Introducing...my new blog!

Hello there! I'm so glad you're stopping by today :) This blog will no longer be updated, so please come visit my new blog...

 Jar Full of Stars

Have a beautiful day!

Express Your Self-Love

Hi all! Things have been pretty go-go-go with work this last week so I haven't been in blogland much...and I miss it! I'm trying to get back in the swing of it and finishing up my new site by tweaking it to loveliness. Thanks for your patience :)

So I've been wanting to write about body image and self love for awhile... and then came along this Love Your Body Link-up with Alicia and Rachel. I'm just catching the tail-end of it, but am glad I can share this.

I am so proud and excited to be apart of the Vagina Monologues this year. This is a production, based on interviews with thousands of women. It's fruition came to life by a sociologist, Eve Ensler. The stories of these women are hilarious, sorrowful, angering, and inspiring, but above all, they are making a statement that vaginas are powerful. I feel this is so important because it's time for people to speak up and love themselves. 

It took me quite a few years through middle school, high school and college of hiding my body, uncomfortable about my weight and what clothes would show tummy pudge. I was discouraged from wearing a bikini. In 4th grade a girl commented on a posed dance costume photo that I looked pregnant. That totally hurt and I didn't understand. Then I used to crave lots of attention from males. I always was with a different guy. I realize I was trying to be whatever they wanted me to be. And that will never work... thank goodness. What a blessing to discover our true selves and celebrate it! ...Needless to say, I got through those developing years and became more comfortable with myself.

I now know that beauty is in our true expression - in every person's perfect imperfections. It's our own story that we each tell. And it's in actively speaking that true, not passively swallowing whatever comes. But on one hand, I don't feel like society encourages us to express what we love about ourselves. I see this even amongst the 5 year olds I work with, who tell the teacher "so-and-so was braggiiiing" when the girl was proud of something she did. I say ~ Share what you love and be proud of it! 

Now I'd like to share a few things I love about myself :) 

I LOVE:  ........the giant freckle on my big toe............my speckled brown-green changing colored eyes.......my teeth (parents are happy about their investment in this one)..........hips, hips, hips...... and, fun fact - my single chin hair (it's my 'beard of wisdom')!

What do you love about yourself?? What does beauty mean to you?

Linking up with Alicia and Rachel

Friday Favorites { numero dos }

Hi loves. Friday already!? Before I head off into the busy and exciting weekend, I want to share some really awesome gems from this week. I hope yours is great!

~ DIY Bow Bun. A majorly exciting discovery this week is Mr. Kate. How did I not know about here before?! This lady shares her fabulous DIYs through really fun and silly videos. I recommend checking her out (especially if you love word puns and crafts).

~ Kid Snippets: Driver's Ed. We all know that kids say the BEST things...this video is no exception. I was dying with laughter and I hope you find it just as hilarious! Thanks Jan for sharing this :)

~ Skin tag removal with Daily Wanderlust and Such. Ok, maybe a bit weird...but if this works I would love to share more. I'm on Day 2 of trying this remedy and will keep posted how it goes...best part = 1 simple ingredient...Apple Cider Vinegar! (This stuff is like magic, I'm learning more and more)

~ DIY confetti stix with Best Friends for Frosting. How perfect are these for surprise parties!

{ source }

~ This free flyer from Apartment Wife is a fun way to spread the love around town. I'll definitely be doing this when the rain has finished.

~ Love Your Body link-up with a lovely blogger Alicia, which I just discovered. Love yourself, from head to toe and inside and out. Share in a post about an experience or something you LOVE about your very you-self.

Hello Spring!

In the spirit of spring, here's a few things I've been up to! 

DIY! Use acrylic or spray paint to decorate up some plain shades. Then paint a sealant over it. I used Modge Podge and it should be a-ok with no rain.

Start planting when the frost is gone (sorry East Coasters!). I love rainbow chard for its beautiful, vibrant colors. I'm beginning them as sprouts, until they grow an inch or so, then will transplant to a bigger space. 

I'm also looking forward to wearing some dresses :) What do you love about spring?

Linking up with Nicole:

Breakfast Favorite

I love food. And between all meals, I don't think I can choose a favorite. But today is about breakfast. Only a few years ago I discovered the amazing-ness that is cottage cheese. When I can get it (not in Peru) I eat it alll the time. Especially for breakfast. Here's what I like.

cottage cheese! add some raisins, almonds or nuts, and a touch of cinnamon for a little sweetness. Perfect.

