do what you love

banana republic cardigan, random jumpsuit from tj maxx, steve madden boots, target over the knee socks

OUR ONLY RESPONSIBILITY 

IN THIS LIFE

IS TO LIVE THE LIFE WE WERE

MEANT TO LIVE

TO FIND OUR DESTINY

AND LIVE OUR DREAMS

WHEN WE'RE ON THE RIGHT PATH

THE WRONG DOORS WILL CLOSE

THE RIGHT DOORS WILL OPEN

THE MOON AND STARS WILL ALIGN

AND OUR PASSION WILL GUIDE US

LISTEN TO YOUR SOUL

DO WHAT YOU LOVE

YOUR DESTINY IS WAITING

-MARY
BEHINDTHECHAIR.COM

okay I'm not good at being serious...a little running man to make the camera man laugh!

until next time,

-Lex

elbow holes and charisma

 

dress: urban renewal - urban outfitters

jacket: banana republic

watch: Nixon

peace sign bracelet: Lucky

necklace: a local boutique

 I recently purchased the O Oprah Magazine.  I don't purchase magazines on a regular basis like I used to, but it was a late night, at the grocery store, and the thought of a magazine was intriguing.  So as I was waiting in line, into the cart the strategically place O magazine landed.  I actually forgot I purchased it until a few days later and I decided why not, I'll take this to read on my lunch break.  Fast forward to my lunch break, as I am eating the usual Chipotle [black beans, chicken, guac and lettuce with a blackberry Izze] I came across an article written by Martha Beck.   Martha Beck is a life coach and writer.  side-note: My uber cool and extremely intelligent Auntie Keri used to work for Martha and is a Master Life Coach too.  My Auntie Keri is one of the gifts I received when I married my husband.  

The article by Martha was all about charisma titled "Unlock Your Inner Superstar" and as I was enjoying my Chipotle I was like "ok, tell me how Martha!".  Martha believes "every human being is innately charismatic.  But within a few months, or a few years, many children mask their real selves.  Charisma, you see, draws attention , and attention can be a problem."  She continues on with a four step plan:

Step 1: Strike a Pose

This step comes with a challenge to stand, sit and walk like the most charismatic person you know.

Step 2: When you get to the Brink...Keep Going

This step requires you to find a littoral zone in your life and step beyond it as if you had no doubt.

Step 3: Focus Outward

The jist of this step is people pay attention to people who are paying attention to them.

Step 4: Take Space and Make Space

Know when to take the spotlight and know when to back away.

To read the article, click here.

shoes: urban outfitters

Here's to all of us finding our in charismatic selves...

Until next time,

Lex

beware pickpockets and loose women

 [gap jean shorts, random brown tank, minnetonka moccasins, 

nixon green watch, vintage rings, br necklace]

I was recently introduced to the sweet potato fries at a locally owned bar called The Anchor.  The wait staff all have colorful, cool tats that make me want to jaunt next door for a little ink action.  The bar is in an old renovated building with cool brick walls and chalkboards.  Oh man do I love a large chalkboard.  When I was little I used to love to play school.  I was the teacher and I had make-believe students. For a chalkboard I would use the closet doors in my playroom.  My parents must have hated it because [I don't know why, it came right off] for Christmas, Santa brought me a very large chalkboard from the school supply store and a chalk holder.  I used to love to put on rings and rub the chalk holder between my hands to hear the click, click, click like a "real" teacher.  Ahh, childhood and the hours I spent talking to myself my students!  I've brought up the idea of painting one of the walls in our office with chalkboard paint to my husband.  He has yet to agree but I still think the topic is up for discussion.  The sheer joy a chalkboard wall would bring me!

 The bar has fun signs throughout like the one above and dirty jokes on the walls in the bathroom stalls. 

 

 

E and I have resurrected the acoustic version of this song.  Enjoy!

until next time
-Lex

cherry pasta recipe

I tried the cherry pasta recipe Free People featured on their blog.  If you haven't taken a gander at the Free People blog, you should pop on over.  I enjoy the Monday Quotes, the Tuesday Tunesday and now this sublime cherry pasta recipe.

                            [picture via Free People]

Recipe:

• 1 serving udon noodles
• 1 T evoo, plus more for sautéing
• 1/3 c sweet onion, chopped
• 1/3 c white balsamic vinegar
• 2 c arugula
• a few cherries, quartered
• 2-3 T chopped walnuts
• a few fresh basil leaves
• grated parmesan

1) Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in saucepan.  Boil for 5 minutes to reduce; remove from heat and let cool 5 to 10 minutes, until it thickens.  [You're making a balsamic reduction.]
2) Sauté onion over medium heat until browned.  Add arugula and sauté until wilted.
3) Cook udon noodles according to package directions.  Drain and return to pot.
4) Toss noodles with olive oil, onion, arugula, cherries, and walnuts.  Transfer to plate; drizzle with balsamic reduction.  Garnish with basil and parmesan, if desired.

I changed a few items in the recipe to cater it to my personal diet restrictions.  I used Brown Rice pasta and sauteed my onions and arugula in coconut oil.  The health benefits of this recipe are stellar and it tastes yummy too!  Try it!

until next time,
-Lex

A character is what he does

If you are looking for a good read,  I highly recommend "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller.  I have read it about four times now and gathered some great 'ah-ha" moments each time.

Author's Note:
If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn't cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers.  You wouldn't tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you'd seen.  The truth is, you wouldn't remember that movie a week later, except you'd feel robbed and want your money back.  Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo.
But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to feel meaningful.  The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won't make a life meaningful either.


Here is another one of my favorite stories from the book:
A couple of weeks later, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years.  We had some time, so we walked down to the Ugly Mug for coffee.  I caught him up on stuff in my life then asked what was going on in his.  He said he and his wife had a baby since he last saw me.  A little girl.  He pulled out his wallet and showed me pictures.  I asked him if it was scary being a father, and he told me, no, he loved it.  He said his life had gotten smaller.  His world had shrunk to his wife and his kid, and all that mattered was keeping them safe.
"Your wife must be loving you", I said.
My friend went on to say he was more in love with his wife than ever, which is not something men usually say to each other, even if it's true.  I don't know why we don't say those things, but we don't.  So I knew he must really be crazy about his wife.  He said he'd been preoccupied with work and hadn't paid much attention to life at home; but after the baby came, he saw his wife differently.
"She's amazing," my friend said, shaking his head.  "A baby came out of her body, for crying out loud.  And now she produces food.  She keeps the baby alive."
I asked him how his wife felt about all of this, thinking she must be excited to have her husband back.  My friend looked at me as though he were realizing he hadn't actually said anything to his wife.
"You haven't said anything?" I questioned.
"I guess I figured she knew," my friend suggested.

 
Enjoy!
-Lex

welcome to my latest daydream

I first heard of Coachella from the uber cool Senior Creative Director of Sassoon Academy, Sally Rogerson. My interest sensors were sparked and left me yearning for the experience. I tried talking some friends into going this year but it didn't work out [insert me pouting]. Next year my friends, next year I will be there in my paseo wellies. This year I'll just put Free People's playlist on repeat and daydream.

coachella playlist

[luckymag.com]

-Lex

me and my house alone...who says I can't get stoned

Sooo, here are some corners of my home.  Enjoy!

Thrifted - his buddy Bach hangs on the wall across from him!

My uncle drew in the '70's.

Kelly Wearstler books - need I say more?

Twilight Collection and the Magic 8 Ball Buddha. 

My new lovely bedspread.  Love it!

Antique Armoire.

Wall O' Art

Corner O' Art

Living Room and husbando.

-Lex