July 31, 2011

$hop til’ you drop.. into a money pit.

Now when you think of a shopoholic or a compulsive shopper it seems silly….. YET they exist. ! In fact I believe I may have a touch of both, however I manage well enough that my bills are paid and my stomach is always full and I’m not pummeling other girls over at sample sales for a pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes or something like that. I would like to point out though that, yes, I am a girl, and yes I do like to shop (mostly online or at crazy nyc stores.. so. many. good. ones.) I generally hate malls and large department stores, the only exception is when I’m with my Mom because I have spent many a year in a mall with that woman. lol. Anyway the point is the main reason I shop so much is because I get bored.. also I am not as pre-occupied with creative outlets as I once was which results in me having a killer wardrobe but at a stand still with my debt. So what is the point of all this? Well I am sure some of you out there have or are experiencing the same thing. Solution ? Do anything but shop! please?!?!? I mean, once in awhile, but not frequently. I do things other than shop that I love to do all the time but I just need to do more of it. Much like the character in the movie Shopoholic, I too would like to point out how overpriced and overdone all that stuff is.

Example: Almost every Betsey Johnson item I have gotten with thin straps breaks or starts to tear… now do you know how much on average her dresses and whatnot run? $200 and up easily. Luckily I am a bargain Queen (not always) so have never paid full price so when a strap breaks, disappointing, but not devastating….I just get it fixed. Example 2: I was bored surfing the net today and I decided to look at some Alexander McQueen jewelry online.. the ring for 2011 on sale for $150 at Saks that was simply brass and enamel….ya… (made in china) How much do you think that costs to make? I will say that 80% of the time I shop sales but even so, I have spent a bundle. All its doing is making it take longer for me to reach my goals. I want to do things for not only myself (travel, more schooling.. etc) but others as well. As long as I continue my current frivolous lifestyle… that will be more difficult. -AND- just think… how good will it be to be completely (or nearly) debt free??? FREAKIN’ AMAZING ! so there you go. Join me in my pursuit of happiness and financial freedom and good health. You can only benefit ! If you have any stories or comments about this topic, please, DO TELL

Also if you get a chance to check out the MTV True Life (yeah I used to get sucked in when I had cable) there is one featuring two girls who are (extreme) examples of how gone unchecked this type of habit can turn into a downward spiral, of course these girls also happen to have some serious underlying issues (I suspect causing this irrational shopping behavior) but still… their stories might have a similar effect on your over-shopping as does showing a bunch of teenagers horrific pictures of STD’s to try and dissuade them from having sex……….ya… right… I thought so. Can’t say I didn’t try to help you…. ahahah

This girl ran up her parents credit cards to $10,000 ! Making it harder for an already struggling family.. (my mind was blown as to why she had their cards in the first place, the show kind of explains. meh) Also in this particular screen shot she looks super…um.. pissed *cough* bitchy *cough* … Guuurrrl those Juicy Jeans don’t do shit for your ass, why did you buy 5 pair??? DON’T BE HER!! AH!

This chick spent so much not only did she have a pile of unopened bills (too afraid to look/avoiding payment) rent-a-center (even her furniture on credit ?!? shit.) repossessed pretty much her whole apartment. Reality Bites. (good movie ! anyone? anyone?) DON’T BE THIS GIRL! AHHHH !

So in conclusion, find balance in everything you do because its ever so important. Extremes are never healthy.

Cheers!

P.s. I will be posting some DIY projects soon, how much more satisfying ! Really ! Trust me on this one.

[polldaddy poll=5314571]

July 30, 2011

Good Morning.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkbpmFOuKrc]

At work, listening to this and drinking an organic mocha shake, Cheers to your health! Happy Saturday ! (I love this coat/outfit… Fall is my favorite.) Xo.

July 29, 2011

YES!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/19530316%5D

July 29, 2011

I’m the Wild One Max

Ya it certainly feels that way sometimes, doesn’t it? I can recall many a time I walked through NYC, of all places, feeling more alone than ever. For a city of millions I must say it can be one of the loneliest. Why? Many reasons I suppose but perhaps one is, when you move somewhere new and you don’t really know anyone yet.. the more people around you the smaller you feel. Its not quite the same feeling you get when staring into the ocean from the beach at night, or contemplating your absolute tiny self in the huge universe (even though they call this place the center of the universe). No its not quite like that, but similar. I came here as a result of an ongoing daydream and because I have the drive of someone who likes to frequently jump into the deep end and learn how to swim.. fast… I don’t do it on purpose it just happens that way more often than not.. anyway my point to this rambling was if your feeling down today please try to cheer up, because for every crappy day there are a 100 (at least !) good/nice/wild/fun ones, right? Also because as I’ve learned, like many, you can never tell the future, just go with it and give it your all and if your especially lucky you’ll have some truly close and loving people around you and a lot of good stories to tell. There are many different definitions of success but I’d say living life how you envisioned it to the best of your ability amongst the dwellers of this crazy world, and sometimes (aka all the time) you gotta make your own world, a haven for ideas and adventures. Open up your heart and eyes and take it all in -but- protect your heart fiercely just the same, like an exotic rare bird in a cage, it can still fly but the outside world has a little less access to its beauty, save that for the right ones Oh, you’ll know <3

P.s. “Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” Oscar Wilde

Jesus Saves. I $pend.

