Cheap Finds In Santa Monica

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Who knew you can get by on so little in the beautiful beach city of Santa Monica?

Apparently there are more broke college (or post college) students here than I had imagine. Or I am just insanely good at finding really great deals. Either way, here is what I have learned.

Note: This article turned into more of a satire than anything else, but bare with me, you may still get something out of it.

For Cheap Hair Cuts/Styling… Go to Toni and Guy Academy. For only $20 plus tip, you can get your hair cut and styled by an upcoming stylist. On Tuesdays, men can get their hair cut for free!  I have an appointment on Friday to test it out. Hopefully I won’t look like Justin Beiber by the end of it.

Free  Back Massages… Go to Brookstones and sit down in one of their back massage chairs. Yes, this is the ultimate definition of cheap, but hey, why else would they have a $5,000 chair on display if you can’t enjoy it.

Free Movies, Books and Music… Go to the Public Library. It is like shopping without having to swipe your credit card. I have to confess I get a slight high leaving with five movies and not having to pay a darn thing. Who ever thought of this was a pure genius.

All You Can Eat… Go to Cabo Cantina on Tuesdays. For $5, you can eat as many tacos as you can fit into your tummy. And if you simply cannot stomach one more taco, go to Hooters for all you can eat wings for $14.99 because that will surely make you feel better. Right? right.

Free Entertainment… Go to the Apple store and play the pre installed apps on one of the many ipads they have lying around. SpellTower has become one of my personal favorites.People in blue T-shirts may ask “what you are doing?”, but don’t worry, that’s their job. Afterwards, step outside and watch one of the ten thousand street performances on the promenade. You just can never be bored!

Free Work Outs… Old Muscle Beach. There are swings, rings, uneven bars, parallel bars, bouncy squishy floor mats (not really sure what that is for, but its fun to walk on) all great for upper body strength. For cardio, there is the infamous Santa Monica Stairs where you literally walk down and up steep sets of stairs. I personally don’t understand the appeal of this one, but it is there if you want free cardio that will make your entire lower half burn.

Well that is everything that I have learned thus far. I am sure there will be more to come. Stay tune!

A new beat to this blog

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It is happening! The transition to a newer format.

Today, Cheers, Gorgeous! launches a new page ‘Music’, where every Tuesday a new video will be posted of upcoming artists, new songs from highly credible singers, or throw backs to some incredible performers from the past. To start the page off the right way, a sneak peak of what is to come has already been posted.

Check out what is going on over at the Music page!

Expanding in 3… 2…1! But what are we expanding?

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So there has been a lot of thought about transforming this blog into something even better, more informative, and even more highly addictive than before.

I want to touch on points that haven’t necessarily been addressed before. I want to incorporate luxury in fashion, music, culture. I want everything to feel fresh. Just how am I going to fit it all onto this blog is the tricky part, but it will be done.

Now, what I need from you, the reader, is input. What do you want to see in the new Cheers, Gorgeous! format?  What articles do you prefer reading?

Leave me a post or email me to let me know what you are thinking too!

xoxo

Cheers, Gorgeous!

Looking at the Big Picture

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It is really easy to get stuck worrying about the details in life. I can attest. I find myself looking at what I don’t have, or what could be better and forget about the great miracles that are occurring on the larger level. Why do I do this? Because it is easier for me to digest the little things, and compare myself to others on those small facts. On a day to day level, I can say well, I don’t have a regular 9-5 job. I don’t have the next fifteen years planned out, and I am in my twenties and not engaged. I can take all of this and say, I am not good enough, I don’t do enough, and I am not smart enough. Basically I am degrading my intellect and personality by solely judging on the small spectrum of life. Now. Zoom out. I can see I am taking risks by uprooting my life, challenging myself by going out of my comfort zone in areas I had swore I’d never go, and constantly working on myself while helping others. Above all I am pursuing my dream as a writer and leader, believing in myself and having blind faith it is all working out. It is much harder to tell myself I am not good enough, I don’t do enough, and I am not smart enough after looking at that list.

The reason it is easier to over look all of these great achievements is because all of these things take more than one day to accomplish. Meaning it is harder to see the progress unless you constantly look at the bigger picture. And who has programmed their brain to do that? Naturally we look at what is in front of us. But a lot of happiness is lost when we just concentrate on the small picture. Stress can also increase by the constant comparing.

That is why, for me, I need a check in friend to help reflect back how far I have come, and how much I am doing in the large scale of life. I chose people that have known me for years and have seen my progression and change. They keep me grounded in reality, and in turn I help them remember how much they have going on as well.

