Let Us Lead With Love

Brotherly Love

Family 

     A wise man once said, " Let us lead with love". If you step forth with love in your own life, towards others and in your overall outlook life is far more optimistically pleasant and the world is simply a better place. There are too many definitions of love to count but beyond the constraints of religions, politics or the mentality of a population of the society I instead turn to love in it's purest root.

Congrats!

     Love is passion and affection for another. Love is amorous and ardent. Agape is the Greek word for a love that is both spiritual, unconditional and crosses all dimensions. Many cultures believe we are fated for one another and our love is written through the stars. Love means that you can't imagine life without them. Love means you'd take bullet for them.  It knows no sex, no gender, no race, no religion, and no distance. It knows only when a match is perfectly made that can grow and foster hopes and joy. Love is incredibly hard to describe but you know it when you see it and I was fortunate enough to see it first hand near the end of June.

     Danny's brother Mike met the love of his life, Justin. We were fortunate enough to be a part of the wedding and share in a joyous, once in a lifetime moment. It's evident how much happiness they bring to one another during those beautifully,  wonderful moments and yet how much support they offer during all the trials and tests.  People can say what they want but love know no bounds and it purely radiates in its truest form between this couple. Words cannot express how proud, elated, supportive and happy we are of them both. This blog post is very late and I do apologize that it became lost in my busy schedule. I see it as a post that must be made not only for celebration but as a voice for the purest meaning of love. So may I say congrats to the blissfully, ardent couple and may we all lead with love in life.

House Warming

Hall

Koll Center

    First off let me apologize because it's simply been far too long and I swear I shall be better. There have just been SO many things happening all at once. Many of which I will inform and update you of in the next few weeks as to stagger them and not overload anyone's cranium. First and foremost we moved to a new apartment!

Bedroom

Housewarming Party

     Its absolutely amazing- more space, less rent, outdoor space and still downtown! Once we painted, moved and decorated we wanted to share the joy with our friends and as one of them said "warm the house". Thus we hosted a housewarming party that filled the space to the brim and put the grill to good use. It was truly a spectacular evening and I'd like to say thank you to all those who came. If you missed it, no worries we are planning to host a little somethin somethin every month or so. Keep your eye out!

Photo Wall

Outdoor Space

     Also many of you who knew we moved and don't live in the San Diego area have been asking about the new abode, specifically for details and pictures. Well here they are! The painting we did as well as the arrangements, framings, and little details. It took us a lot of time and effort but it looks great and it definitively feels like home. Hope you all enjoy!

Don't Shop ...ADOPT!

Walk for Animals happened to take place on Star Wars Day

     This past weekend Danny & I took part in the San Diego Humane Society Walk For Animals. All the proceeds raised from this event go to the of the Humane Society along with making sure those animals are adopted into loving families. It was a fantastic event!Vendors from local pet stores, activity groups, and rescue groups were present in full force. The Humane Society even put on activities to test your dogs agility abilities and intelligence with treat games. Bently had a field day.The Humane Society stands for something I deeply believe in which is the importance of animal adoption. There are thousands of wonderful and appreciative pets waiting to find a loving home who have sadly been abandoned, or relinquished. Yet we,(people) ridiculously resort to creating more an more that visually fit our desired specifications even though perfectly good options already exist.

Bently is ready to walk

     Too often individuals site a plethora of faulty excuses as for why not to adopt or why they'd rather just purchase from a store or a breeder. No dog is perfect and that includes your "perfect pedigree" pooch. People say all they have at pounds are disorderly or behavior issue dogs.There are dogs who need to be worked with more than others but this makes them no less valuable. You don't just give away your child if they are being a tad bratty. Nothing is stopping a dog from a breeder from being disorderly either. There are also dogs at shelters who are just nervous or just want love. If your worried about your ability to handle a dog who needs to be worked with pick one from a  shelter who just wants to please.
     People argue that the only dogs there are mutts and they want a specific breed. First place mutts are amazing and often healthier that "pure breeds". Secondly all of the precious cross-breeds out there (ie Labradoodle, etc) began as a "mutt" until someone certified them. Often pounds have pure breeds. Lets say though you have your heart set on a certain breed and the pound doesn't have that breed. You don't have to go to a breeder....go to a rescue! There are general animal rescue organizations and breed specific ones. I can guarantee you that there is a rescue organization that has the specific breed you want and this way you save a life.

Family Fun for a Cause

     It's obvious that I personally feel there is no reason to go to a breeder. The animals can have great personalities but so do pound hounds and I have never met a more appreciative creature. They value and understand what you've done for them. Just a side note I think it's ironic how so many people feel uncomfortable with talks of eugenics or gene selection(like picking your kids hair color) and yet they are perfectly content creating their own concoction to make the "perfect"breed.  I know- one's a dog and the other is a person but either way its gene manipulation by unnatural means. Just a thought to ponder. I'd rather just save a deserving life.

