Week's Inspiration

We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. ~ Pico Iyer

Beauty & Makeup: Easy Newspaper Nail Art

In my quest to save money (to fund my happy-hours) I have decided to do my own nails - ugh! - and limit my pedicures to only twice a month. Thus saving myself $540 dollars a year on manicures alone... or as I like to think of it, a round-trip ticket to the turquoise waters of the Mayan Riviera. A little more motivating isn't it? 


Its seems like nail art is all the craze this year and even more so now that it's summer. I'm no nail artist but with millions of colors to choose from and millions more online tips for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) anything and everything, I knew I could find a way to make it fun to do my own nails again...just like when I was 16 and had no job, therefore; no income. 

The CutePolish Channel on YouTube is full of quick instructional videos that will teach you how to create EASY & CUTE nail art designs!

Check out this video for ridiculously easy and beyond cute Newspaper Nails…

I'm thinking I'd like to try to maybe get an entire phrase across the nails on one hand :D

Week's Inspiration

A Foodies Dream

If I could eat anything and not gain any weight I would eat my way through this book: Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics. I would pull a Julia & Julia. Ina Garten can do no wrong with a potato! If I was having a "last meal" I would ask for a meal prepared by Ina Garten. Why would I even be having a last meal??? Scary! [Pause] Anyways, I was saying...she has a way with food that is just mesmerizing - an effortless grace and elegance that really makes you think you too can create that miraculous and amazing dish with a spoon, pan, 4 simple ingredients and 30 minutes. Incidentally the first thing missing when I cook is grace and elegance; my tiny kitchen looks like a cafeteria food fight after I've been in it for 2 hours.

Here's why I pledge allegiance to Ina Garten...

A few months ago my boyfriend was feeling sick and asked me to make him a cremita, Spanish for a cream of soup. Mexican gastronomy has an infinite list of soups, there is caldo de res/ cocido, caldo de camaron, caldo de pescado, caldo de pollo, sopa de fideo, sopa de lima, caldo mich and consome, to name a few. (I happen to make a pretty bomb caldo de res.) But cream of soup? The only ingredient I knew for sure a cream of soup had was cream. Good girlfriend that I am, I want to make my boyfriend feel a little better so of course I was going to make his cremita. I went straight to the place I knew I would find a recipe for a cream of something, the Food Network. With 5 stars and over 300 reviews, Ina Garten's recipe for Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup was the obvious choice. It took me over 2 hours to make, 5 pots and 20 ingredients but let me tell you guuurl, it was worth the work. It was just perfect. The real test, however, was going to be my boyfriend. Later that evening I served him Ina Garten's Cream of Mushroom Soup with a warm crispy french baguette. After the initial shock in his face I swear I saw love, but not like "I love this soup" love, it was "I love you for making this soup that I love" love. No joke. He didn't think I had those mad skills in the kitchen. And shit, neither did I.

I just bought the book and all the recipes look simply amazing and true to Ina's style, made with simple ingredients. There isn't anything on the list of ingredients I couldn't go to Trader Joe's - or my new favorite market, Fresh & Easy - and buy. 

So ladies, you wanna see love in your partner's eyes? Want to woo the man in your life?  Or maybe go from friend-with-benefits (Been there!) to girlfriend? Make him a dinner he'll love. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Keep in mind that this will only works if his stomach likes it. If he doesn't eat fish don't surprise him with Ina Garten's Sole Meuniere. (My next recipe!) No matter how simply divine it is.

And if it doesn't work - he doesn't deserve you anyways! you're too good for him, mkay!- you can still feel proud of having just made the best dish you've ever made.

Week's Inspiration

"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you.” ― Frida Kahlo

Love: Bob Marley said it best.

I think I purposely avoid writing about Love. Why? That answer will probably require some time with a therapist. A therapist or a bottle of tequila Gran Centenario - that's how our Mexican grandparents and parents did it, no? Let's also not forget therapists are expensive. I doubt my average Blue Cross PPO would cover such fancy extras. A good tequila will do.

The truth is, I am firmly in Love. I am. But I will always and forever be the first to say that it's not easy. Even when its easy, its work. Constantly I find myself reading inspirational quotes and writings on Love. I look for them and read them not to help confirm if I am truly in Love with my boyfriend but to remind me that if loving were easy, it wouldn't be Love. 

I leave you with what I think is quite possibly the best (and longest) quote on Love. I don't know anything about Bob Marley's life but after reading this I imagine he loved. For my Juan (I know I'm not easy. You are not either. I'm okay with that.): 

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you've never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can't wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid, it's like being young again. Colors seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day's work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there's no need for continuous conversation, but you find you're quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there's a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that's so real, it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."

