Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote challenges my theory, that in life we have many roads to go down, all we have to do is choose. This quote, "I deserve to arrive at my destination without detour" reminds me to believe, with my whole heart, in my path.

I have faith in what will happen next on my life journey, but sometimes I will detour from my path just to find the right track.

Will I ever get to my final destination? Do I ever really want to?

If someone asked me to look into a crystal ball to see my future, I would turn them down because I want to live in this moment.

What fun would it be to know everything that is about to happen?

So I find my own inspiration in this weekend quote. I realize that I am a journey, but do not want to know what my destination will be. If you were offered to see into a crystal ball would you? Do you like this weekend quote?

What's on your bucket list?

When I learned what a 'bucket list' was, I found myself wondering what would I add. A bucket list asks the question, If you found out you were running out of time what would you do? My list showed me all of the wonderful things I want to do next in my life. Sweetie is it Ok if I call it my 'one day soon' list instead of a bucket? Ah much better.

So it looks like...I want to see the world, own my own property, be comfortable without debt and someday milk a cow.

1) Write a book
2) Be on my favorite soap opera (General Hospital)
3) Say a speech at a strangers wedding
4) Have two children
5) Dance ballet again
6) Learn to like tomatoes and eat spicy food
7) Watch an entire day from sun up to sun down
8) Take pictures of the Grand Canyon
9) Take a road trip across America
10) Swim in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
11) Zipline in Costa Rica
12) To not be afraid to fly
13) Learn a new language
14) Play an instrument ( I can kind of sort of play the piano)
15) Compose a song
16) Have a dog as a best friend
17) Shop for clothes without any debt
18) Have three months of savings
19) Milk a cow
20) Learn to juggle
21) Learn what it's like to be stress free
22) Photography (have my own gallery show)
23) Continue to discover my own spirituality
24) Own my own business (Boutique)
25) Go snorkeling
26) Go up a hot air balloon
27) Visit the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt
28) See Stonehenge in England
29) Dance in the rain
30) Own a home

And I can't wait to see what you come up with for your bucket list. What would you do? Skydive, sing in a band, tell someone you love them, not be afraid?

So as I go and find a cow, go and write your list and link back to me so we can have one long blog list.

Why do we let time pass us by without completing our wishes?

Not one but two wedding ceremonies

Some of my blogging friends (thanx Dollface) have been asking about wedding updates and we some big ones have been happening. Ah yes drum roll please...we will be having not one, but two wedding ceremonies. That's right! Two...one Hindu and one Jewish.

And I'd love your advice on how to handle everything.

Over the last years, I have thought a lot about what our wedding could be like. I also understood that we come from two different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. So Honey and I decided that a combined wedding would be a wonderful way to bring everyone together.

After we got engaged I even wrote in one of my posts...so funny to be quoting myself:

"I’m about to go through planning a Hindu and Jewish wedding. We fondly call Hinjew. We’re not the first or the last couple to attempt this, but going outside of the box is never easy. I hope we can have a combination wedding and have a lot of warmth and loads of love on our big day."

I know the idea was a bit idealistic. Then we started to realize that a wedding is bigger then the two of you. Weddings are about family and giving them the pleasure of supporting you.

Recently we had a huge turn around of support. And instead of one family we now have two. With this comes my Honey's family offering to give us a traditional Hindu ceremony along with the other wedding ceremony we have been planning in late May.

Honestly, I do feel the added stress of double weddings. I feel a little lost in the whole process. There's so much good that can come from families blending and supporting.

Then the smaller details seep into my head like two wedding dresses, invitations etc. We should take double honeymoons! Ah I wish.

So how am I going to deal with having not one, but two wedding ceremonies? Well I'm going to remember the wise words of a friend of mine who said, "It could have been four ceremonies!" What's your advice for this double blushing bride?

Post crush: What makes a house a home?

Last week, I saw this lovely post about What makes a House a Home... on Censational Girl's blog and I felt inspired by her words. I guess I developed a post crush. I have moved around a lot in my life, last count 15 times, so making my house a home is very important. Usually my bedroom and kitchen are the first rooms to be unpacked. I enjoy traveling and taking a break from cleaning, but when I return home I feel a sense of calm come over me. Here are some more things that make my house a home...

I love smells that tell me I'm home like fresh roasted coffee or my perfume still lingering from the morning. I don't put too much on I swear!

I love when my bed seems ready for me to get in. It beckons me to get Under the Sheets and to feel safe.


Home can have simple pleasures, like my apron hanging for me on the back of the kitchen door. And my house becomes more of a home when I try to create recipes for you.



My bedside table also helps me feel at home because I have somewhere to place my glasses, book and phone. I smile when I see it because I'm reminded of when I painted the lamp shade red and paint got everywhere. Plus I missed a spot!



I love the warmth of a home office to create posts and write. When I leave home, this is one of the things I miss the most when I write on my laptop.



