Archive of ‘Uncategorized’ category

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

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!

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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

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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

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!

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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

Growing Pains

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“Those with the strength to succeed in the long run are the ones who lay a firm foundation of growth with the bricks that life has thrown at them.” -Marc and Angel Hack Life.

Let’s face it, growing can be painful.  Not just physical growth but emotional  growth as well.  Your bones stretch,  sometimes you even break them, hormones change, and your feelings get hurt. All throughout life we continue to grow, and it seems it never stops hurting does it? Just when you think you’re invincible your armor gets pierced by that big bully  named life. However, even though  some of us learn to dodge or withstand the attacks sometimes it  looks as though the bully has won the fight. Except,  here’s the thing, you’re not allowed to give up mid battle. Because if you do that, how will you ever  live to see the other side to your victory?   As tiresome as it feels, with determination  you still manage the energy to carry on. It’s no secret that we all have wanted to give up but look,  it is then you found that little piece of coal to keep the fire going.  This is why we need stories and inspiration, to stoke the fire and bring it to an appropriate roar. There is no way we’re going to let Goliath win the fight! I don’t care how small I may seem, my spirit can rise up to  giant heights, and so can yours. So big in fact, that you tower over Goliath. It was when I looked to be at my weakest that I found my strength. How? Because, giving up or giving in is not an option. Even though a rock would be lovely to crawl under sometimes, we must overturn  the rocks. Because,  if you hide underneath a rock you’ll suffocate. No matter how you feel, there’s something to be said for being seen regardless. It will do you good to carry onward and upward. Hold your head high no matter what! A ship reaches its destination when the sails are full(winds of inspiration?) and the rudder is facing the  direction in which it wants to go. The same can be said for which way your head is facing and the direction of your eyes.

sail on! and keep your head up.

bleu

Margarita Monday

 
 

To celebrate this weeks version of a “New Year,’ aka Mondayi n style Here is a list of seven things that should be on your radar, one for each day of the week! You may have had some cocktails at brunch yesterday but, please  treat yourself to another. Another cocktail is never too much!

#1) Attila Marcel.

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I had the pleasure of taking in this film at a indie film fest. I have always loved the whimsical  French film Amelie, but this one is a very strong contender to top it!

This film is also whimsical but with a male character. Also replace the  love interest that collects photos with a quirky neighbor that provides drug trips to unearth lost memories.

#2) MOMA cloud umbrella

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Staying dry in rainy New York(or anywhere)weather just became a whole lot brighter(and fun) this umbrella looks like all business from the outside, until you look up! With this  little secret other people’s rainy days will be your blue sky affairs. Since I tend to collect groups of items that strike my fancy, this one is on my list “add to unique umbrella collection.” Perhaps it should be on yours too. Find it here.

#3) Premade eggless cookie dough

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Just when we all thought that Ben & Jerry’s had  post breakup food on lock down now comes this! I’ve tried it during a Netflix and chill day, and let me tell you the next time I get dumped, and choose to wallow in sweets this will be in my shopping cart.

#4) Tumeric, curry, Indian food and the future!

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On second thought, nothing releases frustration like eating better and frequenting a gym, so skip the cookie dough in favor of delicious Indian food. Why? Because not only is it  tasty, but very healthy. Why? There are numerous studies showing the benefits of consuming curry and thereby tumeric which contains curcumin. Not only does this wonder  food help treat but also prevent things like alzheimers, dementia, and even some cancers. Thanks to the great American diet lots of people are losing their minds in old age. However, Indians that eat a lot of curry(curcumin) don’t! So make like a Easterner and eat curry.

#5) Mommy and me happy hour

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There’s nothing wrong with having some milk while Mom has a margarita people. This is what happens when hipsters grow up and create their own tiny humans. There are many bars in and around New York that won’t raise their eyebrows if you walk in with a  stroller. Here’s a list of them!

#6) Steripods

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As Mike Rowe of  Dirty Jobs fame demonstrated, bathrooms are not a safe place for your toothbrush. Think floating bacteria ejected from your open toilet.. gross that’s what  I said. Therefore, it might not be a bad idea to invest(a whole $5.00) in a sterilizing cover for your bristles. Knowing your not sticking a bacteria laced toothbrush in your mouth will help you sleep better, and wake up fresher in the morning. You can find your own steripods here.

#7)  Music!

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A  good tune is always a welcome addition to any day, and lately I’ve had this  good tune(and confidence  laden lyrics) going through my head. Not to mention, as you’ll see in   Her music video, Paloma Faith has some great style and a good voice!

Last but not least cheers!  Hibiscus tea margarita. Find the recipe here.

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have a great week!

bleu

Crooked

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Even crooked trees grow up to be as strong and mighty as the straight ones.

We’ve all felt like the crooked tree in the forest at one point or another, not quite fitting in.

