Back in the saddle

I'm happy to say, that after a way-too-long of a break, I sat down, meditated, and gave myself reiki this morning. Almost every morning this past summer I had a ritual of sitting in the garden. I would meditate and then follow up with reiki. Somewhere along the line with school and work I fell out of that habit. The great thing about meditation is that it is a tool that is always available to use; same with reiki (so long as you are attuned.) After my surgery I had all of this time to myself. I repeated over and over again that I would finally have the time and effort to put into my meditation and reiki practice. Well, as the days and weeks trickled by I still hadn't committed to this plan. I did however, receive reiki and that is always great. Yesterday I had a reiki session and it really lit a fire under my toosh to stick to my guns and resume my own practice. So this morning I finally did it. I sat down, turned down the lights, and put on some relaxing music. I didn't put a timer on like I usually do, I just sat. I figured when the time is right to end it, that would be that. So I started with a meditation on the chakras. starting at the crown of my head, then to the third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, and root chakra. I find this is a great way to start. Its balancing and really brings me to a place of peace. Of course because I hadn't been practicing regularly my mind would wander off but I brought it right back to where it was supposed to be. I followed up with a full reiki session on my self. When I was done, I surrendered and I thanked to universe's energy. I looked and the time and I was shocked to see that, for the first time in months, I had been sitting there for just about 40 minutes. I will be trying to stick to my new routine of daily meditation. 

Vintage Shoes

For those who don't know, I work in a nursing home. I was taking care of a woman who's daughter was going to move her down to florida. You don't see that very often, someone actually willing to take on the huge task of providing care for their elderly parent/ family member. So this woman and I were talking about fashion, and different eras and things along those lines. She was telling me about all of the beautiful clothes and shoes that her husband had bought her when she was younger, and how with her moving to florida she would no longer need these things. She asked me if i would like them... I said YES! in a heartbeat. So the next day she said "look in the closet." I opened the closet door and hanging there was a beautiful, long, black velvet evening coat. If my jaw didn't actually drop, it sure felt like it did. Then came the shoes and the dresses. She had her daughter bring in four pairs of shoes two black one red and one white pair. The dresses were stunning as well one long white dress with long sleeves and a band of colors around the waist. The other was a long yellow dress straight out of the sixties. Although not in line with today's trends, these dresses are in such great shape. its like they were never worn, let alone 50 years old! And the same goes for the shoes and coat. I haven't taken pictures of the dresses, but unfortunately the shoes don't fit me. They are too small and I am selling them on etsy. I wanted to give the back story because I really didn't want to sell them. They are special pieces that belonged to a very kind woman. Did I mention that she is 92? Well here they are two pair of the shoes, I gave the red pair to a friend and the other black pair I am not ready to part with (black suede oscar de la renta peep toes!)

The white pair are Garolini's made in Italy. Size 7. And the black pair are Daniel Green's size 6.5 (not for wide feet) made in USA. Both were made in the sixties and are in excellent condition. If you have any additional questions go to my Etsy site and message me there http://www.etsy.com/shop/AStardustSmile

Keeping Busy.

As I mentioned in a recent post, I had my surgery. Well let me start off by saying that everything went smoothly. I wasn't sure what to expect afterwards...and boy did I underestimate the pain. Today has been the best day as far as pain goes, which is good news. It has only been three days since the surgery and I am already so bored. I've been trying to entertain myself with the computer, tv, and movies. That hasn't been enough. I hate to sit and waste the day by watching tv or staring at a computer screen. Since my mobility is restricted for the time being I cant do yoga, or do some of the things I did before the surgery. So I've been working on these miniature wooden brooches. All I need for that is my hands, good eyes, and a LOT of patience. So far I've done four of them. Here are some pictures of my past few days!


pre-op                                              post-op

The Cold Buster

In the past weeks there has been a slew of colds, viruses and various other yuck going around. Tis' the season. Today I made a vitamin and protein packed soup that was amazing. Lentils and soy beans are packed with protein and kale is a great source of vitamin k and fiber (it also lowers cholesterol!).

