Thoughts on Societal Pressure

via style.com

Yesterday another talented member of the fashion industry ended their life.  L'Wren Scott seemingly had it all; An iconic longterm partner, a successful clothing line, talent, and legs for days.  Obviously something was amiss, and a continued existence must have seemed to hard to bare.

I often think about the pressure of my little life.  Sometimes it seems to be so much.  Expectations exist for work, appearance, and finances.  It is hard to escape them.  Then I think about what it must be like to be in the spotlight, which creates an even greater strain for perfection.  It had become such a problem.  So many talented people, both famous and not, are turning to drug addictions or suicide to escape.  How many people do we have to lose until things change?  The hamster wheel of life is killing people, and society as a whole turns a blind eye.  It weighs on my mind.

In an attempt to free myself I try to not let the daily grind bog me down.  Work is hard, living in New York is a challenge, and the drive to get ahead can be overwhelming, but there is solace in each moment.  If you make time to treat yourself well and breathe, the things that anger,upset, and stress pass.  You are again left with the moment and your breath.

Breakfast Smoothies

I've spoken about my love for juicing and smoothies before, but over the past couple of years I have really become almost addicted to drinking at least one a day.  Typically this serves as my breakfast, but I have had them for dinner as well.  

With the cold winter weather in New York it is really hard to find any fresh, good quality vegetables and fruits, so I have switched my routine up a bit.  Instead of full whole vegetables I have been supplementing my smoothies with nutritional powders that have served me quite well.  After having about 5 colds at the start of the winter, I have managed to stay healthy for the past month or so.  I contribute the turn around to the antioxidant smoothie listed below, which also serves as a meal.  Try them out for a healthy boost!

Spirulina Smoothie

adapted from Hungry for Change

1 cucumber

1/4 pineapple

Juice of 1 lime

1 handful of spinach

3 kale leaves

1 avocado

4 tsp spirulina powder

1/2 cup of water

6-8 ice cubes

Blend and drink!  This makes two large twenty ounce smoothies.

Combat Cold Smoothie

Handful of raspberries

Handful of blueberries

2 Tbsp pomegranate avrils (if in season)

1 scoop Garden of Life Perfect Food Powder (cacao flavored)

1/2 scoop Garden of Life Raw Meal (vanilla flavored)

1 tsp nut butter of your choice (I use almond)

1 tsp coconut butter (optional)

a sprinkle of ground flax seed

a sprinkle of chia seeds

a sprinkle of bee pollen

1/2-1 cup of coconut milk (depending on the consistency you like)

4-6 ice cubes

Blend and drink right away, this one doesn't save very well.  Makes 1 smoothie.  You can get the Garden of Life powders as well as some of the other obscure ingredients at Vitacost.

Almost a Full Year

It's strange to think that the last time I glanced at this space on the internet was almost a full year ago.  At times I have found an interesting image or quote and had the intention of posting it, but then something interrupts and the idea is lost.  However, in trolling through the past three years of sporadic blog posts as well as my image library, I realized that this is the perfect place to record things in my life.  Stuff I love, events (big and small,) and random thoughts that may pass by.

In the last year life has changed quite a bit.  A new apartment, a new job for my boyfriend, a new car.  Looking back I wish I had kept a better record of 2013 here.  I'm hoping that starting now, I am able to do better in 2014, so I can look back at this time next year and remember all of the fab times that are to come.

29 Years

It's kind of weird to me that I am going to be 29  in a couple of weeks.  People ask me how I feel, if I have accomplished the things I wanted before I turn 30, am I depressed that my youth is seemingly coming to end.  My response is that I am actually in awe.  I can't believe that I have existed on this earth for 29 years, I have always thought of myself as a child of sorts. A worried child wondering what is in store for me in the coming day, week, or month.  Never have I ever thought of time in years...and here I am with 29 of them under my belt.

I have been thinking about my life ( a relatively short lived one in some people's opinions) and what comes to mind are the most mundane moments.  Those moments that have been stored away for some reason in my brain, only to re-surface when prompted, and become important again.  The moments when I felt "on top of the world," or at the very bottom. As if nothing could get better, or worse.  All at once the emotions from that very time come rolling into my brain, and I have to stop them from taking over.

As an ode to the years I have been in existence I thought I would list a few, to remind myself that life is good, and there are more of these moments to come...

1) I just turned 8.  It is my birthday party, and I have dressed in my very favorite blue sweatshirt.  It has trucks, or animals on it.  I can't remember exactly.  I am blowing out the candles on my birthday cake, and I remember feeling that it couldn't possibly get any better than this.  My family is hovering around me, my favorite homemade cake, and presents.  It is a child's dream, and I am living it.

2) I am 10, it is summer and we are waiting out the last remaining days of our short time living in Oregon.  I am running around in my uncle's rural backyard in my underwear.  I have just started to grow breasts, and I know that this in the last time I will be able to run innocently almost naked and free.

