2010 ALREADY!?

I have so much product in my head its about to explode! It's hard to keep it all straight! Even though the current product on the shelves is 2008, 2009 is already completed and we have just begun the 2010 process! phew!

Last week, we began the first steps towards AMAZING 2010 product....IDEAS! What's a better way to get ideas than to go....SHOPPING!

The day started off with a fabulous lunch at a healthy organic restaurant. I not only had an amazing meal, but learned from my dear friend hannah, that swishing wheat grass in your mouth for one minute is great for your teeth!

We then tore up the streets of L.A. on a serious mission. It was a fun productive day pulling ideas for textures, fabrics, colors, styles and fits!

2010 is gonna be sick!

More 'shopping day' facts...

ELENA scored some sweet ALDO boots and ate GOLDEN SPOON FROZEN YOGURT for dinner.

HANNAH like always, found some humor with MAPLE SYRUP!

I named our car rental GPS navigator GLADYS. She talked a lot and led us around Los Angeles in circles. I also had some fun with some male MANNEQUINS..

if only those mannequins were REAL...wink wink ;)

DOUBLE TAKE OF THE DAY!

While some "old" people are struggling with functioning a cell phone, THIS GUY might as well be "Mr. Gadget!" Not to mention he is on a Harley! Go Gramps!

Me and a Makeover!

I was out at a club one night in Boston dancing the night away when out of nowhere I got approached by a nice looking woman with a clip board. In the quick introduction that she gave me, she told me that she was with a local magazine and they were doing a story called "stylist walks into a bar." They were interested in me for the article and wanted to know if I would be willing to come into "James Joseph Salon" that following day for a makeover. I wasn't sure If I heard her right with the loud music in the background because It seemed rather bizarre. But, I'm always down for an adventure and agreed to the makeover. The next day, I arrived at the salon and had no idea what I was getting myself into! I was a little nervous because I've always been pretty conservative with my hair because I never have time to get into a salon with all the traveling. Up keeping a hair do is not on my agenda! But, this was an experience of a lifetime! I put my hair into the stylists hands and I let them do what they do best!

All in all It was a great experience and the new look is fun!

Change is a GOOD thing!

You can also check the online coverage of the story at...

http://stuffatnight.com/boston/stuffatnight/archive/2007/10/05/a-stylist-walks-into-a-bar-a-makeover-story.aspx

DOUBLE TAKE OF THE DAY!

I know some people love to take their "pets" out and about...But, a PONY!??

I guess mini-vans come in handy for this beyond the imaginable!

HAHA!

DOWN AND OUT

"Be careful," are words that every snowboarder has heard. Reason being that snowboarding is an extreme and dangerous sport. Especially for professional snowboarders, who make a living by constantly putting their bodies on the line to progress the sport. Every pro snowboarder is a natural risk taker and loves the thrill that snowboarding offers. So "being careful" isn't an option, and that comes with consequences. As much as snowboarders look past the "risk" factor of snowboarding, injuries are inevitable and basically come along with the job description.

Injuries are never expected or wanted. But, accidents happen and here's my story.

It was another beautiful November day in Mammoth. Mammoth Mountain had only been open about a week and snow was still very sparse. But, it didn't seem to bother any of the riders because everyone was in complete euphoria about being able to snowboard again after a much anticipated winter. I was cruising down the slope having a blast with my friends, when out of nowhere, like a soldier in a mine field, a rock got the best of me. I was on the ground and felt it right away; a dislocated shoulder.

I can't even explain the feelings that came over me once I was in the hospital and it all hit me. I had been so prepared for the upcoming season and could not even believe what had just happened. The doctor said I would be out for six weeks and the chances of me re-dislocating was about 80 percent. He told me that surgery was unavoidable if I wanted to have a lasting career. But, I decided to take my chances and try to get through the up coming season.

The next few months, was more of a mental challenge for me than anything. I wore a tight-fitting brace underneath my clothes to hold my shoulder in place. I gave it my all to ride at my best to ride at my best despite my discomfort. But, in all my efforts, I ended up re-dislocating at the end of February and again at the US Open. The US Open was "the straw that broke the camels back" and I went decided to go in for surgery a couple weeks later.

UPDATE:

My recovery after surgery went really smooth. It was hard to be inactive for the first month but, it made me that much more anxious to start physical therapy. it's been 4 months since surgery and I'm feeling really good. Lots of rehab and gym visits have me feeling back to normal. It's hard not being able to ride at this point because I feel good. But, the doctor gave me a recover sentence of six months and that's what I have to do because I want to do this right.

I've learned to take positive experiences out of everything in life. As crushing as it was to get injured, I've learned a lot through this whole experience. Most importantly, I've developed a much more profound gratitude for my life.

What NOT to do: Advice through my mistakes

It's often said that we learn through our mistakes. Well, I made a mistake, suffered the consequences and learned a huge lesson. I now have the opportunity to share my story so you never have to have the same experience!!

When riding as a passenger on a motorcycle....

1. Wear pants- that was my first mistake

2. Observe where the tailpipe is- that was my second mistake

3. Never step of the motorcycle on the same side as the tailpipe- that was my third and most crucial mistake.

The third degree burn on my leg definitely put a damper on the beginning of my summer!!

So, next time your riding on the back of a motorcycle....remember!

:)hehe

Caffeine, the many ways to get my fix

The ubiquitous green circle symbol is everywhere! The impact that "Starbucks" has made in our society is fascinating. Starbucks has not only taken over the coffee consumers but it has also encouraged people to feed into the lifestyle of simply getting your daily fix.

I myself find great pleasure in my coffee rituals. Depending on my mood the type of drink varies.

1. Non-fat s/f vanilla latte- the morning "wake me up"

2. Non-fat s/f vanilla latte ( extra shot)- the morning after NO sleep "wake me up"

3. Non-fat s/f carmel misto- the "warm me up/pick me up"

4. Non-fat s/f vanilla ice coffee ( low ice)- the "cool me down/pick me up"

5. Non-fat chai latte- the "sweet craving warm me up"

6. Grande yerba matte latte- the "no milk today healthy kick warm me up/pick me up"

Some say caffeine is bad for you, well, I speak in terms that most everything is good for you in moderation. So indulge and feed your cravings! :)