What's your go-to breakfast? 

Lemon Rosemary Wanna-be Margarita

Hey friends! I wasn't planning on posting today, but it's hard not to when there's such a fun challenge with Melyssa's Creative Collective. I love this link-up of crafty projects and experimentation. Today's prompt is concocting a cocktail, which I should really start doing more often.

I wanted to try out the lemon-rosemary combo...Original thought was a margarita, but there wasn't any. A friend put it perfectly, saying "when you don't have tequila for a margarita...use rum". Catchy, huh? Well, that's pretty much what happened. This recipe was heavily experimental and it turned out really nice! 

Ingredients

- Margarita mix

- dark rum (or...tequila!)

- 1 tsp honey

- a few sprigs of rosemary

- 1/2 lemon

I like that I tried using honey in a cocktail - but it may not have been necessary since Margarita mix is darn sweet on it's own. Maybe a bit more water instead of mix.

First I infused the honey, lemon juice, and rosemary by heating in the microwave for less than 10 seconds. Since the honey has so much sugar, it will heat super fast. 

Then, I poured in some rum and probably triple the margarita mix. I poured it all into the blender, added ice and blended it up into an ice-y froth. Garnish if you like. This is great for summer and I'll definitely be making it again - who knows, maybe with tequila ?!

Did you join the link-up? What's your favorite cocktail? Cheers, all!

Fresh Squeezed Wishes

Hi lovelies! Did you have a wonderful weekend? I sure hope so. 

Just a little heads up, it may be kind of quiet around here for a few days while I'm getting my new blog up and running...I've been making some good progress :)

Here's some fresh squeezed goodness to start your week...One morning, I hand-squeezing all these oranges. All fresh from the farm in Costa Rica. I love starting the day with juice!

How do you start your day? And your week? 

What we can learn from bees

Just to preface this. I am not a bee expert by any means. I am simply fascinated by the little creatures. Today I met with a mentor who's had bees for several years and I got to observe a bit and ask questions. And I was inspired to write about them. So...

Bees!  l

These insects are incredible. Really. I think we as a species can learn so much from them. 

* They're all about community. Sometimes people are selfish. I definitely am. But bees are actually in it for the whole community. They can't survive without the queen, or by being separated from their hive for very long. So they'll actually sacrifice themselves or others, for the sake of the hive. Talk about team-building!

* Highly organized society. Each bee throughout their life has a very specific function to complete. The first few days after being born, they clean up the cells. Later on, they act as guards to protect the hive. And only in the last phases of their lives they are able to leave the hive to collect nectar, pollen, and water. Yep, they've got organization nailed down. I aspire to be this efficient.

* They really are busy-bees. This expression is full of truth. The female worker bees that is, (go figure...) They can fly extremely far distances in search of food and work hard building up wax to deposit the honey. 

A Honey Bee colony will fly a total of around 55,000 miles to make just one pound of honey. { source }

* Honey! I may be biased, but we should really learn how to make something so nutritious and medicinal as this sacred nectar. I mean, we came up with all kinds of GMO and strange things to stick in stuff we eat. Sometimes I'd rather live on a farm and suck on flowers too ;)

What do you think when you hear the word 'bees'?

in

Tips to Playing Carnavales

Flipping through some photos, I came upon a few favorites from Carnvales in Cusco which are pretty entertaining to share. (I'm on the left, covered in foam.) These carnavales are basically an excuse for full on water and foam fights.  It's not really like Brasil's Carnival, but also celebrated in February. 

Tips to play the game:

1. If you go outside, you're playing. People go all out for a few weeks and if you go outside you're not considered 'safe'. The main arena for the games is the Plaza de Armas, the main square. I remember some people had buckets of water on balconies, waiting to dump on 'innocent' passer-by-ers. 

2. Stock up. And if you actually want to get in on this action (instead of just wearing a poncho and running), make sure to go fully stocked with supplies: water guns, foam spray(or powder?), water balloons, etc. There are tons of street vendors and shops for all your carnavales needs. 

3. Definitely go with friends. Two reasons: what's more fun with friends than making a giant mess? and So you're not left empty canned and defenseless!

*Disclaimer* I don't encourage using foam spray bottles because they've got weird chemicals in them and I don't think they can be recycled. Maybe a good alternative would be some type of power, like in India's Holi festival. Now I want to try that.

