Saturday, November 24, 2012

Holiday Season: Mental Well-Being

Shopping, cooking, cleaning, oh my! Can you believe how many things are running big through your minds during the holidays? You probably won't notice since you are preoccupied, but that is no excuse to let your mind go wild :).

Take "me-time" days: Selfish at it may seem, time for yourself is worth while. From running children to the annoyance of some specific people, you will be driven crazy.

Sorry, I am not a good adviser on the thought of mental well-being as I am emotionally unstable. If you are like me, I suggest trying a hobby. Dancing has been there for me since the beginning of time. I started when I was 2 and loved it ever since. What clears your mind? Do you have a specific process of relaxing and keeping sane?

Holiday Season: Physical Well-Being

With all of the pies, turkeys, and endless mountains of food, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the large amounts of food. I eat alot during the holidays, and I do not think I am the only one. This post will show how I stay healthy during the holidays, and hopefully, these tricks will help you too :).

Know Your Boundaries:
No one can tell us what to eat so that is why we need to know our boundaries. Know how much how we can eat. Portion control will be our best friend. I know my boundaries which is that when I am full, I should stop eating :). Find your boundaries and everything will be all right.

Eat What You Want:
If you eat what you want, it makes it less tempting. When you do so, you eat the regular portion size. However, if you make yourself avoid the food you want, it makes it more tempting. So when you eat it, you eat it more of it because you want it more.

Try Not to Go Overboard on the Sweets:
Pumpkin Pie, rolls, chocolate pie, Christmas pudding, oh my! I do not know about you, but I have the worst sweet tooth ever. Try not to go overboard on the sweets because it will affect your sleeping, and rest is well needed during the holidays.

Get Rest:
From holiday shopping to cooking, our bodies cannot take it all. Get rest, and trust me, it will make the holidays all the more enjoyable. And yes, I do not recommend watching the fireplace all night on Christmas Eve :).

Try Not to Watch TV While You are Eating:
This makes you unaware of how much you are eating (I ate two slices of pie without knowing). If you are not watching TV while you are eating, you know how much you are eating. Thus, getting full earlier.

Relax:
It is the holiday, and it is ok to relax. You only get to do this once a year, so do not worry about it and do not feel guilty :).

So what do you think of these tips? How do you stay healthy during the holidays?

With Love,
Violet Sar Bleu

P.S. We only part to meet again.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Holiday Season: Outfits

Finally, we can all breathe again. Its holiday season. Even though I have a lot of work ahead of me (can someone say exams and Nutcracker? :)), I know many of you are waiting to kick back and relax. I just want to create a guide for the holidays: from health to outfits to healthy mental well being. For this post, I will be giving examples to wear to any holiday occasion.
Host of a Dinner Party:
In my opinion, staying comfortable yet looking good is important since you will be walking around and setting the tone for your party.

ModCloth

ModCloth

UO Opaque Tight
Urban Outfitters

Etsy













To me, I will avoid low-cut tops or anything that is too tight fitting or anything that is too casual. Here, this outfit shows a cream shirt with a sparkly collar, a festive pumpkin skirt, purple tights keep it fun, and the brown oxfords are comfortable, cute and practical :). Feel free to add a statement bracelet/ring, but I would avoid a statement necklace or ear rings since it interferes with the collar.

 Casual Dinner with the Family:

Again, comfort is key, but you still want to look nice. Keep a laid back look while still looking polished.
 
Forever 21
 
Forever 21

 
 
Steve Madden








 
 














I will stray away from sweatpants or anything that is too uncomfortable. If you are like me and the holidays are a bit warm, I will wear an open stitch sweater (cable knit sweater for colder weather), cute printed shorts (or pants :)), and studded smocking slippers to give it more texture and interest. Feel free to pile on the jewelry.

Dinner at Grandma's or Meeting Boyfriend's or Friend's or Girlfriend's Parents:
Keep it fun and show your awesome personality, yet keep it respectful. This is not the time to break out your body-con dress :).
 