Fredrik

     So as many of you may know Bently was a rescue. He had been found wondering the brush fields near Chula Vista. He is lovable and absolutely brilliant with his common knowledge and quickly picking up commands. For the past year we've been seriously considering getting a second dog but it just never seemed to be the right time. There never seems to be a "right" time but then again there's no time like the present! So this past Sunday, May 5th we took a drive to the shelter with a few dogs to look at. One dog stood out in particular and upon Bently meeting him we knew Bently had picked his new little brother! Say hello to Fredrik- a 2 year old daschund mix. He's sweet and smart . It's evident he looks up to his brother and surely they will be lifelong pals. Cinco de Mayo will forever be the celebration of his adoption.

Best Friends

Ardent

Ardent(ar.dent)-
1. Having, expressive of, or characterized by intense feeling; passionate;fervent
2.intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic;zealous
3. vehement; fierce
4.burning, fiery, or hot

We live ardently. With passion and devotion. Seize the moment and make memories. This world can be scary, depressing and overwhelming but it can also be incredibly beautiful and richly full of joy. Its what you do and how you choose to live. Do not dwell on that which you cannot control. This includes differences in opinions as well as politics and everything in between. No one should worry themselves into sickness or isolation. Bad things are out there but that does not condone staying inside. Do not burn bridges or live with regret. Your interactions in life leave a permanent mark on many people.One can be their own worst enemy in this word. Be an ally.

We choose to make an imprint and live a life that is awe-striking upon review. Everyday we create an adventure big and small. We seize the day and value the precious pauses in life. Nothing is without worth and we choose to never hold back. One day we hope to look back and have a plethora of incredible adventures which we can regale tales of from dusk to dawn. 

We stand for that which we believe regardless of who is against us or the odds. Our conscious is clean by our beliefs, our efforts, and our actions. You can try to change the world but often the hardest part is changing stubborn hearts. Even though we ardently have our values we focus more-so on our own nuclear family which within we resignate our founding beliefs and policies. From their our passion flourishes and we can only hope to lead by example. 

The challenge is put forth for you to develop some character in your lives. Go have an adventure. Stand for a cause. Mend relationships and foster those you have. Appreciate the mundane. Ardent is more than just passion. It's the deepest form of something we can only relate to passion. It is an essence which ones soul is dependent upon and it is in our lives a principle we choose to live by.  

Phase 2: NO Animal Testing

 "Change the hearts of men and you change the culture"- Siddhartha

One of the Cruelty Free symbols

     As we continue our change into green and ethical living Phase 2 is "No Animal Testing". This is something I've always believed in and attempted but now that we make our own purchases we are ultimately in control of all our products. It is not my goal to stir up an discussion or controversy about testing in terms to medical things. Personally I wish they wouldn't test and I keep feeling there must be some other way especially with all of our technology but that's not the focus of this post. This phase is about common day products that are not "needed" and therefor there is no "need" to have animal testing especially when there are non tested options of the same quality and price. Not only do I think of animal testing as vile, and unethical but I question how people can live with their furry friends and not feel guilty for using a product that their "cousin" suffered and died for. It's a bit of a smack in the face and we just can't stand for that.

Most Common Cruelty Free Symbol

     To find out what is and isn't tested you can easily look up products on a database here: http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/search.aspx?Testing=1&Range=1 . Now as you see the database is associated with PETA. Here is my disclaimer: PETA can be extreme-in NO way am I suggesting you support, donate or subscribe to them. I certainly don't. I am saying however that they have a very nifty database of all the companies that test, that don't test and those who are changing policies to not test. That being said just think of it as a tool. Now that I have made my disclaimer, it was an incredibly useful tool because I literally found the manufacturer, looked it up and definitively had an answer. Any products from companies that test received a blue dot on them and will be phased out like the chemical products from the previous post. Also more and more companies are clearly printing"Not Tested On Animals" or they put the heart/bunny symbol to signify the same thing. So keep an eye out for these markers.
     There are 2 critical things to remember. First companies do change policies. For instance ALMAY didn't test when I was in high school. Now since Revelon bought them they do and vice versa for Colgate-Palmolive. The second thing is sadly there are massive corporations that create an umbrella effect and by supporting a tributary you support the main source. Some company giants such as Proctor & Gamble, Clorox, Johnson&Johnson, SC Johnson and Gillette all test. When you start looking at the distributors of your products you will realize how many smaller companies, (such as Johnson & Johnson owning Neutragenia) are under their umbrella. Support of any of those companies supports the giant that tests. The other aspect is that regardless of the product all the funds go to support the same source so even though they are not testing feminine hygiene products on puppies that money supports that action. Therefor by association those products are eliminated as well since to bring attention to this evil they will only notice a drop in dollar signs. To bring change the corporations' financing must receive a hit and those companies who do not test deserve a boost.

"Please DON'T let my cousin be tested on!"

