For my own well being- a spree, of sorts.

And so it is…

If there is anything that I have needed to do and haven’t done in awhile is go to a Stache Vintage Secret Sale at my friend Jennifer’s studio in Williamsburg where she sells a wide range of vintage clothing and interior design pieces. It truly is not only one of my favorite places to shop as I am a vintage collector and it’s just like heaven to me, but it’s always always a nice chance to catch up with Jennifer while she pours me a few glasses of Champagne and this time there was a special treat: Vegan gluten-free cupcakes with Tiffany Blue frosting baked by my close friend and roommate: Jacquelyn of Vegan Bun Buns.

Stache Vintage

Growing up as the daughter of a Famous Yippie Activist definitely had an impact on my life, I always felt like an outsider growing up in Brooklyn and going to inner city schools with kids my own age. My life was not particularly like the other children I knew  and I was just starting to get used to the fact of that. I’d stroll through the very populated gritty streets of New York, looking at the other people passing by me and just question: Why?

Why do I look this way? Why are my parents and family friends so different than everyone else? Why do I have wavy hair?Why did he not call? Did I do something wrong? How can I make myself be appreciated more?

I would pick out flaw after flaw of myself and worry (sometimes still do! much to my friends disapproval) about situations I’d create within my own self. Fears of being forgotten, left behind they all would appear to be beneath the surface but if you really knew me, I’d probably show you each and every one of my self-doubt.

But then as time went on and I realized the “Why” has such an impact on my own psyche that I had to change it to: “How?” How can I be a giving person? How can I love? How can I succeed? And currently, finally safe and secure in my own shoes: I say: I am indeed a beautiful, confident and loving person with a strong personality.

Don’t get me wrong, I do have some down days but since I’ve decided to take life into my own hands & soul: follow more dreams, go for some mini vacations and enjoy time with friends and family and of course indulge in chocolate and wine and all sorts of delicious vegan foods! It really does a great deal of positivity for your confidence and makes everyday so much more beautiful than the last.

I love my friends, especially this girl: We have basically repeated ourselves over and over about how we will always be activists, grow old as activists and even with our Canes, graying hair and wrinkles: we
‘ll always stand up for what we believe. My friends; inspire me.

Ashley Byrne & I at the Sea Shepherd New York S’mores Party at VSpot.

Volunteering? All the time. It’s my life. Come out to Vegans drinks on August 30th at Fontana’s in Manhattan at 7pm for a night of raffle prizes and vegan food from Clementine Bakery to benefit Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

So, for the sake of taking care of myself and purchasing a few new vintage items I am going to try to start my daily pictures again.
Which will include my makeup, as much as I can. Did I ever mention that I am slightly makeup obsessed? I freelance as a makeup artists and usually offer that as my gift to Animal Organizations to include in raffle prizes: Makeup with Animals by Rachel.

90s grunge look. Stache Vintage dress and 50s slip. $45.00

Makeup: All cruelty free and vegan items from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics & Urban Decay.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Lip Tar: Hush, Cheeks: I like to use a little bit of lip tar on my cheeks and they mix nicely so it was Narcissist & hush mixed on the palm of my hand and tapped lightly.  Eyes: OCC loose pigment. (I can’t see the name!)

Urban Decay: Rock star eye liner & Stray eyeshadow. and for concealer I used Aveda & a bit of Zuzu powder! (both also cruelty free and vegan).

You can be beautiful with or without makeup but whatever you do so decide to choose: Make it vegan because there are other beautiful beings on this earth that do not deserve the torture of being tested on for our own self benefits.

Also, I must take this time to ask everyone to sign a petition to stop the cruelty of Horse Carriages and call your local Councilman. Yesterday, there was yet another Horse-Car accident and the Horse was down in the street.

Please help us stop this madness!

Go to: Http://www.NYCLASS.org and read up on the information.

Samantha Jovani Hand bag Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago I had the desirable chance to model and work for Samantha Jovani Handbags, a beautiful local-to-New York City Handbag company that supports the idea of recycled and vegan materials.

We tok photos in a community garden in Bedstuy (Brooklyn) and then had a vintage tea party and photo shoot on Najva’s roof. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed working with everyone very much.

Here are some of the photos taken by the talented photographer: Najva Sol.

Samantha gave me the lovely stripe bag as a gift for modeling for her designs.

Just own the night, like the 4th of July

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

‘Cause baby, you’re a firework
Come on, show ’em what you’re worth
Make ’em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Happy Belated 4th of July!
Vintage Shirt dress & Belt: Hamlet’s Vintage.
Check out Hamlet’s vintage!

As I look back on the past year and realize what has changed in my life since then it truly is just brilliant.

I have become closer to friends I knew and have made new friends that will last a lifetime. I have fallen in love with life, with people and have had my heart broken only to come out stronger.

Baby, you’re a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make ’em go, oh
You’re gonna leave ’em falling down

I lost a close friend of mine from childhood, Lily, to a murder. And I miss her daily. At first I must admit I did not let my feelings be seen about this loss and my heart was in so much pain it was almost to much to go through, especially since it had occurred two days before my birthday but now I realize that she would want her sister and I, two very important women in her life to live in peace. I miss you Lily. I realize that I have to fight for women’s rights more and against abuse (something even I have lived through for a lot of my life). I will be honest with myself, my life and my friends….

