Michaela Blaney's Blog, page 2

Flower Buying Tips

I have always wanted to go to the Downtown LA flower mart – it’s basically every flora you can imagine under one roof at wholesale prices.  It’s a little over whelming though so I insisted my florist friend (and extremely talented designer and prop stylist) Samantha to show me the lay of the land.

We explored a little and chatted about trends and different plant species I have never seen.  She also provided me with some ultimate tips for choosing the best quality flowers.  It’s like picking a watermelon…how do you?  Here’s how:

Tips when buying flowers at the flower market:


Smell the bucket and stems // If the smell off or gross then they aren’t fresh


Don’t buy flowers that are too open // The more buds the better as the more blossomed they are the sooner they will die (unless you are using them that day)


Feel the stems or leaves //  If they are firm then that means they are healthy


Ask if they have more in the back // The vendors will most likely have more of what you like in their back coolers…this means fresher flowers!


Bring Cash // You can make bulk and cash deals with the vendors so come prepared to bargain!


Don’t settle on the first you see // Shop around as another place might be cheaper or have a fresher batch

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TSA (Titty Screening Administration)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and as two women in our late 20s – it is important to be aware, but also be active. Having several people in our lives been either diagnosed, going through treatment, survived or had their lives taken from breast cancer, I think it is important that we all do what we can to stop it before it starts.

Thankfully, our friends over at ‘Fuck Cancer’ are supreme educators in early detection and education and have provided us with some helpful information form the TSA (Titty Screening Administration).

Fuck Cancer is all about prevention, early detection and supporting those affected by cancer. We are changing and impacting the cancer space by improving health outcomes through digital initiatives, programs, events and cutting edge research.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is not only about donating money but also making changes in our own lives to create a safer future for others and us. You can bet that we will be squeezing our nipples and looking for lumps tonight – thanks to the TSA guides below. Share these with your friends, sisters, cousins, mothers, grandmothers and women all around you to be active and preventative. Let’s hear it for the tits!

 

 

 

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.

FOR MORE FACTS AND INFORMATION ON EARLY DETECTION, SCREENING, AND RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER PLEASE VISIT:

National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCN) 
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 
American Cancer Society (ACS) Facts
American Cancer Society (ACS) Guides
Create an early detection plan; find a screening clinic 

 

VISIT THE FUCK CANCER WEBSITE



FUCK CANCER FACEBOOK



FUCK CANCER TWITTER



FUCK CANCER INSTAGRAM

 

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TSA (Titty Security Administration)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and as two women in our late 20s – it is important to be be aware, but also be active.  Having several people in our ives been either diagnosed, still suffering, survived or had their lives taken from breast cancer, I think it is important that we all do what we can to stop it before it starts.

Thankfully, our friends over at ‘Fuck Cancer’ are supreme educators in early detection and education and have provided us with some helpful information form the TSA (Titty Security Administration).

Fuck Cancer is all about prevention, early detection and supporting those affected by cancer. We are changing and impacting the cancer space by improving health outcomes through digital initiatives, programs, events and cutting edge research.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is not only about supporting monetarily but by making changes in our own lives to create a safer future for ourselves and others.  You can bet that we will be squeezing our nipples and looking for lumps tonight – thanks to the TSA guides below.  Share these with your friends, sisters, cousins, mothers, grandmothers and women all around you to be active and preventative.  Let’s here it for the tits!

 

 

 

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.

FOR MORE FACTS AND INFORMATION ON EARLY DETECTION, SCREENING, AND RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER PLEASE VISIT:

National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCN) 
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 
American Cancer Society (ACS) Facts
American Cancer Society (ACS) Guides
Create an early detection plan; find a screening clinic 

 

VISIT THE FUCK CANCER WEBSITE



FUCK CANCER FACEBOOK



FUCK CANCER TWITTER



FUCK CANCER INSTAGRAM

 

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Friday Five: BFF Edition

Bliss has been out for just over a week and it seems that everything in our vortex is all BFF related – which we are not complaining about!!!!!  There is nothing like friendship, having those bonds, and someone to always be by your side.  So this week’s Friday Five is all about celebrating it!