I used to  wonder how will I (a self professed crooked tree) be remembered?  At some point or  another we all question how others will  remember us after we pass on. Well, I got to find out, except I’m still living. After I nearly died  and  throughout my  miraculous recovery from it, I’ve heard the memories and impressions that people had of me.  It’s been a mixture of surprise and  incredibly surreal. However, it also bears the marks of sadness because  as much as I’d like to I cannot revisit and relive the past. Therefore, I  also can’t go back and change it, but I can change the future. Although, none of us truly have control we do have the power to make choices. In fact we make thousands each day(knowingly and unknowingly) however small they may seem. This begs the question “How would you like to be remembered?” For being strong, tenacious, brilliant, ambitious, or kind? Rather than  unkind, lazy, or at a stand still in life I’m sure. I’ve been more than surprised(and blessed) to hear that the last memories of me would’ve been greatly positive. This confirms that I’ve had a great life and left the kind of mark on it I want to thus far(and I’m not finished! You too can leave the marks you desire, and there’s no time like the present in which to start. Sometimes, life can be daunting and it seems better to take the path of least resistance, but I promise there’s more rewards  to be had from the  path less traveled. You can start today planting seeds for the future(whether straight or crooked) that will grow into trees looming in a forest comprising the memories of you.  There are hardly words to describe how truly wild life can be. Since this whole event occurred to me(ie  the massive stroke)  hardly a day has gone by where I’m not in awe of the things that I’ve seen since. Just as a huge wave of love, and the best came out of New Yorkers after 9/11; I have witnessed much of the same from people after my own disaster. This has left me a better person and  with the conviction, that it shouldn’t require a disaster to bring out the best in us. We can  choose   to be our best selves everyday.

grow in excellence trees!

bleu

Merry marimekko

              “Fashion should be stylish and fun.”- Twiggy.

  This Easter is going to be the best yet.I’m not talking  about the candy either, but the fashion! Since I’m  a well established “shopaholic,” not  many things evade my radar. I also find that I’m normally one step ahead of the trends(hate  that sometimes) so of course I’m all over this new collaboration that Target is doing with Marimekko. The Finnish design store has been one of my favorites for awhile. Even better one very cool visionary woman began it all, see that here. They are so reminiscent of the swinging 60’s and I love that style scene. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Target is sidling up to this brand and right into my mod loving heart. Since shopping at Marimekko will nearly bankrupt you, this is a welcome and affordable  opportunity! I’m sure it will sell out. So, don’t sit too long on this one or you’ll be finding it on Ebay for triple the price. I don’t know about you, but I’m so getting that flowered dress. The line will be  available in stores and online  April 17th check it out below!

So, there you go now don’t trample anyone on your way to the store!
 
hoppy shopping!
bleu
 
 
 
 

Margarita Monday

Wait, am I really suggesting we celebrate Mondays!? Well, Yes!

Because, if you really think about it, it’s like  Father Time gave us a New Year every week in the form of the beginning of it. Which  would be… ? Monday. Now ya’ got it.

In  lieu  of this  new information, I’m listing seven things that should be on your radar. One for each day of the week. Enjoy!

#1)Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday

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If you  didn’t grow up with

the zany character Paul  Reubens created, I’m sorry because it’s pretty awesome.

Although I would’ve liked his holiday to be longer it was  still fun! If you missed it, no worries because it’s  on Netflix. Not to mention, in 2011 little did I know Pee Wee was in my city and I could’ve met him! Life goal missed… but I digress it’s okay He’s with me in spirit.

#2) A kid that shares his toys!

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There’s nothing like the purity and innocence you have as a child and this one is awesome.

How sweet that He recognizes that the World  could use some smiles, amen to that!

Not to mention, I so want a rubber ducky from him. What can I say? I like bath time.

#3) The Flying Monkey Bakery Philadelphia.

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Get ready to say yippie for whoopie! Firstly, I got to buy moon pies from a girl in a cape that did burlesque in NY on the side.

And secondly, how cool is that!?   They also have a kooky creation that’s a pie inside of a cake! It’s like the pastry equivalent of turducken. Check them out at Philadelphia’s Reading Market or online here.

#4) Janes  Carousel, in Brooklyn  Bridge  Park

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I  have always had a “thing,” with carousels(as in I must ride as many as possible in varying locations) and when I found out about this vintage beauty I had to ride it, so I did. See that here, and learn more about  the carousel here. Not to mention, Martha Stewart is a fan. Therefore, everyone is welcome(even convicts!

#5) Art & Beer  in Baja Mexico

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I have only seen pictures but my God I have no doubt this place is awesome!

Therefore, if your lucky enough to find yourself in Baja(I haven’t been) give this place a look and pour one out for your homie(me) just don’t waste too much beer. Check out this  video of the place narrated by some cute voyaging vixens here.

#6) Dior  Backstage Eyeliners

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Just in case you forgot(or didn’t know in the first place) many moons ago Dior

released a very expensive set of “reusable,” eyeliner patches. Word on the street is that they’re generally too large for the eye and the glue is irritating. Therefore, I got mine on Ebay baby.! I have yet to use them, but I find so far imagining how beautious I’ll look in them does just as swell.  Either way this is definitely a  makeup “investment,” piece.

