Those Who Danced Were Thought to Be Quite Insane By Those Who Could Not Hear The Music - Angela Monet

As you can tell...I love quotes. One of my favorite quotes is one by Oscar Wilde; he states,  To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. -

So I have a question ladies [and gents], what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear living, existing & surviving? I would love to hear your thoughts on that. Doesn't have to be lengthy, preferably the first thought that enters your mind.

I'll tell you mine..
Living: Doing what you love. Living in the moment. No restraints. Happy.
Existing: Rules. Boundaries. Restraint. Stagnant.
Surviving: Perseverance. Exhausted. Adversity. Hardships.

{Top: Forever 21 + Pants: Can't remember, I got them from Barney's Co-op +      Purse: Downtown Los Angeles Fashion District + Lipstick: Lustering MAC}

Adopt the Pace of Nature: Her Secret is Patience - Ralph Waldo Emerson

So I did it. I jumped on yet another bandwagon. This time, the Eco Styler Gel Bandwagon. I was actually pleasantly surprised that this stuff lived up to the hype, as a lot of things just don't work with my finicky hair. It took me all of 20 minutes to wet, and halfheartedly plop this stuff on my hair. You see, I was too afraid to spend an exorbitant amount of time on my hair only to wind up putting it in a pony [as it happens quite often].

Upon applying, I instantaneously got tons of curl definition and sheen, this gel also elongated my curls much more than anything else I have used. But because I didn't really have high hopes for this gel, I didn't put a leave-in conditioner underneath. It was ok though, my hair didn't have that crunchy, flaky, crazy feeling most gels, and curl creme's leave behind. Another bonus is that it didn't take forever to dry! Did I also mention that this stuff is only $2.99 [It's on sale this month at Sally's, I believe the reg price is $4.79], now granted it isn't THE best stuff for your hair, but I don't wear this style that much anyway sooo I think I can live with it for now.

I picked up this dress for ONE WHOLE DOLLAR, at Jet Rag's sidewalk sale. Every Sunday they have a pile of clothes on the sidewalk for people to rummage through. A lot of the clothes are ehhh, but every once and a while I find a jewel! This one still had the tags attached!

Belted Dress: Thrifted - Jeans: Marciano - Boots: Michael Kors

Do You Know Where You're Going To; Do you Like the Things That Life is Showing You

Here lately I have been reading all of the things said about Gabourey Sidebe, and it really hurts my heart. People can really be cruel. I can only imagine what it would feel like to come that far, only to get panned not because of your lack of talent; but your physical appearance. While I agree that she should lose some weight [strictly for health reasons], I don't think she should conform to the "stick thin" image that most of the Hollywood execs are shoving down our throats these days.

I started to wonder, if she had to do it all again would she? I was teased a lot as a child, and some days it was unbearable. Being a tall, lanky kid with bucked teeth, and glasses really didn't help me climb the social ladder in school. In fact, I became somewhat of an introvert. So I can definitely empathize with Gabourey. More importantly, I respect her.

She wears a wig; so what, she wears powder blue Uggs with a checkered jacket; who cares. Newsflash! everyone has their days. Some more than others, and that should be ok. In the grand scheme of things, is it really that important?

Now don't get me wrong, I love looking my best. Honestly, I feel good when I look good. And if I ever held a position which meant I was to be a regular in the public-eye, I may even try a little more than I normally do. However, I couldn't, and I wouldn't be "on" all the time. Who would I be living for if I did that? Chasing the approval of everyone will turn you into a maniac. Ask the many celebs that are hooked on prescription drugs.

Sorry for my long-winded rant. -

I am wearing an outfit from Forever 21. The cotton yellow dress I got last summer. The black and white wrap shirt I got a few weeks ago for $2.99 during their blowout of a sale. My ring, and bracelets were also from Forever. - My purse I scored for about $5 downtown in the fashion district. - My boots are Michael Kors.

To Market ..To Market

I have always wanted to check out the Hollywood Farmer's Market, but I could never get myself out of bed before 9AM on a Sunday morning. This weekend, I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and made my way to market with list in hand. When I got there, I really wondered why I hadn't taken advantage of the abundance fresh fruits and veggies [all pesticide free] at those phenomenal prices a bit sooner.

All of the bundled herbs were ONE DOLLAR! Funny because I just bought a tiny little package of "fresh" herbs from Ralph's for $3.99 [and it wilted a day later]. And since we are on the subject of produce going bad less than 24 hours after purchase, did you know that some items are treated and coated to give a "fresh" appearance? As if pesticide laden produce wasn't enough of a deterrent, I now have to worry that it isn't as "fresh" as it appears.Check out this article titled Farmer's Market vs. Supermarket.