Our feature item is the BITNB “BFF Heart Crew” that is the perfect item to rock while grabbing tea with your bestie.  The photo opps are endless and the fun never ends.  Thankfully we will be doing a giveaway for a chance for you and your real-life BFF to win a set for the two of you (STAY TUNED)!

In addition to the ultimate apparel for you and your bestie, sipping some tea, wearing cute jewels and capturing the moment are just a few of the moments to enjoy with your bestie.  Shop our Friday Five BFF edition below:

Shop the Friday Five

Aloha //Lovers Tea // $8

Nothing like curling up with your bestie for a warm cup of tea and some trashy TV.  This Aloha Lovers tea is infused with fragrant fruits, Ayurvedic herbs, light spices, and premium tealeaves to beautify, protect & refresh.
BITNB // The “BFF” Heart Crew (Left) // $75

This sweatshirt does all of the talking.  Obviously if you are wearing it solo everyone will know you’re taken…by a BFF.  This is the perfect gift for your BFF and the BEST for photo opps.
KDJ //  Bae Necklace // $49

Because who needs a “bad” when you’ve got your bae’s.  This necklace is the modern day friendship necklace.
BITNB // The “BFF” Heart Crew (Right) // $75

Do we need to say it again – BFF FOR LIFE….and at the gym, or the movies, or at the mall, or lunch, or at home, or on the plane….
Fuijifilm // Instax Mini Instant Film Camera // $70

These days, capturing the moment means waiting 45 minutes to perfect your pose and choose the right filter.  Capture your moments for REAL with this instant film camera for candid memories of you and your BFF.

 

 

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7 Rules for Being an Awesome BFF

We recently (but sadly) completed our eastern part of the “Bliss Book Tour” and were overwhelmed by all of the love, positive feedback and support – we could not be more thankful.

While over in NYC we had a chance to stop by the offices of Cosmopolitan and chat everything Bliss and more importantly the Rules for being a BFF — right from mine and Shay’s own mouths.

This video is a candid capture of our friendship and how we keep close (and somewhat sane)

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Salad Base & Chicken Fennel Salad

We love nothing more then a tasty, hearty and healthy salad for lunch.  Filled with yumminess and texture.  But I am not the BIGGEST fan of store bought mixed greens – I find they wilt, or taste off and go bad WAY too fast.  This salad base stores well and can be eaten by itself but preferably I like it packed with the usual salad suspects.  Below is the EASY salad starter accompanied by one of my fast and favorite lunch time salads.

Salad Base

This can be stored for up to 4 days if it will make it that long in your fridge!

What You Will Need:

4 cups of kale chopped
3 cups of cooked and cooled quinoa
2 large lemons juiced
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Chop the kale so that is shredded and add to the cooled quinoa – mix thoroughly to incorporate.
Squeeze the juice of the 2 lemons all over the kale and quinoa and mix – add salt and pepper to taste.

This is the base to all your salads and is the canvas to yummy meals!

Kale and Fennel Chicken Salad

We always have pre-cooked chicken breasts on hand for fast meals – but this week the fennel was a new visitor in our fridge.What You Will Need:

1 1/2 cups kale & quinoa salad base
1/4 of a bulb of fennel
8 cherry tomatoes
1/4 of an avacado
1 small chicken breast
1 tbsp sliced almonds
dressing of choice

Directions:

Add the salad base and top with sliced fennel, haled cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado and sprinkle  on the almonds
Finish with a little of your favorite dressing and bon appetite!

You can add anything you want to make this salad your favorite and the best part is it travels well, doesn’t wilt and will still hold the crunch and flavor!

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Pumpkin Spice Muffins With Rachel Ray

The Bliss tour has been absolutely blissful for the both of us!  But for all of you who don’t have a copy, did you know that we have some of our favorite recipes in the book?!?!?! I know…whhhhaaaaaaat.

Shay dropped by the Rachel Ray show last week in NYC to promote the book and had some fun in the Kitchen with Rachel herself (did I mention she thought our Muffins were “AMAZING”…dead).

See this fun clip below of Shay and Rachel making muffins and the full recipe below!  Don’t forget to send us pictures of your culinary adventures.

Ingredients

3 cups gluten-free baking flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 eggs
2/3 cup applesauce
1⁄3 cup maple syrup
2⁄3 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 can pumpkin purée
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup golden raisins


Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg.