3) I am 15 and laying in bed watching Hocus Pocus with my best friend in her room.  After intervals of feeling highly insecure after my move from Catholic middle school to public high school, I finally feel accepted into my new life.  We are inseperable and I am safe.

4) I am 17 and sitting in chemistry class.  I am thin, I have my favorite Calvin Klein jeans on and a brand new shirt from Next.  My Doc Martin sandals weigh heavy on my feet, and for the first time in my high school career I feel like myself.  My friend Sara sits behind me, and we make plan for the weekend.  I am satisfied and happy.

5) I am 19 and laying on a lounge in Barbados holding hands with my sister.  In front of me is the most spectacular view of the world I have ever seen.  The air is warm, and the waves soothe me as they crash.  I can't believe I am here, that my parents accomplished this much, that we (our family) have accomplished this much.  It is breathtaking, and I am stunned.

6) I am 21 and riding the train with my love to New York.  I get a phone call that my best friend is dead.  It is from her phone number and it is surreal.  I am in shock.  I go on with my plans.  I wear sunglasses for the entire journey to, during, and from the day of her funeral.  My heart is shattered, and one piece I know will never be re-attached.  I am still alive, and I am devastated.

7)  I am turning 22, and my love plans a birthday weekend for me.  He takes me shopping, to a special event at the Guggenheim, and throws a party for me at a club.  I am queen for the weekend, and then hungover for one of the first times ever.

8) I am 23 and at a summer music festival overlooking NYC.  It is dusk and Radiohead has just come on.  I am in a trance, living in the moment, and being taken away by their amazing sound.  I am transfixed.

9) I am 24, I have graduated from college, and I am on the subway with the new love of my life.  A gift from my Mom for graduation.  He is hidden in the canvas bag on my shoulder.  I can't stop gazing down at him sleeping on my lap.  A little furry miracle.  Mike meets me at the subway station to go and get him some supplies, and instantly falls in love.  I am living in New York, I am in love doubly, first with my love, and now with this little dog named Zeppelin.

10) I am 28, on the verge of a nervous breakdown at my job, when I ace my second interview for a new job.  I get called immediately after.  I have a new job, and my confidence is renewed.  I am valuable.

Well, there you have it.  Memories so vivid that when I think about them it is almost as if I am there.  Of course, there have been many more, but when my mind wanders these come to mind most often for some reason.  Life is weird, now the job that felt like such an escape is a burden, but something else will come along and lighten the load, that I am sure of.  It is a constant ebb and flow.  I can just hope that the good continues to outweigh the bad, and that I can continue to have times that are branded on my brain.  That I can look back when I am much older and see a life well lived.

Niceties

Just some things to brighten an otherwise dreary Tuesday.

Gorgeous home.  I love the mis-matched chairs to go along with the wood and tile floor.

Simple sweater, tee, and jean combos.  This could be my uniform if I let it happen.

 More denim!  Love love.

Simple must try recipe for cold days.

1/2&3/4&5/6

Inspiration on Monday

via 1/2/3

Mondays are tough.  I just end up wishing the weekend was one day longer.  Yes, that would be ideal, 4 days on 3 days off.  It helps to force myself to get back into the grind, and wander around the interwebs hoping to find something to propel me through.  A quick Dali quote and a couple of images of the great Kate Moss seemed to do the trick.  Here's to next weekend.

City Bakery

I have been craving this since last weekend. I just may have to go back for more. Why not?
Happy weekend!

Weekend Musing

via Garance Dore

This makes me wish I were in Miami instead of in cold NYC.

However,  I will make the best of today.  Another event has occurred in my life, well in my family's life to remind me once again how important each moment is.  You don't have many, and to waste any of them is such a shame.  Life is so precious.  The times with the people that you love are precious.  So instead of wishing for the beach I will bask in the sunshine on this brisk day, laugh to myself at Mike's rambling frustration with eBay, order the shirt and blazer from J. Crew that I want even though my J. Crew card is almost maxed out, and love that I am alive and well.  Thank you Mary for the love that you bestowed upon my mom, and the spirit you have given to our family.   I feel like I knew you even though we had never met...and thank you for reminding me again to live life as I see fit, every moment and everyday.  I know you will continue to grace my mom with your positive presence and protect her in mind and body.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Unfortunately I have been in bed fighting of the flu, which has left me some time to find a couple of images and ideas to make me feel a bit better.  I am hoping to be back on my feet tomorrow.  Until then  I will be dreaming of these favorites:

Wasabi Bloody Mary?  I must try!

I love snow when it looks like this.

How Smart!

Such chic packaging!

