Archive | August, 2011

U Wantz Moar Posts Plz

31 Aug

Hi ya’ll! I’m alive!

Hurricane Irene (actually, Tropical Storm Irene) wasn’t as bad once it reached here than they expected it to be.  I honestly slept through the most of it, literally.  The worst of it came from flooding, which thank goodness I wasn’t in a flood zone and was not affected.  My heart goes out to all the families in upstate NY, Vermont, and other areas that weren’t expecting to get hit at all and are dealing with incredible damage to their homes right now due to the flooding.

Saturday while sitting around and anticipating the storm, I had a bunch of time to sit and think about my blog.  Truth is I really love blogging, and want to post more.  So I think I’ve developed a way to allow me to post more often even with my crazy work schedule and life.

I’ve decided to set myself up with a blogging schedule. Truth is with me working so much, it’s often hard for me to get posts up all the time. I figure if I set up a schedule, I can then keep a database of certain types of posts so I always have stuff I can post ready to go.

Here’s what it’s going to look like:

Mondays: Meatless Monday. I’ll share with everyone some of my favorite vegan and vegetarian recipes. As a disclaimer, some will be of my own creation, though most will be favorites I’ve found through various sources throughout the years. Requirements to be in my favorite recipe file is they have to take around 30 minutes or less to make, and taste delicious.

Tuesdays: Outfit Post. Most likely I’ll keep Tuesday’s outfit to being office/work appropriate, being Monday through Thursday’s that’s what I have to adhere to.

Wednesdays: Vegan Versions I’ll share a vegan version I’ve found recently of non-vegan items I’ve been fiending for. If I don’t have a vegan version that week, Wednesdays will be reserved for fashion shopping wants and inspiration images.

Thursdays: Outfit Post. Thursday’s outfit with be more of a “Casual Friday” look. Polished yet casual.

Fridays: Stuff to Do/Reviews. I’ll share with everyone photos and reviews of fun things to do and restaurants to eat at here in New York City. Most all will have some sort of vegan options.

Saturdays: Outfit Post. Saturday’s outfit will be my standard casual weekend attire, or going out on .

Sundays: The Weekend in Pictures. I think you guys are used to these already.

That’s the plan, but don’t hold me to it. If I come up with some other topic or idea I want to write about, you better believe I will. Also, if I get blogger burnout I plan on taking breaks when I need to. Everyone deserves a vacation every once in a while.

Speaking of which, I’m going on vacation in September and am in need of guest posters. If you’re interested, drop me an email!

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Hunkering Down

26 Aug

GTFO

Kudos to mother nature for not only setting up New York City with an earthquake this past week, but we’re also being blessed with a hurricane as well. Two natural disasters in one week, why thank you!

My neighborhood in Brooklyn is right on the east river, and the city has mandated people within certain areas evacuate. Somehow when you look at the evacuation zones, my little neighborhood is considered fine to ride the storm out, yet is surrounded in just a few blocks by multiple evacuation zones. So the hubby, yorkiepoo, kitty and I will be riding it out here at home.

Hurricane Grub

Today after work we stocked up on our non-perishables and other items we’ll need. We’re also well set on wine, magazines, books, and our electronics batteries are charged and ready to go. I’m looking forward to catching up on reading, writing some blog posts, spending time with my husband, and hopefully not dying.

Bring it on Irene, bring it on!

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Earthquake

24 Aug
Earthquake 3{Blouse: Thrifted; Midi-Skirt: Thrifted; Belt: Love Brigade; Cuff: H&M; Heels: Target}

I’m alive!  No need to worry about me!  Yes, we experienced an earthquake yesterday and no, it wasn’t that bad.

I was at my office working on a project when my desk started rumbling.  I had thought it was an 18 wheeler truck passing by, which is not uncommon considering I work in an industrial area.  Then I noticed it was taking the truck a really long time to pass!  Didn’t take long for me to realize I was actually experiencing an earthquake.  Our cubicle walls were shaking and framed photos shaking all over the place.

Myself and the rest of our staff all ran outside while everything was still shaking, and then before we knew it, it was over.  Before my west coast buddies say anything, I’ll let you know I know now you’re supposed to take cover under a desk or something and not run outside.  We very rarely ever have any type of earthquakes over here, so I’m very thankful that it was a minor one considering no one here knew the best procedures for during one.  Hopefully we’re all a bit more educated about what to and not to do.