Succeeded? Yes, I started a new job since I left my ex husband in Riverdale over a year ago and have truly found my life’s virtues to be quite unique and promising, this too…has made me a more confident and beautiful human being.

A year ago, I was still unsure of my future not completely feeling I can fill my own shoes but still trying daily. The keyword? Trying. Now I look down at my high heeled and quite sexy Olsenhaus shoes, and realize I have grown into them, I am comfortable living with them.

I have started a Vegan Perfume Company with my friend Dania, which will be spoken about later in a long blog post. I moved into a delightful vegan household in Brooklyn where we have our own little sanctuary and a back yard. Honestly, I didn’t expect me to move back to Brooklyn but I did and happen to love basking in it as I ride my bike down 5th Avenue and into Park Slope weekly.

I’ve realized that I can live on Rice & Beans and Avocado daily (this I do often) and that I have my down falls but so much more to be proud of. *How can I mix these two quite different topics into one sentence?*

I decided to write this post because I have quite a few things I would like to explain more in my blog; I want to take this blog on a new journey and start speaking more form my heart. What inspires me? This you will find out if you do so choose to keep on reading. Fashion will always be included and of course, music because I can’t live without a soundtrack to life.

My life though quite painful at points or exciting as others has created the basis for who I am today. Nearly unstoppable at points, I am indeed a firework.

Holidays? Why am I writing about July 4th? Last year I was in Astoria with my lovely friend Christina, watching fireworks as we strolled down the street on a nice summer evenings. I remember there was a slight drizzle but we still kept walking, hypnotized by the lights exploding above us.

I actually do not like the Hallmark of a holidays: the expense, the exposure but I do like the timeline (landmark) of a holiday. The fact that I will always remember a Valentines day, a birthday, July 4th, Christmas..etc because each calendar year: that day is marked out clearly. I do have a profound memory and can remember details better than most people I know, but I do also enjoy the fact that July 4th, like any other day is also a time of spending time with people you love.

This year, I spent time with Dania, a friend I met nearly a year ago but have gotten to be quite close to. We decided to be there for one another on this day because every plan that had been in effect had been canceled and we decided to go out to dinner at my new favorite Colombian restaurant, Bogota, a restaurant with delicious vegan options that someone I had dated for a bit took me to and I had recalled it to be a great time. This time, on July 4th, was just as great as the last.

After dinner we decided to walk to Cobble Hill and maybe go to the Fireworks but I wanted a refreshing glass of wine and stopped into my friends bar, 61 Local for some wine and Kombucha.

The day, an unforgettable one, will last in me memory forever.

You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Happy Belated 4th of July! Vintage Shirt dress & Belt: Hamlet’s Vintage. Check out Hamlet’s vintage!

Capturing my thoughts. Photographer: Robert Poswall

Les Femme

Candid shot by Robert Poswall

 

Feels something like summertime…

Feels something like summertime
Top down ain’t nothing but time
Radio’s on and you’re by my side
Feels something like summertime….

Where do I begin? I truly haven’t updated here in a long while and I sincerely apologize for this discrepancy. I’ve been a bad bad blogger…

It’s summertime now, and it sure as heck feels like it in this here city, cats. How was yesterday’s weather you ask? It was a brutal 93 degrees and it might have felt like 103 as I wandered over to Soy & Sake for lunch.

Ae you inquiring about where have I been?

These days life goes like this
Wake up, check that off of some list
Gotta be a little something more than this
at the bottom of my coffee cup
I keep a postcard in the back of my mind
White sand, sunshine
And you’re shining like a brand new dime
That’s keeping me from giving up
Thinking like I had enough

Firstly: I won Prom Queen. That’s right, cats. Veggie Prom Queen of 2012. It was a fun night that was full of laughter, dancing and friends. David Karopkin, my fellow Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary volunteer won for Prom King and we had our “dance” to Boyz 11 Men. Yes, this may have been a childhood dream to be spun around to “Bended Knee” but at 30,  it was just entertaining. Thanks to David who actually got on his knee and fulfilled that childhood dream of a man singing that song to me, on his knees.

Next weekend was the Veggie Pride Parade in which I was asked to walk in the front of the parade holding the banner.  Jacquelyn, my darling roommate spoke me into dressing up for this event even after my dismissive thoughts of just wearing my favorite school girl vintage skirt and a Vaute Couture tank. This year the sun was shining down on us and everyone was in good cheer for being Veg. After the parade, a few of us wandered over to Lula’s where I had arranged with my sissy, Diana and Kneel and Alicia to meet us there. We ended up hanging out there, taking over the front of the shop and the bench for several hours before requesting that we walk over to Moo Shoe’s.

The next morning was Memorial Day and I had plans to meet at Champ’s in Williamsburg for brunch. Kneel ended up being our resident “adviser, a great “job” for him as part of a all-female table. 😉

After brunch, I mentioned that it’s not Memorial Day until I had one drink so Michelle, Kristy, Elizabeth and I found a bar nearby and had some delicious chilled cocktails.

On Monday, I returned to my routine and snapped right back into reality.I realized I had to get past certain “stunters” and let go…of people, places and things.