Image 1 of ASOS Baroque Skater Dress
ASOS

Topshop












The fun printed dress is practical, respectful, yet it still has a spunky feel to it. Studded brogues are not the most typical things, but it lets you show off your personality. Feel free to add a cute ring or bracelet. Avoid statement necklaces since it will interfere with the print of the dress. Also, if you are worried about the brogues, add a pair of black tights. It will instantly lengthen your legs and tone down the brogues. Dress is from Asos and brogues from Topshop.
Formal Holiday Dinner with Family and Friends:
Now, it is time to break out the heels and your nicest dress. However, this is not club attire. Show your personality and keep it festive.
RUCHED MINI WRISTLET

As you can see, I put a lot of options here for you. The black dress is more for someone is who edgy, dramatic, yet girly, and I would wear that dress. The red dress is for someone who likes a classic shape and something that is flirty and girly. For the shoes, both shoes will go with either dress. The lacy bootie will bring out the mesh detail in the black dress and will give texture to the red dress while the studded heel will give both a more dramatic effect. The heart tights will work for both and help you keep warm. The heart clutch will bring texture to both and the wristlet is a pop of color to the black dress and colorblock with the red dress. Dresses are from Topshop. Tights, heart clutch, and lacy bootie from Forever 21. Wristlet from Express and studded heel from Steve Madden.
Hanging Out with Friends:
Keep it casual yet look more polish than usual. Don't bother with any dress things, just keep it cozy and comfortable :).
 
Forever 21

Anthro
Anthropologie

Payless




Shirt Collar Necklace
Topshop


 
ASOS DEAL Studded Flatform Trainers
Urban Outfitters

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Leggings in Oxblood
ASOS

ASOS















Truly Madly Deeply Cutout Back Tee
Urban Outfitters














For me, I love being comfortable so I would stray away from high heels, anything that is uncomfortable. But I would not wear sweatpants either. I still want to look nice. For the first outfit, the marroon sweater is comfortable and is colorblocked with the teal cordoroys. Saddle shoes are comfortable and keep it cute and old fashioned. Wear a gold collar to keep the interests. For the second outfit, the fun cut-out on the black top is a cool twist on the simple shirt, wear a black bandeau under (or any colored longsleeve tee for colder climates), studded sneakers are comfy and practical, burgundy leggings will give color to this simple outfit and give it dimension. I love the second outift and is more like my style (also, the skull cut-out tee is uber comfy).

Casual Night In/Movie Night/Christmas Morning:
No need for discomfort, but you never know who is going to show up so stay respectful (my friend came from California as a surprise on Christmas).


Forever 21

 
Charlotte Russe


Womens AirwalkWomen's Flurry Moc
Payless






Cooperative Boucle Eternity Scarf
Urban Outfitters
 
Marled Sweater Crew Sock
Urban Outfitters














The bunny sweatshirt/jumper is cute and warm, the burgundy velvet leggings are thicker than your typical leggings and are warmer and more interesting, a thick knitted scarf gives you another layer of warmth without the bulk, moscassins and socks are practical and cuter than your typical slippers.

Church or Any Religious Event:
Please, by all means, stay away from body-con dresses/skirts, low-cut tops or dresses, anything that is too short. :). This is for anything religious such as Mass.


Sparkle & Fade 3/4 Sleeve Knit Circle Dress
Urban Outfitters

ModCloth

Sweeping Circles Double Strand Headband
Anthropologie

Forever 21




The green jeweled-tone dress is cute and approtiate since it has an approtiate length and covers your shoulders. The maroon heels are comfortable because the heel is not too high and gives it another pop of color. The gold handband keeps you looking darling the black opague tights will keep you warm. Conservative, simple, youthful, yet with a twist is the way to go.


AH-HA Pinstud Flatforms
Topshop
New Year's Eve Party or Friend's Party or Holiday Party
 
Party - Ruby Blooms Dress
ModCloth
 
Rhinestone Centre Cross Earrings
Topshop

Lace Floaty Playsuit
Topshop


Chinese Laundry

For any New Year's or Holiday or Friend's party, go for a cute mini dress. I will stay away from anything that you would wear to church or any formal gathering since it is time to have fun with the way you dress. Feel free to go with sparkles, lace, but do not go overboard. Same with showing skin, do not go overboard. The burgundy dress is cute and flirty, pair it with platform boots to give you height and an edge to the laceyness. Cross earrings will also edge it up a bit. The next outfit is unfussy and less complicated. It is a black romper with a cool heel (or wedge?). The romper will keep you comfortable and wardrobe malfunctions are decreased by at least 50% (no need to worry about flashing anyone). The lacy top makes it more formal. The shoes are amazing to me. I just love the uniqueness of the heel and the detail is just amazing and makes the outfit pop.