I also check in by writing down what it is going on in my head, usually I can see how ridiculous my own personal judgment is when it is in black and white. It also helps lead me back to the big picture of things.

Lastly music and walking meditations help trigger the larger scale of life, reminding me why I am here, what is my purpose and let go of the smaller insignificant elements that can hold me back from being fully happy.

I hope this can help you to remember to look at the big picture, and really have admiration for yourself in how much you are doing.

Put Yourself First

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Women… most, if not all, give way too much and place ourselves last. We give ourselves emotionally, financially, mentally and even physically to men, women, jobs, children, and any other type of responsibility. Only to be confronted at the end of the day with piled up resentment and little energy left for ourselves. Well if that’s not frustrating, I don’t know what is.

For years, I have eagerly given these precious items away to those who “needed” them. I pointed many people in the right creative direction, resolved numerous arguments, spent money on dinners I didn’t want, and organized careers of those around me. For what? Absolutely nothing. I did it because I thought I had to help others whom I loved and cared for. I did it because I knew that I could make a big difference. I did it because I was so use to others taking number one priority in my own life that I forgot I had a say. Just because I am a responsible human being, doesn’t mean I have to be responsible for everyone around me who seem unable to get their s**t together. Do I hear an AMEN!

Currently, I am discovering the value of my own time, my own energy, my own creativy. I have dreams, that if I only exerted the same amount of energy, time, and finances that I had with others, I could see fulfilled immediately. So this year is being dedicated to just that. This year is all about ME. No more answering personal calls while I am working on my goals. No more dropping my to do lists, in order to be there for another person. No more running around like a maniac just so I live up to others expectations. No more worrying what others may think of this new way of living because after all this is MY LIfE, not anyone else’s.

Let’s get down to the basics. Here is how I intended to put myself first in my own life:

1) Turning the phone off, or put it away while working on me. The cell phone is the gateway for distractions and codependency. If it is out of sight, it is out of mind. When I have set phone dates or other expected calls it is okay to have it out, otherwise, bu-bye phone

2) For each event, request, or invitation I will ask myself, If I say yes to this am I saying no to myself somewhere else. Am I saying yes to picking someone up from the airport by saying no to my writing time? Or am I saying yes to going out to dinner by saying no to saving up for my dream sofa? These situations don’t work for me anymore. I have to say yes completely. Like, yes I want to go for a walk with you because I really want the fresh air and company.

3) Looking at other areas where I waste energy. Okay, obviously phone calls and text messages are the big ones, doing other people’s mental chores (figuring out their problem and solutions) are another. But I also waste energy checking emails, surfing the web for hours, not organizing my own daily routines. Being more efficient might be a better idea for me. For instance, in the morning meditate what needs to be done for the day, write down an action plan for how I would like to achieve each goal, and set aside mini breaks of timed fun. Meaning I can surf the web for 15 minute intervals instead of three hours.

4) Socialize when the time is right for me. I love my friend and family. I really appreciate the time I have with them, and to make it even more beneficial I will be interacting with them when it is appropriate for me. The great part is that those who love me as well, will understand my boundaries and will be more than happy to comply.

I highly recommend taking this year and making it all about you as well. Make sure you are number one in your own life. Say no when you feel like your being overlooked, or pulled in too many directions. You have every right to thrive and achiever your dreams, you are worth it.

A year older a year wiser

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Well, this past twenty fifth year of my life was incredibly unpredicatable. Never in my entire life would I have assumed or even guessed that I would live with my mom for a portion of the year and then my brother for the last portion. I also never really could have guessed that I would begin the year in New York City and end up in Southern California. I have learned a lot within this year. Here is a brief summary and some highlights.

Greatest Adventure: driving cross country for the second time with my mom. Not knowing where we will be stopping at night. Seeing all the old landmarks of this country, and discovering family treasures along the way. The views of the Badlands were breath taking, and the way I was able to monitor the climate as we moved through the different states was amazing. I also got to have a little fun and take pictures of a stuff animal at each historic landmark. Like this one.

look carefully in the background

look carefully in the background

Greatest Lesson: Let go of controlling and believe it is all going to work out. There were many situations this year that I wanted to manipulate into working but in the end I had to surrender and have faith that it will all be okay. Which is tough, but when I am able to practice this in everday life, I am able to experience and enjoy what has been given to me. I no longer am in charge of the world around me. Thank God, because that is a stressful job to uphold. My new job if is to receive and enjoy life. That is why we are all here anyway, right? Not so we can stress about every detail.