Several other events have occurred: Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary Rooftop Party in which I volunteered and sold raffle tickets. Derek Goodwin, a good friend of mine fire danced as we all watched not wanting to even blink just out of pure enjoyment. There was food from VSpot, Blossom Du Jour, Blossom & a few other local vegan eateries and caterers.

Then came  the first annual “The Seed: A Vegan Experience”, which was located at 82 Mercer street and showcased everything from inspiring speakers to tasty vegan food to vegan fashion.My friend Gabe, gave my mother an extra ticket and we went happily together on Saturday and I watched in pure joy as she excitedly asked questions about veganism and wanted to learn and went from table to table trying new vegan foods and took delight in the day. On Sunday, I modeled for Melisser  as she did my cruelty-free makeup with a bold red lip.

I have been modeling a lot recently once again, as I take pure pleasure in it (that’s not obvious, is it!?). I am lucky enough to know plenty of talented photographers who ask me to take part in their photo projects. Always with a vintage style: I oblige.

I have missed updating this blog and promise to return to updating it frequently.

Now check out some pictures! xo…

Franswa ❤

Red Carpet ladies

My mother and I ❤

Hamlet’s vintage photo shoot

The Veggie Pride Parade had a magnificent turn out!

Cecilia visiting for her art show

Robert Poswall working his magic with a lens

Tea?

Handbags!

Prom King & Queen in their usual pose ❤

Pure Bliss Joy.

Jen and I. We Heart.

Veggie Prom King & Queen.

Kissing the raffle tickets for good luck.

WIth my inspiration & the co-founder of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Jenny Brown

Ice Creams + Girls, they go hand in hand!

With two of my favorite girls, Dania & Kristy

I am mod about this poster.

4.11.12: “Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution” Review

We are the mods, we are, we are, we are the mods…..

Define: Youthquake:

YOUTHQUAKE! The 1960s Fashion Revolution explores the dramatic impact of young people on fashion during a decade of sweeping political, social, and cultural change. Vogue identified the eruption of the young in every field as a youthquake—a term that came to describe the rise of young people as the new arbiters of fashion.

Youthquake fashion was driven by two leading subcultures of the era: the Mods and the Hippies. Although both groups rejected the societal and sartorial traditions of the establishment, their daring, individualistic styles were quickly adapted by high fashion designers and mass marketers alike.

This is a slight continuation to a post I made awhile ago about how excited I am that this exhibit, Youthuake! was going to be shown at F.I.T.:

Last Friday, my friend and co-mod girl, Melisser  (Blogger: The Urban Housewife and Author of “The Vegan Girl’s guide to life” and I were chatting on Facebook (like we usually are doing) when she posted the link to Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution and reminding me that we need to go to see this exhibit before it closes the next day. Of course, we waited till the day before! 😉

Knowing well that her and I had both been keen to seeing it, we made a plan to meet right after work. (Even with little itty bitty cutey Strummer!)

I am so mod about Strummer.

As we approached F.I.T, a school that even now my mother wishes I had attended (and sometimes I do), we had to figure out a way to sneak Strummer in Melisser’s bag. We walked close together as we entered the museum so that the security guard wouldn’t be able to see that little adorable snout peeking out and once inside, loosened up and started admiring the fashion that we were faced with.

1969, France, Pierre Cardin

When we approached this dress that wasn’t even in the exhibit but just in the F.I.T. Museum, our mouths dropped. You couldn’t possibly hide the fact that we were mod about this dress. Melisser and I both have a wide selection of mod clothes in our closets and exclaimed excitedly that we both had dresses that were very similar in style to this piece. The asymmetrical design and cut are amongst quite a few of our own fashion finds.

We excitedly walked through the museum ranting and raving about what was going on with our lives currently but still ogling at more pieces before us. Though, it felt like a long journey until we saw the sign that read “”Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution”. As we were approaching the double doors of what we had been waiting for, the security guard stepped right before us asking us for papers for Strummer.  Melissa and I looked at each other, shrugged and Melissa went searching in her purse for his papers. As we realized they were in Melisser’s other wallet, he said we couldn’t enter. We walked over to the female security guard who almost fell to the floor laughing and told us to just try to hide him a bit more.

As we entered our final destinations: 60s go-go music blurring out of the speakers, Blocked color dresses, quotes we knew and had read somewhere and videos we couldn’t help but watch a few times, we knew we entered our home. Home of the times, that is.

Not only are Melisser and I quite the duo when it comes to fashion and music and even talking about boys a bit, but we also just inspire each other to have a good time…let go! And we surely do. Our shared sense of humor for life allows for us to get into some trouble together! 🙂

Our own little Mod Squad.

What else do we have in common? Quadrophenia.

And now our journey becomes a reality as we enter our heart’s desire….

Mary Quant happens to be one both of our favorite 60s icons and designers. From her shoes to her asymetrical dresses and her flower prints that everyone has seen, she has always been at the top of my favorite designers. She was on the scene and helped to inspire, the 60s fashion revolution.

Can you believe I had that haircut for so many years? It worked for me and every time I see this picture, or any others based around Mary, it really inspires me to get the cut once again…

Though, I know I won’t. I love my long hair too much to even dare cut my hair into a bob again, but I must say: I adore every bit of strength these women had to break the “laws” of hair and makeup.

