Diabetes Update

If you saw my last post, my cat Belle has diabetes. It's been a major change for me and her. She needs an injection every 12 hours and it's been emotionally exhausting for me. She was doing so well that she was given the all clear to try not getting insulin for two days. Unfortunately, her body still isn't producing enough insulin. If you'd like to help out with her medical expenses, you can click on the You Caring page I made, here or click on the image above.

Getty Visit

 I haven't been to The Getty Museum in a while, which is unfortunate. I forgot how massive and beautiful the views are. The gardens are new since the last time I was there. I took so many amazing photos. I really need to make time and enjoy Los Angeles more, I feel as though since I've moved here, I take less advantage of these amazing locations. 

"Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art" Exhibit

My mom took me to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum to see the "Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art" exhibition. It was a lovely exhibit with a variety of artifacts, artwork and photographs.

"Here's Looking at You" Restaurant Review

 I recently went to a new restaurant in Koreatown in Los Angeles called, "Here's Looking at You". I made the reservation based upon the fact that Casablanca is a fantastic film.The image above is the Hiramasa, which has radish, wakame, serrano, onion and charcoal. It was a delicious dish. Although it wasn't filling, this restaurant is all about the experience and the presentation. If you love to try food for the experience, this is definitely the place for you. Though you should eat something before you eat here or you'll spend over $300 trying to get full.

Above: Baby Octopus: la ratte potato, b&b celery, old bay
Below: Sunset Vampire: Regular-changing bourbon, organic tobacco-smoked Mexican Coke syrup

New Listing, Vintage Disney Ring!

I've had this Mickey Mouse ring for years and I finally have decided to sell it. I'm not sure which vintage shop I found it when I was in High School, but I've kept it for way too long and I've never worn it. I tried to do research on the ring, but I found nothing. So this is truly a one of a kind unique ring. It would be perfect for any Disney fan. You can click here or the image to see the listing.

Self Care Update

I decided to treat myself and buy a teapot and flowering peach tea. I purchased these pieces from the Bamboo Tea House. I am working on my self care since I'd had a lot of stress an responsibilities put on me and I have no support system to lean on, so I am working on supporting myself and being okay with just depending on myself. Here are some great affirmations to help you on your own self care.

•  I am never alone. The universe supports me and is with me at every step.
• Nothing stands in the way of my self-love. I can choose self-love now.
• I have my back.
• I choose to forgive myself and others and to let go of the past.
• I am gentle with myself and treat myself with kindness.
• My self care is worth making time for.
• I choose freedom over being a victim and to release all past pain and emotional baggage. 
• I choose to let go of what I can’t control.
• Financial success comes to me easily and effortlessly.
• Today is my day. There is no person, thing, event or activity that can destroy this day for me.

Upcoming Pop Up Shop in September

Margaret from Paper Pastries announced that she wanted to host shop owners' pop up shops at her stationary shop. I'll be her first shop there, I'll be having a special champagne cocktail and some special treats too. Be sure to visit, have some light refreshments and buy some vintage pieces for your home or gifts for your loved ones.

Date: Saturday, September 17, 2016

Location: Paper Pastries
1800 S Brand St
Ste 124
Glendale, CA 91204

Parking: There's a lot and also free street parking

*I will have a card reader to take cards and cash.

Recent Sales

I recently sold two vintage items earlier this month. I am also working on my wrapping and photography skills this year for a more cohesive look that reflects my branding and online presence. Not only do I include cute wrapping, I also add a thank you card, envelope, a free vintage charades card and my business card.

 I also sold the vintage trophy loving cup and I had a box and envelope that matched perfectly. The envelopes I have used are from Target dollar spot, the hamster card is also from Target in the stationary area, the heart sticker is from a local stationary store called, Paper Pastries and the striped wrapping paper is re-used tissue paper.

The beautiful vintage Celtic box also sold last week. I ended up making a custom box for this tin box since it was sturdy and not as fragile or heavy and the vintage items above.

Fun Q & A

Thank you to Fran for sharing this questionnaire, I was looking for more blog ideas and this helped me from my writer's block. You can read her answers here.

1. Would you rather never have internet access again or never be able to travel outside your home country again?
That's a difficult question. Though I would miss googling things and watching YouTube videos, I would rather be able to travel. The feeling of being trapped and not experiencing other cultures sounds awful!

