Thoughts on Life at 33...

Tap tap... Is this thing on?

I can't believe I haven't written a post in over 2 years... 2 YEARS! Life just happens... And I feel like a million and one things have happened within those two years. I've gone from having a newborn and leaving my 9:00-5:00 job (last blog post) to having a toddler and a baby in my belly, to now having 2 children. Family unit complete!

There's been happy, sad, stressful moments. Friendships that have drifted apart and more that have grown stronger. Family drama, friend drama... Trips, travels and love in between. I've learned a lot... A lot about other people, but even more about myself.

Club 33... Someday 

Today is my birthday and I'm feeling 33 is a weird age... If we all have the life expectancy that we hope you reach 100 then that means 1/3 of my life is over... If it ends before that then it's even more over. The effect this is having me is just... "Girl, time to get your shit together" 

I feel so different since Chelsea has been born. Having a daughter has made me look at things a lot closer. A young girl can be very impressionable. It's making me examine the kind of influence I want to be on her, which has made me examine myself a lot more.

I've realized in the last 2 years I lost a bit of myself. Perhaps I was just caught up in new mommyhood, but I feel like I lost a piece of me. I used to be a confident person and maybe to some still appear to be one from the outside looking in. Somewhere along the line I put myself last and got a little lost. Where did my self confidence go? When did I become such a people pleaser? When did I start letting peoples negativity affect me so much? These traits coming forward are not something I want my daughter to see. I want her to be confident... I want her to be respectful and motivated to make her own way in this world.

I will definitely say being pregnant again was not a confidence builder for me. Who's body is this? Am I supposed to be comfortable in it? I've said it all along and I will til the end... There are people who love being pregnant... And those that can't wait til the end... I'm the latter not glowing preggo. While I do count my blessings that I was able to get pregnant naturally with both of my children and there are those that are less fortunate... I'm so happy I never have to do it again. 

I feel like now that the part of my life where we're building our family is over, it's time to get back to "Girl, get your shit together"  

Sooooo let's get my shit together!

I'm going to ease back into blogging, I miss writing here. I've come up with a basic structure that focuses on things going on around town and spotlights on local artists so stay tuned. 

I'm going to be rebranding, redoing websites, logos and renaming everything. This blog, my vintage shop and maybe even Green Cycle. I bet no one even really knew I had a vintage shop... You will soon :)

I feel like I'm shedding a layer of skin, blossoming, shit if I was a bird I would be molting. Ha! I can't take any of this old stuff with me. Starting fresh for myself feels so great. No more negativity... No negative people, no negative feelings, only onward and upward.... If I could just get medical clearance to start yoga again that would be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat (office space voice) :)

So! Now it's time to put up or shut up... And let me start here....

Last year, (before I knew I was preggo...actually I think I was pregnant in the photos and didn't know it) I was involved in Self Revealed: The Naked Photography Project. I can only count on my one hand the amount of people that knew I did this. Self Revealed is a photography project in which women of all ages, sizes and color have the opportunity to express & validate their beauty on their terms. It's about body acceptance. No matter what you weight, size, color or creed it's about loving yourself and the skin you're in. Over 100 women had their photos taken.

I did it... And holy shit was it liberating!

I didn't share this with very many people as I was too concerned about the judgement or thoughts from other friends and family. The me now is like wtf were you thinking! This is absolutely ridiculous! I'm so proud to be a part of this project! The exhibit will run at Gallery 2014 into April

So I end this blog post with my photo courtesy of the amazing Elizabeth Sanjuan at Gallery 2014. Love to all!

Fashion's Night Out South Florida Preview....

Tonight is Fashion's Night Out ya'll and I'm uber-excited!

This will be the fourth year of the event and I'm proud to say that I've been buzzed shopping at the last three! Who doesn't like free wine, samples, deep discounts and posing in front of step and repeats?! It is, however, the end of a mini 2 year era with Sara and I attending since she moved away. You'll be with us in spirit darling!!!

Sara and I at FNO 2010!

While we aren't quite the originating NYC, there are oh so many things to do in South Florida tonight. Below is just my sampling...

Aventura Mall -

This has been our go-to spot for the last 2 years. It has been host to everyone from Project Runway designers to Jill and Bobby Zarin to Steve Madden and this year is no exception. This year Macy's is hosting a fashion show with Real Housewives of NYC Luann de Lesseps and supermodel Niki Taylor. Spend $75 at Macy's and you can meet them too! In years past (I'm sure this year is the same) the entire mall turns into a party. Every store has free food and drinks and you can walk around from store to store eating and sipping. Buzzed purchase anyone? More on Aventura Mall's event offerings here.