So this is what I wore during the great NYC earthquake of 2011.  Practically everything is finds from my recent “fall thrifting” trip this past weekend.  I really scored on a lot of awesome stuff, I’m stoked.

Earthquake 2

Earthquake 1

Did anyone else experience the earthquake here in the Northeast?  What were you doing during it?

Veggie Hubby

18 Aug

My husband surprised me last week. It went something like this…

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I think as of today I’m a vegetarian.”

To say I’m excited is an understatement.  I’m not so much excited that he’s decided to go veg to go green or prevent cruelty to animals (which of course it does, those are great reasons to go veg!), but more so for the health benefits vegetarians and vegans have over omnivores.  Knowing my hubby will enjoy a naturally appropriate weight, lower cholesterol, and longer lifespan allow me to sleep better at night.

I’ve been a vegetarian and a vegan for a combined total of over 15 years.  I was a vegan when he met me.  He always told me he thought the fact I had such conviction for my beliefs and restraint in what I ate that he finds it very sexy, which always makes me smile.  Deep down I always hoped he’d one day share the same beliefs, and as of last week I’m so excited he now does.

A lot of fellow vegetarians and vegans might wonder why I’d stay with an omnivore for so long, never mind marry one.   We veg-heads tend to stick to our own kind.   Truth is, I feel what we choose to eat and believe is a very personal choice, and no one should be judged for it no matter which way they chose is best for them.

I’ll rarely ever speak about why I’m a vegan unless someone asks me.  I also won’t go into great detail about it.  I believe if someone is seriously considering becoming a vegetarian or a vegan, they really need to do the research on their own as to what they’re getting into and why, and make the decision for themselves.  That’s the only way I really think it becomes a lifestyle choice and not a phase.  The best I can do to aid in this process is lead by example and do what works for me and hope others will do the same for themselves.

I’m really happy to say that besides my husband making this big decision, most of my friends and coworkers all now take more consideration into what they eat and use on a weekly basis as well.  Though they’re not all vegetarians or vegans, they now won’t always dismiss the vegetarian option on the menu when we go out, or they’ve incorporated meatless mondays into their routine.  One of my friends lately loves to show me every time she purchases a pair of vegan shoes. Another woman from my office who loves to bake purchased Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and brings in vegan cupcakes for everyone occasionally.  There’s no better testament to me that shows how leading by example can make a bigger impact than ad campaigns, pamphlet distribution and protesting put together.

My husband’s goal is to start as a vegetarian, and eventually become a vegan. His reasons for doing so?  That’s none of our damn business.  All I know is he came to the decision on his own, and he’s doing it for himself and no one else, not even me.  That and as a vegetarian, vegan or omnivore I love him no matter what he is.

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Copy Cat

17 Aug
Copy Cat 1
{Leopard Blouse: Target; Shorts: Market Publique; Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target}

I know I still owe everyone my final 5 outfits for my 30 for 30 challenge. The last week of the challenge the weather made it tough to get good photos. So I plan on re-wearing them in the next week or so and knocking those posts out.

This was the first outfit I wore after finishing the challenge.  I totally love Dolce and Gabbana’s  leopard/polka dot dresses from their Fall 2010 collection, so I figured it would be fun to play with what I already had in my closet. Call me a copy cat.

Copy Cat 2

Copy Cat 3

Copy Cat 4

D&G Fall 2010 Runway

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Dip Dye

16 Aug

I’ve been wanting to refresh my hairstyle lately every time I get my hair cut, which is usually every three months or so. I have a haircut appointment coming up the end of August, and have been racking my brain on how to change things up a bit. I really like my current length and overall cut, so I’m thinking I’ll go with a color change.

I love the ombré I had done for this summer, though I don’t think it’s fall/winter appropriate. This past weekend I came across some images of dip dying on Pintrest and love it! Since high school I’ve always wanted to dye my hair bright red ala Rhianna, but never had the guts to do it.  So instead I’m seriously debating doing some bright red dip dye to my already ombréd ends.  Best part is it’s semi-permanent so even if I hate it, it will only last a few weeks anyway.