Add eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk and vanilla directly to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick. Using a plastic spatula, fold in the pumpkin, walnuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into each prepared cup to 3⁄4 full. Bake the muffins on the center rack for 25 minutes, rotating the tin 180 degrees halfway through. The finished muffins will be soft to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.

Let the muffins stand in the tin for 15 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely. Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

 

BUY YOUR COPY OF BLISS HERE

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4 Reasons to Speak Encouragement Over Bullying

With back-to-school commenced and settled Shay and I both know how high school can be.  We have both been on both sides of the bullying argument: being bullied and bullying so we understand how big it is with youth and even adults today.  Take for example being a celebrity and having strangers being overly critical about something or someone they know nothing about.  With the launch of Bliss – a story of finding your Bliss in your early 20s and nurturing friendships – this article is very important to us.

Read our in-house body image and self-love expert, Maddy Moon’s take on how we should encourage each other instead of bring one another down:

 

Let’s be real: it’s great to have firm beliefs. It’s awesome to believe in something so much that you stand by it through whatever obstacles come around and try to knock you off your belief-horse.

What’s not great is when you put others down because they don’t believe in the same things you do.

I’m talking about everything from haircuts to eating preferences to religion (or lack thereof) to the type of socks you wear to body shapes and to what books you read.

More than likely, you can agree with me that bullying doesn’t serve anybody very well, but what might not be so obvious is how easily “simple disagreements” can turn into forms of bullying, especially on the online space.

Have you ever been in a Facebook group that had such vicious members, you had to leave the group because you couldn’t handle the brash (and unnecessary) confrontation anymore? You’re not alone.

How about this one: have you ever read the comments of a YouTube video?

Cyber bullying had deterred the most passionate and out-spoken of people to crawl back inside of their shells, afraid of what others may write or say about them.

For some people, they are so turned off by the message somebody shares online, that they believe it’s appropriate to comment on the speaker’s unconventional haircut or mannerisms. Maybe they take a jab at their sexuality or race. When you’re hidding behind a computer screen, it’s so much easier to write something you wouldn’t dream of saying.

There’s also face-to-face bullying, which can lead to all sorts of traumatic experiences, including fights, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and emotional pain.

So many people in this world are good people. Authentically amazing and uplifting people are surrounding me at all times. But even the best of people can sometimes lose their head in a conversation over paleo versus veganism due to the passion in their hearts.

So how do we collectively remember to lift up each other regardless of what your own beliefs are? How do we encourage instead of bully? How do we peacefully agree to disagree? Here are four reasons we should all use a little bit more honey and a little less vinegar:

The Classic, Golden Rule  

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Why bother wasting precious energy on discouraging other people in the hallways at school, or in a forum online? That energy can be better spent in so many other ways including encouraging the forum members to “enlighten” themselves by seeking other information (a polite way of spreading your message without pointing you finger) or sending them some of your great educational resources. If you’re at school or work, choose to just stay quiet when you feel that bubbling energy of anger about to spill out. You can’t misunderstand silence.




Remember the Law of Attraction

Oh this is a good one- if you begin to bully others, then bullied you will be in some form or another. Nobody likes to be bullied in any form- verbally, emotionally, mentally, physically- but if you continue to choose fear over love, than you’re going to attract that back into your life. Speak encouragement and love to your peers so that you too will receive more of it in your life.
Bullying Is a Form of Insecurity 

Have you ever acted out angrily towards somebody in such a way that came across as defensive and brash? For most of us, we do this because we want to defend our beliefs out of fear. You see, nobody gets angry with somebody when they don’t feel threatened. When we feel like our beliefs are threatened, then we want to fight to protect them, even when it comes across as bullying. Next time you feel anger or frustration in your chest, remember that your insecurities are the source. Instead of acting out on them, take a step back and ask yourself why you’re so defensive. What is there to defend, really?




Bullying Doesn’t Have a Winner

People think that if only they could say the right thing at the right time, then they would win the argument. It very rarely works out this way. A bully never wins in the same way that the person being bullied doesn’t lose. It’s a pointless fight that leaves two people both feeling less-than and insecure. The bully generally never feels authentic bliss after putting somebody else down because that’s not how we work as humans. We only receive the type of emotional “life high” from helping others, which is the complete opposite of bullying.