Bobby Zarin with us at Macy's in 2011

Aren't we cute!

Lala Couture - The ultimate girly Fort Lauderdale shop in the amazing Gateway shops (my favorite place ever) is serving up free champagne and having a sneak peak of all the fall trends. DJ in the house? Check! Be sure to say hello to Molly, the shops owner. She's super nice and willing to help you put together your new fall wardrobe! You can find out more about this Lala event here.

Bal Harbour Shops - Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour shops is serving up free shakes, burgers and custard alongside a high tech photobooth for your social media fix. Accessories designer Nancy Gonzalez will also be making a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus. Sweet! There are so many store events going on here that I can't possibly list them all... Check them out here.

And finally..... The FNO Event that Cari and I are attending tonight:

The District Factory -

Our favorite South Florida Jewelry designer and friend Susie Rekechensky will be there with her Phairytale wares. Local designers and vintage in my favorite part of town... Hello!? I smell a purchase coming on! I've been meaning to make it down to the District Factory for the last few months... What a perfect excuse! There will be 30 brands of apparel, vintage, accessories and a Rock the Block party with live dance and DJ's. Yes please!

Soooooooo what are you going to do for Fashion's Night Out?

Weekend in Review....

What a fun weekend! It could have been even more fun had I not succumb to a stomach bug on Saturday night, yuck! I pushed myself through Indie Craft Bazaar, but after packing up the car and sitting down for dinner at Tarpon Bend, the spins and aches came on full throttle. Props to the Edelmans and Andy for noticing I did not look right and needed to go home. Feeling much better this Monday thank you very much!

Here's a breakdown of the two events that made my weekend!

Grouplove at Ricochet:

I can't say thank you enough to South Florida Music Obesessed for getting Andy and I into this invite only show. After last seeing them playing for thousands streaming Bonnaroo at home, this was such a special treat. I mean there were maybe 100 people there. Such a blast! I'm gonna "bump the beats till beddy bye" for a while to come!

Click over here to see some awesome photos and videos shot by South Florida Music Obsessed of the event!

To see my yelp on Ricochet, check here.

AND

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love:

Since I already gave you an awesome preview of some of my fave vendors last week, I hope you were able to make it! I ended up with an awesome new Henna love courtesy of Lori, with plans to get another new one next week before we go to Key West!

It was a great show and had an amazing turnout! I have the best friends in the world that keep coming back to visit and even managed to make a few new ones. It's so crazy how you can meet people nowadays! My best ICB meetup would have to be Ashley. We met on instagram (crazy right?!) and she takes the most amazing South Florida pics, not to mention shes a super cool chick! Why did we not get a pic together?! Next time! Follow Ashley and her amazing pics here.

Did you make it out to ICB? What did you do this weekend?

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love Preview!

If you're in the South Florida area, this weekend there is an art show on Saturday at Revolution Live that can't be missed (and I'm not just saying that because I'll be there with Green Cycle Designs too... wink wink)

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love!

                      

There will be over 60+ food and art vendors all with an indie flair. I can't say it enough how much I love buying something that is one of a kind made by an actual person sitting in front of you. It's awesome to know you're supporting local artists. Did I mention there will be live music by Emily Sheila and a vintage fashion show by Public Image Vintage? How cool is that?

I would like to give you a little preview with some of the vendors that I keep coming back to and think you'll love them too:

Doopiemoos - Shameless plug, it's my partner in crime Cari's company. She makes the most awesome accessories - you won't be able to have just one. She's also debuting some new pieces (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) that are to die for, you have to check them out!

Awesome new doopiemoos bracelets!

Grateful Threads - Leanna makes the most amazing upcycled and sustainable organic clothing. I live in my Prana pants and love my Beatles skirt. She's happy to help custom make something for you and has so many options and colors!

I love my Prana Pants!

Henna Eden - Have you seen the henna Mrs. Doopiemoos and I have been sporting lately? It's all the amazing work of Lori. I'm so excited to get a new piece. It's tattoos without the commitment and it smells delicious!

Bally Ding Revue & My Little Thrift Store - Traci and her husband Scott have the most amazing vintage pieces, jewelry and photographs. They are super friendly and happy to help you find you're next must have piece!

 Amazing finds from both of these awesome shops!

Melodic Muse - Be sure to stop by and say hi to Cheryl. She makes the most amazing original jewelry from guitar pics and other found pieces. Think of it as wearable art!

Enjoy Yourself Vintage - Christine has the most amazing vintage pieces at unbeatable prices. You're guaranteed to find a new amazing accent piece to bring home! Click the link to see more of the goods she's bringing to the show!