     You may be thinking, "Well what am I supposed to use then?". That database also lists companies by product type of those who do NOT test so you can always look up options there.Once you know the good and bad "parent" companies you can judge primarily with that.There are also apps for your your phone to be convenient when you're out and about. Fortunately we live in a world where there is a plethora of options and there's this new fangeled thing called the Internet.The best thing is the NON tested products don't cost any more and work just as well

      If you have questions or what help in the change contact me and I'd be more than willing. Also as a side note please do not send, give or purchase anything for us under the companies that test because we cannot use them

Clean Living

"You do not inherit this world but instead it is loaned to you by your grandchildren"

    Those of you who know Danny & I know we really try to live clean, eat good food and live ethically respecting the precious world we've been blessed with while staying healthy and sane. The thing is it is very easy to have a belief and preach and a whole different thing to implement those beliefs entirely. It's not right of us to say one thing and only sort-a , kind-a do it. Well as of now that's no more. We are starting a clean sweep and plan do so in phases.

     So phase 1: Eliminate all toxic products. No we don't have an unventilated photo studio or open canisters of ammonia but some of the everyday products that everyone has contain chemicals that are almost as bad and unless you are a chemist or have an incredible memory for words good luck reading the back of the label to decipher it. So basically the 2 aspects we are looking at is the "Paraben Level" and the "Toxic Chemical Environmental Impact Level". Some studies say that the parabens and toxic levels cause things : asthma, migraines, nosebleeds, nausea, infertility, cancer and shortened lifespan. Of course there are other studies out there that say this is being over exaggerated. However what I have found after doing some research is that even if people claim it's being over exaggerated they do raise your risk and they are without a doubt bad for the environment when they go down the drain and eventually into the water. So, why not use something that not harmful, that's good for the planet and just in case lessens our risk. It certainly can't hurt.

     There is of course a safe level that is basically unavoidable unless you decide to start making your own products...which I'm not. The "Paraben Level" is on a 0-10 scale, 0 being good and 10 being deadly toxic. Anything that is a 4 or below is safe unless you have certain illnesses such as cancer running in your family then obviously lower if you can. The "Toxic Chemical Environmental Impact Level" is based on a  1-10 scale but this time the 10 means "best impact" and 1 means"worst impact". A safe level is a 7 or above. We went through all of our products, (cleaning, makeup, hair, etc) and found their levels. Anything we have that's not in the safe zone is getting phased out. By this I mean we will use the remaining amount ( because I refuse to waste product and money) and then never buy this item again. All new items purchased will follow this guideline. We actually only have to trade out a few things such as using aloe lotion instead of gel and finding a new laundry detergent along with a few other things.

     Now if I've gotten you a bit paranoid about what toxins may be lurking in your cabinet don't worry there's resources to check your products against. To find the "Paraben Level" go to http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ . For the "Toxic Chemical Environment Impact" visit http://www.goodguide.com/products . Remember you must really look it up based on each individual product and not the brand name because it varies greatly. If you are disposing of toxic materials please take them to the proper dumping location where they can be recycled or disposed of safely. If you don't know of a location it can be found at http://search.earth911.com/ . If you'd like more information about home made recipes, this clean movement of the documentary that spurred it all visit www.chemicalnation.com. Stay tuned for phase 2 as we proceed to make our little world a bit cleaner.

Paul Mitchell

     If you are friends with me via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram then you likely saw my announcement about enrolling in Paul Mitchell. For those of you who knew this was coming, well now it's public. For those of you who had no idea or perhaps are confused let me explain here and now so you understand without me answering the same questions 50 times over. For any skeptical people or negative nancy's - be quiet, no one wants to hear it.
     Danny and I have been discussing this on and off for a while now, in fact for about 1 year and a half. It just never seemed like the right timing, we weren't sure, excuses and therefor it kept getting shoved in a corner. The thing though is that it kept circling back to. Those of you who know us know we take stock in something like this. So we talked, looked at logistics and options along with what this could do for our future and obviously we decided yes. Thus I am enrolled. Classes begin June 4th,  Tues-Sat 9:30-5 for 10 months. At the end after I take my board I am certified in Cosmetology, (which no, its not JUST hair) and will have many important connections with a stellar name backing me such as Paul Mitchell.
     What does this mean career wise? Well first off, my art is not dead, dying or even whimpering. My personal work will always continue and there is no reason to think otherwise. This is not a completely new direction. If you were on a road it'd be more like veering left instead of a hard left. With my BA in Studio Art and minor in business this additional education will set me up perfectly to one day be a creative director. This means I could work the run way, fundraisers, hair shows and be in/near the same circles as John Paul and Angus Mitchell themselves. Along the way in case you didn't already know Cosmetologists can make good pay. Pay that we can put towards a house that can pay for our historic and classy taste that requires a pretty penny. It's a creative yet structured option that has measurable accomplishments and is a competitive atmosphere while still being flexible.
     I believe in opportunity, signs and interactions. To me these things shape our lives. There is never one path and there is never a wrong path. Success is what you make of it, as are your choices.