Click "Read More" for the recipe!

Recent set-backs

After quite a long absence I am hoping to get back to daily blogging. In October, after a routine PET scan, it was discovered that I have a tumor near my spine. It is in fact, benign. With school in full swing (as well as my stress levels) I was unable to find the desire to update my blog. As one can imagine, I was expecting the worst. I felt a huge relief when I found out it is not cancerous. I will be having surgery to remove the tumor this tuesday, and hope to be back on track with my life!

A Sad Time

Words cannot describe the pain that the relatives of the children and teachers of Sandy hook elementary school are feeling today. I can't imagine that anyone will have the answer to why the shooter took his emotional and mental problems out on 20 innocent children. What I find so unsettling is that he won't suffer the consequences. If there is a compensation for every bad thing that we do, it usually, one way or another, comes back to us. The shooter took his own life after his rampage. I feel like this is an easy way out.. if he killed himself will he receive any kind of consequence? or was the consequence his life coming to an end? My questions are not important in. The lives of the families involved in the crisis is what matters. Right before Christmas the families are dealing with the loss of their own children. I cannot imagine what that pain must feel like, but all of my empathy goes out to them. We hear about all the these instances in the news, but it has never made me feel the way I do about this one. Just a mere 45 minutes away and something of such tragic stature has occurred. It can happen anywhere, at any time. It is real and absolutely terrifying. 

FREEDOM

For my comp and lit 2 class I have to write a paper on what freedom is. It sounds like a relatively easy concept, but what the hell is freedom?? To what extent are we free? I live in the united states, a country constantly preaching its biggest selling point.."freedom." Do we really believe we are free just because we are told that we are? For example, what if someone decides to sit in the park one night, but because it closes at dusk a police officer asks you to leave because you are now trespassing.  How about when the sun goes down earlier in fall/winter than it does in spring/summer? If that particular night was 5:00 pm in fall, it is past dusk, you are trespassing. In the spring the sun didn't set until 7:00....well now your not trespassing. This seems absurd, but who decides that is not your freedom to sit in a park at night? Who decides what time is best appropriate to enjoy a stroll in a park? "You are not FREE to sit in a park at 5:00 in fall, but come back in spring, you will be FREE to stay until 7:00!" So again, I ask, To what extent are we free? What is freedom? Should it be governed? legislated? Are we free when we allow ourselves to question what is preached and find out for ourselves what we truly believe? Let me know what you think.

Event Horizon's On Tour

Listen Up! Event Horizon is going on another tour. If you are in the area, check them out. With great energy, electrifying vibes, and the sexiest members alive, Event Horizon will have you groovin' to the movin'. 

Here are their tour dates:

1st- Mount Holly, NJ - Hebe Music
2nd- Sicklerville, NJ - Jumpzone
3rd- Wilmington, DE - MOJO 13
4th- Baltimore, MD - The Sidebar
5th- Washington DC - Casa Fiesta
6th- Leesburg, VA - Balls Bluff Sports Tavern
7th- Newport News, VA - Buddas Place
8th- TBA- TBA
10th- Nashville, TN - Thats Cool
11th- Mursfreeboro, TN - 3 Brothers Deli
12th- TBA - TBA
13th- Louisville, KY - Hideaway Saloon
14th- Cincinatti, OH - Whisky Bar
15th- Columbus, OH - Victorys Live

Have a listen...

The Liebster Blog Award

It was a pleasant surprise to see that my blog was recognized for the Liebster blog award. Thank you to Sadia at styleinspire for the recognition! I've had this blog for less than a year but it has turned out to be a great outlet. Also, it is a wonderful way to connect to others from all over the world. 

To claim the blog:
1. Link  and follow the blogger who awarded you
2. Blog about the award
3. Give the award to 5 other bloggers preferably with less than 200 followers
4. Answer the 11 questions I ask and give 11 of your own to the bloggers you award.

