What I am Loving Right Now /aka/ My Quest For Minimalism

I am always striving to become a minimalist, I just think life would be easier with less stuff! It hasn't been an easy journey for me, and I am not "quite" there yet, but in the past few years I have donated numerous bags of clothes to local homeless shelters, I have had three yard sales, I have given stuff away, I have sold a few items, I have had stuff on Craig's List, and I even have an appointment coming up at "Modern Millie" (103 Washington Street Salem, Ma 01970 #978-745-0231) in Salem to try to consigned some of my shoes and clothes for the first time (so excited about that). So as I am parting ways with some of my stuff it also makes me think about what I will not part with ,and what is some of the stuff of mine do I love right now (that I can share with you!) I love getting recommendations from people about their faves, so here are some of mine..that I will not be parting with ;)

Tempur-Pedic Pillow: Or "Tempy" as I so lovingly referred to it. I LOVE my Tempur-Pedic pillow so much I even travel with it. I seriously cannot sleep with out it. Anyone who knows me knows that I struggle with sleep, but Tempy has made a huge difference in my sleep life, I sleep better with it! I love my Tempur-Pedic bed as well, but I would part with the bed over the pillow if I had a choice...but hopefully I will never have to make that one ;)

My stationary bike, along with my ipod, and my borrowed Bose Headphones (thank you Dad :) ) : For my fellow "hipsters" you will understand how during recovery from surgery how out of shape you start feeling, because of the resting/ pain/ and recovery time. I miss working out so much (just the stress relief you get from it alone),  so having this bike in my house helps my mental and physical well being. I can't do my bike without my ipod...I LOVE music..it keeps me moving! Currently I am going through and old school Cyndi Lauper phase. Seriously how can you not love "True Colors"!  The Bose headphones drowns out everything else,so I am at one with the bike and my music. Also when I am belting out songs while I am riding I don't have to hear myself sing ;) Seriously these headphones rock....literally!! In my opinion best headphones around....clear music, no outside noise, and they feel so cozy and comfortable on your ears :)



My Fave "Beauties"!

Lancome Hypnose Mascara/ Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster: Ok this double duo actually makes you look like you have fake lashes..If you want big thick lashes and don't have them naturally these are the product to use!

gloMinerals (liquid foundation): When my friend/make-up artist Manda use this on me for my birthday, I couldn't believe how amazing my skin looked (seriously flawless), and it reflects flawless skin in photos too! It is only $35 and it has lasted me a year... I LOVE THIS STUFF! Plus you don't feel like you are wearing make up! I purchased my gloMinerals at Rouge Cosmetics in Salem MA (322 Derby St  # 978-740-1044) http://www.rouge.com/brands/gloMinerals.html



Wunder Budder Lip Balm: I have a blog post already dedicated to this product line (see "Made With Love"), but I do need to reiterate how much I love my WB lip balms! I just got the Chai Lip balm for my sister and I. So good! Not an overwhelming scent at all, but a hint of chai (yummy) and my lips never get chapped.  It is perfect to put on before lipstick or lip gloss! You can check out all the different products at http://www.wunderbudder.com/

GHD Iron: I love my hair iron! I have owned a lot of hair irons in the past, but this one is by far my favorite!  Straight hair or curly hair this is the iron for you! It keeps my locks either straight as a pin, or if I want the tousled curly look it can do that too (it may just take a few practice rounds to get it done right ;) ) I have had mine for two years, and it still works as good as new!
***Also a bonus hair tip! I have been doing Keratin treatments (both the 30 day one and the 3 months one) and it has made a huge difference on how manageable my hair is! No frizz, easier to style, makes hair shinier...best hair treatment I have ever done for myself.  My hair has never looked better or felt healthier.  Also makes color shinier and last longer! I get my Keratin Treatments at Karen Sutton Hair Studio (26 Hawkes Street in Marblehead #781-631-7603)

Cloud: This teddy bear has been through all of my 6 surgeries with me, (during my appendix surgery my surgeon even gave Cloud a wrist band and bandages which made me LMAO when I woke up). Cloud was right by my side with me 24/7 during all my most difficult times....I know i am 35, but I ain't ever parting with my teddy ;) You are never to old to have a teddy bear (especially when you are stuck in a hospital).

My Guitar: Well it's far from an amazing guitar..it's a pretty low-end acoustic Takamine guitar (was priced at $350 at Guitar Center when I bought it 5 years ago), but I bought with the intention to finally learn how to play, and that is what I have been trying to do with it since. I liked the sound it made, it had a rich warm tone and I picked it out all by myself (nothing more embarrassing then picking out a guitar when you don't know how to play it, and having the salesman tell me to play some chords to see if I liked the sound.... ;) ) I started lessons when I was in 5th grade and stopped before I was in 6th, I got distracted by my dance lessons (back then they were more fun to practice). Since I bought the guitar I have been taking lessons off and on as well as trying to pick up tips from my "musical friends". One day I hope to at least hit one open mic night and play one song, and then mission accomplished!

My Hat (from Salem): I bought it from a street vendor in SALEM during Halloween time (such an awesome time in Salem...well unless your trying to drive through the center of the city ;) ) My friends Nancy and  Nicole and I walked by this vendor while we were strolling the Salem haunted scene, and I fell for this hat the moment I saw it. I talked myself out of buying it and we walked away.....15 minutes later I convinced my girls to go back with me to buy that hat! Nineteen dollars and two years of wearing it (and still going strong)...was totally worth walking back for! Hats are awesome! The best invention for a bad hair day/ and or a rainy day!

Ok there is a lot more "stuff" I haven't added to this particular list that I love and will not part with, but it doesn't mean that each day I don't strive closer and closer to reaching my potential as a minimalist!

