Lorena Alvarez – http://www.lorenaalvarez.com/

I was in search of finding a “new moon” photo or artwork for this post. I found a link to myplasticheart’s (nyc), 4th annual New Moon: Interpretations of the Chinese Zodiac exhibit. featuring 18 artists’ reinterpretations of the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Curated by John Wong.

Just for fun–I decided to close my eyes and just click on one of the links listed…, perhaps it would represent my new moon vibe.  I picked Lorena Alvarez “The Lover, The Dreamer, and Me….  Inspired by Jim Henson. Kind of an appropriate pick….. Now all I want to do is sing that song!!! I think everyone needs a rainbow connection.

flavors :

(holiday peppermint)

His latest showing, is of artist Audrey Kawasaki , who caught my eye.  Her art is seductive, an arte joven that captures an alluring innocence, with a deep and mystical feeling.

(Chocolate)

Now bringing back memories of his loft parties back in 07’ and picking up one of the Glen Bar series. This isn’t something new,  but still quiet refreshing given the artist he chooses. 

(Pomegranite)

This is definitely one of my favorite series so far… I have no doubt many will feel the same. her work is simply, gorgeous!

Which is your favorite??

This series is set to come out Late Spring… May-June. 

Please check out the Hint Mint website for more info and retailers.

 http://www.hintmint.com/

I am so loving her designs!!!!

For more on Audrey’s beautiful art  : http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com   

Audrey’s facbeook page. https://www.facebook.com/audreykawasaki

Last night I was searching around my pinterest  and nail art kept popping up. In fact, I’ve noticed a considerable amount of nail art on the pin-feed? I guess nail art is what’s trending.  Being the all natural girl that I am, I rarely get my nails done— let alone wear nail polish. I’ve just gotten into the habit of not having all those chemicals on my nails, but seeing all these great nail designs made me want to get all snazzy!! 

Before I get all crazy with nail designs. First thing first… Finding nail polish that isn’t harsh and mostly chemical free. I know there is Zoya but what else is there?

Spotted: I found Megan Miller’s Collection—her line looks amazing and completely free of super harsh chemicals like,   Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP),  Toluene, Formaldehyde which if you must know is very harmful to the liver and kidneys. I am also loving her cork packaging.

Check out her info & Collection : http://meganmillercollection.myshopify.com/

…  here’s some other cool pics of nail art to keep in mind. 

Of course the galaxy design is my favorite…. How do I do this now???

Have you heard of Chronicle? I feel like everyone is talking about this movie. We saw it just the other day and my feeling is…. For a relatively unknown cast the movie was pretty good.  Some of the visual efx scenes felt a little antiquated, but delivered a nice visual experience in the remaining scenes. The story was good, a bit contrived but believable with moments that made me think, Can this actually happen?! Regardless, no matter what… it’s a fun  ride. Definitely a must see!!

Imagine if that happened how would you use your power?!! 

Check out their facebook page for some videos and highlights. https://www.facebook.com/Chronicle

I recently bought a new bike then realized I needed to start thinking responsibly and wear a helmet. So I went helmet shopping. I actually thought it was going to be much easier, but most of the helmets out there made my dome look Gi-Normous. Apparently I have a small size head– 21 inches to be exact, and there weren’t a ton of small sizes available to try. Finally found a few small sizes at REI and Bike Attack on Main (where I bought mine).  

I realize people must not look at themselves in a helmet?? because out of all five places I went to, none of them had mirrors, only tiny mirrors so I wound up using their bathrooms. I found that to be odd… don’t people want to see what they look like?  of course the most important thing is safety.  but I started feeling kind of vein… I mean some of these helmets just look so ridiculous… but I get it. It’s about safety first. I just feel in order to be safe, you have to feel comfortable… it was nice to see what comfort looks on my head, am i wrong?

I was told the helmet should be snug, and not move around so that was the first thing I was testing. 

After hours of testing helmets, I narrowed it down to Bern’s “Berekely” style or the Nutcase “Silver Fly”… I went with the Nutcase. It was comfortable, not overly large and the snazzy design was a bonus. Not to mention the fact Nutcase is hilarious name.

Are you out there riding your bike with or without a helmet?? If not, considering one.. I highly suggest you shop for one that fits you like a glove and there are some out there that are really starting to consider style!!

http://www.bikeattack.com/

http://www.nutcasehelmets.com/

I feel blessed to have a husband who thoroughly researches just about everything there is to know about surviving, or anything he’s into for that matter. He’ll show me tips on how to do things minimally, mindfully, and productively. This year of all years is a good time to get tuned into surviving… one may never know when disaster will strike. and us women need to make sure we’re clued in. 

