Focusing on Yourself

I'm not sure what this means.

I'm just stumbling through it. Making guesses. I think focusing on yourself means listening to yourself, being happy with just yourself, doing things that make you happy. But I guess for most of my life I have been listening to what others want and nurturing them to make me happy.

Its good to be needed.

But there is a lot of anxiety in that because who is going to take care of you?

I have decided that I am going to finally start truly taking care of myself.

So what do I need? That is a tricky question. I know pieces of what I need but not the whole picture.

I know I need calm.

I need to do things everyday for myself that promote calm. Things that don't just promote calm via a distraction but things that promote calm when I am at my craziest. Promote calm when my mind won't slow down. This has been helping me a lot to choose to calm my mind in times of stress. Chamomile tea, listening to Tallest Man on Earth, reading a good book (I'm attempting Franny and Zooey right now), keeping my room tidy and organized (a work in progress for sure). Becoming mindful everyday to my thoughts and actions by taking everything slower. Cooking good, nutritious food for myself. All these things teach me calm.

I know I need to do healing things.

Healing things are staying away from things that open old wounds up. I can't move on from the things that have hurt me in the past if I keep choosing them in the future. I know I need to take more time to think when I am making decisions and keep away from things that do not nurture me. Hurt, I have found in most cases, is not personal, that doesn't mean I shouldn't protect myself from it. Intentions don't work well here, healing and wellness is what I need around me.

I know I can't compare myself to others.

I can't do social media anymore. At least, not right now. When I look at it I am not paying attention to the progress I am making.. I am paying attention to what everyone else around me is accomplishing. Its not about other people and its not about how you appear to them, its about how you feel and where you are with yourself. Its between yourself and yourself.. and maybe God. But social media never caused me anything but anxiety and I don't need that right now.. I have enough on my plate. Progress keeps slipping when I start comparing what feels like small progress to the rest of the world, but when I stay away from comparing myself, I can fully realize how much crazy awesome progress I have truly made.

I need to do little things for myself everyday. Construct happiness.

Happiness is not something you can attain. It has been wise for me to remember that. You make your own happiness. Not by attaining exterior things but by changing your perspective on the things, love and tools you DO have. I have never been more miserable than when I have depended on happiness to come to me. Happiness is attracted by already existent happiness.

Come to terms with uncertainty.

This some times is the hardest for me having anxiety. Anxiety is the persistent voice that needs consistency and constancy.. but life is never that way. If one thing isn't going wrong, its another. Most of the time I have fear of uncertainty because I want to do the right thing and when there is uncertainty I am not sure how to. But something I ultimately need to remember is that it is not up to me. In the end, I am who I am.. though I am always getting better and smarter... and the world is what it is. I can't control it and I can't change it so.... I have to let go. That is really hard but its been the key to connecting with the people I really love and the key to be okay and happy with myself and others in the now.

This has a lot to do with mindfulness and not getting caught up in the how and why and when and where of tomorrow but focusing just on the day and what I can do better today. If I worry about the things that I am scared of or am scared will not happen or will happen tomorrow.. the possibilities are infinite and scary. Really unnecessary pain I end up creating. Mindfulness and sitting with the uncertainty and sadness really helps with that.

Kandinsky

Today is Kandinsky's 148th birthday! If he was alive of course.  Kandinsky was always a mystery to me in school. As a part of my film production course work, we had to take a class on contemporary art.

Let me tell you I love fine art. I love it as much as I love music. I think that its because it is meditative. When you look at art or listen to music, the rest of the world melts away and its not as big or scary. Art can really move you to positive places.

Kandinsky didn't resonate with me. I didn't see what was so special. Of course, he wasn't as famous as Picasso or Monet, but I knew there must be something that made him noted.

This was my biggest lesson in seeing art with my own eyes. Picasso translates pretty well in photographs but I feel Kandinsky doesn't get justified. As part of our art tour in New York City, the fun part of the class where we got to go on a huge multi-day field trip, I saw a collection of Kandinsky's at the Guggenheim Museum of Art.

They grow on you with their warm palate of colors and vibrant movement. The colors didn't translate well to me in photos and the details were utterly lost. Also, I feel that Kandinsky's paintings deserve to be seen amongst a collection. Their detail and themes seemed to resonate against each other more than one painting alone.