Second Greatest Lesson: Who cares what other think of me. It is none of my business anyway.

Greatest Person I met this year: Amanda, my writing coach who is helping me put my book together. I have never met a kinder, more loving coach than her. I have been given so much support, guidance and insightful questions that has completely remolded my writing. I now have a vision of how my book is going to come together. It is in the works!

Most Challenging Event: Constantly learning, growing, changing in a short period of time.  Since being in California, everyday there is a new lesson, and a new opportunity to practice what I have learned. But that is what I asked for when I left nyc. I wanted to keep growing (be careful of what you wish for!).

Best Take-away Moment of this Year: embracing self-care. This year, along with being reintroduced to family members, and moving across the country, I really plunged into self-care.  It is by far the best remedy for stress, pain, hurt, anxiety. I finally received a facial for the first time. I tried organic spray tanning, learned more about paraben-free products.

ahh so good. picture via pinterest from body and soul blog

ahh so good. picture via pinterest from body and soul blog

Most Embarrassing Moment: After the organic spray tanning I just mentioned, I wasn’t allowed to wear a bra. I didn’t know you couldn’t wear a bra after spray tanning, or else it will rub off the formula that they just dowsed your body in. Needless to say I wore the wrong shirt to go bra-less in. I tried to cover myself with my purse while half sitting on the subway train seats making sure my legs down touch he seats. All during rush hour. I prayed to get me to Queens as fast as the train could. Once at my station I practically ran back to my apartment all the while trying not to sweat off the tan. There were many stares. So embarrassing but the tan looked great!

Silliest/Most Hilarious Moment: living in Queens with  one of my best friends. With all of our morning coffee runs to dunkin donuts and our nightly talks. Our rain parties equipped with margaritas and random dancing to the song “it’s raining men”. This past summer is loaded with memories that I will never forget, and so grateful to have experienced.

Roomies for life

Roomies for life

Best Moment: Going to Coney Island with some friends and trying out the ridiculous rides during the summer and partaking in the polar bear plunge in the January.

Coney Island

Coney Island

Worse Moment: Having my debit card information stolen and my account wiped out. Enough said.

A Moment that Made Me Cry: Saying goodbye to my boyfriend while leaving NYC for California. Saying goodbye to NYC and all the amazing memories I had there, all the incredible people I was fortunate to meet along the way, and all the life lessons that I embraced while living there.

Me and my Boyfriend

Me and my Boyfriend

Most Ridiculous Moment: Chosing a random day in February and pretending it was my birthday… And going to the worlds largest foam party.

Me!

My Pretend Birthday!

Most Inspirational Moment: watching the summer olympics.

Most unexpected Moment: Being a juror on a month long federal crime case… And meeting a man that was good friends with Einstein.

April 26th, jury duty summons

April 26th, jury duty summons

Most Jaw-Dropping Moment: Meeting my favorite Shoe designer, Vince Camuto

My idol vince camuto

My idol vince camuto

Most Lavish Moment: Have a private tour of the Christies Auction House, after hours.

Best Job: styling assistant for a celeb stylist

designers galore

designers galore

Greatest Achievement: taking a picture a day for a whole year! It is more of a feat than you may think.

The Thing That Made Me Smile the Most: Realizing I am just so much closer to my dreams than I think.IMG_1348

Craigslist Joe

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With all the heartbreaking and negative news spreading through the media like wildfire, I have found much hope in humanity in the documentary Craigslist Joe. A camera man follows a young individual for 31 days who survives solely on craigslist postings and the generosity of individuals across the country. Incredible stories and experience transpires throughout the whole film, reminding the audience that communal help does still exist. Powerfully moving, I highly recommend viewing the documentary with family and friends during the holiday season. Check it out!

Demand A Plan

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Heartbroken like the rest of this country, I have but a few words to say about the shooting in Newtown, CT. I am sending prayers and compassion to the victims and their families that had to feel this pain.

If you are like me and want to do more, please visit demandaplan.org and petition for gun control. This is the 60 mass shooting since Columbine, and each event is seemingly getting worse. Enough is enough. It is time to end these massacres on innocent lives.

An In-Depth Look at Suffering

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First go read Joyful Shimmy’s post on Suffering is Optional. The article is the antidote to all my problems.

