April 2016 archive

April 25, 2016

Margarita Monday vol. VI

*blogged while drinking mango juice and listening to David Bowie 45’s*

Oh Monday, what can we say about you? For most of us you mean another too long work week. But for some you’re like the sunrise of a new day(or in this case week. With a myriad of new possibilities;a day to embark on missions to complete new goals and reach new heights. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s here. So, to make it a little better here’s a list of seven things to have on your “radar,” one for each day!

#1) perpetualkid.com

Wait a minute, there’s a website full of kitschy gifts and fun things I remember and loved as a kid!? Yup. If you’ve never quite grown up and want to still have some fun in this “grown up,” world consider checking out this website. Best of all it’s not too expensive! So, you can save up your pennies for the weekend or Disney World, whichever comes first.
#2) Anonymous book sending

Do you love books? Is there one in particular that really helped you? Well, send it to some unsuspecting friend! Yup, if it’s something that could benefit someone you know, why not drop it in the mail and surprise someone? It’s even more fun when it is anonymous, because it becomes a gift for both of you. Not only will it potentially drive them nutty because of the anonymity, but the sudden appearance of a mysterious book will very likely prompt them to read it. Therefore, if your intention was for them to read it, mission accomplished! See, Monday is shaping up already.

#3) Pay it backward?

The next time you’re in a line, whether it’s in a car or on foot, buy the persons order behind you! It’s easier to do this anonymously in a drive thru. However, it’s not like you can’t whisper to the barista(or cashier) to pay for the person standing behind you either. This may cost you, but frankly it’s a lot of fun and you could start a chain reaction of kindness! Good deed done for the day? check.

#4) Dr. Caroline Leaf
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Since my brain has become a large point of interest for doctors and me too, finding this knowledgeable Woman has been incredible. Forget the self help books, the gurus, and psychologists, listen to this lady! She has a show on television and can be found online as well. So, give Her a look here.

#5) Five Leaves Cafe, Greenpoint Brooklyn.

What can I say? Good food, Heath Ledger, and Brooklyn. Those words alone should sell you! This place is not only co-owned by the late actor Heath Ledger(before his death) but also pretty cute. The food is also good too. I had the pleasure of having brunch here on a sunny day next to a hoard of hungry hipsters. The service was sweet, the burger was delish, and I loved the location! So, give it a try cool guy(or gal) if you have the chance!\

#6) Siggis Yogurt
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Yogurt, I think I’ve found your perfect form. Not only is this free of all the junk(no high fructose,colors,or extra sugar) but is also a very healthy and tasty treat. Not to mention, it’s Icelandic(Bjork fans rejoice! It also happens to use simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar. Dive in for a thick, creamy, tasty, and protein packed experience. People, just buy it.

#7) Conscious Beauty Products!
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As I gazed into my drawer of old and new makeup products I thought “You only have one face.” I repeat, one face. Therefore you don’t really need 20 different overpriced eyeshadows, 6 high dollar lipsticks, and about 3 different kinds of mixing bases. I may be exaggerating but not really, and you get the idea… Just like fast fashion helps destroy the environment, so does the cosmetics industry. The production and consumption of beauty products has some not so pretty side effects on our world. To name a few, the chemicals in many products get into the environment and break down ecosystems, the waste from the packaging takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, and all that stuff going down your drain makes its way into our water systems. Not to mention the sheer amount of money these products cost. Walk into any beauty store and you can easily drop $100.00 in less than 30 minutes. It’s very likely your skin doesn’t want to be assaulted by three different kinds of skincare products in less than a month too. Just like any billionaire company, they make money off of making you think you need more. Some beauty companies may tout ‘natural’ on the label, but guess what? A higher demand for natural ingredients means more mining the Earth to get them fast and cheap. Therefore, certainly not sustainably. If you really want to help the Earth and your pocketbook, just stop buying so much of these pricey products.

And finally, cheers! with this agave margarita. Get the recipe here.