Love one on my own wall if I could.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Kandinsky!

 

 

 

 

RE: Me

So, as most of us have developed personalities in our lives (except hot dudes in high school and babes in sororities) so I have been developing my personality the last 26 years.

Though I am certain the things I like: my favorite color, my favorite foods, the type of man I like, and my favorite wardrobe statement piece.. I still feel that I don't entirely know what I need. Things like: how I need to be treated and how I need to treat myself. That seems to be trickier.

There are so many voices telling you that to get the respect you deserve "you must do":

x
y
z

What if you don't do it perfectly and you get rejected? What if you aren't aware enough or in the right place to do it the way people think you should? Does that mean you "did" something wrong?

That is such a scary place to be. If everything on life is based on the minutia of every action you take... If someone would treat you a certain way because you did something wrong, then that implies if you had only done something different you might have deserved better.

But that kind of philosophy is too simplistic and destroys the ability to do for yourself.

Dress the way you want to dress, like the things you want to like, feel the way you want to feel and value whatever you want to value. Need the things you truly need and look for them where they are freely offered.

Doing those things for someone else won't change anything.

Doing those things for you, does.

When I feel no outlet for my feelings or my sexual energy, I find that, that is much of an excuse to feel angry, sad, and discouraged.

But nobody wants to be victim to those emotions.. not yourself and certainly not anyone else.

Yes, feeling a certain way is usually valid, but acting on it sometimes is not.

So I have found, that letting go is the only way to you will get what you need. However, it is not always the key to getting what you want in the moment. The secret is, knowing that what you need is much better.

Getting to know my personality and what I like is great... but I am realizing it is not enough for me. I need to get to know what my needs are and get brave enough to ask for them to be met or refine the people around me so that they will get met naturally. Because sacrificing your life to sadness, or anger, or frustration, or pain, or the pain of others doesn't cut it for me anymore.

I just want to be happy and carpe diem life to the fullest.

Life is too short

For all your over thinkers out there. (i.e. ME)
Life is too short to waste.

Life is too short to waste wondering or wishing.
Life is too short to waste time pursuing things you think you want and compromise things you know (intuition is a strong force .. come on you KNOW even if you swear you don't know) you need.
Life is also too short to work on things you have no control over.

Narrowing it down what is important to what I value, makes me happy.
Being able to take care of myself also makes me happy.
It really should be that simple.. if you are okay with you.

I do think a lot about how I want to be a filmmaker. But I also think a lot about how I want to also be happy.
I also think about how being happy might be more important.
And knowing whatever is meant to be otherwise will happen.

I want to be able to buy myself a new car someday and have the apartment I have always dreamed of. I also think about how many other things are interesting to me. Beyond the "glamour" of filmmaking, I realized I don't need that "glamour" and fancy story to write home about to like myself. I need to be a person that I like, not what I perceive as being a person other people will like.

I have, for a long time, been caught up in other people's values and what that says about me but also completely forgotten what I want and more importantly what I want to be in the present -- and where I want to be in the future.

Its how I am learning to provide for my needs. I deserve that.

I want to be fiscally responsible and work at a boring 9-5 job to do it. That doesn't make me boring. It allows me to do the other things I want to do in life which are exciting and make me feel secure enough to go for it.

I think I make life a little too much about others and so little about myself.. for myself.
I am the only one I can really know. I am the only one I can really make happy. I am also the only one I will be stuck with today.. tomorrow and in the future. And if I want to be able to give in that future, I have to be in touch with all of that.

A lot of that comes down to stopping the "wondering and wishing" and be more in the "doing and feeling". Its not a puzzle to be solved. Its kind of black and white.

Should be simple. Its working for you or its not.

But sometimes I want something to work so bad that I make it complicated.. or I wish that something that won't be, would just work out.

We are taught that ANYTHING you want you can have if you work hard enough.. but sometimes its best to be happy with what you have and the things that give you security ..things that don't ride on your self esteem all the time.. and have less constant and painful risks.