Just a sample of the items Christine is bringing!

Heartbeatz - Debbie makes the cutest accessories from classic fabrics. She also makes baked goods! All delicious - you can't help yourself, but sample all the flavors. Be sure to click over to her etsy page too to see the handmade creations she's bringing!

Debbie's delish cupcakes we had at the last ICB - yum!

And last, but not least - Green Cycle Designs (me, Tara): I'll have lots of new flowers and pieces for your decorating pleasure!

I have to mention as well that Amanda and Chris that run the event are super nice. You will probably see them at the door or walking around. Feel free to ask anyone questions, it's a giant love fest at Summer of Love.

If you can make it or want more information you can always check out the facebook event page here.

Hope you enjoyed my little preview - See you on Saturday!

Indie Craft Bazaar (and GCD flowers!) on Local 10...

Just a quick little post to show you a segment that the amazing Channel 10 news reporter Constance Jones did on Indie Craft Bazaar! Can you spot the GCD flowers in the video? We're famous!

Unfortunately there was no way to embed the video, so please click the link:

Local 10 Video on the Handmade Movement

Enjoy!

Girl... Where have you been?!

Living my life girl... That's where I've been!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!! After over a months hiatus I'm back to say hola... or holla.... or challah?

Wow... it feels weird to be typing here after the break, but really really good at the same time. Let's see what's been up over the past month?! I guess I left off last as we were going to the Bahamas... Well... We went! And it was nothing short of amazeballs!

Bahamas Trip 2012

While we were there I read 2 books in 3 days... Something I have never before accomplished - The Happiness Project and The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama. No I'm not getting all crazy or depressed... I just love reading stuff like that - Gives a good perspective on life! I also got a wicked case of sun poisoning.... But only on my arms? Oooookkkk?

I had close to a week and a half off and spent the days spring cleaning my house (as inspired by the Happiness Project) playing with my Etsy shop, thrifting with my mom, meeting friends for lunch and dinner, bringing Bella to my parents to run around the yard, doing yoga and anything else that might have fit my fancy. I loved having all that extra time... Sigh....

The Spring Break awesomeness ended with a night in my favorite South Florida spot, Wynwood! Us and the Edelman's headed down to eat at Joey's and take in the Art Walk. I have to say this place is becoming an absolute mad house now during Art Walk! If you're going to go and want to see everything, go early. You would think it was Mardi Gras or something! Best part of the night - Car-e-oke (Karaoke in a car) Or Cari-oke... Either way, laughs to be cherished forever.

Wynwood Highlights!

I even managed to accidentally take a video when we were trying to take a photo again - WTF is wrong with me?! Hilarious!!

In other fun news I had a fun time tweeting with Brad Wollack from Chelsea Lately - I offended him, which I was terribly sorry about! Though it did get his and Sarah Colonna's attention... Sorry Brad... You ARE a sensitive bunny - Love you!

Soooooo.... Since then I had an awesome time vending at Indie Craft Bazaar - Spring Fling. Cari and I set up shop right next to each other and did it for the first time without any manly, husbandly help. (Well... except for Keith coming in the beginning) The show was at Revolution Live and spilled out over into Green Room. I tell ya, the things you notice in there when you haven't had a couple cocktails... Like the entire place filled with Shepard Fairey artwork... Durrr!!!

Having fun at Indie Craft Bazaar!

After the show, we completed the puzzle of loading multiple tables and all of our work into one car and managed to make it to Dennis and Maria's house just in time for dinner and cocktails!

The past weekend we did the annual (or semi-annual) Fullone family garage sale. I never know where I accumulate so much crap! After the garage sale, Andy and I headed up to Sunfest with Dawn, Scott, Kayla and Tyler and had a blast. We were able to sit in the VIP section and see Michael Franti in all of his yumminess up close.

Sunfest fun!

Also in news this month, Andy and I booked a trip to Buffalo next month! For those that don't know - that's where I'm originally from and I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been back there in about 12 years. My husband doesn't know or hasn't seen where I've spent a little less than half of my life. How crazy is that?! I'm so excited to get back to my roots :)

So I guess that's all for now....(Like that's not enough) Going to get back on the wagon with this - Summer is a coming which is fun to be had!! What's new with you!?

Odd Duck Bazaar Sneak Peek....

It's getting close to Odd Duck!!!!! The GCD Etsy shop is officially closed in preparation!

Here's a little teaser of the new pieces that will be available tomorrow exclusively at the show...

Flowers and Flowers.... and Oh Hey - More Flowers!