My mouth watered at the color blocking shown in the exhibit and I realized that I have to dare to go an extra step in revolutionizing my own fashion. I need to push more boundaries: to reinvent myself again. I find it to be a lovely character trait when you can easily identify yourself with your own sense of fashion and the ability to show your personality through it. If you know me, you can usually tell how I am feeling just by what outfit and accessories I might have one the day you see me. What colors do you usually find yourself wearing?

Today I am currently wearing again, some of my favorite colors which happen to be Navy, Yellow(if you asked me that a year ago I would have disagreed that would ever be a favorite), white nail polish & red, with my favorite anchor necklace. (Nautical? always)….

Embrace your creativity through your wardrobe. This is just a trait of what mods did and still do…

Bright cobalt blue tights? You know I do.

We walked over to a TV monitor that was showing a video on great vintage clothing from the 60s: hats, bell-bottoms, sunglasses, swim wear. Not to anyone’s surprise: we watched it a few times and reviewed every item that would be shown.

Comment below and tell me what you would wear as I may just dare to wear it all, at some point. I love the hats!

We strolled past a few recognizable pictures & I stopped to explain how much I love Patti Boyd when we took notice at this recognizable iconic photograph.

Mod boys are hot boys…:)

After watching the video, strolling past some more photos and stopping to stare(at least I did!) at the Beatles shoes I would ADORE to own:

Stylized slip-ons; light blue denim with black "Beatles" print including names and faces; white rubber sole

I couldn’t take my eyes off of a pair of Bright Yellow Go-go boots that I imagined myself dancing to The Kinks in.  I was right where I wanted to be just for a few moments of daydreaming: Whiskey A-go-go. I also fell in love with a “Strip Away” dress by Emanuel Ungaro. The strip away dress feautured several snapping buttons so that you can basically take out sections and recreate new looks: repeatedly. 

After leaving F.I.T., we made our way to Blossom Du Jour, where I ordered a gluten-free smoked tempeh wrap and Quinoa. Then we went just next door to newly opened Blossom Bakery and I ordered an Earl Grey Latte (AMAZING!) and a raw date bar as well as a gluten-free Biscotti. This day quickly turned into another fun night with Melisser as we took a long, giggling stroll on over to Whole Paycheck..err Whole Foods (smile) to go grocery shopping.

Again, a security guard stopped us at the door and we figured out a way to go against the grain, and snuck little Strummer in.

DO you see a dog? Have you EVER seen an invisible dog?  I didn’t see that snout peeking out of that little bag…

Melisser dropkicked a few bags of chips. I couldn’t decide between Brown Rice crackers, or Brown Rice crackers…or Brown Rice crackers.

And in the end…

We had a class of a night.

Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!

Quadrophenia Birthday cake!

To see more reviews and more information on this exhibit please go to:

http://www3.fitnyc.edu/museum/youthquake/

and for press reviews (I am also listed!):

http://www3.fitnyc.edu/museum/youthquake/Pages/press.html

04.10.12: Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

I must admit, this past weekend must have been one of the most beautiful weekends I have ever had, and it was also the last weekend of my 20s and I was able to share it with people I care about…

I have this little traditional that the weekend before my birthday, every year be that I take a trip up to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary in Willow, NY to visit my friends and hug the over 200-rescued critters that live there.

Last year seems like it was just yesterday when I took the journey up with Yana, Val, Gabe and Andrej.

Can you believe that was a year ago? Time really does fly quite quickly and if you saw my last post: re: Veggie Prom…

My life has turned a new page….

Saturday:

I woke up to the sound of the alarm at: 6:00 a.m., just 20 minutes before I normally wake up and got dressed in a hurry to meet Michelle & Elizabeth in Williamsburg in front of Kellogg’s Diner, a diner that has been a favorite meeting place of mine for maybe 11 years now. After we met up and went to pick up Elizabeth, we made our way to Brooklyn Bagel which is a Bagel shop that has some amazing vegan options and a sister cafe to Cafe Royale, where my friends at Dun-Well Donuts sell from. Speaking of which, we actually bumped into Christopher(From Dun-well) spontaneously…I absolutely adore bumping into friends I haven’t seen in quite a long time. We drove to pick up Dania and thus, once we were all adjusted and settled: we started the 2 1/2 hour drive up to our favorite place on earth:

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary…

Every time I travel through Woodstock, I relive all sorts of memories of growing up traveling there often with my father to see friends and even when we had briefly made a decision that we would live up there. I remember being about 8 and I couldn’t wait to move into the village of Woodstock so that I can spend time with my friends up there and be able to run through Sleepy Hollow and under Willows and through fields while I twirled in long hippy skirts. I wanted to be free to wear a tie-dye to school and later maybe even date guys with long hair who placed flowers within the waves of my own. I was 8 and yet I wanted to live the summer of 1969, all year round.

We passed “The Green” where I would hang out as a child and then into my teens….ah, the little escapades I’d get up to in this town, and how I always miss it when I go.

We arrived at the sanctuary and each of us excitedly screaming “Hi babies! Hi!!!!” we couldn’t wait to park the car and take the little stroll down the path to our home away from home, a place that reminds us exactly why we made the life choices we did to live ethical, and VEGAN.