Not because you gave up on what you thought you wanted or what you thought would make you happy.. but because you are finally pursuing what you really need and what will truly make you happy.  Despite what you want, what you need is always going to be true.. and the rest will always going to work out if you are consistent and its meant to be :)

So, I'm going to slow down. Tune in. Live in the moment and the positive things it can bring. And be happy


Definitely easier said than done.. :)

Candle Obsession

There is nothing like warding of the smell of stinky house cats and marijuana from the people smoking next door, like candles! I swear candles can tackle any scent. Keep in mind, though, the scent will be dulled, warm, fire-y scent and not a strong piercing scent like room sprays or etc. (Which, in my opinion, is good)

Also, you want your room or your space to be yours the moment you enter it and candles are a really good way to claim the space. When I first moved into my new apartment and new room, it was a really good way to make the space my own.

Recently, however, I have noticed that there are a lot of fruity and a lot of flower-y scents in candles. Recently, this has been disappointing to me because I have been obsessed with dark scents and mysterious scents or warm and snuggle-y type scents which are harder to find.

Incense, bergamot, musk, amber these are scents that will evoke the European cathedral and the mystery of a dark forest. Exactly what I want!

Pro scent tip: Find out the note you are looking for. The scent note, I mean. A great way to do this is this handy scent note guide from Fragrantica. Its got all the scent note categories and scents within that category. Having the correct terminology can really help you find the right scent quickly.

Pro scent tip: Know which notes you like and provoke the right mood. Smell a lot of scents and see what is the common note that you like in them.. this will help you save money and time (and help you find the more rare scents not found in stores) by shopping online

Wanting to go for the dark scents too?

Here is my running list of brands! They are in order of most to least expensive. Diptyque you can find at specialty stores and at Nordstroms and it is renowned for its very room filling scent. (Its expensive at $60 but supposedly is worth it!) The classic is Baies which smells like roses, but light delightful roses.. yet they have heavier smells such as Feu de Bois which smells like a smokey fire. Nest has a dark botanical line of perfumes and you now can also get candles!! I found their scents at Nordstrom and a cheaper line at Target.
And Voluspa is the fancy candle for the common man. Around $20, they have a variety of dark and exotic scents.. lots to choose from! You can find them at Anthropologie

Diptyque

Nest

Voluspa

These fine etsy shops too!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WitchCityWicks

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaPetiteBougie

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItalicHome

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanChaosUSA

And if you are on the cheap...

Bath & Body Works has just as strong smelling candles though the scent may be a little more chemical and it may be harder to find the more subtle smells. But they sell large candles for $20 and often have sales which brings seasonal candles down to even lower prices. If you want a cozy spot while you save up for the fancy candles, they are a good place to consider!

Notes on Life : Don't be fooled!

Okay, so there is somethings that I have been learning slowly and surely about becoming a woman. A woman versus a girl is savvy.

There are things that women do not do, no matter out outwardly cool it looks. They don't clutter their life with useless luxe products but they also do not clutter their life with cheap and poor quality things either.

Sometimes it is very hard to tell the difference because retailers are very smart about marketing and giving you what you think you want before you do the research and before you get a chance to be disappointed or under served by a product.

There are a few lessons I have learned recently that I would like impart to you relating to this topic.

First and foremost: Do your research but do it in the right way. 
I am finding that A LOT of blogs and websites seem to endorse products randomly. There doesn't seem to be one great product that everyone agrees with and most of the time it seems to me they are recommending products based on what is trendy or what they may have been paid to endorse. What I like to do is:

1. Research ingredients
2. Try products out myself to test worthiness. 

When you research quality and recommended ingredients those should be factors that are pretty objective in figuring out what you are getting. If a brand's logo is slapped on a product, don't always mistake it for quality, because they might be resting on their brand laurels. I don't always see a lot of integrity in brand products and in some situations the brand can seem diluted to make more affordable products. Seemingly affordable, yet you will have to buy 3 pairs of one type of shoes when a high quality shoe will last you the same length of time.

Trying products is also key. What works for you may not work for others and vice versa and the only way to know if a product (for instance eyeliner) has long wear is to try it for yourself. This can be something you can do without needing to buy the product so look for work-a-rounds whenever you can.

Cosmetics

Recently, I went to the Dior counter where I was given a sales pitch from their cosmetic salesperson. She was all about pitching the expensive skin care lines. Now remember, Dior is a historic luxury brand with a long track record of well made clothing but don't get that confused with being the most amazing products for your skin. They will be able to put a high price tag on the bottle and the label Dior will look great on your dresser, but we want to be savvy not trendy.