Here are a list of 5 up and coming bloggers:
bedroomocean
dollinsugarcoma
wonderlandscloserthanyouknow
91peachykeen
intheruinsofberlin
                                
                                11 Facts:

• I was born and raised in New York
• I used to own a horse name Dustin and a miniature horse named Odette
• I battled cancer when I was 16...and I won
•  My favorite place I've travelled has been Australia
• A starry night always astonishes me. 
• I am addicted to yoga
• Winter is my least favorite 
• I have a huge sweet tooth
• I am studying nursing
• I work in a nursing home, and like my job

Sorry for the delay!

As you might know, New York got hit pretty hard by hurricane Sandy. And while I was out of power for 6 days, I still am fortunate enough to say that I have my house and my loved ones and all of my belongings. Many of the areas just 45 minutes away from us have it so much worse. We don't realize the little things we take for granted, until they are snatched from us. For example, all I wanted was warm soup and a hot cup of tea, but there was one problem.... no stove! So we got our fire pit nice and fiery and I boiled myself some water. Problem solved. So, due the the storm my blog was on a brief hiatus. What did we miss?? Well for starters Halloween was basically cancelled this year, but not to worry we had a postponed halloween show. here are some pictures of my week! enjoy!

LOST mug

After my first experience with the mug project, I loved it! This one is for all the LOST fans out there! The swan...need I say more?

For directions go here. 
Happy Saturday!! 

Nails

This weeks I was undecided on whether to paint my nails orange or this beautiful purple/pink. So I did both! click "read more" for the how-to

Event Horizon

So as you know, Event Horizon just released their new EP. Musical excellence is an understatement.
You can buy their songs on itunes HERE. Check them out!!

Enojy!!!

DIY Shorts

Hello hot pants! Although it's cooling down in New York, it's still warm somewhere else. Heck! throw a pair of maroon tights under these and you can wear them now! Click "read more" for the "how-to."

Butternut Squash And Tofu Bake

This dish is perfect to make at this time of year. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and agave nectar, it has sentiments of Thanksgiving. And its vegetarian!
Click "read more" for to recipe.

Molecular Mug

I saw this sweet little project here and had to give it a shot! After finishing the first one I immediately wanted to go out and buy more white mugs. For the hot-to or the "buy-now", Click read more!

American Flag Shorts

I've been meaning to get to this project, it has been delayed due to not getting the supplies and other things popping up, but they're here now!
Click more for the "how-to" or the "buy-now"

Pumpkin Pie dip and Apple chips

I don't know about you, but I love fall. Everything about it, the colors, the smells, the clothes, the whole shebang. last night I went to a kirtan to celebrate the autumnal equinox, welcoming fall with open arms. I wanted to bring a dish that fully embraced the flavors of autumn so I looked up some recipes for vegan and gluten free pumpkin dip. I also made baked apple chips to go along with the dip. This turned out to be a huge hit at the kirtan. 

for the recipes "read more"

Chakra Cycle

Here we are at another chakra cycle! The yoga studio has moved to it's new location and it is more beautiful than ever. We began last sunday on the root chakra, otherwise known as Muladhara chakra. This chakra is all about support, foundation and roots. This chakra is ruled by the hindu deity Ganesha, and the element is earth. It focuses mainly on the first seven years of your life, where family and parents or guardians are imperative. The color of the root chakra is red, with four petals. The seed sound is "Lam" and it is located from the perineum down the legs and out the bottoms of your feet. One of the aspects of the root chakra is acceptance and letting go. The way to stimulate and balance the chakras is to meditate on them and asana, the physical practice of yoga. The asanas include grounding poses, to try and feel rooted in the earth. Below are some pictures, the first is what the muladhara chakra symbol looks like. The second picture is of the hindu deity Ganesh 

Settling

I apologize for the lack of posts in the past week, I currently started the fall semester and have been so busy. Although the semester just started, I have to allow some time to settle into my new schedule. I will be back to this blog ASAP with great new DIY'S and other tid bits! 

happy tuesday!