We are wasting time!!!

Really, why do we even worry about things? We worry about the things we can’t control. We can’t control IT, (whatever IT is), so what’s the use in worrying? Worrying won’t change anything, one way or the other. Now, the things we can control, like our behavior, etc., again worrying will not serve us because if you can control it, then change it. In situations where you are depending on another person, all you can do is prepare the best you can and allow the other person to do their part. I can’t control what they do, so again, it doesn’t make sense to worry.


Everyone has their own point of view. Whether right or wrong, it’s their own. That doesn’t mean that your experience will be the same as theirs. Life is so not one size fits all. Again, I am learning that just because someone has more experience, etc., that doesn’t give them authority over my life…and you shouldn’t defer to them just because of the same reason either. We are all unique, so our lives will be unique and custom fitted. We are not meant to borrow someone else’s coat and they can’t wear ours. That is so awesome, because since you can’t take my place, that means there is a place and a purpose for every single one of us.

In Memoriam

I am so sleepy today...I stayed up past my bedtime to watch BET's awards show. The entire show was a touching tribute to Michael Jackson, "the King of Pop", who left our shores for the better world he always sang about, on June 25, 2009. We, viewers and performers alike, celebrated the legacy he left behind in both music and philanthropy. For me, the most beautiful, thought-provoking moment was Janet Jackson's appearance and statement to the world. There on the stage, as she acknowledged thanks and love

from the world, her pain was so palpable - it hit me!!! While we lost this icon who will forever will be etched in our memory and a small part of our hearts; she lost her big brother, the man who once was her playmate so long ago, and probably her lifelong confidant. Her loss is nothing we could ever fathom. How hurtful it must be in the wake of his death, having to deal with the negative press about him - even in death, he and his family have no peace. The Jackson's have always been a private religous family, so with their faith, they will press on and heal. I wish strength to the family and the peace from the only One who will be able to provide. And to everyone else, please respect their moment of grief and to think twice before speaking ill of the dead!

Past, Present, Future

First, I want to apologize for the long pause in posting. Things have been a little hectic around here, the run up to my sister's wedding and all. She got married on May 2nd, with much family to witness the beautiful event. Things have finally calmed down.

I've been thinking about where I want this blog to go - I didn't want to do just style entries, as there is so much more to life that I want to share with you. So I will be writing on whatever subject fascinates me at any given moment and post more frequently.

That being said, I had an epiphany today. "Style will take you everywhere!" When you put your best foot forward in all you do, it can open many doors and you will be at home in a myriad of situations and locations. Yesterday I witnessed this for myself. I was dressed quite nicely - a fitted black knit sheath dress (Gap $50) under a black pinstripe boyfriend blazer (thrift store Ann Taylor find) with black platform heels(Nine West $20) -and I was having lunch at Subway. When the sandwich maker tried to fold my sandwich closed, it fell apart. He offered to remake my sandwich. He could have just not said anything, rolled it up in the paper and stuffed it in the bag without me knowing. Instead of being annoyed, although I was pretty close to eating my arm, I was so hungry, I let him remake my sandwich. And as an added bonus, he offered me 3 cookies free of charge. I could reason that he was just doing his job, giving exceptional customer service, but I do believe that the way I carried myself and the fact that I didn't look like a bum played a significant role in garnering that exceptional customer service.

