Stay Strong NYC

NYC after Hurricane Sandy.
Still partially without power.

Hand Made Jewelry!

I've always been crafty. 

Every since I was a kid I've always made jewelry. 

From bead necklaces at summer camp to friendship bracelets on the bus ride home. 

When I got older I fell in love with glass beads and made earrings that I'd wear to school.

When I lived in New York City I discovered the world of street vendors and all of the beautiful handmade jewelry all over the streets of Manhattan.

I'm sure a lot of it is handmade in china, but I still love the accessibility of unique costume jewelry.

So when I scored these Lolita Cabochons, I immediately made them into stud earrings. 

I'm in LOVE!

They are a little dark and lovely. 

I love all things Day of the Dead inspired, so these are perfect for me.

I'm toying with the idea of selling some of the jewelry I make.

So, Since I have so many pairs I thought I'd offer all of you a chance to have a pair of your own.
So if you'd like a pair from the picture above.
You can pay for them by clicking this link, then email me yelenaj@gmail.com and tell me where to ship them.

Color

Brown w/ white Lolita Red w/ White Lolita Maroon w/ White Lolita Blue w/ White Lolita Red w/ Black Lolita

Fashion Colored Cupcakes

 

I'm in LOVE with this color palette so I thought I'd make some Cupcakes to match.

Share your Secrets

I was inspired today by a new friend.

So I'd like to just say...

Don't Keep Secrets.

Not yours or anyone else's. 

Share them, release them, expel them,CAST them out of the warm, comfortable, dark place they are hiding.

They are far too heavy a burden to carry alone.

They are filled with all the things you don't need for this journey called life. 

I know how bad secrets feel. 

I know how scary sharing can be. 

No people won't always understand.

That's only because they don't know, haven't heard, or were never told. 

They don't understand because our world has too many secrets.

Be one of the first to educate them.

Secrets are tricky they survive and flourish in the shadows cover the truth, making you feel raw and vulnerable. Secrets are toxic, and spread quickly, they create, error and mistake.
Secrets reproduce robustly.
Stop them!

Bring them to the light.

Destroy them instantly.

Take away the power a secret has on you.

FREE yourself, forgive yourself, heal your self.

Please Don't let your hurts hold onto you. 

Be Brave. 

Your secrets have the power to save someone else just like YOU. 

Save Someone, Save Yourself.

Be a Bravebird share your secrets.

"Bravebird" 

In a land far away where the sun doesn't spare a soul 

And a twisted tradition has a girl in a strangle hold

Lies a desert with the footprints

Of little girls with a secret

Of a pain

That you and i could never know

Little feet running fast as they can like a bird in flight

Through the days of sand with a fire in the sky

And through indigo nights

She runs away from a life spent

Being witness to other unwilling participants

Of a pain

That you and i will never know

Your a bravebird

Of the rarest kind

You may be one of the walking wounded

But still you fly

Your a bravebird

You put yourself on the line

When you shared your secret with the world

You saved another mothers child as she speaks you can tell that

The words are not easy to say

The hold the power to transport her back to that impossible day

But she hasn't any regrets

Cuz' she won't become a woman with a secret

Of a pain

That you and i could never know

You and i could never know

You and i could never know

You're a bravebird...... a bravebird.....fly high.....

In the sky.....there you are

Amel Larrieux

Mommy Time NYC Trip

A few weeks ago I took some Mommy time and joined my sister and her girlfriends for some fun in 

New York City!

First stop, this little joint.

A small spot on Clinton Street off Delancey Street.

We had "DRUNCH." 

It's Brunch + you get Drunk = DRUNCH!

I didn't even make that up, it's on the menu. Genius!
You get to choose one of 7 Entrees and 3 Cocktails, all for $25.

I had "The Marty." Short Ribs on a whole wheat english muffin w/ Cheddar, Up Egg and Fries.

I washed it all down with yes, 3 Tequila Sea Breezes. 

Easy Peasy. 

It was the perfect way to start my weekend off right.

Sorry about the picture I was soooo hungry I dug in before I got my shot.

The decor of the restaurant was really crisp and lovely too.

I couldn't stop looking at these paintings hanging on their walls. They're so much fun and inviting, and curious. The art work was equally my favorite part, that and the food.      

I called back to the restaurant to ask about the artist who painted them, and her name is Leah Tinari. 

Click her link, she's a BIG DEAL!! 

Know what else? She OWNS the restaurant!!! Along with her husband.

She was our lovely waitress too. 

Her work has been shown around the world. Do you remember this Nike Campaign?

Leah Tinari painted this campaign for Nike. I loved the Delicious Training ads.

Okay, so I definitely recommend Fatta Cuckoo. 

Really great food, fun atmosphere, you could meet Leah Tinari, maybe. :)

 Fatta Cuckoo serves a full menu, with diet friendly items like vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher and gluten free.

They are located at 63 Clinton Street, NYC,10002.

Call 212.353.0570

Stay tuned for more about my Mommy Time Girls Weekend.

