Monday, May 30, 2011

It's The Little Things

Twenty eights years ago, on one balmy Memorial Day, my peephole was opened and light seeped into my world. I was born. And now here I am. Writing, blogging, celebrating life. All I want to express today is how the little things really light up my life. Friends. Family. Having a wonderful husband who supports me. And the perfect day off together. Breakfast in bed: Naan French toast w/ homemade syrup, eggs and Stumptown coffee. A massage. A bike ride (if the heat isn't too bad.) Ice cream. Being treated like a goddess and getting to do what I want all day! The little things help life seem more joyous, and I need to remember and embrace that.

Friday, May 27, 2011

5 Simple Steps To Living Greener

 Here are a few tips for you to help the earth by keeping it green. I feel like any little bit I do helps. If everyone shared this mentality, it is possible that one person can make a difference. If we don't start somewhere, who will?

1. Stop using plastic!! Take a canvas grocery bag to the store with you. Keep it in your car so you never forget. India is actually outlawing the use of plastic bags.
2. Stop buying plastic water bottles. Invest in a reusable one. They are easy to find and pretty cheap now. Plus, they come in all kinds of cute designs and colors. I prefer the stainless steel ones.
3. Start recycling. I know it isn't always easy. There is no recycling in my city, so I make a weekly trip to Target to drop off my recyclables. (Which is practical b/c it's in a convenient location for me.) I am now only taking out one trash bag about twice a week.
4. Conserve your water. Don't let the tap run while doing dishes or brushing teeth. I like this site for helpful tips.
5. Spread the word. Tell a friend. Teach your children. Let's get together on this.

Remember, we need Mother Earth, she does not need us!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Summer In The City Of New York

Ahhh, Summer. Not quite. Although, there a few days muggy enough to resemble summer. This trip to the Big Apple was mostly filled with rain. In fact, I broke two umbrellas trying to stay dry! However, the rainy days did not spoil the fun. I went out in spite of it. And thanks to my KEEN shoes, my feet stayed nice and dry! They are probably the most comfy shoes ever. Great for city streets.

I have been to NYC before, twice in fact. So this trip was more about spending time with family, rather than seeing all the sights. My wonderful cousin, Heidi lives in Manhattan with her family. We are pretty close and don't get to see each other enough. Having the same wacky sense of humor, we seem to laugh about anything. It's the small things :) Plus, we both have May birthdays. Lots of celebration.

May babies.
 One of my favorite NYC spots was Bryant Park. Greenery in the midst of the "concrete jungle."

Of course no vacation is complete without food! Oh, glorious lobster mac n' cheese! Lattes! Garlic Tofu stir-fry!


Pizza and Beer too :) Pizza at Ray's and brews at The Heartland Brewery.



 One of the coolest things I saw? A bike covered in Metro Cards!! Funky! Below that is Times Square and the Library where Ghostbusters was filmed.

One last observation. It seems you always hear about how rude and unpleasant New Yorkers can be. That didn't seem to be the case, at least in my opinion. The neighborhood crew was super friendly and talkative. Always holding doors and elevators for others. And TWICE on the subway I witnessed random acts of kindness. Once when Heidi dropped a twenty-dollar bill, and a stranger returned it to her. Twice when my earring fell off, unbeknownst to me, and a stranger returned it to me. Thank you stranger, because I love those earrings!




Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Spiral Out

I am trying to get in the "Wordless Wednesday" spirit. I love photos, and it seems like a fun alternative to a normal post. So let the fun begin with some spirals! Spirals are one of my favorite things, because they represent how everything is connected. It is a pattern found everywhere in nature. See for yourself:
(Disclaimer:These pictures are not my own, and I take no credit for them.)




Spiral Out!!!

Monday, May 16, 2011

The NYC Tattoo Convention

What a blast this convention was! Probably one of the best tattoo conventions I have been to. For one, it was held at a great venue, The Roseland Ballroom. Great atmosphere. Also, cool to know tons of amazing musicians have played in the building before.
There was so much to feast your eyes on. Tattoos of all kinds, half-naked people, body mods, a sword swallower, tattoo competitions, and so much more. Also present were some old, authentic side show banners. Perhaps from Coney Island? Made for great decor.

Always interesting to see the old school, hand poke style of tattooing: (I like how they all took their shoes off.)