She told me all sorts of things about the miracle properties of their skin care and that one of the ingredients even won a Nobel prize. That sounds impressive! But just because you won a Nobel prize for an ingredient doesn't mean that in another context that it does absolutely nothing for your skin. Along with the Nobel prize ingredient, the skin serum had another major ingredient of alcohol which is very harsh for your skin. The lack of pure active ingredients pretty much negates Diors otherwise "magic" ingredients.

One thing to note, if it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. You can nourish your skin but you can't turn back time or find the fountain of youth. If you have super model skin, chances are you are eating healthy, getting monthly facials and do the basics of exfoliating, cleansing and protecting. The hard way.. not to mention expensive. Hm.. sounds more realistic now.

Instead, find out tested and true ingredients that are nourishing. For instance, Josie Maran's Argan Oil Serum is wonderful.. but the active ingredient is just argan oil which you can purchase on amazon for much less than the $16 her oil will cost. What you are paying for is the beautiful scent and the look of the bottle on your shelve. Some street cred per say.

 NOTE: I'm not saying all luxe brands are not worth the price, just make sure you know the reasons versus just trusting the branding and marketing in these cases. Josie Maran is a great argan oil... but that's why its awesome.. because its argan oil, not because it says Josie Maran on the label.

Same with fancy cuticle oils. Almond or Vitamin E oil will work just as well but if you want you can pay twice for it.

Shampoos and conditioners similarly. Here is a list of ingredients that you should watch for:

Shampoo 
Conditioner

I was smitten with the idea of Bumble and Bumble shampoo (and it may be great! I never tried it) but then I noticed that it had sulfates in it! For such an expensive shampoo I figured it would have more sophisticated and healthy cleansers in it for the price but it did not. For me sulfate free was important and it has been evident by how much softer and less frizzled my hair has been since I switched to a sulfate-free shampoo. (Aveeno makes a great one!) You just also need to know that you need to replace the cheaper cleansers (such as sulfates)... with more natural ones (such as acids) or you will still be disappointed as your hair will not feel clean. Again! Know your ingredients. knowledge is power!

Another funny thing about products is that further I get away from brands and the closer I get to just solely the active ingredients... the more effective they seem to be. All the chemical fillers don't really do well with my skin (or hair, etc) and don't actually perform the job they are supposed to. That's why I tend to opt to the supplement stores or natural grocery stores to find the natural ingredients by themselves, such as almond oil, vitamin C serum, etc.

Clothing

Ingredients are not just for cosmetics, they are also for clothing. A big part of why clothes last longer is the material they are made with. Also, the fit of the clothing is really effected by the material. I have heard people say that have one extra percent of spandex in their jeans makes them fit much better, so sometimes the ingredients in your clothes can make a big difference.

This goes for bargain hunting too. A deal is not a deal if the material that the clothing is made out of stretches out, wears out quickly, shrinks insanely or doesn't fit right. Shoes are a big one. Synthetic materials tend to not hold up and can cut on your feet. If possible, go for linen, wool or cotton clothing and leather shoes, they will wear better.

HERE are some quality check tips for clothes. Make sure you feel the cloth. Its pretty intuitive to know whether the cloth is quality or not. Check the inset of the zippers and that the seams are well constructed. High quality clothes will be more fitted and have more darts to contour to your body.

Don't buy things (for the most part) that scream trend, or if you do, feel free to buy lower quality in trends. They are bound to go out of style before you know it!

Something I do that helps me be on the look out for clothes that are in line with overarching trends and classic looks is I watch runway shows. I have a go too selection of my favorite designers and I frequent www.style.com to watch and analyze the runway shows. This helps you see what colors, fabrics and silhouettes are coming down the pipe (retail generally is slower to absorb styles that trickle down from the runway) and know what to be on the look out for when it become available.

Brands I use as a bench mark for level of design. When you see a brand name on the rack, it may not be quality or a good style for you to wear but its a good place to start because you know the design and styling will be current and on trend. (FYI not all designers can always manage the details on how their clothes turn out on the rack or are as knowledgeable about how cheaper fabric translates a design... so use your own judgement in editing their pieces) Being educated about good brands helps you spot good finds at the thrift store as well as know what to expect in-terms of on-rack to on body translation. Sometimes a dress that is flat on a hanger doesn't seem to have very much potential, but can look edgy and chic on your body. I use brands as an index for how much this may be the case. Go for the unexpected. It will be the most fun to wear the garments that are edgy but within your comfort zone, than clothes that are boring to wear and you end up avoiding in your closet.