2. What's your naughtiest habit during your working day?
Watching YouTube videos instead of doing my household chores.


3. Where do you do most of your people-watching?
At the gym, no one talks to each other but there are people that do weird stuff, like run awkwardly, walking around nude in the locker room. It's a weird place where I just have to keep my head down from all the uncomfortable situations.


4. On average, what time of day are you most happy and content?
When I get ready for bed and my cat is already waiting for my to give her cuddles.

5. What are some of your strangest pet peeves?
I hate when people make mouth sounds and chewing sounds when they eat. My ears can't take it. And when they open their mouths to each and make the noises louder, is just hell for me.


6. If you could choose, which decade would you have grown up in?
The 60s. I would have loved to have seen The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, and all the greats live and experience the change in American culture! Hence the photo above, I think I'd try my best to look like Cher.


7. Would you rather be Penny Crayon or have Bernards Watch?
I had to google, I guess Bernard's Watch? It feels like Zach Morris' time stopping powers.

8. Where can you be found at a big house party?
Next to the owner's pet, hanging out with them.

9. Which talent do you most envy in others?
The ability to experience and emotion and then move on. I tend to stay in a sad and unhappy "feeling" for a really long time and constantly trying to get out of it.


10. When and why did you start your blog?
I started it when I began selling on Etsy. I wanted people to see that I was a real person that they could trust and buy from.

11. What are your goals for 2016?
To work on manifesting the future I want for my life. Including worrying on my relationships, working out and eating better and keeping a budget.

Four Years Later

I've lived in Pasadena, California for four years, I didn't picture myself living here. I always pictured myself in a beach town, which is why I lived in Orange County for six years. But when I got a job that brought me out here I loved every moment, though it is very hard to meet people here and while I have made some friends it is still  part of Los Angeles, and in LA everyone is busy and no one has time for relaxing and just enjoying life. It's not as busy as New York, but people are busy and keep themselves busy. So just seeing if someone is free to hangout requires at least a month of planning.

Since moving here I've had three jobs and this is the longest I've ever lived in one apartment. Partly it's because I have a cat and I am just sick of moving every year. From 2006-2012 I moved nine times! Here are some photos I took during one of my walks around my town, I hope that one day I can raise my own family hear and really start making this place a real home.

My Skincare Routine

When I was younger I suffered with bad acne and scars from it throughout high school and college. In college I started using Murad and it worked so well that I no longer needed to use it. I thought I'd share my skin routine routine with you all. First are the exfoliators, the first is First Aid Beauty's Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay. I use this bout once a week. For days that I really feel my pores clogged I use Lush's Dark Angels. When I exfoliate but still see a bunch of blackheads in my pores, I use the Black Charcoal peel off mask from Daiso Japan. This is similar to the Biore Pore Strips, but in mask form. It takes a while to dry on your skin, but the results are worth it.

Then I use the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. The cleanser leaves my face feeling smooth and fresh and it smells like cucumber, which is fantastic! On some days, when I have free time I used the Fresh Rose Face Mask. This mask also smells amazing and really makes my skin feel fresh and helps with redness from acne. The moisturizer I use is the DDF oil free Moisturizing Dew. This is the only moisturizer that keep my skin from breaking out. I use it before I go to sleep and when I wake up in the morning. Finally I sometimes use the Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Corrector for acne spots that aren't going away as fast as I'd like. The results aren't very noticeable, but I still use it.

Once and a while when I see my face breaking out too much I use my Murad facial cleanser, but only about once or twice a year when I'm really stressed. Also, I always hear about Neutrogena but as a teen I found out I as allergic to it so I've usually gone to other company's that focus on my type of sensitive oily skin with dry patches throughout.

Lavender Cupcake Recipe

I made some cupcakes for work this week, below is the recipe I used, it makes one dozen. I used regular icing from the grocery store, I used a ziplock bag as a pastry bag to decorate the cupcakes. I also had four cute orange floral toothpicks to decorate a few of them too.

Lavender Cupcakes

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 Tbsp dried edible lavender
• 1 1/3 cups cake flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Lush Haul for the Summer

I decided to treat myself with a Lush shopping trip. I decided to get some new items for my bath.

Bath Bomb: Sakura

The scents of mimosa and jasmine with the feeling of spring. I haven't used it yet, but I love the scent! It smells relaxing and it's not overpowering. Click here to buy this bath balm. I will do a review after I've tried it out. 