Have you tried a KIND bar?

So, I've been on the road a lot lately. 

Last weekend  I was in Brooklyn NY visiting my cousins 

and we stumbled upon this KIND bar truck.

KIND bars are Whole nut and Fruit Bars.

I've never had a KIND bar before for so I gave it a try and WOW!

I'm KINDa hooked!

 I ate both the Blueberry Pecan and the Almond Apricot in one sitting. 

The Almond & Apricot Bar has big shaved pieces of coconut, apricot, almonds, and puffed rice.

 They taste amazing!

Then I ate the Almond Blueberry Bar. Look at all the almonds, and whole dried blueberries, yum!

You can see the raisins, pecans, and cashews. All packed together with rice puffs and honey. 

These bars were so flavorful Amaya KIND of stole a few bites of my bar. The ingredients in these bars are all the good things I already snack on but packages and ready to go. 

KIND bars have a wonderful philosophy of making products that are "healthy, tasty, convenient, and wholesome, economically sustainable, and socially impactful."

In an effort "To Do The KIND Thing"  I am joining their mission to help spread the word about Acts of KINDness. 

If enough people commit to doing an act of KINDness, KIND will partner with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley's largest hunger relief organization, to provide thousands of Thanksgiving meals to families this holiday season. 

I will also be collecting canned goods to donate to my local food bank Second Harvest Food Bank as well as a few more Acts of Kindness I will share in a few up and coming posts. 

So run out and grab a KIND bar and perform an act of KINDness for someone.

Finding that place...

Hmmmm...Eating a Georgia Peach while listening to "Georgia on my mind" by Ray Charles. The simple pleasures of life!

I'm feeling inspired about the potential and hope for everyone to find this special place in their lives, so I've decided to share my thoughts. This place that I'm referring to is a place that if only for a moment, gives you that "pause" that we all need from our hectic days and lives.  The pause that allows you to reflect and be thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon you, regardless of your situation.

Your "place" may be your visions and thoughts around the last family vacation, the time that you had alone while your kids were at summer camp or simply your hour of peace and quiet while watching your favorite TV show when the children took naps. I've learned that it's important to have that " go-to" place as it serves as a re-charging of the battery.

If you get a moment, ask yourself if you have that "place" on reserve to help you through those hectic or busy times.

Good Mornings

I'm a morning person. I'm usually cheery when I open my eyes in the morning. Even when I'm tired I put on a happy face, and look forward to the day. My children are usually the same. They wake with smiles on their faces and jump out of bed and get ready for their day with enthusiasm.
Do you know the one morning routine that brings dark clouds over our house?
Hair brushing! Yes!
Hair brushing is torture for all parties involved.if you came to my door in the morning you could hear the screams.
So when I heard about this magical brush that helps detangle knots in your hair, my ears perked up.

It's called the Knot Genie.

I can't wait to try it. You can get a $4 OFF coupon by clicking the link.
http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=460&bid=10773&dealid=926

I'll keep you posted as we try and have drama free hair brushing.

Oh hey, I almost forgot!
There's also a contest.

With the introduction of four new Knot Genie colors in our limited edition Back to School Collection, we’re also running a fun contest. The contest is called, the Knot Genie Back to School Morning Meltdown contest. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced a foot stomping-shrieking-morning meltdown at that critical time when you’re trying to get your child off to school. Recount (if it’s not to painful) your worst meltdown and how you diffused the situation and enter your story in our contest. Ask your friends and family to vote for your entry and you could win $500.00. The first 50 people to enter will get great prizes just for participating.

Click the link to enter.
https://apps.facebook.com/promosapp/351244

A morning without hair drama is something to be grateful for.
Happy Back to School Time!

Harlem Globetrotters YAY!!

Have you ever seen the Harlem Globetrotter? 

Ever sine I was a kid I always wanted to go!

Well I'm finally going!!!

And you can too!

Here is a great deal!

Harlem Globetrotters First-Ever Game in Brooklyn!
As part of the grand opening of the Barlclay's Center, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to Brooklyn. 

 Sunday October 7, 2012 at 5 p.m.   

You'll save $7 on select ticket prices! 

Just enter the code USFAMILY into the Promotions and Special Offers box.  

Get your tickets at the Globetrotters' Brooklyn Ticket Page.  

Check out the Harlem Globetrotters in this video!

Dont Forget! Save $7 on Tickets.  Use Promo Code: USFAMILY

Gray Hair

So. It's happening.

Two months away from 35 and the gray hairs are coming in fast and furious.

I don't mind them at all. In fact I think they're kinda awesome. 

They make me look wise and knowledgeable, experienced. 

Two of my favorite women and life long mentors have the most gorgeous silver hair.

So I'm almost honored, gray hair means you kick ass.

You don't just turn gray you earn it. 

At least that's how I feel.

Only, I'd like to know what everyone else thinks about it. 

Am I supposed to have this many ( I them on both sides of my head)? 

Am I graying early?

What do other 30 somethings do when they start to gray?