And then there's my all-knowing blanket or throw that waits for my return after I've had a long day. My throw is a pale violet and is way too big for me. Thank you Censational Girl for giving me the inspiration to discover what home means to me. So are you ready for your question lovelies....tell me what do you think makes your house a home?

Inspirational Weekend Quote

When my brother was a little, Bob Marley was a constant in his life. He still is. My bro always felt a connection to Bob Marley's vibe, spirit, message of peace and connection to his family. And this is why I love this inspirational weekend quote.

The connection between my brother trickled down to my younger brother, who as a child, would pronounce the activist/singers name as 'Bob Barley'.

And just like that I have two brothers in the trance...

I started to understand the true connection that people have to Bob Marley's music and lifestyle when my brother and I were on a road trip. We were at a gas station, filling up on gas, and a man came over to us saw the One Love tattoo on my bro's arm and said to him, "One." My brother replied to the stranger, "Love."

I learned that day that one love can free your mind.

So today as you enjoy your weekend, take this inspirational quote with you. Mental slavery cannot exist if we free our minds. Tell me...how does this quote make you feel and do you agree with its message? Have a great weekend sweetie!

Over the top award for you!

One of my favorite blogs my teacups in peony had a wonderful one-word post that I wanted to share with you. (Congrats on your recent engagement sweetie!) I love sharing in the fun and passing her award to other deserving bloggers.

SO I pass the 'Over the Top' blogging award to the following lovely ladies. Each has a unique way of seeing the world. And I'm pretty sure they all dream in color.

If you haven't yet, check out their wonderful blogs.

London Zest

La Mia Vita
Leah
Candyfloss & Persie
Not your Average Ordinary

Congrats ladies, now pass out the award to whomever you would like!

So now for the drum roll, my answers to the one-word post. I hope you like my answers and I agree with 'my teacups' it's not easy to do.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk.
2. Your hair? Wavy.
3. Your mother? Complicated.
4. Your father? Confidant.
5. Your favorite food? TJ’s.
6. Your dream last night? Warm.
7. Your favorite drink? Tea.
8. Your dream/goal? Boutique.
9. What room are you in? Bedroom.
10. Your hobby? Photography.
11. Your fear? Flying.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Playground.
13. Where were you last night? Party.
14. Something that you aren’t? Untrustworthy.
15. Muffins? Chocolate.
16. Wish list item? Purse.
17. Where did you grow up? Toronto.
18. Last thing you did? Vitamins.
19. What are you wearing? Scarf.
20. Your TV? MadMen.
21. Your pets? Soon.
22. Friends? Blessed.
23. Your life? Musical.
24. Your mood? Content.
25. Missing someone? Yup.
26. Vehicle? Legs.
27. Something you’re not wearing? Bloomers.
28. Your favorite store? Ambiance.
29. Your favorite color? Blue.
30. When was the last time you laughed? 5mins.
31. Last time you cried? Saturday.
32. Your best friend? Tied.
33. One place that I go to over and over? Walgreens.
34. One person who emails me regularly? You.
35. Favorite place to eat? Bobo’s.

Now it's your turn to play along. Link back and play along. Tag sweetie your it!

Welcome to the bliss lounge

Where do you go when someone tells you to go to your happy place? I've heard friends say they imagine a beach maybe on a paradise island like Kauai, others like to picture the mountains. So where do I go? I try to picture my bliss as the kind that makes me smile and feel warm inside. When life is tough, complicated and rainy, I imagine my pure bliss. Won't you join me as we search for our bliss lounge...

Let's start off by drinking some tea, poured for us by someone that has pure joy in their soul. Ahhh I'm feeling better already!

While sipping our tea at the bliss lounge, let's take some private moments to find our bliss in photographs that document time. Photographs always touch my heart and I feel lost in the emotion.

See my friend's incredible photography blog Tangobaby.

And then we can go together to a meadow and run free...

I'll invite you over to my vintage kitchen for some, just out of the oven divine oatmeal cookies. Please try and save me one!



I'll stop to write about the bliss we've found. Writing will help me realize how lucky I am.

This picture shows me how much joy there is to be seen and felt.

Can camera lenses see you, the true you? I believe they can. And this woman is blissfully posing under a tree. You can't get much better then this?

Ah yes, our day wouldn't be complete without feeling the bliss of a truffle. Divine indulgence and spas equal pure bliss for me. What about you?

Chocolate Bliss written by Susie Norris.

No matter how your day or week is going, take a moment and think about your pure bliss lounge moments. Where would you like to go? And, can we remind each other to breathe? Have a wonderful day lovely!

Wedding glow or Botox?

To Botox or to not Botox, that is the question? With getting married comes many new experiences, challenges and lot's of girlie maintenance. I’ve been eating well, taking care of myself better, scheduling my time and taking pre-natal vitamins so my hair grows. (And yes the vitamins work. My hair is growing like a weed). Before reading on, remember that I lived in L.A. for twelve years and have heard a lot about the new waves of beauty that you can do yourself. But this is a story I just had to get some advice from you…

Recently I had a group dinner with some close friends. One of my friends brought her co-worker to dinner who had just moved up to San Francisco from L.A. During dinner the conversation turned into a discussion about my May wedding plans. I loved the ladies helpful suggestions about bridesmaid dresses, bachelorette parties (I think we’re going to wine country) and bridezilla drama.