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Drink up!
bleu

April 24, 2016

The Feels

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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. -Dalai Lama

How much better could we understand each other, if we were able to actually inhabit each other’s bodies? Like some version of the movie Freaky Friday. I certainly know that I wished someone could inhabit my body(other than me) so they could better understand my point of view. However, there is the ability of empathy , but even that wasn’t enough for me or others that are in a crazy situation. Mere words were not enough, I wanted an absolute understanding and connection with someone. The support group I had gone to before, I left because it was too negative and seemingly a group of people sitting around griping and being sad. More recently I actually revisited the group and found it to be better. Although, there was an overwhelming sentiment of people just wanting a relationship. Some had even never really had a romantic relationship. Whether romantic or not, it seems that well and “sick,” people are looking for a real connection. Why is that? Even in an age that is so well connected.What makes it so difficult to connect with another human? Have we built up our walls of protection to be too resilient? Is it a lack of empathy? Perhaps it’s a mix of both. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that we need to be connecting to more than just the internet. Except for anyone in an isolated circumstance, the internet becomes the connection. When you can’t really leave your house and your social life is hanging on by a thread, the internet offers some much needed socialization. Personally, I’m very social and I like talking to people so this was crucial for me. However, what about those who only see a caregiver and don’t really use the computer!? I have often asked the Woman that comes over to help me, how much She knows about the other people She works for. Of course, this is not done only to be nosy on my part. Knowing that some of those people likely desperately need a social life, why not help provide them with that? Sadly, not everyone realizes how important that is until it happens to them. Again, where is that body switching machine!? We really do need more understanding among us. Since this occurred to me I have become so much more aware of the spirits inside of some people. The World may see a smelly, street person, but I see the person inside who really just needs some compassion and acknowledgement. You don’t have to be religious, a guru, or “new age,” to see someones true spirit. You just need to pay attention in those places that the rest of the world(or those around you) ignore.

pay attention,

bleu

April 18, 2016

Staring Contest

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Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.”
– Harvey Fierstein.

How often do you feel the unexpected gaze or stare of a stranger? Well, I do quite a bit. So much in fact that my usually non-violent cute little cousin spouted off frustrated comments about one such incident. I believe the statement, “ I would kick Her in Her big dumb face,” was actually used. As mean as that sounds it was very sweet because She was upset about the gawking of one particular Woman. I, on the other hand didn’t even notice it. I’m sure people wonder what in the heck happened to me, which is fine. It took a good while to feel okay about going out into public after the hospital due to the potential(and actual) gawking. However, I was told to hold my head high no matter what, and haven’t looked back since. Whether you feel particularly good or awfully different that makes no difference. Because, either way you should carry yourself with esteem. Your story is unknown to a stranger and certainly not their story.This is where unknowingly the Ray Bans tagline of “Never Hide,” is actually brilliant. At some point I decided people were staring because I’m so damn pretty, so there. This allowed any rude gawkers or gawking to quickly fade to black in my grand play of life. Understandably, my cousin is thirteen years old and has yet to learn this. Yet, people of every age could benefit from such an attitude! You don’t have to resemble a piece of beef jerky and wear stretch band waisted pants, and “special shoes,” before you stop caring what other people think. You can start doing that right now and it is freedom! Just imagine it like when kids pick their noses in public, “ We just don’t care people.” To have that feeling of freedom is pretty awesome. It means you can focus more on the important things and less on other people. Because, it is extremely likely the rest of the population is far too self absorbed to pay so much attention to you anyway. In those odd moments when they do, whether it’s for something spectacular(I do have Prada on, thanks!) Or something a bit embarrassing, it’s totally okay just breathe and move on. Granted, we’d rather be thought of as mostly spectacular the latter happens sometimes too. It is in those moments, whether occasionally or perpetual, we learn to just get back up. Besides, what somebody else eats does not give you a stomach ache unless you let it. Therefore, focus on what’s on your own plate. This isn’t to say you should be self absorbed, certainly not. Except, that sometimes what’s on your plate is more important than what they have on theirs. After all, they’re not living your life for you that’s in your hands.

go pick your nose!

bleu

April 18, 2016

Margarita Monday hooray!

Instead of sliding through the week feeling stuck why not pepper it with some fun new things!? Because, a new week does mean a fresh 5 days and 120 hours of new possibilities. Therefore, take advantage and use them well! Here’s a list of seven things that should be on your radar, one for each day!

#1) My Fitness Pal

As if you need another useless app cluttering up your phone,well if you actually use this one, it’s nearly indispensable! My great Grandmother stayed slim Her entire life(all 97 years of it) by keeping track of calories on paper in a little book. This app does the same thing but makes it incredibly easy and useful. Since I found myself less mobile and active since the stroke, this has been keeping me slim too, even losing weight! Therefore, I highly recommend it. If you aim to live a healthy lifestyle this makes it a whole lot easier. Especially if you live in the fat laden American culture, this will help you opt out of it. So get downloading and make life healthier and your body happy!