 Here is the Sword Swallower and some heavily inked dude, Outlaw Bill or something:
 And here is the winner for Best Back. (I entered and did not place. Oh well!)
Sorry it's not the greatest pic. It was a traditional Japanese style Samurai piece.

And here is a view of the show from the balcony:



 And of course no tattoo convention is complete without some paper mustache fun!







Overall, a grand time, and I would def return. It's always nice to feel at home among fellow people who dare to live outside conventional norms.

Friday, May 13, 2011

7 Uses For Tea Tree Oil:Nature's Remedy

I love Tea Tree Oil. I use it for so many different purposes. It's a nice, natural alternative for many different products. Plus, it has that amazing, tingling feeling that leaves you so fresh and clean!!

  1. My favorite Tea Tree product is The Body Shop's line of skin care. It works really well. Also, I will apply Tea Tree oil directly on a zit, with a q-tip.
  2. Another favorite, is Paul Mitchell's line of Tea Tree shampoo/conditioner. It tingles! Works great and helps to prevent lice. Check out the lavender mint variety as well.
  3. Add a few drops to a bath to combat muscle aches and overall relaxation.
  4. Massage. Add 5-10 drops of Tea Tree to another massage oil. Helps with sore muscles. 
  5. Tea tree has antibacterial and antispetic benefits including(but not limited to): athletes foot, warts, herpes, poison ivy, bruises and burns.
  6. Tea Tree is safe to use on children, including: diaper rash, chicken pox, cradle cap, and measles. 
  7. Can be used as a household cleaner as well. 
So next time you are in need of a natural remedy, put some Tea Tree Oil on it!!!
Also, check out this guide book to Tea Tree Oil on Amazon. It will help get you started!

Monday, May 9, 2011

My Weekend In Photos

This past weekend was spent with family, down in Apple Valley. It was Mother's Day and we had a surprise Bridal Shower for my cousin's soon to be wife. It was a great time! I have to remember to cherish these moments as they are few and far between these days.

My grandma and grandpa are the BEST. They are supportive. They love me unconditionally. It can actually be hard to find that love within families anymore.  I feel blessed to have them in my life.

My grandparents and I
My 20 yr old sister and I. She is the youngest and I am the oldest. I was such a mom to her growing up. We have gotten really close, and it's so great to see the amazing woman she's turned out to be!
My sissy and I

We always have the best time being silly together. We can laugh at almost anything. We are silly, stupid and spontaneous. We always have so much fun together. Here we are being dorks at the gym and doing an impromptu photo shoot!!

 We had a blast! Also, my cousin is getting married in less than a month. We had a surprise shower for his fiance. Here they are:
Andy and Alli


I am excited for their wedding! Hope everyone had a great weekend too!! Enjoy family while you can!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Why I Have A Pet Snake

I have never been a dog or cat person. Call me weird, crazy, whatever. It's true. I usually don't identify with social norms, and the whole pet thing goes right along with that. After seeing this Rosy Boa at the local pet store numerous times, we (my hubby and I) finally broke down and got her. We had been wanting to have a pet snake again for a while now. The timing never seemed right. Now it is! I'm excited to have some more life in our home :)
Why do I like snakes so much? Here's a list for you:
  • They don't bark or make loud noises.
  • They don't pee or poop on your floor.
  • They don't leave fur all over your house.
  • They are friendly and will just chill and hang out with you.
  • They feel SO cool when they move.
  • You can control how big they get. She is going to stay nice and small.
  • Easy to take care of and don't require much work. 
  • They are ancient and old and there is something primal about them.
  • It's not a cat or a dog!!

We decided to name her "Cinnamon." Partly because of her coloring,and partly because of a favorite Neil Young song. :)
    First day we got her!



    Chilln' around my thumb!





    Monday, May 2, 2011

    Put A Tapestry On It!

    Inspired by an episode of Portlandia, I decided to blog about my tapestry addiction. It's a great makeshift decoration. In fact, I have so many that I don't even use them all. See for yourself:

    Live in an apartment? Want to forget that your "front door" isn't really one at all? Put a tapestry on it!!

    Have a really ugly, but practical comforter you need to cover up? Put a tapestry on it!
     


    Have an annoying rules sign on your balcony that you want to cover up? Put a tapestry on it!

    Have a vanity that needs decoration? Put a tapestry on it!

    Have a metal shelf that is too ugly to leave bare? Put a tapestry on it!

    And that completes my lesson in home decor for the day!