Ok. Next on the agenda is my latest obsession - beauty. I am so fascinated with makeup these days since for my sister's wedding. We had a makeup artist do our makeup. The makeup looked awesome and I have tons of pretty pictures to prove it. Here's the closeup above. What's so amazing to me is that it was 90 degrees that day, and the ceremony and pictures were done outdoors. No nasty shine, no makeup slippage, no mascara picking, and no mask face. It was me only so much better (for the camera). Let's see if I can remember what she used. First a primer and eyeshadow base, then Alexis did my eyes. A coppery brown shadow with some dark shadow for shading in the crease as you can see from the picture. A gold highlight under my brows, and brow shadow to fill in and a dark pencil on the underside of the brow for definition. Next, she put on some store bought lashes, which Alexis had to cut down due to small eye real estate, lined my top lashes and half way on my lower lashes, then used a white liner inside the lower lashes. Then she applied Bourjois mascara to my top lashes only. Alexis told me that leaving my bottom lashes mascara free will make my eyes look bigger. The white liner really opened up my eyes. After she was done with the eyes, she applied Prescriptives foundation to the rest of my face. Then came the blush, I don't remember what color, face powder, bronzer to highlight the areas of my face the sun will hit, then lip color. She used a neutral lip liner, with a pinkish gloss over it. I have never tried Bourjois Pump Up the Volume Waterproof Mascara before. I have found another favorite, $10 cheaper. And I've heard that this brand is made by the same factory that makes Chanel cosmetics. My other favorite mascara is Diorshow. I know I won't be able to do this everyday, but when I wear makeup, this is how I want it to look - natural, but done. Time to stock up on some new colors for my makeup kit and add seasonally to keep the look fresh and modern. Much kudos to my new makeup artist, Alexis, and to my new hair stylist, Jimonus for the ultra fabulous hair. This hair was not what I had in mind when I went in...Good thing he knew better!

Lately, I've been revisiting memories of my youth. That special time right before graduating high school when I dreamed of the world ahead of me. In many ways I've come full circle, style-wise and in terms of visions of the future. I feel like I am embarking on a new exciting chapter of my life as I felt back then. The reset button has been pushed - another chance at bringing those ideas to life, the ones I was too scared to pursue when I was younger for fear of disappointing others and charting my course based on someone else's view of success. I always knew I would be successful, I just didn't know what at...I still am not sure, but this time I'll do it my way. Every idea no matter how silly, as long as it sounds fun - I will try. I will say "Yes"to life. BTW "Yes Man" is an awesome movie...My inspiration actually. I want to learn to surf, sing in a band, write a book in the style of Francesca Lia Block, volunteer, travel the United States and abroad and so much more. I want to be a slash...writer/rockstar/world traveler/activist/ etc. The definition of a "Quiksilver Woman".

My Intentions

- I intend to creatively express myself authentically.

- I intend to find out who is my authentic self.

- I intend to live from this authentic place in full spirit, submerging the ego to spirit.

- I intend to open my heart and mind to possibility, sexuality, ecstasy, passion.

- I intend to follow my intuition and align with my divine self.

- I intend to have a great adventure.

- I intend to let go of my constant need to be in total control and cut loose.

I'll sign off for now. There is much to chew on. LOL!

A new concept

The original idea for this blog was to discuss style, and share with you some of my thoughts on luxury. Though I absolutely love this idea, it represents but a small part of my being. I am interested in the whole person, the lifestyle, the expression of choices that make your life and mine, the unique, artistic work in progress we are in the middle of creating. I find myself returning to the joys of my girlhood, interwoven with the new aesthetic of my present. I was once a girl who believed in fairytales, who then later left her dreams to die like roadkill on the highway of life. Today, I have shifted again, my fairies and tales are back. My dreams large and small visit, to tell me there is still time, and I believe in true love for I have found mine. My theory on fairytales is that we make our own, we can have the stuff of dreams if we dare or shrink at risk, hide in that cocoon forever, never to emerge as butterflies.

Last weekend, I celebrated my 36th birthday. It was the most awesome birthday ever (so far)!!! I got 2 tattoos as a gift from my beloved - a phoenix on my left shoulder, a beautiful butterfly on my right ankle. These made 3, my lucky number. My husband made us dinner and we went to the movies. My mommy sent me birthday money which purchased a "Please return to Tiffany & Co." ring that I wear on my right ring finger. I have always wanted a Tiffany's piece, because I admire the brand - timeless, simple, beautiful and elegant in design. And on the subject of brands and pieces, some of my favorites are the Chanel boucle skirt suit and 2.55 bag, David Yurman jewelry for night, Tiffany necklace and ring for everyday, my off-white leather Coach handbag (a Christmas gift from my husband), my wedding band, and eventually also a Louis Vuitton Keepall in Monogram Canvas. Yes I adore style...and I'm inspired to write about it as well as getting my skills polished for the work in me waiting to burst forth. The subject may be about my real life fairytale, or an adventure. But rest assured, there will be fairies and dark shadows, as well as the queen and warrior, the healer and seer, the ever fashionista who exist in my world.

Thanks for reading,
fellow traveler Nadine.