Yes, this is the end for the outfit post for this holiday season. Hopefully this will give you ideas and make outfit-picking less of a hassle. Anyway, I hope you guys have a nice holiday season.

With Love,
Violet Sar Bleu

P.S. We only part to meet again. :)

I apologize for the weird format. I tried fixing it, but it would not do. Please bear with me.




Wednesday, November 14, 2012

What I Have Been Up To

Sorry for not writing for a while, busy schedule really takes a lot from you. Anyway, here are some things I have been up to.

Dancing:
I have been rehearsing a ballet variation from "Ocean and Pearls" and a new steampunk piece. For those who do no know what is steampunk, it is a retro gothic style with a futuristic twist. Throughout the time I was not writing, I had a lot of rehearsals and costume fittings and the regular classes. I am very excited for the steampunk dance because not only is the choreography is so unique yet quirky, my partner's and my costume are very unique. To say the least, my makeup consists of a bunch of eyeliner and fake eyelashes that almost go up to my brow.

Schoolwork:
Probably the worst excuse ever, but schoolwork seems to be piling on and on and I feel as though I will drown in papers (which will actually relieve me). Two novels, two papers, video presentation, poem in Spanish, two tests, and three chapters of history to read is my schedule for this week with dancing on top of all of it.

Club Meetings:
With all of the club meetings, it is a great break from schoolwork and dancing, but it takes a lot from your body. I am shocked that my body has not given up yet, but my mind did for sure. I cannot think straight right now.

Laundry and other chores:
Not only will I drown in papers but also clothing. I have not washed a single article of clothing for about 3 weeks, and it just becomes a huge hill of clothing. I have not cleaned my work area lately and  papers are just everywhere. My room is a mess, pretty much my own home.

Holiday Shopping:
I need to start shopping for gifts for friends and family and need to start buying food for dinner parties. Usually is a relief that the holiday is coming, but sometime, it is a bigger pain (can someone say "Nutcracker").

Anyway, I apologize for not writing for a while. As you can see, I have a lot on my plate, let's just hope that I d not spread myself too thin. Maybe I should write the next post about taking care of yourself. Good luck to you.

With love, hugs, and kisses,

Violet Sar Bleu

We only part to meet again.


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Heal the Worst Disease: Heartbreak: Classification 4

The posts work by me trying to have you feel better when your heart is not feeling at its best, but I apologize. I cannot cure heartbreak, yet, lets try to have you feel better.

Classification 4
"Boyfriend or Girlfriend being Unfaithful" Severity: Medium to High

Betrayal, cheater, liar, whatever you want to call it, it hurts. You love them, but when a feeling is not recieved back, it hurts.

Go to the Movies Alone: The alone part is crucial. You will feel more independent and can watch any movie you would like. Plus, no need to compromise. It is just you and you alone. Also, you never know who you are going to meet ;) (I met a new friend).

Volunteer: Volunteering around your community forces you to be social, making you talk tp other people. It also causes you to put others before yourself and makes you feel happier since you are doing something good.

Go Vintage or Thrift Shopping: There's nothing more fun than finding a one of a kind item, and then, wearing it. Find a one of a kind item since you are an original.

Take a Long Hot Bath: This relaxes your body, and there is nothing so calming then a hot bath. This also helps relax your mind which is taking a lot of pain (your feelings, they come from your mind, it takes a toll on it).

Smile and Keep Your Chin Up: No need to feel ashamed of the incident. Look strong and eventually, you will not be vulnerable to that person anymore.

Pick Up a New Hobby: Not only does a new hobbby occupy your time, but also explore new things that you never know you are going to love. However, don't force yourself to love something if you do not.