Face And Body Cleanser: Angels on Bare Skin

The kaolin clay base deep-cleanses while finely ground almonds and lavender gently exfoliates dry skin. I really like this on my skin, it's great for face and body. Previously, I've used the Mask of Magnaminty, however it dries my skin every time I've used it. For another good cleanser you can try the charcoal based Dark Angels. To purchase Angels on Bare Skin cleanser, click here. 

Bubble Bar: Milky Bath

Moisturizing cocoa butter, skimmed milk and olive oil for supremely soft skin, with the scent of orange oil. his was very nice, I enjoyed the relaxing bubbles and foam that came out of just using a piece of this bar. Though, I did have to break up some of the pieces while I was in the bath. You can purchase this cute milk bottle shaped bar here.

Mt Cat is Diabetic

I noticed on Memorial Day weekend that my cat, Belle wasn't walking anymore and she started sleeping with her head on her water bowl looking so sad and sick. She was also rapidly losing weight. I was able to get her an appointment at the vet that Thursday and tests came in the following Tuesday. Belle is diabetic. I was and still am devastated, but at least there's treatment. I need to inject Belle with insulin every twelve hours for the rest of her life. It's sad and disappointing, but at least there's hope. She's been on insulin for about two weeks now and she is doing a lot better. On the first day of treatment she started walking again, and by the following week she was strong enough to jump on the sofa.
Lately she's been sleeping with me like she used to also. I wouldn't place her on my bed when I went to sleep because if she needed to go to the litter box during the night, he would have no way of getting down. She's getting used to getting an injection now every time she eats and although I'm sad that I can't go on vacation this year because my cat is my biggest priority. I'll just need to save up enough for a cat sitter who can give medication to my cat.
She just turned 15, so this is devastating news, but Belle is happier no that she's getting the care she needs and the ability to walk is the best news. She's also been gaining weight now and her fur is more full now that her blood glucose levels are better.
I hope that you can keep Belle in your thoughts, prayers and send her some good vibes. On my end, it's been extremely emotional, I have lost sleep, and my sanity during the first week, I was a complete mess! Now that I have to give her an injection twice a day, I have been home a lot more and had to cancel many plans and events that I can no longer attend due to Belle's medical needs.

Pop Up Shop Wrap Up

This was my second pop up shop, my last was 2014. Well, it was very busy, I never had any quiet time, which was very different from my first pop up. In fact, although I created a check list, I was running late in the morning and I didn't look it over before I left. And in doing so, I didn't bring any water or food. Yes, on the hottest day of the year, I didn't bring any water or food, from 6:30am to 1pm, I was starving and so thirsty I was going to pass out. I also didn't have an umbrella, or a tent. And I was alone, so one one could get me some water or food. This was a massive mistake on my part! The photo above was my booth, set up and ready for sales at 6:45am.

 

This is my booth around noon. Happily, I sold my carpet, a Heinz tin, clothes, a beach chair, a few planters, a weight scale, a guitar stand and the pieces that are below. They are marked "inactive" because I had to remove them from seasand.etsy.com after they sold. I will be making a video on my Youtube channel, http://www.youtube.com/c/ClaudiaSandoval83 talking about my experience in depth, there was a lot to go over and it may be too long for just a blog post.

 Though I will say that next time I do a pop up shop, I will be packing a lunch, a lot of water and asking someone to stop by to help me pack up, because people try to steal your merchandise when you're getting your car. And asking the event attendant to "watch your stuff" may not work out, granted he did "watch" as a woman was trying to take my suitcase that I used to keep and move my merchandise and I had to jump out of my car, as it was moving, to stop her. Granted financially, I did make a profit and I got rid of many items that I no longer needed. I think that the next pop up shop that I do will be in an actual vintage flea marketplace (like my first pop up) and not a community yard sale.

Vintage Pop Up Shop in June!

Guess what! I'm doing a pop-up shop in June at the Sierra Madre Community Yard Sale. Mostly, because it's near the town where I live and It's a date that is perfect for me. If you'd like something from my shop, seasand.etsy.com you should buy it now, before it's too late. I have many new items and plenty to sell. If you're in the area, please stop by Booth 10 and say hi, I'd love to meet some of my followers, customers and readers! I'm very excited, my first pop-up was in 2014, you can read about it here and be sure to join my event page here.