I went into the house to catch up with Jenny for a bit. Jenny is an extraordinary and beautiful woman who inspires me (and many others!) daily. She will be releasing a book shortly and though I know her; I am quite excited to get myself a copy.  I feel honored to know and be a friend of such a courageous woman!

Jenny Brown & Doug Abel, Co Founders of the sanctuary and inspiring friends who embrace our shared dreams!

She & her husband, Doug, founded the farm together and they live their lives dedicated to every critter there!

After saying hello to Jenny, I quickly ran out to join my friends that I traveled up with and celebrate with the critters of the sanctuary:

Taking a nap with Jasper the goat..

This handsome cow, Dylan was going to be slaughtered after just a few weeks old to become veal. Jenny and Doug rescued him on behalf of my friend Kristin Lajeunesse‘s parents. I have watched Dylan grow throughout the years and love him dearly! He remember me better than most people, even! had licked me, kissed me and has run from across the field just to get some scratches (especially behind his ears). Please don’t drink dairy because lives like his will be taken.

These pigs live happily at the sanctuary…

Rescued chicken from Kapores, a terrible religious tradition that is extremely cruel.

Dania, Elizabeth, me, Michelle…4 sexy smart vegan girls.

After our day of lots of kisses and hugs, we knew we had to return home to the city so we made our way back into town and to one of my favorite cafes: The Garden Cafe, which is located in the center of Woodstock for lunch.

Michelle and I toasting to our tradition of ordering Mimosas & my birthday.

We each ordered bowls of steamed veggies, red rice & lentils and had lentil soup. For desert I had the Lemon Coconut Cobbler and Dania had the Apple pie…mmm. We were sad to leave Woodstock again but plan on going up again soon to embrace our homeland. 🙂

I love you girls!

Check out the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary just ten minutes outside of Woodstock in beautiful Willow, NY. Also, they have a bed & breakfast now that I suggest checking out!

Till next time:

I might just update you on Sunday, the last of my 20s and one I will never forget because it was such a beautiful & inspiring day.

3.30.12: Pictures of you….

I’ve been looking so long at these pictures of you
That I almost believe that they’re real
I’ve been living so long with my pictures of you
That I almost believe that the pictures are
All I can feel…..

A collection of photos:

Tuesday March 20th:

Dinner at Soy & Sake....

Revolution now! Late night...

Wednesday March 21st:

Remembering
You standing quiet in the rain
As I ran to your heart to be near
And we kissed as the sky fell in
Holding you close
How I always held close in your fear…..

Occupy Wall Street Art Exhibit Opening at The Yippie Museum....Photography by Giles Clarke.

Nautical Outfit

That night I had some of the most intriguing conversations on politics and life.

Saturday March 24th: Jefferson Starship

Hanging out backstage with old family friends from the band….

David Freiberg, My Dad & Paul Kantner

Sunday March 25th:

My friends and I went and handed out food to the homeless near Penn Station for several hours & than Jacquelyn and I went to JivaMukti where she purchased a Yoga class pack for my birthday! THANK YOU! 🙂

Lunch at JivaMuktea Cafe

Tuesday March 27th: Let Them Talk TV interview LIVE with Paul DeRienzo &

Something new Fashion Event; Modeling:

Remembering
You running soft through the night
You were bigger and brighter and wider than snow
And screamed at the make-believe
Screamed at the sky
And you finally found all your courage
To let it all go….

 

More pictures to come professionally..
” Something New” Fashion Event at DROM.  Modeling for AuH2O Thriftique (Designer Kate Goldwater. Tie skirt.) and friends.

Let them Talk TV Station interview with Paul on PETA and Veganism:

If only I’d thought of the right words
I could have held on to your heart
If only I’d thought of the right words
I wouldn’t be breaking apart
All my pictures of you

Looking so long at these pictures of you
But I never hold on to your heart
Looking so long for the words to be true
But always just breaking apart
My pictures of you…

As you can probably see from all these photos: I have had a hectic past two weeks. A lot of events are coming up at The Cafe that I am on the board of and I am focusing on that, my birthday party on April 13th (though really April 12th!) and this weekend I will be filming a documentary with my friend Diana, a health coach as well as feeding homeless on Long Island on Sunday.

Next weekend I will be heading up to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for my annual birthday visit! and a breath of fresh air.

I will and promise to catch up soon and keep in touch.

03.16.12: 88 Lines + 1 about 44 +1 women….

88 Lines About 44 Women :

Deborah was a Catholic girl, she held out till the bitter end.
Carla was a different type, she’s the was one who put it in.
Mary was a black girl and I was afraid of a girl like that.
Susan painted pictures sitting down like the Buddha sat.Reno was an aimless girl, a geographic memory.
Cathy was a Jesus freak, she liked that kind of misery.
Vicky had a special way of turning sex into a song.
Camala who couldn’t sing, kept the beatand kept it strong.

[humming]

Zilla was an archetype, the voodoo queen, the queen of rap.
Joan thought men were second best to masturbating in the bath.
Sheri was a feminist, she really had that gift of gab.
Kathleen’s point of view was this, “Take whatever you can grab.”

[humming]

Seattle was another girl who left her mark upon the map.
Karen liked to tie me up and left me hanging by a strap.
Jeanie had this night club walk that made grown men feel underage.
Mary Ellen who had a son said, “I must go.” but finally stayed.

