iCT

One of my favorite and most inspirational blogs, iCiNG, has recently started this amazing project called the iCiNG Transformation Challenge. It's really a wonderful thing, we all make an effort to better ourselves within 21 days, we track our progress and encourage each other and you can even sign up for a daily newsletter. It's like a new years resolution, but better because the year has already had time to settle. Most of the changes people want to make include: Eating healthier, excersizing, working out emotional issues, opening up creatively, ect! For me, my personal goal is sort of like a spiritual journey and rebirth. I just turned 18, got out of a two year relationship, and just want to open up to life in general. I have suffered from depression and addiction in the past and I have lots of issues to work on and blocks. So far everyone has been making alot of progress(myself included!) and I'm really exited to be a part of it all. I left a comment on the challenge's "message board" to help others out with a technique I've been using, you guys may benefit from it as well. It is sort of a daily meditation session I practice...

[PS: I put useful links to some stuff if you're unfamiliar with some techniques or terms]

1. I sit down in a quiet place where I will be undisturbed. Light some inscence and get out a quartz crystal(it has purifying properties) and place it near me. Start out by taking some deep breaths to get relaxed.

2. Then I decide to do a tarot spread of a problem I am having or even just to find out what the problem is(you know how sometimes, you just feel like something’s not right?) I use a spread of four cards:

The First card represents the root of the problem
The Second, the attitude needed to understand how to solve it
The Third, what kind of results to expect
The Fourth, What I will learn and how things will continue.

After I get the spread, I get out a journal and write about what each card means to me in the sense and get a basic plan of what to work on.

3. Then I do an EFT session, I go for as many rounds as it takes and tap on EVERY little thought that comes in. After a few rounds of “Even though I… ; I completely love and accept myself” I change the mantra to “I will no longer…. ; I completely love and accept myself” OR “I am (something positive) ; I completely love and accept myself”

4. When I feel I have reached a level of letting go, I run my crystal all over the outside of my body, my “energy field” or “aura” and move in clockwise motions on each chakra. I end with a lot of positive affirmations and drink a big glass of water.

I hope this helps you guys, so far it has been the best form of self therapy.

Anyone seen the Darjeeling Limited? This quote has been a mantra of mine these past few days

“I think we should agree to be completely open to any new experiences, even if they sound scary and painful, can we agree to that?”

And having an open mind has really revolutionized my life. Anyway, I was thinking maybe we all could make an agreement to be open to new things during this challenge, what do you think?

Best of luck everyone!

Kitschy Kitchen: Grapefruit Cups

Ugh, I'm so sick of eating. I hate having to put food in my stomach and feel heavy and gross when I know it's useless crap from a package that will make me sick. I with I could just inhale scents with my mouth and the essence of the food I inhaled would sustain my body. If I must eat, let it be fruit. Ever get those days? Like right after you eat something heavy and junky? Well here is a delicious and simple recipie for something light and natural in a world of processed crap.


Grapefruit Cups

Ingredients:
one grapefruit
brown sugar



So first, gather these things as well as a knife, some alluminum muffin tins, and a cutting board or cloth to catch the juice.


Now, completely remove the fruit from the rind...


...Until you just got this


Put the pieces in an alluminum tin and sprinkle generously with brown sugar


Pop in the oven at 400 degrees for about 4-10 minutes depending on preference


Now, the waiting game.


All done!

There you have it, a simple and easy fruititarian snack.

Random Tips, Advice, Things to Do...

-Sew with waxed hemp string!
I used to sew with dental floss, but this is more durable.

-Start an inpiration book!
These do wonders for your creativity. Get an empty notebook and glue in pictures of anything that inspires you. Mine has fashion and items I think I can make, art that inspires me, random words that inspire me, anything!

-Give yourself a card!
If you need an extra lift, buy yourself an inexpensive card with an inpirational message(or make one!). I just gave one to myself, it says "Our greatest talents are yet to be discovered. There is nothing you can't do." Then put it somewhere on display and pretend someone madly in love with you gave it to you.

-Add a new decoration to your home!
Want a neat vase? Go to a liquor store where they have glass bottled soda, and get your favorite one. Sit down somewhere and slurp it all down, slowly, savoring the flavors like you would a good wine. Then on the way back home, pick some random flowers or even weeds growing in your area, and put them in the bottle with some water.

-Order a copy of Fighting For Our Lives!
From Crimethinc. It's free! And these words are always inspirational and uplifting.
A must read for anyone who loves freedom. If you have a few extra bucks, help them out by buying a book. All of their texts are worthwhile reading, I'd reccomend Off the Map, it's $2 and amazing!
get it for free here

This is cancer, right?

Marla Singer is a fictional character from the book and movie Fight Club.

Ever since I saw Fight Club when I was 14, Marla Singer has been a style muse to me. I'm attracted to eccentric, complex people and she is definitely one of them. I love that she is crazy and real and human, she is raw in a good way. So to celebrate the spirit of Marla, I made a quick guide to adding some of her style to your own.



Black bedhead hair: Tease or backcomb your hair, if it's black that's even better. A small plastic hair accessory, or one of those rubber bands with balls. Pigtails could work too.

Big Dark Sunglasses: The kind that cover half your face.

Thrift Store Dress: A light pink or other pastel color works, velvet blue or black and rose patterns look great too. If it's cold, thrown on a slouchy black jacket or cardigan.

Accessories: A cigarette(if you don't smoke, get candy cigarettes!), lipgloss ring, plastic kid's hair clips or rings.





Here I am wearing what I consider a marla-inspired outfit. The big glasses, dress(my mom's) is reminiscent of the bridesmaid's dress in the movie. My hair is somewhat messy.

What does your take on the Marla Singer style look like? I'd love to see pictures of other people's interpretations...

For further research into Marla Singer, check out:
Marla the Movie A short film based on Marla.


Marla Singer Fanlisting


That little bitch Marla SingerA critique on sexism and women's roles in Fight Club.


I Am Jack's VaginaAn essay defending Fight Club from misogynist claims


Marla SingerAnother essay on Ms. Singer


Description of Marla SingerLovely


Marla Singer's MyspaceCool chick who takes definite cues from marla singer in her dress, and pulls it off very nicely!


Marla Singer Fanclub

Summer is ready when you are.

I'm craving summertime. I'm craving the uv rays absorbing into my skin, craving popsicles, craving long drives, craving freedom, craving splashing in the waves, oh splashing in the waves! You have no idea how much I love to do this. Tiptoeing in slowly, wading farther and farther, riding the tides, tasting the salty water and being taken down a few times with the violence of it all. I didn't always like it. You see, I have Ichthyophobia(Speaking of, take a look at this! what the heck?) which is fear of fish. Yep, fear of fish. Ridiculous, I know. No, not phiranas. My main fear of them is the bass. I kid you not, I have nightmares about being subjected to the torture that is having my feet flopped on by them, mouth gaping open, fat body slapping, one eye gazing up. They freak me out, therefore I have avoided oceans and lakes and rivers all my life. It wasn't until last summer, when I went to Oceanside with my boyfriend and a friend of ours, that I decided to take a chance at wading. It was only after my boyfriend told me that since the waves push things forward, the fish have developed an instinct to stay away from them so they won't was up on shore and die, that I decided there might not be any fish in the water to try it. So yeah, for those summer afternoons when you just wanna hop in a car with someone you love for a great conversation, stop at the beach and romp in the waves as the sun's going down; I present to you this mix tape, just click it to listen!






What are your favorite summer tunes?