Image 1/2/3/4

Sunday look

via matchbookmag.com

Much Needed Weekend

Oh my goodness...this week was a doozy. I am SO glad to have time to laze about drinking cappuccino, reading, and not thinking about work. I hate that sometimes my whole life is consumed by work. It really leaves my mind to tired to ponder things that really matter, or consider beauty in daily life. This weekend I'm focused on that, so here is picture I found last night to start this off. Charlotte Gainsborough, who is almost 40 looking absolutely stunning. Have a beautiful weekend.

Monday Musing

Oh back to work for the first full week after the holiday break.  Sigh... It's always hard for me to transition from the excitement and bright lights of Christmas, to the dismal cold January weather in NYC.  So far (if you count one week as being far) so good though.  I have managed to remain positive, even when it pertained to getting out of bed this morning and starting the work day.

Since Mondays are hard, I decided to try and gather inspiration to keep my mind focused on the lovely things that i would like to incorporate in my life.  Here goes:

Note to Self, one of my favorite blogs opened a print shop today.  This would look amazing in a bathroom or dressing room.

 http://society6.com/NotetoSelf/bobbies_Print

One of the most beautiful Anna Wintour pics ever.  Tres Chic!

 http://tig-fashion.blogspot.com/2013/01/anna.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+aGlamorousLittleSideProject+%28%7Ba+glamorous+little+side+project%7D%29

Simple twinkle lights in Paris.

 http://parisinfourmonths.com/2013/01/07/christmas-lights/

A gorgeous necklace that I need straight away.

 http://ermie.bigcartel.com/product/dbcb-debra-baxter-bronze-crystal-necklace

Honest words of wisdom from one of fashion's smartest guys.

 http://fashionista.com/2013/01/j-crew-mickey-drexler-wwdceo-summit/

A yummy soba recipe to warm the soul.

 http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/garlic-soba-noodles-recipe.html

Oh, so true!

http://www.hiphipgingin.com/2013/01/07/words-to-live-by-32/

No Expectations

Upon discussing resolutions with my mom before New Year's Day she came up with a great motto for the year, "No Expectations." So often the new year means goals that end up not being achieved and promises that aren't kept. Everyone hopes for a better year, but in reality fate always steps in, and life must abide. This year I have come up with some simple ideas that would make life in 2013 more enjoyable including blogging more often (about whatever comes to mind,) having nice dinners on Sunday, continuing morning green drinks, trying to be better with money (a never ending goal,) not letting things bother me so much because in the end "que sera sera, whatever will be will be," and if I don't have any expectations, I will be able to wholly accept the outcome of my daily life, and be happy with it.

Creating Moments

We have a mouse in our apartment, or rather in our building, and it feels the needs to scamper across our kitchen counter every other day or so.  Gross!  It is a teeny little thing.  So small that it's weight is not enough to set off any of the dozen traps we have tried to set to catch him!  Needless to say I spent some of this weekend cleaning...and by cleaning I mean scouring every inch of our floor for crumbs that may provide a snack to our small critter.   

In my cleaning frenzy I remembered reading something about creating moments in your home;  small vignettes that make you peaceful and glad to be home.  I inadvertently have attempted to do this in the past, but yesterday I really took notice, and created a couple more.  Our apartment is really no bigger than some people's closets but that doesn't mean it can't be charming right?!  Creating moments in life is sometimes hard, but by looking at these small nooks in my space it urges me to take a peaceful pause to thank God for the life that I have and the people in it.  It was really refreshing!

Oh right, the last picture.  Well Zep has a moment almost daily when the sun shines through our window in the afternoon, and he can finally take a snooze in the warmth.  When I am home on the weekend, he drags his blanket over to me so that I will make a little bed for him by the window.  It is really the cutest, and yet another moment that makes me smile.

The Good Thing About Friday...

via coco and kelley

Is that I can come home and relax instead of frantically making dinner, lunch for the following day, read mail, clean, etc... in hopes of getting to relax for a half hour before bed.  Instead I can leisurely read and have a cocktail, pick up on things throughout the inter webs that I otherwise may have missed, and enjoy the moment in a way that is not possible when work looms ahead the following day.  

This weekend will be laid back with hopes of soaking up the last summer weather in the city, since we will head upstate next weekend, and finally getting the jeans I have been coveting for the past two months!  I'm really excited about that.  I think Fall calls for a new pair of jeans and boots.  It's of utmost importance in my mind.  Happy weekend!

Weekend Wonders

Most times when I am uploading weekend photos here I think to myself, "Self, it looks as though you had another mundane weekend."  It seems as though my weekends are not blogworthy.  However, it is quite the opposite in reality.  I look forward to weekends where there is nothing planned, and we can hang around doing whatever we please.  If we are staying in the city this means not leaving the house until 2pm, eating snacks for dinner, buying sugary sweets and sharing them while browsing consignments shops downtown, finally finding the perfect sized kitchen trash can for the world's smallest space after searching for ages for something suitable, and baking cookies for Mike.  Oh, and getting a jump on the September issues.  My absolute favorite month for magazines...All the fall fashion makes me exited for boots and wool.