Some interesting brands to be on the prowl to try out:

Jeans:
Paige
J Brand
7 For All Mankind
Guess

Tops, etc:
Vince
Joie
Splendid
Free People
French Connection

Handbags:
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Kate Spade

Shoes:
Jeffery Campbell
Seychelles

Luxe Aspirational Brands:
Rodarte
Chloe
Miu Miu
Chanel

WARNING: be aware that most brands you see at off shoot stores and outlets like TJ Maxx and Nordstorm Rack are sometimes made specifically for that store. Those outlets request certain styles of brands to be recreated for them at a lower price point and to do this they use different materials. This doesn't necessarily mean the product will be poor quality. Remember: you are still getting that brand's design decisions and if you have done your ingredient research you will know if the clothing item is made with quality or not. It very dependent on each piece. Also, note where the item was made. This also can make a big difference. High quality versions of a brand might be manufactured in England or the United States and lower quality versions will be manufactured in Mexico or Korea. Just make sure to research manufacturing qualities by country. Shop smart and you make get away with a steal!

Part of research part two is that you may need to learn from your mistakes. Its not going to always be possible to identify good ingredients or what works with you before you buy. You will learn brands to stay away from at certain stores and fabrics that don't work for you. Take as many opportunities to try things for free though. Many luxe brands offer samples of their cosmetics at department stores. Perfume sample companies will send you luxury and niche perfume samples for you to try at a small cost (Surrender to Chance, The Perfumed Court). And consignment/thrift stores will allow you to purchase certain brands (depending on what you find) for a deep discount. The nice thing about pre-owned clothes as well, is you can tell how they wear and if there are flaws in a style or brand that come out after being worn for awhile. They are tested and broken in of sorts.

Mostly, have fun! You will have to learn about what you like and what works for you, so don't feel to guilty about spending money to figure it out. Just be savvy

Notes on Life : Skin Care Routine

Skin. Care. Routine.

There is nothing more key, I have found, than having a good skin care routine. When your have cared for, luminous skin it cuts down greatly on the amount of makeup you need to purchase and use and, I find, greatly increase self esteem. 

There are 9 steps in a skincare routine.

AM

Light Cleanse

Moisturizer

Skin Protection

Antioxidant Protection

PM

Deep Cleanse

Acne Treatment (if needed)

Anti-aging Product

Moisturize

Bi-weekly

Acidic Peel

This might sound like a lot but I have combined many of the steps to suit my needs.

I have normal skin but I struggle with acne and can be sensitive to strong acne treatments. During the course of trying to treat these issues I have found what makes my skin happy. These ideas are a good place to start but you may want to modify them for your own use.

AM

If you have thoroughly cleaned your face the night before, all you need to do is splash some water on your face to refresh and rinse off treatments from the night before. Generally if I take a shower in the morning, I just combine my rinse with the shower.

For moisturizing and sun protection, I currently use a combination lotion. CeraVe AM moisturizer also is SPF 30. If you desire more skin protection than that you can use an additional SPF with your lotion. I also combine the antioxidant step by adding a serum to my moisturizer.

Antioxidant serums are important because they protect the skin’s barrier. When I first started treating my acne I used harsh face washes and treatments. Sometimes I found that this would cause more acne instead of being helpful because it started drying my skin out and destroying its natural barrier. Living in the city and the pollution, my natural barrier is my best defense against blemishes.

I use Super Vitamin C from Skin by Ann Webb and mix it right in with my moisturizer. This product you can get from a vitamin or supplement store. I have found that my skin likes products with more of the active ingredient and less of the chemical fillers. With 15% vitamin C you are also getting more of the benefit with a higher concentrate of the actual active ingredient.

Remember if you are looking for an antioxidant serum, make sure the percentage of the actual active ingredient is high. If it is far down the ingredient list you are not getting much of the benefit. Super Vitamin C also is formulated with ingredients that help to absorb the vitamin C into your skin. This is crucial too as you don’t want the antioxidant ingredient sitting on top of your skin with minimal benefit. Also, FYI, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that does not break down or oxidize in the sun. This is important in the morning as you don't want your antioxidant to become ineffective as soon as you step outside.