I've added SO MANY new cool flowers to the mix. Bright and colorful ones, maps, sheet music and all of your childhood favorite books. Favorite books include Dr. Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Sesame Street, Harry Potter, Twilight... And classics like Gone with the Wind, The Old Man and the Sea, Jane Eyre, War and Peace and so many more! They each have a long newspaper stem that can be cut to whatever length you need - Priced at $3 each, you can mix and match your own bouquet!

I've also made lots and lots of my decorative hanging flower balls.

They will be all around the perimeter of my tent, so watch your head! 

Large Map Flower Ball - $25

 Small Flower Balls - $12

The flower balls are made from the same papers as the flowers. Lots of vintage books, maps, scrap paper... Basically anything that I can find that looks cool! 

And last, but certainly not least new vases! My little Pom couldn't resist checking it out for herself. 

This one is a cool upcycled find that I painted with gray non toxic paint and covered in white recycled paper flowers. The centers of the flowers are adorned with silver rhinestones. 

Would definitely look great filled with GCD flowers!

Gray Jeweled Vase - $25 (cute dog not included)

Sooooooo there's your preview! Odd Duck is tomorrow from 12:00pm-6:00pm in Hollywood!

 See the flier below or go to http://www.oddduckbazaar.com for deets!

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

Broward/Palm Beach New Times Feature...

In case you haven't heard me screaming from the rooftops, my flowers are featured in the 

Broward Palm Beach New Times this week!

My beauties...

They are featured in promotion for Odd Duck Bazaar this weekend! 

Stay tuned for a special preview tomorrow of some of the wares I will be selling at the show. 

Pick up a copy of New Times all around the Broward Palm Beach area this week!

Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday....

This Sunday at the Deering Estate in Miami is the greatest seafood fest in South Florida - The Deering Seafood Festival. I'm SOOOOOOO excited that we are able to go this year!

We went in 2010, but in 2011 I had an art show. The art show was a flop, so I was cursing that we weren't able to make it. All the more reason to enjoy this one!

Cari, Casey, Maria and I in 2010

In 2010 we feasted on oysters, paella, stone crabs, mussels and anything you can possibly imagine. It was great - we set up our little blanketed area and camped out for the day. They have a mini art show, a rock climbing wall, a stage with live music and pontoon boat rides to entertain you for the day also.

If you're small enough, you can even enjoy the Uncle Andy ride!

The event features the best restaurants in South Florida and local celebrity chefs. Miami's winner of Food Networks Chopped, Giorgio Rapicavoli will be there preparing specialties and doing demonstrations. There will also be lots of other cooking demonstrations under the big tent. I have to be honest though.... We like to just park it and pig out.... maybe dance a little :)

If you're planning on going, you can buy your tickets in advance here. They are $10 off per ticket if you purchase before Sunday. So $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Seems a little steep, but once you get in the food and drink prices aren't bad.

I would also say that parking can be a bit of a hassle so get there early! If you come across a park and ride, definitely take advantage.

You can see my Yelp on Deering Seafood Fest here - Hope you can make it out!

Art Wynwood In Pictures and Video...

This past Monday I made the last stop on my art filled weekend and took a drive down to Art Wynwood. This was the first year of this awesome show in my favorite Miami neighborhood so I had to check it out...

Here goes....

Two tents were set up just south of the Shops at Midtown Miami and were chock full of the most amazing International Contemporary Artwork the world's artists have to offer.

One of the Art Wynwood tents

So now... I invite you to join me in my experience and take a look at what I found were the best pieces shown...

One of the highlights of the show were the special camo deer areas by Ron English. They were around the sides and in the walkways to get from one tent to the other. You may recognize the camo deer from one of my previous post on the Wynwood Walls. Very neat aesthetic, they were made to show different seasons as well.

Ron English - Camo Deer

When I first walked in I couldn't take my eyes off this awesome video piece by Daniel Cherbuin - Amazing!

 

 Amazing - Video Artwork by Daniel Cherbuin

On to the rest of the show....

Artwork by Hugo Lugo

Artwork by Heidi Popovic

Pit Stop! Time for lunch... The Art Wynwood cafe...

Cool artwork all over the walls in here too!

VIP Lounge with "The Flying Murals" of Wynwood

Artwork by Martin C Herbst

Artwork by Mel Bochner

Artwork by Robi Walters

I couldn't believe that this amazing piece (below) was made from Light Bright pegs! It consists of 55,000 pegs and 36 pegboards. Made to look like The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry hanging in Paris.Very cool!

Artwork by Joey Syta

Artwork by Arno Rafael Minkkinen

And so ends my day at Art Wynwood...

Bye bye Art Wynwood... Til next year!

Sooooo...... What did you think? Did it bring inspiration to your little computer or smartphone screen?