Have you been in something like this? Do you dare get so messy??

Happy carnavales a mis amigos/as en Peru!

The Sunday Currently { vol. 2 }

C  U  R  R  E  N  T  L  Y  .  .  .  

R E A D I N G The Secret Life of Bees. 

W R I T I N G this post....(sarcastic 'duh')

L I S T E N I N G to a recently discovered band, Pickwick. Diggin' them! A little preview:

T H I N K I N G What an incredible and passionate person Harvey Milk was. For some reason, I hadn't known much of his story, except he was a gay rights leader elected to office. Recently I just watched two documentaries about him and they both brought me to tears.  

S M E L L I N G Sleepytime Tea and my pillow :)

W I S H I N G that the package I sent to my husband arrives to Peru...fingers crossed - it was birthday gifts!

H O P I N G you have a beautiful and positive week!

W E A R I N G a cozy robe. 

L O V I  N G today! What a productive day with my mom - full of flowers, planting, painting, and lifting things.

W A N T I N G to edit some special photos and finish Photoshop class. 

N E E D I N G some sleeeep. 

F E E L I N G  ecstatic about my first year performance for Vagina Monologues...and it's next month. Can't wait! 

Joining this lovely link-up with Lauren. Come play next time too! Wonderful wishes, all :) 

DIY: Recycled Bottle Centerpieces

Good morning, friends!

A whiiile back I shared a post that will make you feel like a badass DIY diva for completing. It's called DIY: Breaking Bottles with Fire. Now just imagine all the possibilities of broken bottles (that sounds strange).

I used various shades of blue and green bottles for my wedding table centerpieces. They fit the peacock theme perfectly :)

Materials/supplies
- broken bottles
- fabric
- ribbon
- glue (tacky or hot glue)

Putting It Together
Measure the diameter of the bottle and cut 1 1/2 inch thick fabric. Glue from the outside and over to the inner part of the bottle to create a finished-look. Then tie on a pretty ribbon to complete the decoration.

Start saving up those wine bottles, ladies, and get crafty!

What would YOU do with these bottles?

Linking up with lovely Nicole with Treat Yo' Self :)

Birthday + March Wishes

{ via }

Today is a really special day......it's my husband's birthday! I'm so so joyful to have him as my closest friend and support. Happy birthday to him, mi gatito. He loves cats, but you may have guessed that already ;)

NOW, onto some of my goals for March...I love so much linking up with lovely Melyssa and her amazing enthusiasts :)

* Transfer my blog. This has been underway awhile and this month the change is happening! I'm so excited to have a fresh spot to share!

* Organize wedding photos. It's been a long while since our wedding - like about 7 months. I've accumulated a whole lot of lovely photos from friends and my parents, which I am so overjoyed to have! But now comes the daunting task of sorting through, editing, and compiling them all (essh!). I'd like to give attendees some of these photos to remember the day. I'm looking into prints, CDs, or electronically sharing (through Picasa or Flickr?). Does anyone have experience or ideas with this? :)

* Keep learning! I'm taking a Skillshare Photoshop class now and it's sooo helpful! Little symbols and buttons are making so much more sense now :) This month I want to attend a Beekeeper's Guild meeting and maybe try to apprentice a beekeeper. Those insects are just so enthralling and I really want to try working with them!!

* Read a book. There's tons of books I've been glancing at and referencing, but I want to read an actual book start to finish this month.

* Save money. After this short weekend trip to the Redwoods (I'll post on this soon), I was kind of wiped out. So back to saving!

* Eat corned beef and cabbage. Yum.

What's up for your March? Any new projects or goals?

On Moving to Peru

Hey there! If it's your first time, welcome. I'm so so glad you're here :)

I'm Lisa and want to share a very frequent question I'm asked: Why did you move to Peru? Some background info is that I've been primarily living in Peru for the past two and 1/2 years. In that time I met my (now) husband, which has mostly kept me there. Also, I'll refer to it as there only because I'm visiting the states for another few months. 

So...that brings me back to the question - why did I move to Peru?

Well, if I were asking myself this, the answer would be simple: why wouldn't I want to go to another country and explore new things? It's part of my nature, which I love. I'm adventurous and challenge myself to get out there, try new things, and discover more about myself.

