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?

Key West... OMG

Can you believe I had to wait until Friday to feel back to normal enough to write this post?! I'm getting OLD!! I also write this post having not even seen most of the pictures from this past weekend.... Get on that Carl!

Nerd Alert!

We all had an amazing weekend in the Southern Most Tip of the US celebrating Keith's Birthday...

Southern Most Strangers

Casa Marina was more than excellent to us loud people at the pool...

Casa Marina views... Including Carl on her balcony...

We ate, we drank... We saw, we conquered... Friday night started with a trip to Sloppy Joe's....

This is the only pic I took there... Riveting...

Then to Rumor Lounge where they have a Men's and a Whoever bathroom...

Yet another riveting photo....

And then to Hog's Breath and a couple other unmentionable places... :)

Saturday consisted of pool time and Keith's Birthday dinner at Conch Republic... Yum!

Conch Republic Shenanigans

Sunday, time to go home... Breakfast with the roosters at the amazing Blue Heaven and shopping at Wanderlust across the street. I got an amazing mermaid shirt by a local Key West artist... Love! Reviews on both of these places to come!

Outside at Blue Heaven

So Monday morning rolls around.... I'm in the drive through line at Dunkin and what am I behind?

Key West Cluster...

You can check out my Yelp on Casa Marina here.... Reviews of others to come!

My only question is... When are we going back?

Obsessions Wednesday... The Wayfarer

I know I know, I'm waaaaaayyyyyy behind the boat on this one.

Last week during my amazing week off vacation I made a trip to Boca Town Center with Mrs. Doopiemoos for a little retail therapy. Within this retail therapy I had a little inkling of what I had set out to buy.

Behold the Wayfarer....

The originals 

The little black dress of the sunglass world, I had always admired them, those that wear them and the classic chic look that they bring, but had never realized the history behind them. I'm talking way deeper than just a little Risky Business.

They've been around since 1956 and have adorned the most classic of classic (and some maybe not so classic)...

Just a sampling of the appeal...

My beauties are the Wayfarer RB2140 which are the originals, taken from the original design.


Want more history on them? Wikipedia is more that happy to oblige!

Missed the boat or not, I'm in love! What are your fave pair of sunnies?

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!

Wednesday Obsessions on Thursday....

Happy post 4th of July everyone, I hope you all got to bed at a decent hour last night. Nurse that hangover with some McDonalds at lunchtime... I promise, it makes it all better!

In an effort to get things back on schedule after said personal family crisis, I present to you Obsessions Wednesday.... on Thursday! Here's this weeks hump love list:

1. Slubby Shirts from Anthropologie -

If we've hung out in the past 3 months, chances are I was wearing one of these beauties. I now own them in black, white, yellow AND my latest addition - Grey. They are on extreme sale now (I just snuck out of work to buy one for $25!) They are oh so comfy and loose and come with these two huge pockets - Perfect for optional hands free iphone handling!

The only color left is the color I don't own, Go figure!

2. The app Quiption -

I love a good photo editing app... When I came across another blogger raving about this one, I had to see what the fuss was all about. It's pretty damn nifty! With pre-made amazing photo overlays you can create an inspiring piece for your twittering, instagraming, facebook pleasure in a flash. It is free and is available in the itunes app store! Here are some of my creations - 

Carpe Diem with my GCD flower back drop

I wish I was there too....

3. My new Hot Pink Sperrys -

Loving my Sperrys!

I have never ever ever owned or thought about purchasing a pair of boat shoes. That is until the other night when Andy and I went to Off 5th Saks at Sawgrass in search for the perfect birthday gift for little Sam Edelman. In the midst of my retail therapy, I came across these beauties at a steep discount. They are hot pink and make such a fun statement - Did I mention they are Sperry Topsiders?! I'm officially a South Floridian! At $25 for a $90 pair of kicks, how could I resist? Now I fit in with all of the other nautical beauties.... Sweet!

Hope you enjoyed this weeks faves - Another mama update will be out soon!

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!

Monday.... Errrrr Tuesday....

Happy Monday.... Well Tuesday... Still feels like a Monday...

Want, need to get back on a schedule here people... That's what the summer is for. Only a couple weeks left until Buffalo and my summer vacation!!! So many plans for the summer... Not only just Buffalo, but Key West too! Lots of birthdays, weddings and other shenanigans.

Speaking of Shenanigans... Even the ATM is sticky

What did you do for Memorial Day weekend? Andy and I went to a BBQ at the Edelman's house and played with the kiddies in the pool. Yesterday we also ventured out to see The Dictator - Hilarious. There's a scene with a zip line and a robe... You just have to see it. 

We originally tried going to the amazing stupendous Wilton Wings.... Bonk... Nope Closed... Then to Jezebel for a little shopping... Bonk... No again. Soooooo we ended up just taking a cruise down A1A and stopping at Fort Lauderdale Ale House before our movie at Coral Ridge AMC. Can you say free movie tickets? Thanks to a light problem when we went to see The Muppets we scored free tix and only had to pay $14 for popcorn and a soda this time! Ha! :)

Also since this weekend, I'm back to being a brunette! Big thanks to Mama Fullone for putting me back on the wagon - my hair grows too fast for those damn highlights and who needs another car payment anyway?

This weekend I finally finally finally made it through EVERYTHING in my Google Reader. I had over 2000 posts unread... Sorry to the friends and Andy that kept constantly getting emails from me pointing out the cool people, places and events... Some of which had already past. Oh well... Lesson learned.  

You can see my Yelp's on Fort Lauderdale Ale House & Coral Ridge AMC by clicking the links.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out a new summer-fied and updated blog coming soon!

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!!!!!

Weekend in Orlando...

This past weekend Andy and I made the trip up to Orlando for his best friend's wedding and a little side trip to Walt Disney World!

We went up on Friday morning and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom - We had a deadline and had to be back at our hotel for the rehearsal dinner so we did a crash course in MK which included all the best rides of course!

She said, "Hold him like you really love him"

The funniest thing that happened would have to be the fact that we were stuck on Splash Mountain for 45 minutes. It's never a good sign when you're in the next log to go out and a siren goes off and all of the workers run to the back.... LOL. So we sat and sat and sat and sat... A guy came out and tied a washcloth to the front of our log... Were we the guinea pigs?! We made it through alive and on the way out were handed some pretty cool fast passes good for ANY RIDE in the park... Sweet!

So we left and headed to our hotel - Bahama Bay Resort. It's located just a few miles outside of Disney and all of the wedding festivities were held there.

It was beautiful and really reminded us of the hotel that we stayed at in Grand Bahama for our wedding - Pelican Bay. The wedding went off without a hitch at the beach on the property and the ceremony was held after at the Tradewinds Restaurant and Bar. They had an awesome photo booth for us to play in too - Such a great day!

Eric & Jenny Grossman

After the wedding we were off to Epcot!

Epcot!

Champagne in fake France....

 
We decided for Day 2 that would we just do the World Showcase and take our time. A completely different experience when you try to slow yourself down and get out of "Disney mode". We kept catching ourselves... "No, slow down! We stayed until about 6:00 and went back to the hotel to hang out with everyone.

Day 3 (our final day) we spent in Epcot as well - we love us some Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow! It's by far our fave park. We had lunch at Teppan Edo in Japan which we came back to after our last Disney trip because it's so yummy! We also spent a tiny fortune in the Japan gift shop - they have the coolest stuff!

Cheers from England... Well, fake England

After a day filled with drinks and fun we were ready to drive back home. So that was our weekend! You can check out my Yelp's on Bahama Bay Resort & Teppan Edo by clicking the links!