Go to the Fair and Eat the Food: Funnel cakes, cotton candy, and popcorn are my favorite fair food. It brings out the kid out of all of us, so you feel youthful. Have fun at the fair, but don't eat too much food or you will vomit.

Go to A Small Concert: It can be any band, any artists, just make sure it is small. An intimate concert brings the artist and fans together. The smaller, the better since you will feel more connected at a small concert than a large concert. Also, support bands that have yet to be discovered.

Please, do not beat yourself down: In doing so, you are letting the other person win. You are stronger than that, so please, do not beat yourself down. One day, you will meet someone that truly deserves you.

Enjoy being single: No need to worry about his  or her opinion since they should not affect your life. Go out with whomever you want, go wherever you want. It is all up to you.

Watch old tv shows: That's 70s Show, I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch, Full House, etc., bring you back to your childhood. They are hilarious and make you smile. Make sure to bring out the popcorn and candy :).

Time: The best medicine yet it takes a while. Don't worry, let time do its work.

I am sorry that your significant other decided to be unfaithful to you. It is unfair and not right, but the thing is, you will find someone that deserves you. That person will treat like you are their everything, not an option. Best of wishes. Love to you and everything happens for a reason.

With love,
Violet Sar Bleu

"We only part to meet again"




Friday, November 9, 2012

Heal the Worst Disease: Heartbreak: Classification 3

So, here how these posts work. I will give you somethings that will make you feel better after a serious time. However, these just come from experience and do not work on every single person. It is not to actually to heal or cure heartbreak, but rather, make the situation just a little better.

Classification 3
"Significant Someone who lost their life" Severity: High to Almost Unbearable

Everyone experiences this at least once in their life, and everytime it happens, it is the worst feeling ever. However, sorry to tell you the truth, you will not stop being sad over their death. They are in a better place. You will remember them, but as always, it will get better.

A Good Book: My favorites are Perks of Being a Wallflower, Catcher in the Rye, Slaughterhouse 5, The Fault in Our Stars, and so many more. Pick out a good book. I think hearing other stories of other incidents just make me feel happier. Everyone has a story; you just have to read them. One day, you will be able to tell yours :).

Wear white, pink, mint, anything pastel: When you wear something light, it eases your eyes since the color intensity is not high. This relieves some stress on your mind, thus a calmer mind. Keeping your mind healthy is so important during this time.

Bake: Bake anything. Cookies, biscuits, cakes, pies, anything. I do not know about you, but baking makes me happier. There is just something about it. I do not know if it is because it is rewarding or sweet or that I can share with other people. I love to bake.

Go to the Beach: I mean the actual beach. If you live in an area where there are no beaches, try to find a pond, lake, something with natural water. Just make sure it is not a pool. Natural water movement helps keep you calm, and the sounds of the ocean sound like heaven.

Keep your mind busy: This helps you keep your mind on other things. Keeping yourself busy will help your mind to be occupied, so in the end, you are not thinking about that person. :)

Avoid Chicken Noodle Soup: I cannot stress this enough. Do not eat chicken noodle soup. Sure, it makes you feel better when you are ill, but when you eat it at this fragile time, it makes you  break. I do not know if it is the broth, the chicken, the carrots, the noodles, or what, but it just makes you more sad.

Drink Lemonade or Limenade or Orange Juice: Drinking something citrus makes you feel more refresh and awake. When you are at this fragile time, citrus juices will make you feel better. Just remember how you drink orange juice for breakfast, don't you feel more refreshed? :)

Avoiding Wearing Black: Black is so depressing. For a color that suppose to symbolize respect, it is dark. Wear it during the funeral, but straight after, please don't. If you do, it makes your mood just go so much more down.

Go Out in Nature: The color green is the most easy one the eyes. It works just like pastels.

Eat Yogurt: Ok, this doesn't really do anything for your emotional well-being, but it does everything for your physical well being. It has protein, calcium, and a lot of vitamins and minerals plus good bacteria. Yogurt will make your face brighter which is very important since your face may be a bit red and puffy.