The particular post sparked the interest to look inward at my own allegiance to suffering. I have years of experience of grudgingly going through situations that I do not feel comfortable with. Constantly denying that inner voice saying, “hey, this isn’t a good idea, lets get out before it becomes worse”. Years, I tell you.  It beckoned the question, why keep suffering yourself? Haven’t I had enough already?

Let’s get real for a moment, no one else is holding a gun to my head saying you must suffer. Growing up it was a different situation, I wasn’t in control of what was going on around me. I had to live in accordance to my parents. I had little say as where I want to live and what kind of clothes I want to wear. I was pushed into sports, academia, and high achievements. Spending money on myself was limited.  But once entering into adulthood, the decisions were all mine. Yet, I kept picking up that gun and holding it to myself saying you must suffer.

I guess more than anything, it became the norm. I am use to “sticking it out” and “pushing through”. NEVER EVER indulge or spend money frugrulasly. Restrict your passions, restrict your desires. My brain had become a drill sergeant spewing out sufferable commands. Until I got a glimpse into the world of non-sufferers. Those who still dealt with real life (pain, heartbreak, and all) but chose not to indulge in restricting, obsessing or demoralizing acts. They chalked it up as life lessons and move forward in self-care. Such a foreign concept. They weren’t miserable.

Now one thing I can tell about life, it isn’t long enough to live miserably. And I am pretty certain my whole existance of this planet wasn’t based on being depressed with compounding sorrow and agony . So why stay in situations that lead to misery and suffering?

Most excuses sound like this:

“It is the only choice I have.” I highly doubt that in the large world we live in that anything really boils down to ONE solitary option. Try again.

“It is too expense to do what I really desire.”  I have had this excuse on replay for the past twenty five years. Guess what, it is more expensive to suffer. Buy a cheap bed, guess what you will be paying for later in life… A chiropracter. Eat fast food, you will most likely be visiting a hospital and scheduling for cardiac procedures. Don’t go to schooling for the career you want… get paid 40% less than those who do graduate with a degree. Suffering is expensive.

“I am to scared to go after what I really want.” Life is scary, accept it. But it is usually not as difficult or as scary as it may seem in your head. Also, the scary part passes pretty quickly clearing way to an incredible reward you worked for.

I personally tend to forget that suffering is optional, a realization highlighted by Joyful Shimmy’s author. I forget that I don’t have to constantly live in pain, stress or anxiety. I get to make mistakes and make amends, but I dont get to live regretably in them. I get to lovingly pick myself up from those trials and find a healthier more caring decisions for myself. Life is about learning. I am constantly doing just that.

Transitions

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Transitions can be rough. Going from college to the real world. Working to retiring. Or simply going from Sunday to Monday. It is tough to adjust sometimes.

Currently, I am going through the transition of moving from New York to California. From mass transit to personally driving everywhere. From being surrounded by strong women to being surrounded by sane men.  And like with all transitions it takes time to acclimate to the new surroundings.

The greatest lesson I have learned thus far is take it easy.

For instance, I got stuck and emotionally overwhelmed by an unexpected hangup with my new apartment. I kept wanting to push and pry and control it myself. I wasn’t willing to accept the fact that hey, this is just what is going on right now. And what happened? I began to worry, fret and feel extremely uncomfortable. All which is normal, and I needed to  uncomfortable because of the transition. But what I did next was the greatest thing I could have done to help alleviate the burden. I took a 24 hour vacation from the problem. I focused my attention to job searches, called friends back, and relaxed as best as I could. At night I turned my phone off and got the rest I needed. Did I still feel the uncomfortable feelings during that day? Yes, but it began to die down as the hours passed. The next day I woke up rested, and feeling even more confident that everything will work out and more level headed to call my landlord about the situation.

Miracles happened, the landlord was more sympathetic with what is going on, I felt the emotions to begin to lift. There is a sense that everything is going to work out just the way they need too, it just might take a little bit longer than expected.

Bottom line, transitions are difficult. I have to do everything I can to make them more manageable. First, by simply taking it easy. Secondly,by doing one big thing at a time. And lastly, knowing my limit. My personal limit is three big things per day. I don’t care if I manage to accomplish those three bigs things by 9:30 am I am done for the day. I cannot overload myself.

Acceptance is another big tool that I sometimes (ehhem.. most of the time) forget to use. I have to practice to accept that this is exactly how life is suppose to be right now and that everything happens exactly the way they need to. Once I accept that, things become less stressful. I can no longer blame myself or others for unsatisfying experiences.

I am grateful for the life lessons I get to receive today. More miracles on the way I can tell! Yippie