#7) Miss Dior parfume

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More Dior? I know!

But  have you actually smelled this scent!?

It’s definitely one of my favorites. I wish computers offered scratch and sniff for this one.

Not to mention, they call it Miss so it makes me feel young.(haha-ha.

At the ripe  “ old age,” of 32 I’ll  take what I can get.

Last but not least, the drink!

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Cheers!

bleu

Go Sailor

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”– John F. Kennedy.

You may not be the Captain of a ship, but you still need to know in which direction your rudder is pointing! Except in this instance the ship is your life and the rudder is your thoughts. Your life will go in the direction of your dominant  thoughts. However,  if you’ve aimed your ship at the cliffside rocks, there is still a way to turn it around. It’s possible to take your thoughts captive and replace those negative  thoughts with positive ones. Because, whether you’re aware of it or not we all have an enemy whispering  into our ears trying to derail us from the great  and fulfilling future  we have ahead of us. All it takes is a steady stream of “you cant’s,” “ it’s not going to happen,” and    this is impossible,” to derail your  ship from reaching its destination. Nowhere  in your life   did  anyone ever tell  you that you simply could not do something, besides your Mother when you were a child, yourself, and guess who else? The enemy!  The one who comes to  kill steal  and destroy your dreams. Therefore, we need to recognize when we’re being lied to. Because, if we fall prey to these lies the cost is too great. The cost is the future you were(and are) meant  to have. What many of us have not been privy to our entire lives is the truth about who we  are.  We are beautiful, capable, strong, intelligent, and  first and foremost LOVED.  You see, this enemy of ours  who loves to tell us the opposite of all those things celebrates when we actually believe them. In nearly every instance of  human failure you can find a place where  someone believed those lies. Because if you believe them how could you succeed!? By convincing you that you’re weak when your actually strong, you’ll let life and its challenges run right over you. However, once you have  the enemy’s  tactics on lock down you’ll easily overcome them. Why?  Because you’re capable,you’re beautiful, you’re strong, you’re loved, and that’s the truth! Now go out there and make the enemy  be scared of you.

Sail on strong!

bleu

Margarita Monday!

 

“To find joy in work, is to discover the fountain of youth.” -unknown.

Disclaimer: Mondays are actually good  because, not only is it the beginning of a fresh week full of new possibilities but also about 120 hours in which to meet new goals!
As a former “weekend warrior,” I know Mondays get a bad rap  but I have grown to love them. Something I never thought possible until I changed my perspective. Rather then dread them I  now look forward to them. So, in that spirit I propose a toast. Here’s a list (and a cocktail of course) of seven things that should be on your radar, one for each  day of the week.
 

forget-the-cronut--we-tried-the-rainbow-bagel-that-people-are-going-nuts-about-on-social-media#1  Rainbow Bagels. 

Yup, these beautiful creations from The Bagel Store in Brooklyn, NY sold out in seconds upon their discovery. In fact, I’m still on a waiting list to  snail mail order these unicorns of the bagel borough. Even though technically every borough of NYC is like a   “bagel borough,” they’re as delicious as they are pretty. Forget the skittles I want to taste this rainbow! Check em’ out here.

url#2  Babycakes nyc boxed mixes
Stellar news for anyone with  a food allergy,  this adorable and tasty bakery now sells mixes on Amazon! Thank you food Gods above. Check them out and purchase them online now! In the meantime watch  this ridiculously cute video on Vimeo with music by  The Cults. The niece of  Babycakes owner Erin Mckenna makes up one half the band(of course) that, and I want their cute uniforms!
 
#3 Kissing bunnies!images-1  This one is somewhat irrelevant, but Valentines wasn’t too long ago and it is almost Easter. Besides, who doesn’t love fuzzy cute bunnies? If you don’t… “You unfeeling humanoid!”
 
 
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#4  Bluetooth Shower Speaker  I randomly found this online at Fab.com and it has revolutionized my mornings(wait- afternoon, I don’t wake up early) therefore, I highly recommend getting one, you can find them pretty cheap and let’s  face it, they’re cute and put the fun in functional!
 
 
 
 
 
#5 Makeup, for your face!    If you love makeup(guilty)
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and you’re not of the high maintenance variety, this product  is fantastic. It not only gives you pretty skin, is easy to apply(hello smear everywhere) and has SPF in it! You can find it at Ulta, but good luck because they’re usually nearly gone or picked over. Otherwise you can purchase it online, check it out here. Happy shopping!
 
 
 
 
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#6 David Bowie, duh! If you love the space man your in luck because, Fab.com(again!?) has a line of accessories emblazoned with the image of  it’s very own rock n’ roll alien.
 

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#7 Frame Soccer    Last but certainly not least.

Kids of every ability should be able to enjoy sports. Thankfully, this new one sweeping England and Europe does just that. Learn more about it here.

 
 
 
 
 Oh! and let’s not forget… the drinks!
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Cheers!
bleu
 
 
 
 

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