But really I did take some things into account, so I'll take your through my thought process. First, I would break this question into two parts: why did I want to move abroad? and why Peru? I feel like those both have their own stories.

Why did I want to move abroad?

In 2011 I was in California and had graduated two years previous. I was working with several jobs that I really liked, with sparkling and magical people all around me, but (like many people, I believe) I wasn't completely happy. I would really enjoy life and then slightly freak out about things. I felt like I complicated so much in my own mind, creating scenarios and situations that weren't relevant and didn't make me happy. Maybe it was anxiety? I also may have been slightly depressed. Anyway, I thought that was a powerful sign to step away and sort through my stuff...In summary, it was partially for my sanity.

Another piece to this is that I'd already fallen in love with traveling. A few years before, I'd gone with a large group of other students (who are dear ones to me still) and was studying through a program as part of my Bachelor's Degree in Spain. And oh, did I love it! Like, so much! But this was my opportunity to take it one step further: to travel to a new place, on my own, have a work experience, etc. To me, this was a very important challenge of self-exploration. 

Ok, so... why Peru?

Since I'd developed my Spanish language skills pretty darn well, I wanted to embrace this by using . So I checking my way through my bucket list by visiting every continent - I'd lived in Europe, traveled in Central America... it was only logical that I must visit South America this time! For me, it wasn't exactly about a precise destination, but taking a path there. Peru kind of fell into play because of several people mentioning it, a few friends who are from there, and because I was really interested in shamanism and the ancient cultures. 

That's the whole answer to why I up and out-ed to Peru. And I'll say - I'm so glad I did! A lot has happened these past few years and I'm so grateful for the most amazing guy I've met, special expat relationships I've formed, and really neat experiences I've had so far. 

Happy weekend, friends!

Do you like to move around or be in one place? How do you expand your horizons? 

Tuesday Tunes #8: song for current feelings

Oh my goodness, hello Tuesday! I'm posting a little later than usual, but better late than never (am I right?)...Tuesday Tunes is a weekly link-up I started awhile back to share musical discoveries, promote local artists, and gather inspiration. The February prompts above are just ideas, but anyone is welcome to share any type of musical post desired. Link-up below and share the music love! 

*   *   *

My pick of the week: "We Can't Stop"
My current mood is pretty peppy these days. I've been getting more things done by creating more of a schedule and to-do lists for myself. Check, check, checkin' things off feels good! So the song representative of this is "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus. This version is the coolest with The Roots and Jimmy Fallon. The A Capella makes it pretty impressive. Enjoy lovelies!

*   *   *

Your turn! I'd love to hear what you're listening to these days or an artist you recommend or want to promote :)

While in California { p.1 }: Local Beer Tasting Adventure

Hi all, happy new week! There's so much to love about this place I'm from, I decided to start a little series: While in California. Most posts will probably be focused in Northern California, since that's where I am. I'm excited to document my little explorations here, and maybe inspire your travel curiosity. Part 1, let's go!!

What to do you on a free Tuesday afternoon, I asked myself...

Go get a local-crafted beer! California is a great place to do this, since there are TONS of really great breweries making artisan beer...Just in the North Bay are a few favorites...Lagunitas, Russian River, and Taps. Ok, there's a ton more here!

On a sidenote: Admittingly, I wasn't a huge beer fan until living in Sonoma County for a few years. There I discovered how the diverse spectrum of beer and that I find it delicious if it's well-crafted.

So last week, two lovely lady friends joined me for a day trip up across the Golden Gate to Russian River brewery to taste a very special beer. It's called Pliny the Younger. So, why so special? Well, let me (pretend to be a beer expert and) explain...it's a triple hop craft beer. This is a difficult and costly process so it's release is limited to two weeks in the entire year - during February. For this reason, people come internationally to sip on this tasty stuff!

On opening day the line was around the corner, but I wasn't expecting much of one. I may have been a bit overly optimist. We were troopers to stick it out. Luckily we were in good company. And took selfies :)

3.5 hours later...we did the happy dance (literally) and got in!

In good timing for a refreshing and hoppity, long-awaited Pliny the Younger. The blossoming flavor is strong and sweet. And with about 10% alcohol...it's no wonder photos got a little blurry.

Here's the second, more fuzzy selfie. We enjoyed this full day adventure, which definitely paid off by the end :) Love these gals!

 Do you have a brew of preference? Or a must-visit brewery near you? I'd love to hear!