Oniomania, better known as Shopaholism

I. Have. Too. Much. Clothes. It needs to be said! You know you want to say it too. Say it with me! I. Have. Too. Much. Clothes. Doesn't it feel good to say it??? Isn't it freakin' liberating!?

If genes can affect weight, is there a possibility that a passion to buy (not obsession) is also caused by genes? My dad has been matched and impeccable since the early 70s. My older sister admitted to owning 100 dresses. Think about this...if you own 100 dresses, how many tops do you have? I make a strong case for genes, no? Fluctuations in weight from years back is no doubt also a partial culprit for this excess of fabric in my closet. Genes combined with weight fluctuation combined with an incapability of donating or giving away clothes  - for concern that I may again fluctuate in size - to create this chronic illness suffered by me and 75% of women in the U.S. (The percentage could be higher; I haven't done full research into the subject.) The technical term for this monster is oniomania, often referred, in laymen's, as shopaholism.

Have you stared deep into the eyes of this monster ladies? You are not alone! You are not alone!

Surely Isla Fisher - love Isla btw! - in Confessions of a Shopaholic comes to mind. Well yes and no. Yes I suffer a less aggressive strand of this illness but no, I'm not as delusional and far from reality as she was. Woman talked to mannequins! She bought clothes and accessories now and worried about food and rent later. 

I pride myself in being a savvy shopper. Read my blog Its not used, its semi-new! What ends up happening though is I own more clothes than I can wear. I have a closet that can take you from hike to cruise in a minute, head to toe. 

Eesh...and the clothes that still have a tag! Or the clothes with no tag but that I haven't worn once! How many of us are guilty of this?

Yes! The H&M top with flowers was only $10.
L-O-V-E, love H&M! The two dresses were bought

6 months ago for work. 

Now I don't know about you but I'm not going to go all hippie back and denounce material processions cause on the real, I probably won't ever stop shopping for clothes. What I would like to do though is 1) stop buying single pieces that will require another piece to make an outfit and instead complete the outfit by adding a basic and dress up with the great accessories that I also have lots of and, 2) wear what I do have. I am making a goal to wear every piece of clothing, shoes and accessory that I have. 

No! Not strong enough! I can't feel the commitment! I vow to wear everything I own by the end of this year. Anyone throwing an 80's Rockabilly Beach Gala themed party? Please invite me, I have an outfit I need to wear by the end of this year.

A Case of Arm Envy

Every time I see Michelle Obama in a picture or on TV I get arm envy. I covet Michelle Obama's arms... and her wardrobe (I'd say her entire closet but I have a feeling that standing at a height of 5'11" she probably wears a size 10 shoe, at least.) and maybe her life, for one day, just to see what it feels like to be The First Lady.  

But keeping it real here, what I mostly want are her arms. You see, my weight wasn't always average. I was heavier than I am now. I blame tortillas! Around the age of twenty I lost a significant amount of weight... ahhh, el amor. Weight that I have kept off - though I did have a period of weight gain 4 or 5 years ago while going through a depression, but that's a story for later. I digress. I have, for the most part, stayed within 10 pound over or under my current weight. What I haven't been able to lose since that initial weight loss are the flabby arms left behind. Certainly I could have done more to change that earlier but I guess doing moderate exercise to keep the weight off had been enough for me, up until now. I don't want my flab to chime in when I wave goodbye. I want Michelle Obama arms! I want Madonna biceps!

I read an article in a magazine, which I can't recall for the life of me right now but it was about Michelle Obama's arms. How some people think that her showing bare arms often was not very First Lady like and could be seen as inappropriate. Opinions are opinions. I think she always looks sharp and dressed fitting for the occasion. And no matter what you think of her choice of wardrobe, no one can deny that she amazing arms.

I Googled "how to get Michelle Obama's arms" and most trainers recommend working opposing muscles in the biceps, triceps and shoulder in one session. Here are some of the specific exercises: lateral raises, triceps kickbacks, bicep curls, extending the arm backwards, and bench dips which can be done using a sturdy piece of furniture. The first three done using dumbbells. You can Google the exercises to find out how to properly do them. Youtube has an ongoing list of videos on just arms.

One site claims that 21 days is all it takes to see a difference. I looked at my schedule and it looks like I'm available the next 21 days. Wide open. Nothing going on right now. All the time in world. So why not? Here is my plan: Do 20 repetitions daily of the first four exercises, and repeat: lateral raises, triceps kickbacks, bicep curls and extending the arms backwards. I'm leaving the bench dips out so as to not put so much pressure on my already sensitive wrists. And yes, I know, a "before" picture is needed. Ugh! I'm forcing myself to put up this picture. *Blog integrity Average Maria, blog integrity.* Please check back in 21 days my one follower. You know who you are.