Do you dye them and hide them? 

Do you pull them out

I'm not one of those people who's going to start dying my hair to hide grays. No way.

In fact I thought about dying even more gray so I could have a streak of gray like Rogue the superhero, or that chic from "What Not to Wear" on TLC.

I'm going to embrace my grays. 

The symbolize a long life. 

That's something to be grateful for.

What do you think about it?

Chipotle Mexican Grille

Luck me! 

Chipotle Mexican Grill has just opened in my neck of the woods!! 

The Lehigh Valley has been up and coming for several years.

And just short of having our own Trader Joe's, Chipotle's arrival feels like we've finally made it! 

They have "Food With Integrity!" I couldn't be more pleased!

Seriously everything is made from scratch with the finest ingredients they can find. 

Chipotle is an advocate of Family owned farms that raise animals with human practices. No antibiotics, cages or hormones. Just smart farming. Free range grazing, grass fed animals are healthy and more flavorful food. 

I think its a huge deal that this Restaurant chain has taking this approach. 

It lays the path for other restaurants to do the same thing. 

And to top it off great up beat informative customer service in the restaurant. 

You choose from a 

Rice Bowl, Burrito, Taco or Salad Bowl.

Then you choose from:

CHICKEN

Naturally raised, marinated in

our chipotle adobo, then grilled.

BARBACOA

Naturally raised beef. Braised

for hours, then shredded.

VEGETARIAN

Includes our freshly made

guacamole and vegetarian

black beans.

STEAK

Marinated in our chipotle 

adobo, then grilled.

CARNITAS

Naturally raised pork. Braised

for hours, then shredded

You can choose Salsa in different heat levels, Cilantro-lime rice, red or black beans, lettuce, fajita vegetables, Guacamole and sour cream. Yumm!

I loved the adorable little bags of chips too.

Look for a Chipotle near you and run out and support these folks they are making a big difference in the culinary world!

Check out their informative cartoon to learn more about Chipotle's innovative approach to food.

100 Calorie McDonald's Fries!

Although I am a Chef, I'm not afraid to admit that my family eats-out. 

Convenince food is a part of everyone's life and so is McDonalds.

We have McDonalds at least once a month. 

So the other day while out and about we stopped and grabbed lunch. The girls had their Happy Meals as usual, and to my delight these adorable little fries were in their lunch!

Oh how I adore cute little food! 

You know whats even more cool about these little fries? 

They are a 100 Calorie serving! 

Along with apple wedges that now come with every Happy Meal. 

 I think the Happy Meal is a really sensible choice.

Sure I can make my kids chicken nuggets from scratch and baked french fries but when I'm traveling or out of time a McDonald's Happy Meal is a great choice. 

Now if they only offered soy milk to drink, that would be perfection!

"The True Nature of Tarot" review

Today I'm reviewing the "The True Nature of Tarot, 

Your Path to Personal Empowerment" 

by Diane Wing M.A.

The true Nature of Tarot is about helping the reader understand Tarot Card reading. Diane Wing does a good job of writing from a neutral perspective dispelling the negative connotations associated with both reading Tarot cards and having cards read for you. Diane Wing uses many personal experiences to better explain the subjects she discusses.

"The True Nature of Tarot" is for anyone interested in learning to read Tarot cards or educating yourself enough to understand Tarot cards when they are read for you. 

For those interested in learning to read Tarot the author takes the reader through the following:

Understanding personal psychic sensations

Personal techniques for grounding yourself before giving a reading

Choosing a Tarot Deck

Things to do before reading cards

Setting up for the reading

Different options of spreading the cards

Seeing Patterns in the cards

Interpreting the cards

and Ethical Considerations for a reader.

The section on Interpreting the cards is extensive.  All 78 cards are given equal explanation and accompanied with pictures to identify each card. I liked that the author describes every detail in each card. Every detail has a meaning or  sentiment. 

Wing also offers multiple interpretations of each card along with "Key Words" for better understanding.

For those who just want to educate themselves about Tarot before having cards read for them, the author offers these tips.

Choosing a Practitioner 

The psychology of Tarot

and Interpreting the Cards.

Reading the "The True Nature of Tarot" has awaken my own curiosity about Tarot reading. I think Tarot could be used as a personal guide to help you make better informed decisions.

Stay tuned I might even give it a try!!

First Birthday Beauties

The begining of this month was my neice Chelsea's 1st Birthday. My sister went all out decorating for the party so I wanted to share some of the beautiful ideas she came up with.

Decor

  Look at these Gorgeous center pieces my Mom put together using mason jars.

My sister added butterflies to these paper lanterns.

I love the color combination of pink and purple.

Check out this awesome memory board with all of Chelsea's one year mile stones and firsts.

Food

 Rainbow Fruit Tray

 Grandma Jackson's Macaroni and Cheese

 Butterfly Cookie Favors

 Mini Smash Cake for the Birthday Baby

 Butterfly Cupcake Toppers

Happy 1st Birthday Chelsea Pie!!! 

xoxo