What are your thoughts on dip dye? Do you love it or hate it?

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Summer Wardrobe Clean Out

15 Aug

Closet Cleanout Aug 2011

Last week I was self-imposed crazy and productive, and it feels amazing!  Not just on the work front, but also at home.

Over the weekend, I totally cleaned out my closet to get ready for fall.  I always do this two times a year, once in February for the spring and summer seasons, and once in August for the fall and winter seasons.  I clean out what I haven’t worn or no longer like, sell what I can or exchange for trade at my favorite second-hand stores, and also find what items either need repair or alterations and get them all together.  Then from there, it’s super easy to shop for what I know I’ll need in the upcoming season, I know everything I have in my closet, plus I save money because I’m only buying what I really need to replace.

Not only did I clean out my closet, but I also immediately took care of the items I cleaned out instead of leaving them in bags all over my apartment for a few weeks until I get around to it.  As a result, I now have over $200 in credits to use at Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading, all for a weekend’s work.  To also aid in me sticking to my wardrobe budget, I had set up a Smarty Pig account back in February that automatically saved money for me over the past few months specifically so I can shop to update my wardrobe.  It then goes on a refillable pre-paid Master Card which I can then take with me shopping.  I know I’ve hit my max when there’s nothing left on the card.

Yay, I’m so excited for next weekend because it’s my big shopping weekend! I usually only do two big shopping trips a year because despite the fact I love clothes and fashion, I absolutely hate going to stores.  So I look forward to these trips to get my wardrobe up to date in minimal time.  Because, you know I’m trying to be productive.

I have a few other goals to accomplish this week now that I’m on a productivity roll…

  1. Set up a regular posting schedule here on Brooklyn Bliss.  I’ve never really had one.
  2. Get re-engaged in my social media.  My poor friends think I’ve vanished from Facebook and Twitter.
  3. Work out 5 times this week.
  4. Shop for fall wardrobe items next weekend.
  5. Take 3 outfit photos this week.  I’ve been slacking lately and as a result getting sloppy in how I dress since I know it’s not going on the internet.

 

Snarf Sitting

Oh, and did I mention my husband and I are bunny sitting?  We have our friends bunny Snarf visiting us this week while she’s on a quick vacation to visit her family.  So our tiny Brooklyn apartment is currently akin to the Bronx zoo, but totally worth it because I luz animals.  Isn’t she adorbes?

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Working Girl

5 Aug

Sorry for the delay in posting this week. I came to the realization early this week I was a tad bit unorganized at work and it was making me unfocused. After spending nearly two full days resorting out all of my tasks and projects, I’m now on a crazy productivity roll getting a lot of shit done. So, needless to say I’ve been working a lot… but only because I really like what I do, which is pretty cool.

I’ve also gotten a lot done on the home front between going to the gym every night, eating home cooked meals (no takeout!) and finally putting a dent in re-organizing my home office.  I’m on a roll!  A special thanks goes out to my hubby though for helping make that happen by making us dinner a few nights this week.  He rocks.  As you can see, we’ve both been pretty productive this week.

Regular posting to commence again most likely next week. This weekend the hubby and I are heading to Philadelphia to attend his cousin’s wedding, which I’m excited about because I love weddings. I mean, come on who doesn’t. If you don’t like weddings there’s something seriously wrong with you, seriously.

What are you guys up to this weekend?

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It Feels Good to Be Thirty

2 Aug

Microphone

Damn, it feels good to be thirty!

My karaoke birthday bash this past Saturday was a smashing success! Over fifteen of my friends came out to celebrate. Many are long time friends, and just as many are new ones I’ve met within the past year.

We all had such a great time together, it made me realize I seriously have some of the best friends ever. I am so fortunate and happy at this point in my life to have so many wonderful people around me to share these important moments with.

Karaoke Crew

Nikki & Sharon Singing

Tracy and Barak

You Oughtta Know

Corrie and Crystina

Corrie and Richelle

Corrie and Karen

Stayin Alive

Corrie and Jim

And a very special I love you to my wonderful husband, who as always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world as well as spoiled me rotten with birthday treats (vegan cupcakes for breakfast!) and surprises (the most gigantic floral arrangement delivered to my job) this entire past week. I love you babe I am a very, very lucky girl.

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