Try not to see it as their life ending but a journey that is just beginning: If you see as this, it will make the situation so much better. Depending on your thoughts of spirituality, think on the brighter side if you can.

Be in the Sun: When doing so, please wear sunblock, even if it is summer or winter. The sun brings more light back into your life, and also, it gives your skin some Vitamin D. :)

Whoever you are, I am sorry for your loss. I hate saying the word death since it sounds so depressing. Your loved one is safe from this world we call earth. Take it one day at a time and you will get happier. Best of wishes to you. Hugs and Kisses, somehow, every person we love will somehow come back to us. Not really physically, but they do.

With Love,
Violet Sar Bleu

"We only part to meet again."
"Life doesn't go on. Death goes on and it keeps going for thousands of years. Sorrow escapes, and happieness will restore"








Thursday, November 8, 2012

Heal the Worst Disease: Heartbreak: Classification 2

If you read my last post, you should know what this is about. If not, here I go. I will make posts about different types of heartbreaks and how to make yourself feel better, not exactly provide a cure.

Classification 2
Friendship Breakup: Mild to Severe
No one likes to lose a friend, but sometimes it happens. Albeit unintentially or we get into a big fight.

Talk: If you speak about anything on your mind, you will feel so much better. And this doesn't always have to be directed to a human, it can be to a wall, dog, anything. Sometimes, I believe that talking to something not human is actually better since they don't hold on to every word.

Oatmeal: Believe it or not, but oatmeal can actually make feel better. It's warm, cozy, and reminds you of home. This can reduce any stress (ahem, especially during an emotional time). This is specific towards  friendship breakup since it makes you feel in control and independent.

Macaroni and Cheese (and anything else you would like): The creamy and warmth of the Mac and Cheese pretty much does the same thing as a bowl of oats would, but more savory since oatmeal is grounded towards sweetness.

Ice Cream Sundae, Banana Split, or Frozen Yogurt: The milk in these items actually make you feel like you are on a full stomach. A full stomach is a happy stomach. A happy stomach is a happy person. However, try not to eat it right before you go to sleep and do not overeat.

Go Out and Explore the Town Alone: This forces you to make new friends. If you just stand there alone all by yourself, it will look suspicious/weird/creepy. Plus, you never know where you are going to go. AND, no need for compromise.

Time: The most successful medicine there is. It takes awhile to kick in, but once it does, it is definitely worth it.

Butterscotch soda: You can make it with soda water, butterscotch, and brown sugar. It is refreshing, sweet, and the holiday-esque spices make it all more cozy, perfect when your mind and body need a break.

Yoga: Believe it or not, being upset takes a lot of energy from your physical health. Yoga will help nurture it back to normal and make you calmer.

Caramel Candies: Does nothing for you but everything for you. I have this friend who makes delicious caramel, and whenever I am down, he brings caramel bites to me. To say the least, it makes my day a little brighter (ok, a lot brighter). "Sweet, but in a sticky situation. Here is your caramel fixation"- Quote he always writes on the jars of caramel he gives me

Anyway, friendship break ups can lead to friendship make ups, but sometimes it doesn't. However, best of wishes to you all.

With love,
Violet Sar Bleu

"We only part to meet again."




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Heal the Worst Disease: Heartbreak: Classification 1

Heartbreak is not technically a disease, but it gives a person probably the worst pain ever. This is a guide to not really "heal" heartbreak, but to make you feel better. I will make separate blogs in order to cover mosts classifications.

Classification 1
"Breakup That You Didn't See Coming". Severity: Medium

Everyone hates when a person decides to end a relationship without a reason or giving you a chance to resolve the problem. Of course, people have their own thoughts why it happens, but lets just try to get you to feel better.

Time: Time is not an immediate cure, but it really does heal all wounds. It can take how many days,weeks, etc. to get over that significant other, but you will stop mourning. Promise.

Coffee and Chocolate: Coffee actually relaxes your mind, just do not add any sugar since it can make your blood sugar spike up. Drink a cup of hot black coffee and your mind will feel calmer and more at ease. For chocolate, eat either dark chocolate or white chocolate and make sure it does not have too much sugar. Studies show that it releases happy chemicals. Eat chocolate :).