Want to enrich your own life? Remember that being a bully will take you further away from that goal. If you want to fill your days with joy and purpose, remember that the people who surround you are a part of your journey. If you lift them up in every way you physically can the same will be brought back to you.

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Bliss Reveal: The Prologue

Let’s get lost. 

That was their goal for the night. Demi had just gotten her license, and they decided to drive around Vancouver in her dad‘s Mercedes without a plan. Windows down, wind in their hair, music blasting: freedom. This was what it was all about. Getting lost in their own world in their own city. You can’t really know a city until you‘re hopelessly lost in it.

The almost-summer night was clear and full of stars, and just warm enough to keep the windows open. They all smoked then — it was the coolest thing to do, right? — and laughed at how they must have looked, cruising down the road, a big car with three arms straight out the windows.

They headed downtown. They were too young to get into any of the cool bars and clubs, but were drawn to them anyway. The three friends gawked at the college kids and the beautiful people lined up outside. Seventeen was a frustrating age. They were so close to real life, but not quite there yet.

Demi headed south, over the Lions Gate Bridge, through Stanley Park, and made a detour into English Bay, where local hipsters and tourists sat on logs on the beach to smoke weed or cigarettes. The girls sat on the rocks, listened to the waves, and smoked without worrying about the smell. In the distance, they could make out yacht lights and the sound of the newest dance track — Bob Sinclar‘s “World, Hold On” — bouncing across the water.

“Party cruises,” said Demi. “House music. Hot guys. Tons of booze. Three hours of fun.” Demi was the most petite of the three of them — she bristled when Sophia or Leandra called her cute — with bright hazel eyes, a tiny dot of a nose, petal pink lips, and soft chestnut hair that she usually wore in a pony. She might look sweet and innocent, but then she opened her mouth.

“We should go on one!” said Leandra, the self-acknowledged sexiest of the trio, with lusciously shaped long limbs; high, hard melon boobs; bouncy, aggressively blond waves (they all agreed she went too light this time); and upturned green cat eyes that made strong men weak and smart boys stupid.

“Can we bring Jesse?” asked Sophia, gorgeous and exotic, mixed race (Irish and Philippino), tall, with nearly black thick hair, a killer smile, bottomless dark eyes, olive skin, and born-that-way  grace. When she walked, or sat, or just stood there, people stared at her. Jesse was her boyfriend. Even on the rare night they weren’t together, he was always on her mind. Demi and Leandra, who were currently single, spent so much time together they were like a couple themselves.

“If only we could just hop on one of those yachts and get out of here,” said Demi. They were all ready for high school to end, and real life to begin.

“And go where?” asked Leandra. “What place on earth could possibly be more exciting that Vancouver?“

The girls all howled with laughter at that one.

“Wherever we go, we’ll go together,” said Demi, throwing an arm around Leandra.

“Travel is definitely on my list. And Jesse’s,” said Sophia. “But you guys know what my number one priority is.” The others nodded. Sophia had wanted to be an actor since forever. Her parents were on the fence about her dream. They were in business, and thought acting was a major gamble. “But being successful and traveling go together,” she said. “When I‘m a Bond girl, for instance, I‘ll have to shoot in Tokyo, Milan, and Dubai.“

“Exactly,” said Demi. “I’ll meet you in whatever city and be your ‘normal person’ friend. Every celeb needs one.“

“I‘ll retire in Tuscany. But during my Oscar and Emmy years, we‘ll maintain a Hollywood base so I can drive my white Range Rover to lunch at Il Pastasio in Beverly Hills.” Sophia followed a lot of travel bloggers on Instagram. She knew the hot spots in L.A. “You guys can come, I guess. But only if you don‘t give me shit about my taking a thousand pictures. It’s not a choice. It’s a need.“

“It’s your addiction,” said Demi.

“It is,” said Sophia, whipping out her phone and snapping away. “Okay! Enough!“

“One more!“

They started laughing hysterically, and fell onto the sand. Sophia stood over Demi and Leandra, shooting away. “Stop!”  Demi was laughing so hard, she didn‘t making a sound.