[humming]

Gloria, the last taboo was shattered by her tongue one night.
Meme brought the taboo back and held it up for the light.
Marilyn who knew no shame, was never ever satisfied.
Julie came and went so fast, she didn’t even say goodbye.

Well, Rhonda had a house in Venice, lived on brown rice and cocaine.
Patty had a house in Houston, shot top syrup in her veins.
Linda thought her life was empty, filled it up with alcohol.
Catherine was much too pretty, she didn’t do that shit at all.
Uh uh, not Catherine.

[humming]

Pauline thought love was simple, turn it on and turn it off.
Jean-Marie was complicated, like some French film maker’s plot.
Jeanna was the perfect lady, always kept her stockings straight.
Jackie was a rich punk rocker, silver spoon and a paper plate.

[humming]

Sarah was a modern dancer, lean pristine transparency.
Janet wrote bad poetry, in a crazy kind of urgency.
Tonya, turkish, liked to fuck while wearing leather boots.
Brenda’s strange obsession was for certain vegetables and fruit.

[humming]

Rowena was an artist’s daughter, the deeper image shook her up.
Dee Dee’s mother left her father, took his money and his truck.
Debby Ray had no such problems, perfect Norman Rockwell home.
Nina sixteen, had a baby, left her parents, lived alone.
Bobbie joined a new wave band and changed her name to Bobbie-Socks.
Eloise who played guitar, she sang songs about whales and cops.
Terry didn’t give a shit, was just a nihilist.
Robin was much more my style, she wrote songs just like this.
Jezabel went forty days drinking nothing but Perrier.
Dinah drove her Chevrolet into the San Francisco Bay.
Judy came from Ohio, she’s a Scientologist.
Amaranda, here’s a kiss, I chose you to end this list.

Rachel, is a vegan, passionate and spontaneous.

(She really did end this list).

Weekend Update on 3.8.12: New York City Vegetarian Food Festival

From my Chocolate Bar to my heart:

The greatest love letters ever given.

Bar Fly Not Yet- Thomas Moore….

Fly not yet, ’tis just the hour,

When pleasure, like the midnight flower

That scorns the eye of vulgar light,

Begins to bloom for sons of night,

And maids who love the moon.

‘Twas but to bless these hours of shade

That beauty and the moon were made;

‘Tis then their soft attractions glowing

Set the tides …

Must I even point out that last weekend I possibly ended up eating  the equivalent of my weight in chocolate? It seems to bring me so much happiness: I can’t deny the love I have for it, at least it’s there when I need it the most.

Chocolate is a true lover.

Last weekend was the New York Vegetarian Food Festival, as I had previously mentioned. I woke up with a start as I made sure to get up early and get ready for the day ahead full of treats and friends.

I chose to wear my “brand new” 60s red vintage dress that I had bought at Beacon’s closet in Brooklyn and paired it with a vintage scarf I had received as a gift, I think.

The line was long when I arrived but this year I was prepared and bought my ticket in advance so I was able to skip right to the front and inside in a matter of seconds.

I excitedly walked in and bumped right into several of my friends and spent some time hanging in the front areas near Daiya & Coconut Bliss (a favorite vegan ice cream of mine!) until our eyes pulled us in several directions and distractions ensued…

Chocolate Coconut Bliss meaning: yes, I am in bliss.

I ran right over to the Mercy For Animals table giving hugs and left my jacket there while I ran to the For The Animals Sanctuary table:

All day this happened while I ate samples of all sorts of things. I ran right over to my friend Sara’s table to say hi and give her a hug, she is the genius behind the incredible vegan marshmallows, Sweet & Sara:

❤

I had to buy a container of Teese, a vegan cheez that tends to be quite hard to order in New York City (Perelandra will carry it soon!) and they gave me a total of 3 bags of Dandies Marshmallows over the weekend as gift! Mm Mmm…I realized that most of the samples I was waiting on-line for I had previously bought and or tried as I am a vegan “foodie”, I try everything at least once just to see if I like it or not.

I waited patiently online for my friends shop, Vegan Bodega and then made my way over to Sun in Bloom’s booth, my favorite brunch stop in Brooklyn so I can grab a mini gluten-free cookie!

Bumping into Ashley, from the PETA table, who I happen to always be happy to see because she’s one of my close friends. (Thank you for always being there for me, Ashley).

I ran over to the raw ice cream table and waited patiently with Jen & Chris, who were running the Humane League Table between PETA and VSpot. (Thanks Danny for the Quinoa!)

After running around most of the day and watching  a few panelists speak and some cooking demos, I ended up having a delicious and healthy lunch with a friend of mine at JivaMukTea, my favorite cafe in the Union Square Area. I ordered the Spicy Tempeh Caesar Salad and had a Green Machine Juice. After spending time enjoying lunch with my friend, I had to run across town and head to see my father……

Day 2, New York City Vegetarian Food Festival.

Taken and posted in The Village Voice Online…

The second day of the Vegetarian Food Festival proved to be even better than the first and I chose one of my favorite vintage floral dresses I bought at The Vintage Warehouse, pairing it with a black cardigan with bows. (I love bows!)

I still couldn’t wait to arrive some new tasty treats that I knew would be at the festival on Sunday: Vegan Sushi, my new favorite to start with. I grabbed several other samples, bought a bunch of items and received a lovely “mod” ring as a gift that had Black Beans inside of it from:  Wired up Creations(post coming soon!).