Songs of Mumford and Sons, Years Around the Sun, and Whitley: Great artists, calming music that express nature's beauty.

Sleep: Relax your mind and take a break from earth. Sleep quiets the whole world down and it is just you and yourself, no one else.

Horror Movies: Let's face it. Watching horror movies can get our minds off of anything. It will relieve any anger, and you will be living in the moment instead of dwelling on the past. Also, it will make you more alert and aware of your surroundings, not your mind.

Cry: Sooner or later, you are going to crack. Do it sooner so that it can get it our of your system and trust me, you may feel terrible straight afterward, but it will feel well a little later. Give it an hour or two.

New Clothes: Fresh new change will influence your mind. More temporary than a haircut and so much more forgiving.

Visit a Nursery Home: Old people make me feel better for some weird reason. They are wise and happy even though they are alone. This idea may be sound terrible, but once a wise person opens their mouth, it is priceless.

Friends: Once you are out of a relationship, your friends mean even more and trust me, good friend-time will make everything seem bright. Get the most out of it by having wild times.

Of course, this is specific to this classification. If you have it, best wishes to you :). It will get better.

With Love,

Violet Sar Bleu

P.S. We only part to meet again.




Monday, November 5, 2012

Satisfy Your Tummy ( and cravings!)

I have been wanting the most random foods, probably because I just ate a diet of fruits, veggies, wheat bread, soy milk, and water. And dessert, I have yogurt. Of course, eating healthy is good for us, but sometimes, we have to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of my favorite junk food. By the way, I am not encouraging unhealthy eating :).

Savory:

Animal Style Fries from In-N-Out Burger: The last time I went to In-N-Out was probably last summer, and animal style fries is my favorite thing on the menu. It is pretty much French fries topped with cheese and their spread. To say the least, the better version of the chili cheese fries.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Pickles: Before you say anything, try it first. It is not the healthiest food nor the unhealthiest, but there is something about the warmth and gooeisness that brings me back to my childhood. And the pickles? I just like pickles.

Toasted Bread with Vegemite: Vegemite is very salty and is an acquired taste. You just have to get used to it. This is so yummy to me, but don't fret if you don't like it.

Basko Udang with Bihun: Just your typical Indonesian shrimp ball with noodles. This is easy to eat, and I rather have this than chicken noodle soup, especially on a cold or sick day. Not really unhealthy, it is just comforting.

Fish and Chips: I used to live by the sea, and my uncle was a fisherman. Usually, he will bake the fish he caught that he coated with fried onions from a can, and he would also bake some potatoes into fries. This was probably my favorite meal as a kid living in the sea.

Gumbo with Dirty Rice: This is so yummy and flavorful. The best gumbo I ever had was probably when I got lost, there was a cafe right in the middle if the street. They gave me a huge bowl of gumbo with rice. Gumbo, if you don't know what it is, is a popular Cajun soup.

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Not the most complicated dish out there, but it is very easy eat. I just love mashed potatoes with gravy.

Sweet:

Root Beer Float: Vanilla ice cream with root bear, doesn't get any better than that unless you have your own personal soda jerk.

Banana Bread: My mom used to make this whenever we had overly ripe bananas. Sounds disgusting, but it tastes so good. It is a warm treat that makes any stomach happy. My mom usually adds chocolate chips and walnuts.

Neapolitan Shake: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry milkshake. Very sweet and careful, you might get a brain freeze.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: My friend's mother makes these all the time during parties and get-togethers. Some people even stuff their bags and purses with these cookies. By the end of the day, they are all gone. I don't even believe my friend ever had a cool cookie.

New York Cheesecake: No toppings, no syrups, just plain cheesecake. It is so creamy and dense, and I get mine from my local bakery which usually gives me free figs on the side.

Pastry Cream: It is so easy to make, and I can probably eat buckets of this stuff. Yes, it is that good. But, don't eat too much, because I had to learn my lesson the hard way (my jeans wouldn't fit)

Well, I hope I didn't cause your taste buds to linger in all different directions. :)
Anyway, happy eating.

With Love,

Violet Sar Bleu

P.S. We only part to meet again.