The right arm before.

Its not used, its semi-new!

I am clearly aware that I don't need another piece of clothing or accessory. But I am a girl after all, the day I stop buying clothes is the day I am no longer able to walk to a shopping center. Thank goodness for online shopping! Now just as aware that I could pick one piece of clothing from my closet each day and could continue to do so for an entire year, I am demonstrably aware of my bank account.  Still, thinking cheap doesn't have to equal looking cheap. Doing things the cheap way means figuring out how to get those $200 Citizen on Humanity jeans for the price of a pair of Levi's.  

Now, you must look at me and wonder, how does she do it? Look like a million bucks every day... well almost every day - ok fine, sometimes! Here is my little secret: Crossroads Trading Co.  

At Crossroads you can buy recycled (for the environmentally conscious), resale, vintage or thrift (this is where we average Maria's come in) clothing and accessories. Personally I like to call it "semi-new".   
      
I was in the Pasadena store today and totally scored! My three scores for the day...

Steve Madden snakeskin pumps. Some chick with good taste and money to spare wore these once around the house to "break them in" before she realized they were one size too big and there was no need to "break them in." LOL! Retail they were $60-$90, I paid $18.50.

I didn't need another pair of jeans... good thing this is a True Religion skinny jean :) Retail about $130, I got them for $35. Who says NO to True Religion for $35 bucks? My looks may be average but I make up for it in brains. Haha! I don't think these were even washed before coming moa!

Finally and saving the best for last...

Theory slacks! With the tags!!! Need I say more? No way! Yes way! These retail for *brace yourself* $260 big ones. I made out like a bandit when I snatched these for $27.50. 

Find the Crossroads Trading Co. near you at www.crossroadstraiding.com

Girl, come on!

Girl, come on! is an on-going section dedicated to excuses we get from men.

"I'm really busy and can't call... or email... or text." 
"I'm not ready to be in a relationship."
"I just got out of a long relationship and want to be single for a while."
Etc...

I'll start. The excuse: My job makes it hard for me to have a relationship. I can't give them the time they need and they get tired of it.

Now I have to agree, being busy with work happens. Still, why are they even spending time with you now? They have time tonight but won't have time for you later on in the week? Why even come into your life or the life of any other girl until they have time?

Girl, come on! He's not in like with you.

A guy that is in like with you will make some time to see you. And when he can’t see you will make up for it in a call to say hello, a text or even an email. He will do such come hail or high storm. (I love this saying in Spanish, caiga granizo y que venga huracán. It really states the point.)

Send me the excuse you got from a guy. Girl with the best excuse wins a gift. I'm serious, I will personally send you a little gift.

Self-Help: What Would Coco Channel Do?

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

This Coco Chanel quote is one of my favorites. It caused mixed feelings when I posted in on facebook some time ago. Agree with it or don't. I would love to live in a world where this is not the case but the reality is books are most often judged by the cover.

 

Coco Chanel was raised in an orphanage which is where she learned to sew. Her first shop was financed by her lover but it was her talent that created the brand. Her talent. She wasn't stunningly beautiful, she was average - ok, maybe she was a little above average - but Chanel was definitely two things, classy and fabulous. Her impeccable style and presence made her look more beautiful than she really was.

 

This is the lesson we Average Maria's should learn. It doesn’t matter if you don't have model looks or a huge bank account, you can look classy and fabulous within your means. After all, isn't that why we have "off racks"? Work what you have ladies. If you have great hair do it justice with a little silkening serum and blow dry. If you have a great smile make sure you keep your teeth white and put on a little gloss.

 

One day I will own something Chanel. A quilted purse, a pair of two-toned pumps or a trademark Chanel suit, but in the meantime, I’ll save my money and channel Coco when I feel less than fabulous.

Twenty-twelve!

First post of the year! ...and I'm drawing a blank. Writers would call this writer's block. I am not a writer as much as I am a person who writes so I call mine inspirational block.

Twenty-eleven was a year of changes and discoveries for me.  In changing jobs I discovered that what I like, what I am good at, is what I had been doing for 8 year at my old job.  What my old job didn't give me was an income I could live on so really what I needed was the same work for more money.

I moved to a different city and discovered that no one city is better than another. It really is what you make of it.  My quest now is to find my own space in this new city.

Lastly, I realized that some discoveries are not new they have been there waiting, they just needed time to come in and change your life.

Here is hoping that twenty-twelve is filled with many more discoveries...