Kristy and I made plans to run around together so of course, we bumped into one another with plenty of kisses:

And ran over to try some hot sauce placing tattoo’s on us stating what we strive to be (but may never actually achieve):

Badass!

We hung with our friends; Robyn(momma to be) & Sarah, one of the head organizers for this tasty event!

Running into a few more of our friends….

Elizabeth & John-Flor ❤

While waiting on the line for The Vegan Bodega, I bumped into the owner of one of the brightest smiles I have ever seen: Annie Shannon.

Who mentioned that I should make my way to meet Michelle, the designer of Herbivore clothing. A table that I was trying to slightly, stay away from just because I knew there wouldn’t be much to persuade me to buy this cardigan, that of course: I did end up buying.  🙂 (A Happy lady, this did indeed make me..)

Herbivore Cardigan..with an Anchor. Cardigan with a vintage flavor...

Annie snapped this photo of Kristy & I:

Vegans are smart & stylish! 🙂 <-- Thanks Annie Shannon for the photo 🙂

We relaxed quite a bit more: snacking and munching away and indeed, basking in quite a bit of sugar high euphoria. We ended up being some of the last people at the festival, staying back to help a little bi and hang with my good friend, Melissa.

Volunteering for a minute to answer some questions about The Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for The Sensual Vegetable who snapped this photo:

With Trista & David K.

That night I had made plans with Diana (Sissy!) & Kneel & Alicia who came in for the festival and was visiting from Texas.  Of course, I somehow made sure we end up at Sacred Chow for dinner!

I ordered the same dish I have been ordering recently which is the power bowl that has “Mama’s Meatballs”, Brown Rice & Collard Greens and brocoli.  Diana had brought in some special treats as she usually does: Cupcakes and Tea! Ah, my sissy knows how to really make me smile amongst plenty of other joys! Though I had indulged during the day in chocolate,  raw ice cream & marshmallows I couldn’t resist the temptation to eat any treat she brings me.

The night turned out to be such a treat as we all giggled away over our delicious dishes and it was sad to bid Alicia another farewell till the next time she is visiting here in New York City. At least Kneel gave me a few songs to sing and some advice I will never forget.

The weekend was a mix of emotions from having a great lunch with a new friend that I am glad to have gotten to know better  to seeing my close friends  and making new ones. This is what life is about: experience….

I truly had not been able to post for a while due to something personal coming up but I do need to mention a special thank you to my friends & people I care about who had rung my phone at all hours, sent text messages and brought me cupcakes(Sissy!) & just made sure I slept well for the few days that I needed them the most.

Wednesday

The day turned out to be better than the last few ones and the weather was nice as my friend Tod & I strolled on over to the NY Dosa Man, where we are regulars and gorge ourselves on delicious vegan dosa’s & Faux Chick’n drumsticks with sugarcane centers.

As we passed Cafe Wha, the cafe & Bar that Jimi Hendrix made famous, or is it the other way around? I had to get a shot of me in front of it: like a true NYC Tourist.

The rest of the night, I made sure to get home and relax, talk to some friends and take it easy…..

And nibble on high quantities of chocolate, because I can always rely on it….

02.28.12: Mini, Mini, Mini…..

Petit, petit, petit
Tout est mini dans notre vie
Mini-moke et mini-jupe
Mini-moche et lilliput
Il est mini Docteur Schweitzer
Mini mini ça manque d’air
Mini-jupe et mini-moque
Miniature de quoi j’me moque
Ministère et terminus
Minimum et minibus

Friday I was sent this video, because Kate knew that I might just get addicted to it and she was, right. The video portrays a dancing Jacques Dutronc singing to the beautiful Francois Hardy another of my fashion icons) as she is wearing mini skirts of all times.

The Mini Skirt/dress.

A fashion that I had gained as a young girl, yes, wearing little tunics with leggings and then growing up to adore the style as I happen to love showing off my legs(ha!). I love the balance of a mini mod skirt with a high neckline. Modest, yet…sexy. It is an exquisite fashion piece as it helps to lengthen petite girls legs and of course, need I say? Helps to make tall girls have even lengthier legs. (I guess I am somewhere in between!)…

Here is a little bit of history on the mini’s that I have grown so fond of wearing myself:

Mary Quant ran a popular clothes shop in Kings Road, Chelsea, London, called Bazaar, from which she sold her own designs. In the late 1950s she began experimenting with shorter skirts, culminating in the creation of the miniskirt in 1964—one of the defining fashions of the decade.^[2][3] Quant named the miniskirt after her favourite make of car, the Mini.

Owing to Quant’s position in the heart of fashionable “Swinging London“, the miniskirt was able to spread beyond a simple street fashion into a major international trend. The style came into prominence when Jean Shrimpton wore a short white shift dress, made by Colin Rolfe, on 30 October 1965 at Derby Day, first day of the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia, where it caused a sensation. According to Shrimpton, who claimed that the brevity of the skirt was due mainly to Rolfe’s having insufficient material, the ensuing controversy was as much as anything to do with her having dispensed with a hat and gloves, seen as the essential accessories in such conservative society.