PM

At the end of the day, you want to wash off all those pollutants and bad stuff. Be gentle with your skin if you can. I use Boots Botanical Gentle Cleansing Cream because it seems to get my skin clean but doesn't over dry.

You want to make sure to apply whatever product you want to have the strongest effect on your skin first. Depending on the state of my skin I usually apply my acne treatment or anti-aging treatment first.

For someone who is young, anti-aging is more of a preventative and protective measure than anything else. I also notice that my skin can often look tired and saggy without being treated.

You may have heard of Retinol or Retin-A. Retin-A is the prescription version of Retinol and what is Retinol? A fancy work for Vitamin A!! Who knew! Vitamin A helps your skin maintain its natural collagen and exfoliates among other things. Retinol is supposedly a version of Vitamin A that absorbs well into skin. For the last month, I have been trying another tactic to get my Vitamin A though.

At your local vitamin store, you can get Vitamin A or Vitamin A and E (Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant) gel capsules. Every night I take a clothes pin and puncture one vitamin A capsule and massage it evenly into my skin. Supposedly, this method does not absorb into your skin as well, but with 100% vitamin A the treatment is much more potent. I have notice a visible difference, and definitely more of a difference than my regular Retinol cream that I was using before. The only caveat is that this type of Vitamin A is created using Fish Oil, so it has a slightly fishy scent. Another fact, Vitamin A breaks down and oxidizes in the sun so it is not a treatment you would want to apply in the daytime anyways. As I apply it right before bed, the fishy scent does not bother me in slightest, and the price tag is amazing at $6. (The higher the UI, the more Vitamin A in the capsule. If you have more sensitive skin, get a lower dose as Vitamin A exfoliates and may irritate your skin.)

As acne treatments go, I use two, which in tandem can help with a bad breakout, and separately seem good enough for preventive care.

Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer has added salicylic acid, but is mild on my skin leaving it moisturized and tingly. Clinique’s Step Three of its Acne Solutions has the benzoyl peroxide which, though harsher, is sometimes the only thing that will tame my pimples.

Over that, I moisturizer with CeraVe’s PM lotion and Cetaphil’s moisturizing cream. If you are badly needing restoring of your skin overnight, I would apply Cetaphil’s moisturizing cream liberally. Its thick enough to regenerate your skin but doesn’t clog and absorbs without being oily.

The last thing I use on my skin is a home peel kit. I find even with cleansing and the exfoliating power of Vitamin A, after a couple of weeks my skin can look dull and have a rough texture. I use Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel Kit to change this. It only takes a minute and a half and it leaves your skin smooth and soft. It’s fairly gentle, but I only use it bi-weekly versus the once a week recommended amount because it will start drying out and irritating my skin. Its only $24 and it last way longer than the 8 treatments it lists on the box, especially if you are treating bi-weekly. Exfoliation is super important if you want to avoid acne and blemishes. If there is dead skin sitting on top of your skin you will start have all sorts of issues.

That is my current care regime! It’s been brilliant so far. My skin looks 1000% better now that I have ironed out a good routine. I hope you find yours too!

As I adapt I will keep you posted. The next thing I am looking into are facial sprays. There are supposed to be numerous benefits when used in combination with moisturizers and then are supposed to help give you a dewy look.

There is a whole range of pricing and so called luxury-ness to facial sprays. But what I am looking for always is:

Something that works.

Something unassuming that could attain a cool cult status.

And something with value. Worth the price.

What is your favorite facial spray? What other products would you add to the routine? I’ll let you know my findings!

Notes on life : I want to be Zoe Barnes

Not that I want to sleep around with Senators but there is something simple and defiantly independent about her.

I now drink wine from a mug. Something I spotting Zoe doing on House of Cards. It was so functional. Is it easier to drink wine from a mug? Yes! So why not.

My game has always been a natural-ness, a lack of self consciousness. This is what I believe makes you truly blossom and start becoming magnetic: when you are completely stylish because you are completely natural.

Your house looks like it fell into place, perfectly decorated simply out of functionality but it fell together beautifully and flawlessly.

Your look is functional and designed.. tousled hair, heels and skirt that look thrown on. Make-up that accentuates your smoke eyes or sun-kissed cheeks but not enough to look like you took too much time.

