Expanding Your Lane

I think it was during high school when I first saw actors and musicians stepping out and doing more than what they were famous for: perfumes, clothing lines, bedding, etc. Of course you had everyone endorsing Coca-Cola every now and then and  the famous "Got Milk?" campaign. When it happened all at once, I started to get a teensy bit annoyed. I just didn't understand why they couldn't leave the clothing lines to actual clothing designers or why they'd put their name on a cologne they had nothing to do with. Why not stay in their own lane? Eventually, it hit me. Yes, these ventures were money makers but that wasn't the end of it. The majority of these celebs are right-brained and many right-brained people are interested in a million different artsy subjects.


In a recent interview,  actor James Franco shares his interests and recent accomplishments. James is one of those professional students. He's been a student of subjects such as American literature, French, philosophy, art, and the Holocaust. His schools include Yale, Columbia, UCLA, Warren Wilson College, and Brooklyn College. Recently, James was accepted to University of Houston to complete his PhD.  He's also the star of this summer's blockbuster hit Planet of the Apes. He was the co-host for this year's Academy Awards show and he was also a nominee. Funny thing is that he missed the 2011 Academy Award nominations annoucement because he had class! When asked why and how he does this, his answer was so simple and it resonated within me. He explained that he has a lot of interests and has made time for the things he loves. Hmmm. Whatever happened to making time for the things you love? It's so simple but we make it so hard. 


Now, I'm not saying wander from career to career. James Franco is an Academy Award nominated actor. I'm sure he can afford to go to all these schools and be just fine. However, I will say that it's important to have a plan for the things you're really interested in. It can be as simple as going to the zoo once a month to learn more about the animals you've loved since you were a kid. It could be visiting all 50 states before 50. It could be getting that degree you've always wanted. If you don't have a million interests and can focus on the few you have, that's great. If you're like me and have a million different interests but just have no idea how to channel them, here are some suggestions:

1. Write it down. Find some free time and go somewhere alone. Think about all the ideas that you've put on the seemingly endless To-Do list of your mind. This could take some time so don't be surprised if an hour passes and you're still writing. What do you love? What inspires you? You have a million dollars to do whatever you want with it. Write down all the words that come to mind no matter how simple they may seem. 

2. Finding the Connection. Find similarities between the words that are written. Group the words into sections based on those similarities. What makes the most sense when put together? The purpose of finding a connection is to help make the list seem less daunting. If you're able to break life-long dreams down into shorter spurts of daydreams, it's easier to get your head out of the clouds and start living those dreams out loud! 


3. Brainstorming Time. If you have a full time schedule, it's difficult to find time for things that you love. Sometimes, you literally have to brainstorm how to make time for the things that interest you. This blog is a prime example of brainstorming time. I work full time and by the time I get home, I just want to be a zombie and stare at the TV screen. However, it got to the point where I felt a something gnawing at my soul. All the DIY projects I'd been meaning to do, the recipes I would eventually try, and new articles I would write all became a figment of my imagination. I was consumed with work and my health. In life, you really need to make time for things that will help the unbearable become bearable. Even if it means carving out 1 hour out of the day to enjoy one thing on that list, do it. 


4. Be Realistic. Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: 1 bite at a time. Know your limits. I always read articles that talk about "setting realistic goals". Rome wasn't built in a day. You've just figured out all the interests you'd like to actively explore. You have a lifetime to explore. Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today but don't wear yourself out today to the point that you don't want to wake up tomorrow. 


I could continue with 5,6,7,8 on how to explore. Believe me, I'm really good at researching and learning new ways to do almost anything. However, I think I'll stop here. There's lot to think about and do from these exercises alone. I'm on vacation next week so I'll be back to the blogosphere in two weeks. Thanks for reading, by the way. It's been a fun first week back. 

-Dani

P.S. Please don't eat any elephants in the meantime. 

wait patiently. pray tenderly. love responsibly. forgive generously. 

dreams demure [#1]

"A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman but loose enough to prove you're a lady." -Edith Head

You just don't see a lot of modest fashion nowadays. It's out there though. Perhaps a weekly reminder might help. Keep in mind that body proportions play a HUGE role in what's okay/not okay for each individual. Here's my interpretation of how individual style is executed well while still being modest. I may not wear each and every style shown but I can def. respect the brainchild behind each look:

and last but not least....

 me :)

Photos c/o: Tumblr, Elle Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Calivintage.com, BrooklynBlonde.com, Stella&Cooper, Me :)

It's the Simple Things (Gratitude PhotoJournal):

God knows how much I adore Anthropologie. I saw this vase in their store a couple months back and fell in love with it but opted not to get it. I don't remember why. By the time I made it back home, I regretted not buying the vase. My birthday weekend rolled around and I went back to Anthro to spend some bday cash. While waiting to be rung up, I saw this very vase behind the register (as if it was being held for someone). I asked if it was being held for someone and the cashier said no. Deep down, I knew God was holding it for me as an extra special birthday gift ( as if turning 25 wasn't enough). I love seeing it when I wake up. It's a reminder that God delights in giving us the simple things we often forget about.