And then it happened…

My friend’s co-worker, let’s call her ‘Sophie’, asked if I was going to get Botox before the wedding. I couldn’t believe my ears as I hadn’t even considered it. So I told her I thought I was too young for Botox. She told me something like, “Everyone your age is getting it.” I had to take a deep breath!

Honestly after I went back to my regular life, her comment stuck in my head. So, out of curiosity, I made an appointment with a dermatologist to ask some questions. At the doctors office I filled out some paperwork. Under the column named 'concerns', I wrote looking for the fountain of youth. When it was my turn, I went into the doctor’s office, put on my paper gown and waited for my adventure.

The doctor came in and asked me why I was there. I told him, a friend suggested I get Botox before my wedding day. Doctor said, “Let me give you the correct products for sunscreen and fine wrinkles. And to give you that wedding glow, try to drink more water! Now leave my office and tell your friend you found the fountain of youth!”

Why do I love this story? So my lovelies, what's your secret to getting that wedding glow? Go on, you can tell me, I promise not to tell and will keep it our little secret. Is it cucumber slices, plenty of water, face masks?

Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote is a reminder to take care of yourself. Don't we all need to be reminded to take well deserved down time?

This week I went to dinner with one my close girlfriends and I noticed how run down she was. She's balancing school, work, moving and family. I found myself giving her the advice to take a 'Me' day. One day where you do one thing for yourself.

A bath, movie, pedicure, writing, yoga, cooking....

Once a month she could schedule time for herself. Imagine how happy she would be when she sees the schedule reminder pop up and it says, "Remember your me day."

And letting go and staying open is something that I have been telling myself to do all week.

I have felt my wall of the fear of the unknown creep in and I keep repeating stay open Laura ...please stay open.

And so I choose to stay calm, write down my feelings on a blank piece of paper and take a 'me" day. How does this inspirational weekend quote speak to you? What do you do when you start to feel closed off? Have a great weekend lovelies!

Retro writing and blogging 101

I love finding ideas in my every day to blog about. I am also in love with photography. And, once I discovered the term retro blogging, I was hooked. Retro blogging is exactly how I feel. I can tell a story through my words or guide readers through pictures. But what do I do if I hit writer's block or blog burnout? Let's enter my Retro Writing and blogging 101 class...

A couple of things work best for me. First, I like to use a blank word document and write any ideas that come to mind. I try to remove all judgment and criticism. If I like an idea then I start to create or search for pictures.

Links are researched next to prove my points. I might jot down a couple of lines and then I walk away from the computer and let the idea sit in me and form.

And sure sometimes, I really should be wearing this T-shirt while listening to friends and family tell stories. Once in a while I hear myself saying out loud, "Now that would make a great post."





Between you and me, I miss the color and feel of pens for when I used to write my short stories. Now its the clicking of the keyboard that tells me I'm home and feeling creative and ready to blog.



Coffee shops are amazing for my creativity, especially if I have some music to rock out to. The coffee shop is not my work, or home and the smell of the coffee let's me know its time to create.



I get asked by my friends, family and followers of this blog how do I come up with so many topics. My response is, "How can't I?" I have so many thoughts, ideas and experiences bubbling inside. To write it all out has been a gift.

I love the blog advice, to become a success you need to live, eat and breath your blog...and I do. It has become a joy to work on and other times I just stare blankly at the screen. So the next time I start to feel writer's block, I will remember to go the coffee shop and think retro blogging 101. What tips so you use when you feel blocked for posts?

Should men wear purses?

Do you think men should wear purses? Last week, I saw the best segment on the Today Show about men wearing purses or sometimes fondly called a 'murse'. I remember the first time one of my favorite guy friends whipped out his designer man clutch before we went out to dinner. He seriously did! And to top it all off his murse went with his laid back outfit. The Today Show showed that all different kinds of men can be these fashionistas; from sports figures to businessmen to stay at home Dad's. And why not? Men also have a ton of items to carry around with them.

It takes a lot to carry iPhones, keys, headphones, wallet and a planner all stuffed into your pant pockets. Trust me you don't even want to know what I have buried in my DKNY purse right now.



And who are these men that are wearing purses? Are they celebrities and socialites? Sure. But isn't it great that men have another option to the standard backpack? Now you can show your fashion flare.

photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton from their 2009 Spring collection

photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton

I am in love with this picture because of the mixture of strength and masculinity with well, let's called a spade a spade, a man purse.

Can you hear the Aerosmith song playing, that Dude looks like a Lady...

Ah that was fun! Thank you my fellow fashionistas for letting me indulge. I enjoyed seeing these awesome design pictures of men with their murses. And for some reason I now can't get the song out of my head, that dud looks like a lady. Which leads to me to ask you...Do you think men should wear purses?