Meat and eggs were also on my list. Since I can't bring myself to go vegan,  I want to purchase eggs from chickens that are cage-free, and meat from free range animals [supporting local farmers is also a plus]. The prices for poultry and eggs were also surprisingly affordable [a little higher than grocery store prices].

I did my hair in 8 big braids, and left them in for a day. Nothing spectacular, I have been fighting a cold for the past few days, so I didn't want to spend much time fussing over my hair.

The weather was also surprisingly warm, and I must have missed the memo because I dressed in layers and grabbed my warm sweater on the way out-the-door. I wasn't wearing anything spectacular; a dress I picked up from Zara, some Forever 21 ripped skinny's, my $1 clutch [score], and those Michael Kors shoes. My sweater was also from Forever.

I picked up some fresh Orange Honey too! I think I will try it with my Earl Grey to see how it fairs.
They had flowers at stellar prices, so I picked up a bouquet [the flowers I am holding in the 1rst pic only cost me a whopping $6 dollars].

I also picked up some Basil from a vendor who had the most AMAZING pesto sauce to ever hit my taste buds. They grow their own Basil hydroponically, which helps cut out the bitter taste which originates from the soil. I purchased a "bunch", for about $4. - I made dinner last night using my herbs and veggies purchased from the Farmer's Market, and I could definitely taste the difference.

Where the Wild Things Are | Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is yet another 'what I wore post' consisting of pieces that are mostly from Forever 21. I nabbed that little sweater for a measly $2.99, and you may or may not remember my blue jumper from this post.


The weather is still schizophrenic in L.A so I have been forced to wear stockings if I want to wear anything other than pants. I don't mind though, I have been slacking on my fitness regimen, so stockings are a great way to neatly tuck everything into place when you aren't quite toned.

If you are on a budget [like me] and want to revamp your look without shelling out too mas dinero; I would suggest adding pops of color to your existing wardrobe. Re-work that little black dress by adding a muted pink, or burnt orange shoe.

I picked up these Report Slingbacks from one of Macy's major end of year sales last year, and they are quite comfy. I love the silhouette of these shoes! Adding shoes with round toes, and platform style heels is another way to revamp your wardrobe without having to buy a stitch of clothing.

    The inner part of the heel has a mirrored gold finish - Kind of reminds me of Studio 54.

A Weed is a Plant Whose Virture is Not Yet Known - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I rarely watch the Oscar's because I am not much of a movie or tv person. Yet this year, I decided to play nice, and tune in to the festivities. One thing was quite apparent this year though, and that was the underlying stories behind some of this years nominee's/attendees. 

I am a sucker for an underdog. While I respect people from all walks of life who set out for their dreams, I have an infinite amount of admiration for those unsuspecting individuals who dream big and make their dreams a reality. The stories of  Gabourey Sidibe, Tom Ford [who has never directed a movie in his life, until now], and Mo'nique sound like tall tales, but the reality is, it could be any of us.

The potential is in all of us. It is up to us to step out on faith and trust ourselves! This week lets all try to do something we never thought we would do, even if it is just a little thing. We only have one shot at this crazy, beautiful thing called life; let's give it all we've got!

Forever 21 is having a killer sale! This outfit (minus the boots & scarf) was under $10! My "pleather" boots weren't that much either, I think I got them for $30 in the Fashion District [Downtown L.A]

Skirt: Forever 21, Sweater: Forever 21, Stockings: H&M, Boots: Fashion District, Faux Fur: Vintage

Spanish Castle Magic | I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way; things I had no words for - Georgia O'Keeffe

I was really hesitant about this dress. At first I felt it was a little obnoxious for my liking, however I couldn't get over the colors and the dramatic length. The kicker was that it was only $5 at the Fairfax Flea Market, can you really debate over something that is only $5?

If you are ever in Los Angeles, and you dig vintage shopping whether it be clothing, art, or furniture, you should definitely check it out. Some of the clothing is a little overpriced, but there are always vendors there that have super bargains. Take a big bag if you plan on buying clothes, and bring some fabric softener sheets to throw in the bags with the clothes while you shop. Then wash the items when you get home, I like to soak them in a tub filled with Woolite, gently wash them, and then hang dry!

To get the poofy hair thing, I braided my hair in about 11 big braids then I let it set for about 5 hours. After several hours (5) I took the braids down, and because it wasn't dry all the way it began to S W E L L. Now this is cool if this is the look you are going for, but I don't get second day hair out of it!

This dress is super comfy, and dressy at the same time! Perfect for when you want to be comfortable, and feel somewhat glam. 

Dress: Thrifted, Necklace: DYI, Bracelets: F21, Sunnies: Michael Kors