Petit, petit, petit
Tout est mini dans notre vie
Mini-moke et mini-jupe
Mini-moche et lilliput
Il est mini Docteur Schweitzer
Mini mini ça manque d’air
Mini, mini, mini
Mini, mini, mini, mini

As you may have noticed: most of my wardrobe is adorned with skirts and dresses well above the knee. J’adore mini’s!

Friday.

Friday night was the Masquerade for NYCLASS and Vérité Catering , the catering company I work for occasionally had wanted to be the host of this event. We provided food, entertainment (especially when Lizzie and I got up to sing while David K. played the Piano!) and some music. The food was out of this world. I will post pictures once they come in and write a blog post on the evening..mmm mm.

Saturday.

After the late night at the Masquerade I decided that I would relax, catch up on writing a song or two and go out to dinner with my roommate, Jacquelyn. We ended up going back to Marmonide, as it has become one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants. Target was our next stop where we both spent more than we, well planned. I ended up with quite a few cute knee socks and a scarf and a few other items I happen to love…I love Target(pronounced Tar-Jay). My friend Jodie from Sun in Bloom, another favorite spot in Brooklyn to eat asked me to stop by as we all miss one another!

I also ended up watching a few different French movies from the 60s including one of my favorites of course…with Anna Karina <3.

Sunday.

I woke up to some lovely music from the soundtrack of Amélie, picking out a simple yet very 60’s mod look with a scarf and my vintage Dior blazer and of course, my favorite yellow mini.

Je suis tres belle les 60s!

During the day I decided I would go to Park Slope, do a bit of shopping and go to my favorite brunch spot, Sun in Bloom and say hello to my friends….

I arrived there, ordered a Gluten Free Brunch Tarte..that has tempeh “Bacon”…mmm!

Delicious!!

And was pleasantly surprised with a free cookie as my friends there know I LOVE them!:

Happiness in a single gluten-free bite.

After having a long brunch and meeting some new friends as I sat down and enjoyed every last bite, I decided I would stroll on over to Beacon’s Closet. This just so happens to maybe be one of my constant “mistakes” because every time I go into that “thrift” store, I end up purchasing more than I asked for.

I walked in and automatically noticed a 60’s small cape and just as I was approaching it, a beautiful older lady grabbed onto it, I lowered my head in shame but watched with a smile as she tried it on and told her how beautiful it was. She turned to me, said I think this would suit your style a bit more and asked me to try it on. Need I even mention that within seconds it was mine and I wasn’t letting it go? I ended up going through each and every item in the store: tried on several dresses, skirts, shoes & shirts. I giggled with the retail assistants and ended up making a new friend along the way who shares the same size as me and she said I can go to her place and pick through what she is trying to sell, as well. I ended up buying the cape, mini mod red dress (picture to be posted for Tuesday), a red cardigan(Monday) & a 60s nautical maxi skirt with boats all over it if I passed that up I would be insane.

After shopping, I went to Sip, bought a bottle of Riesling Organic wine and hopped the train to Robyn & Bryan’s for their Oscar Party.

Fun indeed was had by all as we watched the Oscars, made jokes & Bryan ended up turning me into a zombie using his iPhone app. We noshed on gluten-free dips (Robyn’s Artichoke/Spinach dip mm!) and Herbal Popcorn from Little Lad’s, Jessica’s gluten-free Donut holes and kale chips…again, I love hanging with my friends. And I ended up sipping plenty of wine and another friend of ours showed up with mamosas….what a night. Oh, and did I like any Oscar dresses on the red carpet? Only one and I forgot who wore it.

Monday.

I told myself I will never drink again (yeah right). And chose my outfit carefully…feeling confident I decided I would wear what happens to be my favorite color: red.

Paris, anyone? Vintage red cardigan (Beacon's Closet) School girl short skirt(vintage), Designer Nautical striped shirt (gift from Carol!)

After work, I ended up back in Cobble Hill shopping, stopping at Robyn’s to pick up my glasses that I had forgotten the night before and running to my brother & sister in-law’s apartment to relax and have dinner. I love spending time with them and seeing how much my brother’s apartment has changed since I was his roommate for a long while about 3 years ago and before that. Did I mention how much I adore Cobble Hill? There are some great restaurants & bars, especially 61 Local that has Kombucha on tap (Kombucha is my favorite non-alcoholic drink, by the way!) and many local beers and wines to choose from. The neighborhood is just lovely to stroll through especially in the summer when there are plenty of stoop sales.  I had lived there on and off since 2003 and though it never did lose its charm or change, I never lost my adoration for this lovely part of Brooklyn.  And, my brother is adopting one of our foster kittens! Miss little Rumbles!

Tuesday.

This morning I got up and chose another simple mod mini dress, the one I purchased on Sunday at Beacons Closet and knowing damn well that red’s my power color: it instantly perked my day up.

Passion. Vintage 60s mod dress: vintage necklaces & bangles.

Red is strength & I have quite a bit of it. 🙂

Moi je préfère les maxis
Maxi-moke et maxi-jupe
Maxi-moche et maxi-pute
Il est maxi Docteur Schweitzer
Maxi maxi ça respire l’air
Maxitère et termaxus
Maximum et maxibus
Maxistère et termaxus
Maximum et maxibus
Maxistère et termaxus…

Mini, Mini, Mini……..