July 27, 2011

Domesticated

I went imaginary shopping for my home and here is what I bought:

Chaise Lounge

*Gibson Girl parfume bottles

Bookends

Wall Hooks (these remind me of the helping hands in the tunnel the main character in the labyrinth falls into)

Drink Coasters

A drink ! (Shot Glass)

Bowl (My future dog or cat will eat from this)

Night Light (a solar or battery powered jar that mimics lightning bugs)

I have lusted after Sputnik lamps forever, the ornate black and white items go into my love for dark and vampiric looking (victorian gothic) things, the multi-colored chandelier would go somewhere in a place near the garden (an outdoor seating area or sun room) because I have also always wanted an Alice in Wonderland garden, I’ve been collecting things for it for years (tea cups, statues etc)

Baking/Kitchen

Candles

Treat Bags/Party Bags

A side table (for future Alice in Wonderland room)

Frame (to hold something lovely, I would have others in different colors sizes along with lots of candles! Goes with the victorian gothic, think dripping wax and Beethoven)

Clock (I don’t know where I would put this but it would go somewhere)

Summary: A 1950’s style kitchen (simple and not too kitschy) because it just makes sense and its fun. A victorian gothic-esque living room (think dark wood/curves/waves/candles/sexxxxy) An art deco/old hollywood style boudoir (bedroom). An Alice in wonderland themed garden and outdoor area (or sunroom). That in a nutshell with very little detail, comprises my daydream house I’ve always wanted. What kind of theme or decor do you favor/have/want ?!?

Happy Decorating!

July 24, 2011

Tale of a Brooklyn Brunch

Today I enjoyed a much favored past time on a Sunday almost afternoon… the art of brunch! I met up with a few lovely lady friends and ate my last real food for the next few weeks as I will be starting my cleanse tomorrow (I was not supposed to eat any of this 24hrs prior so I broke the rules already basically(no caffeine, heavy carbs, etc just light meals aka healthy stufff) .. but just LOOK at these items and I’m sure you would have done the same…

Papacitos Brooklyn

Siberian Suntan: A Vegan White Russian topped with cinnamon with a slight tropical twist, interesting flavor mix

Chocolate encrusted french toast with pasilla and cinnamon maple syrup

Afterwards we went to a local health food store and bought some goodies and I spotted this babeh on the street, notice the “hood” ornament. Now I am home cleaning up and waiting for my delivery of the joulebody program to show up… Hope your Sunday is as relaxing as mine has been so far!

July 23, 2011

The North Star

I used to want to be Peter Pan, and if not Peter Pan certainly one of the Lost Boys running wild in the woods with a mess of hair and a wooden sword shoved into a makeshift belt, whooping indian calls with feathers in my hair and dirt under my nails, not to mention being able to fly. Who am I kidding? I still want all that, just fly towards the second star to the right and straight on til’ morning.Who wouldn’t want to live here!?

July 23, 2011

Home Cont…

July 22, 2011

Honesty is the best policy…

Not to be a Debbie Downer but a few if not a lot of questions have plagued me from time to time since I settled into Ny…
I am close with many people in my family and friends that I left behind in Michigan… at least I hope none of them feel I “left” them… anyway… I just saw an opening in the road to fulfill a long time daydream of mine and decided to take the chance. So far besides having a ridiculously nice apartment just fall into my lap as well as an amazing job/opportunity (not without much hard work of course) I do feel I was led here for one reason or another and I haven’t quite figured what that reason is yet. I miss my cousins (aka the closest to siblings I will ever have or want!) badly, my parents and best friend(s). I struggle with thoughts of feeling bad for not being around or participating more in their paths of growing ever taller and older. I am not sure when I will be done with N.Y. … I never had a plan here, I just came.. jobless with little money and only a guarantee of a room to reside in, the rest I figured out along the way.. I’m still figuring it out. I am from time to time restless in thought and body.. I am a traveler at heart; an adventurer; a risk taker; (not always good) and I doubt that will ever wane from me. I always seem to learn the hard way (unintentional!) and dive right into the deep end, sink or swim. I can only hope this path leads somewhere on the up and up. Progress, thats all. At this point I am at the “What’s next?” and it feels slow and dragging. I aim to stay positive however and I generally am… I think a vacation is in order as soon as work allows. I need some space. Home is absolutely where the heart is. Where and who is your home?

July 21, 2011

The Pursuit of Fafiness.

I made this today, it’s in some of my favorite color combinations as well as incorporating french graffiti artist Fafi… also do you like to roller skate?? Your never too old for the roller rink! Check out Moxi Lolly Roller Skates and this lovely Detroit based artist that now resides in Coney Island… she also loves roller skates. Lola Staar Dreamland

July 2011 archive