A casual elegance.

Here are some examples:

Why are Kate Moss and Amal Alamuddin such classic, flawless looking women? Because simultaneously they seem to be in their natural element. Like they just ran out the door gorgeous.

We wonder.. why not us? Secret: We totally can. 

Even though it looks accidental its not. Its calculated and edited and easy because every choice in your wardrobe and live is your favorite.

And probably most of us don't look like that because we can't.. or because we can't afford to (because it doesn't have to be expensive) but because we don't have the time.

Well, I want to give some shortcuts for you.

Keys to a tousled, flawless, life:

1. The right skin, nail, hair care.

2. The right makeup

3. The right clothes and accessories

4. The right fragrance

5. The organized home

6. The decorated home.

7. The right health routine.

More posted on these to come!!

Notes on Life : Improvement

So I have found that it is very satisfying and self-esteem producing to enhance one's life. I read a lot of lifestyle blogs in the pursuit of this and learned a few things about them.

1. Blogs tend to want to inspire you by showing you things that are in no way achievable by you. (a generalization of course)

2. Bloggers tend to be rich with blog money and give endorsements.
This means:

A. They are paid or sponsored by companies to feature and recommend their products. (Which still gives you a broad spectrum of products to see but tends to eliminate brands that can't afford promotion.)

B. They purchase materials for their beautiful life that are unattainable to the poor.

In all this, we are looking to surround ourselves with things that are beautiful.

I guess as a series on this blog I want to tell you about the things I have found that make me happy... that are attainable where you live now, with what you have now .. Things that I have learned through trial and error and I now recommend to you, so you don't have to! (I'm hoping)

Featuring ideas and products that are rigorously tested and researched!

Its not how much stuff you own or what you own .. its surrounding yourself with only the things you enjoy.

Minimalist editing.

-----> Remember this kindle ad? It made me believe that with a kindle I could definitely have a more magical life. But *spoiler* its not the kindle. These people's houses are organized and beautiful and filled with comfy and happy things.. and they are lit well, and they have done all their chores.



If you don't have your world arranged right, it doesn't matter if there is a kindle in it or not. Sure, the kindle can enhance your world's magical-ness.. so does any well designed device.. but if its already a mess, then the kindle isn't a wizard who can change that. Neither is a handbag or a cute dress or a new pair of sheets.

As I have been exploring my own world and what I want, I have found its not always the best organized, best designed or edited as beautifully as I'd like.

Join me on my journey as I impart my knowledge and redesign my own life!

happy belate birthday, Mr. Shakespeare!

Myth

Myth 

Great are the urban legends that teem and bite and stare

Great are your personal myths, your demons, your perceptions

Your worries of seeing yourself as others do, 

who couldn't care

Like all men seem to, callus and brisk and harsh

There has to be an explanation, some logic--

You can’t let it be without needing to act, 

without neurosis, without effect

00000

Except dreams to die,

Or dreams you thought could come that never would

Even small dreams stay dreams in this landscape

Of unexpressed needs a result of fear -- because of myth, because of unknowns

///

Great are the city lights that pierce the night sky

And so strange juxtaposed against the contrast of the country

Nowhere to hide, nowhere to bury like you used to

Under the dark, damp layers of farm land, rising and falling

))((

The city, exposing and raw, yet strangely a comfort

Each light pinned on a skyscraper like cutout stars

Each one representing a life, a dream

Great are those numbers, overwhelming and silent and uncomfortable

Making those below feel small, unaccomplished, lowly

Or not to feel at all but to attempt to ignore and conceal under the hard, unforgiving pavement

****

But there are too many people in the city 

Busily working in uncanny urban necromancy, 

with no regard for you, raising shortfallings like ghostly soldiers.

After all, you come to the city begging for it, like a form of self-torturing prophecy

To brush off and get back on that same old horse and go

Though its engine is animal and not mechanical

And its strength finite instead of infinite

They say “insanity expects different results”

And being behind before the gun is motivation enough to not start

%%666%%

But, you do to avoid the sneers and the smiles and the talk of

“I am doing so well. I am so happy”. Which is a myth (by the way).

Made to make you feel alone

And for a moment you are truly happy, so you tell yourself its not a myth

But it's common knowledge that no unhappy person is always that way nor any happy person happy always either

Deep down, you know the “true” truth. 