#2) Starbucks Roastery NYC

Starbucks Roastery photographed on March 10, 2016. (Joshua Trujillo, Starbucks)

As if Starbucks hasn’t nearly taken over Manhattan and the World enough already. They’re planning a 20,000 square foot roastery in the meat packing district much like the one they have in Seattle. Now instead of waiting in long lines, you can spend the whole afternoon there! Or you could just pick up a latte from one of their over 200 locations found in the city.

#3) This video
Perhaps I should be glad I didn’t have siblings?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hVWEefD5ag&w=560&h=315%5D
#4) Crown and Glory

Co-founded by alternative wedding blogger babe Kat Williams this whimsical and beautiful hair accessory line fills a much needed niche! Flower crowns may not be considered essential but they so should be! Not only does it draw attention to you for all the right reasons, but it seriously brightens up the day for everyone.

#5) lulu organics

Let’s be honest not only is washing your hair everyday a pain, but it’s also not good for it! Those oils on your scalp are there for a reason. However, you can find a happy balance by not washing it all the time. Enter, dry shampoo sprays and powders. This little product is a savior to all low maintenance ladies and hung over rock stars everywhere. Just spray your roots on those in between days, and wallah , back to a head of happy hair! It’s even better when it doesn’t harm your skin or the environment. Not to mention, its creator has a tree house how cool is that!?

#6) Strawberry Basil Popsicles
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This list is not complete without a tasty treat and this one happens to be awesome!
I came across these at a local food and flea market, which spurred me to buy some rocket pop molds and get to freezing strawberries! That and it was Summer after all.Find the recipe right here Ladies and Gents.

#7) Career Girl Daily App

I know, I know another app. The difference is, where one works on the internal this one works on the external! This one is especially useful if you’re a career minded female. Not to mention, it has loads of helpful reading material and may actually offer you some inspiration.

Lastly, Cheers! Sip on this smoky Summer watermelon number.
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Find the recipe here.

enjoy!
bleu

April 11, 2016

Margarita Monday

It’s that time again… no, not Christmas thank God. Whether you wanted it to happen or not, it’s here Monday funday! So, cheer up and make the next five days and 120 hours count. The question isn’t will you, but how are you going to do that? Well, for starters take stock, make some lists, and decide which goal you’re going to focus on. Therefore,( for now) sit back relax and enjoy this list of seven things that should be on your radar. One for each glorious day of the week.

#1) Jonathan Adler vice collection.

Oh, Jonathan you pricey and chic designer you.

As much as I wanted these when they first came out, I couldn’t justify spending a small fortune to hide my imaginary(or not) stash of uppers. However, these are not only funny but quite cute and functional. If you’ve ever read Valley of the Dolls(you so should) you’ll probably want one. Just try not to clutter up your vanity top with too many cute boxes, although I’m guilty of doing that too!

#2) Marimekko Target collection.

The sixties may have been over forty years ago, but this company has kept its style alive. However, not at 1960’s prices. Fortunately though, you’re in luck because Target has swooped in(yet again) with an affordable designer collaboration. You can bet when it drops in stores and online April 17th I’ll be there, ready to warm up my credit card by sliding it through check out. The odds are decent that this collection will go fast, so give it a looksie(made up word) for yourself.

#3) Vfish Chicago.

Not only is this a super comfy and cute brand but the origin of its name is spectacular.

The name was inspired by the founder’s beautiful and bad ass Grandmother Vera Fishbough, hence the name. It’s worth giving them a visit, and you can do that online here.

I have a few very soft and comfy pieces from them that I really like, so here’s a hint get the leggings!

#4) Lola Star.

There are quite a few shops and eateries lining the infamous Coney Island boardwalk, but nothing caught my eye quite like this awesome little shop. Not only is it super cute and kitschy, but the adorable owner designs all the cool shirts herself! Not to mention She attended a good art school located in my “home town!” So of course I was drawn to this shop even more, and not just because of the pink unicorns. It’s simply just a unique and cool shopping destination on the boardwalk. Can’t seem to get to the East Coast of the U.S? Well, you’re in luck because you can shop online! Just go here, and while your at it look up Her new shop in Rockaway too. Overall this girl created a good brand, and is full of fun things(ie hula classes, roller rinks, and LOTS of pink!

