-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate and extremely thankful to spend my days with these two beautiful boys. Moving to San Diego happened quickly and it was very unexpected but new blessings are revealed daily and I know that this is where I am truly meant to be right now.

Watching Dean and Cole grow up and being with them during this precious part of their lives is incredible, and I am the luckiest cousin there is.

Eisley

2011-05-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

I have loved Eisley since their first EP. My friend Jenna and I used to ride around in her car when we were supposed to be in class and sing super loudly to all of their songs. Ashley and I went to see them on Thursday night at House of Blues San Diego and it was lovely.

It was a relatively small and very intimate-feeling and beautiful venue and they had a perfect set list. (Obviously, I would have liked to hear Trolleywood but I know that's not really a song they perform live often.)

I fell in love with Stacy, the youngest in the band, this night. Her voice is just incredible and she is beautiful too.

I am so happy that it's Saturday! I LIVE for the weekends nowadays. Kevin is here and he is going to let me put tea bags on his eyes right now. Have a beautiful weekend!

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-05-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

I've always had this idea in the back of my head that too much of my beloved tea would dehydrate me and I just read that it hydrates like water! To celebrate, I'm writing about some at-home beauty remedies using tea. Bula!

This morning I brewed a put of tea and took it with me into the shower. This is not unusual for me, I do this almost every time I shower. The uses of the tea, however, were new.

I used the brewed tea as a rinse after my usual apple cider vinegar rinse and didn't rinse it out. The tea I used was an herbal berry tea so I wasn't worried about the color staining my hair since it was red. Some people use black tea to darken their hair and chamomile to lighten or highlight. It can also be used to temporarily tan your skin. Soaking in a tub of hot water with black tea leaves in it will give your skin a pretty, all-over tan. My hair is a little bit shinier but my favorite part was how good it smells now. Because I don't use shampoo or conditioner, I don't leave the shower with a noticeable clean-hair smell. The tea gave my hair a lovely scent and I think it added volume, as well.

The tea bags on my eyes changed my life. I planned to let them rest on my eyes for 10 minutes or more, depending on how bored I got. After just a few moments, I could hardly take the tingly sensation and I had had enough. My eyes feel bright and open and excited for the day! I am going to try to make time for this every morning. It works wonderfully. I used the same tea bags from the herbal berry tea but green and black teas are supposedly even better for the eyes because the caffeine will help tighten the skin. I am looking forward to trying more tea bags. If you haven't tried any of my food on your face ideas, try this one! It gave me energy and brightened my mood.

More info:

22 ways to use tea

Tea for tired eyes

Tea ideas for healthy skin

Like any other of my posts, please let me know if you try this and what you think!

How Lately looks

2011-05-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

*KABOOM* you've been photo-bombed!

Up WAY past my bedtime.

I have been working extra, studying extra, having extra fun and eating extra olive bread. Life is good.

Food On Your Face Friday.

2011-05-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY

Cleopatra was known for her milk and honey baths, which gave her soft and beautiful skin. Honey really is used for so many different things! I don't drink or buy milk so I didn't think this milk & honey bath was for me BUT I learned that ANY "milk" is good for your skin. It's the pH of the milk that is important so whether you use soy, almond, hemp, goat's, whateva... put a little milk in your bath. I had almond milk on hand so that's what I used, and it was good. There are lots of different "recipes" for a mixture but I think you should do whatever you want. Just pour it in!

Here are a few other pretty images of the late Elizabeth Taylor as Cleo.

I took a few fashion history classes by an extremely passionate, historically accurate, costume designer. She would go on and on about how terribly the Egyptian costume was portrayed here and how skewed society's depiction of the Egyptian culture is because of it. Still pretty pictures, though. :)

Enlightenment.

2011-05-05T23:04:00.000-07:00

My heart is so at peace. I am gaining such knowledge and insight and a lot of it is thanks to this guy:

Parmahansa Yogananda.

I am slowly making my way through his book, Biography of a Yogi, and it is incredible. The only reason I haven't completed it yet is because I am more studying it than just reading it. I swear, every time I sit down to read it I call Kevin every 3 pages to say, "Oh my God, listen to this!" and read him passages from the book. When he is here he lets me read it to him in bed. He's the sweetest.

The most amazing thing is how God-centered yoga in its true form really is. God is the entire focus of yoga. I wish more people saw God the way yogis do. He is truly love.

"No Poo" Update

2011-05-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Monday was my official 2 month mark and I've almost forgotten that I ever even used shampoo. I am so happy with the results I've gotten and my hair is almost completely "adjusted." I am cleaning my scalp with baking soda about every 6 days and my hair feels clean, healthy, and manageable. My "virgin hair" nearest to my scalp is the most beautiful hair I have ever had. It's soft and shiny, and does not get that dirty look to it, ever. The hair that's been with me the longest, on the other hand, is really confused and not quite sure what to do. I am in major need of a trim but considering cutting off more than a trim's worth... we'll see.

I don't ever blowdry or straighten my hair anymore. I just let it do it's thing. It has noticeably better volume and natural curl. Sometimes if I want to look special I will use a curling iron to help out the top layers, since they dry more straight and the bottom layers dry curly.

Obviously things may change, but at this point, I don't see any reason to go back to shampoo. This method has completely worked for me, and at this point in the process, I am so close to the end result: extremely low-maintenance, beautiful, healthy, long, clean hair.

I love this print from etsy.

The longest my hair has been since 2002. really.

In the last few days

2011-05-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

In the last few days I have began using a pendulum, added petunias and a bouganvillea to my deck, met an extremely interesting woman sitting next to me at the kava bar, run through the sprinklers with a 2-year-old, promised Kevin that I will be better, received fossilized shark tooth earrings, ate lunch sitting on roots under a giant tree, swam in the ocean, and split a large pizza with Amy. I just wanted to jot down the thankfulness I am feeling so that it will never be forgotten. I have used this space as a scrapbook lately, though it started as a diary. I want to always remember this period of my life where I am reaching out to new people and hoping to learn a little more about the world every single day. There is so much out there.