“I‘m going to miss this when I move to New York,” said Leandra. “Or Washington,  D.C. I‘m torn. Do I want a Wall Street husband and live in a penthouse on Park Avenue, or should I marry a senator, and live in a town house on Dupont Circle? Decisions, decisions.” “That‘s your dream? Marrying a douche bag who‘ll dump you for a younger model in ten years, leaving you to raise the  brats by yourself?” asked Demi, grinning.

“A rich and powerful douche bag. And don‘t worry. I‘ll get a good settlement in the divorce.“

“Goes without saying.“

“What about you, Demi? ” asked Sophia. “What‘s the five-year plan?“

“Are we doing a college interview now?“

“Quit stalling.“

“I definitely want to be successful, not sure how. While I figure out what I want to do, I‘ll just hang out in Leandra’s town house, mooching off her rich husband.“

“We’ll find you space, like in a closet somewhere.“

“I can mooch off Sophia and Jesse, too, or be the hired caretaker of their villa in Tuscany.“

Leandra smiled. “Glad we’ve got it all figured out.“

The girls laughed on cue, but this whole conversation was making them a bit anxious. Longing for their lives to begin didn‘t mean they weren‘t scared shitless about it.

“We can have whatever we want, you realize,” reminded Sophia. “All we have to do is stay positive and never give up.“

Demi barked a laugh. “Right.“

“No, it‘s true,” said Leandra. “Don‘t you read all those quote boxes on Insta?“

“You mean, ‘Breathe it all in,’ ” she said sarcastically, and then took a deep inhale of her cigarette. ” ‘And love it all out’? ” The smoke streamed out.

Sophia said, “More like, ‘follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.’ “

“Who said that?” asked Demi. “The woman who wrote The Bullshit? I mean, The Secret?”

“What’s the alternative? Blow off bliss, live a boring life, get old and bitter, living alone with eight cats?“

“So the choice is ‘follow your bliss,‘ or ‘die alone, with cat drool on your chin,‘ ” said Demi.

“Yes,” said Sophia. “So why not go for it?“

W h y  no t ?

They decided “Why not?” would be their mantra for life. “Let’s make a pact,” said Leandra. “We promise to keep each other on track, follow our bliss, and love, honor, and cherish our friendship, from this day forward.“

“Is this a pact, or a vow?” asked Sophia. “Both.“

“To bliss,” said Demi. “And making out with men, getting drunk, and having the time of our lives.“

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Friday Five: Must Have Edition

We all have our favorite products or our list have must-haves.  Lately I have been so busy and running around there have been a few products that have gotten me through my days that I can not leave the house without.  These 5 happen to be them – and I love them all equally.

See why below:

Kevin.Murphy – UN.TANGLED // My naturally-brunette-now-ash-blond-hair is highly processed and very neglected in the moisture department.  My new go to hair style in a rush is a mega spritz of the leave in spray conditioner and a top knot.  My hair is strengthening, it’s softer, and it only takes minutes to do my hair now. MUST HAVE.
Jouer – Luminizing Moisture Tint // I fit in exercise when ever I have some space in my day (I suck at planning), so waking up and putting on a full face of makeup before the coffee shop will not fly.  This tinted moisturizer is the perfect coverage that leaves a warm and dewey after glow – and you can re-apply it through out the day.
Skin Laundry – Hydrating Masks // Coming home from a long day and having to finish off some work is no fun..these masks are a life saver and give me 20-minutes of spa like relaxation while finishing off some work on my laptop – just don’t answer the door… lol.
Kapuluan – Coconut Oil // This is your magic weapon.  Removes makeup, moisturizes skin, doubles as a hair mask, smells amazing and helps those in need with every purchase.  It’s basically a 10-in-1 and this brand rocks.
Cheeki – Snuggle Hard // I hate fussing around with underwear in the morning and I’m always on the hunt for one I can wear in sweats, jeans, dresses or skirts.  These are the real deal –  a sexy boy shirt like fit but zero lines and comfortable as hell!  They also come in these cute individual wrappers that are PERFECT for travel.

Visit our instagram to see our giveaway as well to win a must-haves gift bag!

What are YOUR must haves? Comment below!

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