#5) Conscious Closets.

This may sound like a lot of work, but it’s not just for hippies and tree huggers. The fact is, our culture is incredibly wasteful. A large part of this waste has been what they call “fast fashion,” so try to avoid those bargain stores like Forever 21 and H&M. The video below will help explain this a bit more, so watch it! Pretty please?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1vlX7OdLM&w=560&h=315%5D

#6) Get a smashbook!?

To summarize what a smashbook is, it’s like a scrapbooking speed round. You don’t have to make it pretty, just stick and glue(with notes if you wish) the things you like in a handy book you can keep them all in. The reason this is helpful is because it can really help declutter your space. Instead of scraps of paper and pictures randomly pasted on your walls or cork board, why not put them all in a book? Putting all your favorite images or quotes in one place gets them off the wall and really opens up your space. Not only that but you’ll still have them all! Just in a cute book.. If you don’t know where to start, check THIS out. Having a more minimal space allows for increased productivity and a clearer mind. Therefore, I really recommend doing this, especially in your office space!

#7) The Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, Michigan.

I can’t rep this place enough because it’s so unique and cool. Not only does it support local artisans and independent business but it is SO FUN! One building that houses a collection of cool vendors that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’d like to get more details about this place check out my blog post about it here.

Lastly, Cheers! with a blackberry thyme margarita. Find the recipe here.

Drink up!

April 8, 2016

Count the missing

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This is not about making sure all the school kids are back on the bus after a field trip. Rather it’s about focusing on what you don’t have and making that a positive. Sometimes, depending on your circumstances those things can be extreme, but relevant nonetheless. If you pay attention to all the drug advertisements on television that alone should comfort you. Because, if you listen carefully they’re aimed at a lot of people that are less fortunate than you. The hundreds if not thousands of people that have things like hepatitis C, lung disease, multiple sclerosis, crohn’s disease, chronic arthritis, pulmonary edema, and a lot of things that you can barely pronounce! All of them are bad, and guess what? Count yourself lucky if you don’t have any of those things, because many people do; otherwise mass pharmaceuticals wouldn’t target them. All too often we focus on the inconsequential things that we lack. What you don’t realize is, that there are many things that you’re lucky not to have! The world worships and lusts for the material, ignoring the fact that those things are actually immaterial. In some way(even small) you must find comfort in the fact that you are free of disease, have all your limbs, your sight, and most of if not all of your mental faculties. Those things are a blessing to me because, according to some doctors I stood to lose my mental faculties in some part, endure chronic pain, lose the ability to walk(but have my legs) and lack creative ability. However, I am very much creative, walking, pain free, and as intelligent as ever, imagine that. I can hardly comprehend how fortunate I am, and likely neither can you. We are so unaware of our inherent privileges because we’ve always had them. My exposure to years of rehabilitation therapy has not only shown me what I don’t have(or need to work on) but it has also highlighted what I do have. While lamenting the lack of use of my left hand(for now!) while at therapy, I saw a girl who didn’t have a hand at all. While some may rate my health as worse because of what happened to me, I feel quite the contrary. Never, have I been as healthy, health conscious, or enjoyed working out so much! Had I known before the accident what I know now, you’d never be able to get me away from the gym. Our bodies are miraculous creations, and they can be pushed to new heights with our determination. Of course, it takes work and dedication, but it’s more than worth it. When you take care of your body well it will take care of you in ways you didn’t imagine. We should love and show love to our bodies no matter what the size. After this happened to me and I lost so much physical ability for a time, it created a deep appreciation within me for the things I can(and am still able) to do. To neglect my body and it’s physical abilities would be a high crime. Therefore, everyday you wake up full and healthy don’t dare waste a minute of it! This life is a gift.

walk in love,

bleu

April 4, 2016

Margarita Monday

Welcome to the fourth edition of celebrating Monday! Geeze, I’m still a newbie when it comes to liking Mondays. A hard won battle I can assure you. As a recovering weekend warrior it’s no small change that I now like Monday. How could you do such a thing!? you may ask…

Well, once I realized that the beginning of the week left me with five days and 120 new hours of possibilities, my tune began to change. Therefore, here are some things that should be on your radar, one for every day of the week!