What else can you call it?

±±±±±

For “truth” is subjective, 

misused too often like the words “I love you” or “I promise”. 

What does it even mean?

Mostly because truth is grey 

is pale 

is boring 

or is too shocking 

or buried 

or mixed in with half truths

Which are probably more true anyways

999666

For where words end there are no adjectives or nouns or verbs that anyone could say to be honest with another

Lies are words that fill the gap between what is and what we wish

And words betray for they are only as precious as each to their own

For a set falling from one person’s lips is not equal in value to yours

Or brashly strewn about in the moment without commitment,

when feeling generous or inclined 

empty currency

----===----

It is then that myths, full of truth – at least someone’s truth, will do just fine.

00 My New Curtorial Self 00

what I have been working on! I am so excited to start writing again and sharing new and awesome items with you guys!! :) stay tuned

Notes on Blindness

life verse

That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. 

-Walt Whitman

Chu Sen Ling - The Bermudas

Awesome, awesome song.

BEST of 2013

Indie Jewelry Finds

With all the internets of the world at my fingertips, you think it would be easy to make excellent finds in the world of fashion. But if it isn't too expensive, its ugly... or if it is affordable and good looking its hard to find. So here are my favorite indie jewelry shops that boast both non-ugly and affordable jewelry for the hip and modern gal or woman.

#1. Ornamental Things

Oooo.. ahhhH! Found these favorite friends on the annual trip to Bumbershoot here in Seattle. This shop from Austin, Texas boasts some pretty trinkets.

#2 Amano Trading Post

Just found this, and thought I haven't ordered anything from it, it seems to have some good promise! It has three jewelry categories: Tribal, Old Timey, and Curiosity Cabinet.

#3  And some various awesome etsy shops :)

For all your minimal jewelry needs:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MinimalVS

Feeling cutesy?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mossandmirror

Old School Glamour
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BijouxSandrineDevost

Bohemian
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrianneCossette?page=1

Bjork-esque
https://www.etsy.com/shop/eried?ref=l2-shopheader-name


More to come, I'm sure!

20 Something Cookery // Light Snack

As a busy 20 something aspiring professional, you are working hard.. making only a little money so sometimes the quality of your life can feel strain and stressed. I have found in these moments, doing something nice for yourself makes all the difference. Everyone has to eat so the best way to improve and boost the quality of your life is to feel fit and good by eating foods that make you happy and healthy.

As I have tried different things and experimented with the not-so-ordinary cooking to treat myself, I have learned a lot about simple and delicious solutions that anyone can make and enjoy!

For my new SEGMENT look for 20 Something Cookery categories! (Ooo! I'm starting to write again!) I want to talk about the tips and trick I have learned and document my cooking and experimenting process .:.

**------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**

Sometimes when I am on the run I need a post work, pre-dinner snack. Friends meeting up on weekends often want to meet late, but when winding down from work sometime I find myself starving. Instead of shoveling food in my face only to go out and eat a second time I whip up a little snack. Instead of munching on chips or cookies I tried something new and simple post work.

All the ingredients I use for my recipes I will reuse throughout my other posts so you can see how buying a basic set of good, quality ingredients will last you a long time and give you your moneys worth. Sometimes odd ingredients are puzzling to figure out how to use again, I want to show you how so you can justify the sometimes pricer first purchase.

DELICIOUS CAPRESE STYLE Half Sandwich

In Italy the caprese is a popular type of salad, simply made with mozzarella, basil and tomato. With these modified basic ingredients I decided to make a small open faced sandwich.

Ingredients:

Beef Summer Sausage 
Fresh Basil
Tomato
Fresh Mozzarella
Whole Wheat Thin Cut bread
Maille Honey Dijon 

Cut three thin slices of summer sausage and fry them in a pan. Toast your bread. I love Dave's Killer Bread because of how much flavor it has. Cut some thin slices of fresh mozzarella. You can find the best mozzarella with the feta and other specially cheeses. When the toast is done, thinly spread on some french honey dijon and stack the beef summer sausage, cheese, tomato and basil. ENJOY! So simple and so good.

Clean up is a snap. Just make sure to wash out the frying pan immediately and wrap up the meat, cheese, basil and tomato. :)!!