The key is to always keep your backpacks light, yet still have all the tools to survive a few days without the weight to bare.

Here’s our first find…
The LuminAID solar light  inflates to diffuse light like a lantern.

This ingenious idea came as a result of the Hiati earthquake diaster relief situation.  “The LuminAID solar light addresses these issues while providing a useful and portable form of light for disaster victims”

Check out what they are all about here: http://www.luminaidlab.com

Sponsor them by getting your logo printed. How cool is that?!!

There is so much more to this idea… Read up!!

Well, this happened to me a few times in the past month on my way to my credit union off Wilshire in Santa Monica. From the outside looking in, it seem to boast a good crowd, so finally last week, I decided to stop in.  

From the creators of Rustic Canyon, Sweet Rose Creamery and Huckleberry, welcomes their next pleasurable dining experience… Milo and Olive (opened early Dec/2011).  I hadn’t heard of it’s opening so it came as a nice surprise in knowing who had given birth to this little gem.  A paradise of Pizza, Bread, and Pastry Perfection along with produce sourced from local purveyors.  From day one this place has been a hot spot, packed with serious foodies and those who desire the perfect pizza crust!! you won’t be able to resist it, because there is something delicious for everyone! Open for Bfst, Lunch and Dinner! 

Date night? Girls night out…  you betcha! check it out!!  http://www.miloandolive.com

I did see one husband posting a photo of his better half in lingerie! and I thought.. hmm.. now that is sexy and tasteful. Why not? clearly, he was showing off his beautiful wife, and not just professing his love, but showing her sexy side..  definitely hot!. 

While the thought of my husband making me dinner is certainly a beautiful gesture… prancing around in sexy lingerie just seems a lot more fun for my valentine. I mean isn’t everyday filled with love, romance and yummy desserts?  I hope some of you got what this guy got… even if you made dinner first. get your sexy time for dessert!

Well, I, myself love lingerie and all things sexy…   Agent Provocateur is one of my favorite sexy spots .    

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/

For a while now I’ve been wanting to make my own Almond Milk, but even though it’s always on my mind I never get around to actually doing it.  I love Almond Milk especially when it’s freshly made, it delights my yearning for all things sweet and creamy. Grabbing my morning Moon Juice, I had one of their cookies that was made from the Almond pulp, and once again thought… I need to make some fresh Almond milk! Later that day I chimed into Mel’s gorgeous food photos on The Local Rose,and while checking it out, and learning we share similar interest… There, I found her recipe on how to make fresh nut milks highlighting Almond Milk. Love it and can’t wait to finally make it.

Interested in making some with me?? Here’s an easy recipe provided by the Local Rose.

Here’s some tips and facts.

There are Nut Milk Bags that make Almond Milk extra smooth. It can be purchased at the Coop in Santa Monica or visit Elaina Love’s site Pure Joy Planet to get the bags in bulk.  purejoyplanet.com, otherwise a cheese cloth will work fine.

-Fresh Almond Milk will make your skin Luminous and Youthful.
Sesame milk is an excellent curative for depletion or exhaustion and is also highly lubricating for the intestinal wall.

-Almond milk and Hazelnut are low calorie, easily digested and for anyone with a need for something sweet any hour of the day or night, at low risk for that dreadful sugar hangover.

Vanilla Almond Milk (yields 2-3 cups or so)
1 cup almonds, soaked 8-12 hours beforehand if it’s possible
3 cups water
6 dates or 1/4 cup agave (optional)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or the contents of a vanilla bean)

Procedure: Begin by soaking your nuts in some water, if you can, eight hours is ideal.  Peel the skins off which will be easy once they have soaked.
Next, blend all ingredients on high in a regular blender or a VitaMix: place the the nut milk bag or cheesecloth over the mouth of your container, leaving a generous overhang and allowing the strainer to droop about halfway down into the container. I used a large mason jar as my container: 

- Next, pour all the almond milk into the container, so that it drips through the cheesecloth and into the container below. massage it with your hands so the milk is drained through the cloth. For variety you can add a little chocolate or cinnamon. You can also adjust the creamy quality by how much water you add.

Let me know how it goes!? and Enjoy!

Easy, fun and delicious BACK TO ROOTS sprouted a pretty cool idea…  ”Inspired by the idea of turning waste into wages & fresh, local food, they experimented in their fraternity kitchen, ultimately growing one test bucket of tasty oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds”….

So we are testing and growing a little mushroom garden in our house?? yay for mushrooms! Who wants to come over for a mushroom dinner???

http://www.backtotheroots.com/our-story