#1) Ivory Ella

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If you love elephants but hate the exploitation and abuse of them, then consider showing your support of this company. Not only do they donate 10% of their profits to help save the elephants(most give 1%) but they do it in style. Check them out here and consider donning a shirt to spread the message! Not only that, but how cute would a tee be for the gym?

#2)Choccywoccydodah

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Since I love British culture and chocolate, and even better when they’re combined! Not to mention, with a funny name to boot. This shop has made a name for itself in the chocolate world and with celebreties alike. They are one of the few places that turn cocoa beans(chocolate) into art. Just check out some of their creations and shop here.

#3)TCHO Mokaccino chocolate

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Speaking of beans, this one combines both chocolate and coffee! All wrapped up in a cute package.

beans(coffee that is) all in a pretty wrapping. With this bar, you can have a pretty capuccino whenever you want. The Easter bunny was kind enough to bring me one of these.All the more reason to love cute bunnies .

#4) Juice Beauty

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Many know of Gwyneth Paltrow from movies and Her ventures into health, food, and beauty, but must it come at celebrity prices? Rather then purchase Her skincare from Her hailed site Goop, try going to the affordable source instead. Her other line Juice Beauty manufactures the products for Goop as well, but at much higher prices. Therefore, it’s probably a good idea to buy the products under the Juice Beauty name instead. Your pocketbook(and bank account) will thank you, and so will your skin.

#5) Heads Up by Ellen

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I love Ellen Degeneres, how could you not!? Among Her many talents She also comes up with fun games. This one you can download to your smartphone for 99 cents, and it’s worth every penny. Think of it as charades gone mobile. It’s a fun party game or even just for two people that are bored on a weekday. Not only that, but with its fast game play you could do it on your lunch break, with a fun co-worker.

#6) The Pixies!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjJHH6IL3Nc&w=560&h=315%5D

It’s time to give credit where credit is due. I have heard this band in the background of so many advertisements that the hipster in me is slightly annoyed. So, if your digging a song you heard on an American television advert, this is likely the band your ears took a liking to. I have also seen a play built around the music of this group, so needless to say they can carry more then just a tune! Therefore, perhaps you’d like to give them a listen?

#7) fab.com

I have found some of the coolest items on this site. Hello, bluetooth shower speaker and David Bowie umbrella! They not only work with some pretty amazing designers but also have some on point customer service(trust me I would know) in all my online shopping they’ve been a favorite. Check them out here.

Last but not least, cheers! A roasted blueberry basil margarita. Get the recipe here.

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Love and possibility,

bleu

April 3, 2016

This belongs to me.

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“I think developed countries – so-called developed countries – should reflect upon the way of living and the waste of energy.”- Hugo Chavez.

Just so you know, ownership is an illusion. Because, we can’t take anything with us when this life reaches its final chapter. Therefore, this means you are pretty much a custodian of inanimate objects. The question is, how big of a custodian job do you want? The more stuff you have the bigger the burden. So much of our time(and life) gets eaten up by working for, shopping for, and paying for said items, and then taking care of it all! After I nearly died these inanimate objects lost nearly all their value to me. I began not only going through the loads of things I owned but also giving away and selling much of it. I no longer found as much value in objects as I once had. Simply put, you assign value to things, they don’t assign value to you. Our culture is unbelievably wasteful to the point of insanity. I still marvel at the hoards of things that occupy giant shopping malls. What happens to it all? Where does it all go? Furthermore, do we really need any of it!? Just watch the video below. Also, avoid regular trips to Forever 21, H&M, and the website Modcloth.com!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1vlX7OdLM&w=560&h=315%5D

A designer purse will not make you happier, just as no inanimate object was going to restore the physical functions I nearly lost in my body. Therefore, I saw no point in becoming a collector of things that would only burden me. At some point I even questioned a bewildered friend, what the point of saving money was. Since it really didn’t serve me at the time or hold as much value anymore. When you nearly lose everything, lets just say your perspective changes a bit. The continual dance that people do, to obtain and maintain essentially useless objects became very unnecessary to me. Instead of petitioning for a better environment, perhaps we should quit dumping tons of unnatural materials into the Earth. Our time would be better spent on experiences that create incredible memories, rather than objects that cause us grief. Additionally we could use our resources to help another person either financially or with our time. Now that is something very worth doing!

Go minimal!

bleu