I have a really good sense of smell and my sensory memory is on point. Everytime I smell this air freshener, it reminds of one of my "big sisters" and how much I loved hanging with her. She was just so cool (still is, of course) but she used to have this in her car so of course, I now love the scent and keep it in my car too. When I get a whiff of it, I think of her!

After a long day of work and if the sun is still up by the time I leave my office, I come here to clear my head, listen to soothing music, and get in touch with God. Nature has a really calming effect on me. You can't really tell from the picture but the scenery goes on for miles and miles. This is just a snippet of God's beauty. I appreciate the work He's put in so that I can feel some peace and quiet.

I'm extremely grateful for one of my best friends encouraging me to figure out how to do my own mani/pedis. I've saved so much money thanks to her! Plus, picking out colors that you get to keep is fun!

It's so important to keep a reminder of God's Word somewhere around you. I wrote this in my planner as encouragement to get through a never-ending week of work, work, work!

Now Playing:

Artist: Melody Gardot
Song: Our Love Is Easy


Melody Gardot's voice has a way of calming and slowing me down. I'm appreciative. Check out her music. Her voice, thoughtful lyrics, and gorgeous instrumentation make for a magically exquisite mix. 

Chef Boyar-DANI: Fruit Salad

 One of my favorite summer dishes for breakfast or lunch (or dinner, for that matter) is a colorful fruit salad. I usually have a variation of fruits and veggies every day but I also do fruit smoothies since I'm usually on the go. A fruit salad is THE easiest dish in the entire world.  I'm obsessed with rainier cherries this season so I've been buying (and eating) them like crazy. You'll see a couple of them peeking out at the top! Bananas, mango, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwis, and oranges make up this fun mix! Make sure to incorporate fruits and veggies in your diet every day. Your body will thank you! :)

mon{diy}Day: jewelry art

So I have collected quite a bit of necklaces, bracelets and rings over the years. I do a pretty good job of keeping track of them however I can't tell you how many times I've had to detangle necklaces from one another! Can we say "annoying"?? So, I saw the jewelry art idea in a boutique and decided that I would do a similar version at home one day. FYI: I have plenty of friends who don't wear jewelry but still want to try something like this. This is a great project if you just want to have a really pretty bulletin board as well! No one's left out! :)

Supplies needed:

• Fabric
• Fabric Glue and/or Glue Gun
• Paint
• Picture Frame
• Pushpins
• Exacto Knife
• Scissors
• Paint Brush
• Ruler
• Corkboard

I was at the Goodwill considering this frame when I accidentally dropped. I figured since I broke it, I might as well buy it *shrug*. 

I took out the broken glass, picture and cardboard backing. Now, it's paint time!

                                          

 When you put the corkboard around the cardboard, you can attach the two with a stapler. 

**Note- Make sure you cut the cardboard backing (from the purchased frame) and cut it smaller. Use a ruler to measure it so that the cardboard, corkboard and fabric can all fit back into the frame. :)

Use the fabric glue to attach the fabric to the corkboard and secure with more staples! Then you should be able to securely stuff the completed board back into the frame! I messed up a little on this one but you can at least get the general idea. 

Here's the first one I did for my necklaces. I have another one to do for my necklaces so for now, they're a little crowded! haha :)

I took it outside of the closet just so you can see it with better light: 

Here it is hanging in the closet:

Fun project! :)

Stay Tuned...

I decided to pick up where I left off months ago. The past couple months have been interesting (for lack of a better word). I was so consumed with everything that one day, I looked up and it was August. I can't honestly say that I've taken time to enjoy the summer as much as I would've liked to. That's no way to live life. Summer is one of my favorite months and I've spent it cooped up in an office. If I were to continue this way, someday I'd look up and be 65 wondering where the time went. I won't allow that to be me. I started this blog with the intention of having fun, exploring my creative side, writing about things I'm interested in, and sharing with whosoever will read.  I'm considering the end of this month (aka next week) my starting point with the blog (for the second time)! Stay tuned and I hope you're enjoying your summer to the fullest!

Love,
Dani :)