Date: June 4, 2016
Time: 8AM - 12PM
Booth: #10
Location: Sierra Vista Park
Address: 611 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Join the Etsy Event Page: https://www.etsy.com/local/event/46352793511/sea-sand-vintage-pop-up-at-the-sierra-june-4

Duchamp to Pop Exhibition

 The Norton Simon Museum has had their exhibit, Duchamp to Pop since March and it will be at the Museum until August 29, 2016. The websites states, "For many of the 20th century’s greatest practitioners, the work of a singular artist exercised a potent influence—that artist is Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968). Duchamp to Pop draws from the Norton Simon Museum’s collection and rich archives of two seminal exhibitions in the early 1960s to illustrate Duchamp’s sway over Pop Art and its artists, especially Andy Warhol, Jim Dine and others."

To paraphrase, Duchamp’s definition of the everyday object as art, his wit and irony established him as the forefather of conceptual art. He was quintessential to the Pop Art movement, a moniker derived from the term “popular culture.”

The Norton Simon adds, "From the mid-1950s forward, Pop Art emerged as a response to the post-war acceleration of production and consumerism, and it became the predominant art movement of the 1960s. An inundation of media imagery and advertising led artists to reflect on the world as it was being marketed to them. At first glance, Pop Art can be seen as the antithesis of conceptual art, but below its slick surface, it is a thoughtful, occasionally flippant, critique of commerce and advertising. The use and depiction of everyday items allowed Pop artists to challenge the nature of marketing, explore identity representation and counter the heavy-handed emotional intensity of previous generations, such as the Abstract Expressionists."

Everyone should checkout this exhibition, which includes artwork from: Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Dine, Ed Ruscha and Joe Goode.

Foundation Search and Reviews

It's my birthday and I decided to go to Sephora to pick up my gift and look for a new foundation. I am currently between another search. I loved my Temptu foundation, but when they changed to only premier airbrush, I had to find a less expensive and carry-on foundation. I tried the COVER FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation from Sephora back in 2012 and 2013 but it applied very cake-like and felt like clay on my face. It just was too heavy. I happily found the Vera Wang, Simply Vera at Kohl's. Then I found that I got less acne when I also use Maybelline Pure BB Cream. I did this for about two years, unfortunately I went to buy more and it is no longer sold at Kohl's. So I tried Lorac CC Cream. It had great reviews so I thought that it would be a perfect combination of the two I had been using. The Lorac did not work well with my skin, it smeared, didn't blend well and although the color fit me best, it just wasn't right. So I was on the search again.

Happily, the Bobbi Brown BB Cream was the first one I tried in Sephora and it has been perfect! I only need a small amount for the perfect amount of coverage. It gives me a healthy glow, does not smear or go on streaky. I am very pleased and I hope that my long time foundation search is over. I have been searching since 2012 and usually carrying about two or three different foundations in my purse, along with the Maybelline BB Cream. Which foundation do you use? Do you have any favorites that are discontinued too?

Belle's Quinceañera Photoshoot

 

 My cat Belle turned 15 this month! I can't believe that she's been with me since I was 18 years old, about to graduate from High School and now, I'm an adult with a career and my cat has been with me through everything. All the ups and downs of life, I've lived in a few different places but once she was able to stay with me for good, it was a big change.

Happily, Belle had been every sweet to me when I'm sad or upset. She even let me put this adorable dress I bought for her from MariaPril Collection. And the lovely crown is from The Fairy Factory Shop. Both shops sell on Etsy.com. I am so glad that Belle let me put these on her for her birthday photoshoot.

These beautiful photos were taken by a friend of mine, Danielle. Danielle is a photographer and a social media marketing consultant. To see more of her work and hire her, check out her website. She also has a website called Disney Darlings which is a blog and photography site all about Disney and Disneyland. I could tell was getting confused about the whole photoshoot, Danielle was very patient and and made Belle feel relaxed.

The cake is a Lotus Salmon Pate from Lotus Pet Food. It's Belle's favorite. The bull piñata is from Epcot Theme Park, Mexico. The tassel bunting is from Vromans Bookstore. The candles are from my local Stater Brothers Grocery Store. The Disney Tsum Tsums (Chip and Dumbo) are from Target.