Beauty Queen!

I met Manda on my 35th birthday due to a gift my FABULOUS FRIEND Jaxson so kindly gave to me! The gift of beauty..what could be better than that!!!!!   Manda is an extremely talented make-up artist who made me look 25 instead of 35 that night...couldn't have asked for a better gift than that ;)  Manda did my make-up so amazingly well that  I went back the following week to "Rouge Cosmetics" in Salem, Ma and bought everything she used on me, because I loved how my make-up looked that night. Strangers seriously kept coming up to me on my birthday and complimenting my eyes (this is not a daily occurrence).  From the moment I met Manda I instantly liked her, she greeted me with a big smile, her big blue eyes, and her magnificent pink hair and made me feel like I was a princess for the night!

Having your make-up professionally done is quite the experience. It is one of the ultimate papering pleasures you can give to oneself.  Manda took her time to listen to what my vision was for my make-up for that evening..EYES EYES EYES (I love eyes, probably my favorite feature on people in general! They are just captivating windows, and I think when you make your eyes stand out with some make-up..watch out world here you come). I do a decent job with my make-up, but I knew what I always wanted to do, but did not know how to pull  it off on my own. She took her time picking out what she thought would be most flattering on me , explaining the process along the way, so not only was I getting pampered I was learning as well..BONUS! I left her that evening not only with a look that I was truly happy with, but with a new friend as well. (Both pictures above are from my birthday party with my make-up done by Manda)

                                                          Me, Jaxson, and Manda Dec. 2009

I feel very lucky that I scored and interview with this very busy and talented lady so I could tap her brain for beauty secrets that I can share with you! Get ready for the ......... MandaMonium!

S: What is the #1 make-up tip you would give woman?

M: Makeup is an art and form of expression... rules are meant to be broken... well MOST of them. Always wear a foundation that matches your skin tone though, because darker or lighter makes it look like you have makeup on and you can see that line from your face to your neck. You can always add color with bronzers and blushes!

S: What are the essentials every woman should have in their make-up bag?

M: Brushes!! Brushes are so important, people always say, my makeup never looks as good as when you do it. Brushes make the difference! A great liner and mascara are so important too. One of the best Mascara's our there is Great Lash by " Maybeline"... and it's like 5 bucks!

S: Is there a #1 rule when applying make-up for us woman to know?

M: BLEND BLEND BLEND!!! Again, brushes are key when it comes to this. You can either finger paint or paint with a brush! Which would you rather have on your face? 

 S: Make up remover..I feel is also an important part of my make-up routine. I hate when I can't get my make-up off, and have to scrub my face for a long time and still have remnants of make-up left-over. What would you recommend as a FANTASTIC make-up remover, or the best way to get make-up off at the end of the night?

M: Makeup remover and/or a great cleanser is key! You usually don't need an oil based remover unless you are removing waterproof products/mascara. I love "Nars Cleansing Milk" for removing makeup. You can tissue it off or rinse it off with water. I also think every woman should have cleansing towelettes next to or near their bedside table for nights when you are half asleep and then you realize you didn't wash your makeup off. "Korres" has some great ones, www.korres.com

S: What is the #1 question people ask you about make-up, and what is the answer to it? 

M:What am I doing wrong? NOTHING! Makeup is an art, it's all about what makes you feel fantastic! Practice makes perfect, and all those other cliches. Check out makeup in magazines, and then try to recreate it on yourself over and over again on some rainy Sunday!

S: What would you like to see in the future for you/MandaModium? 

M: More movies, many more music videos, and teaching. I'd love to do classes regularly, I love teaching! I'm also actually REALLY thinking about opening my own hair salon/beauty boutique!

S: Your own beauty boutique...I think you should definitely do that! Actually I think you are destined to do that..I know it would be a beauty mecca! I am already excited about it :) You could give lessons there as well!

S: Having hazel eyes myself I always want to bring out the green in them,what color eyeliner would make my green in my eyes stand out the most? 

M:You can make your eyes stand out with shadows and use black liner or fun colors too

Blue eyes: Plums and peachy orange shadows are great with blue eyes.
Green Eyes: Pinky tones and chocolatey brown liners for green eyes.
Brown Eyes: I love purple hues on brown eyes, but you can really wear almost anything!

S: Is there a lip color that looks good on everyone? The go to lip color for all us woman? 

M: I think Peach works well on most women. I don't think there is really ONE color for all women. Believe it or not, there is a red out there for almost everyone! Sometimes people just need to be a little brave  ;)

S: If I could change one thing on my face it would be for thicker , longer, darker eyelashes. How can I fake it best, and is the only answer fake lashes?  

M:There are millions of mascaras out there these days, and there are some amazing ones that bring forth length and volume for your lashes. Some of my favorites are two sided, one for length and one for volume. Two Timer from "The Balm" and "Stila's " Convertible Mascara. I also use lash revitalizers, "Revitalash" is a big one. You do have to be consistent and use it every night though!

 (Model photos from MandaMonium on FB..all Make-up on models done by Manda) 

You can find Manda on the web and MandaMonium also on Facebook:

 http://www.mandamonium.net 

http://www.facebook.com/MandaMoniumMakeup 

Manda is a make-up artist, stylist and model and one fabulous woman! She breathes fashion, style, beauty and creativity! She started at age fifteen doing make-up for her own modeling gigs and took off from there working runways, weddings, working for cosmetic companies, for magazines, and now currently she is working on a movie set.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend......V-Fit!

I met Vijay 3 1/2 years ago after I had my first hip surgery. I was two weeks post surgery, and was sent to my first physical therapy session. I was nervous about letting anyone get near my hip, because I was in some MAJOR pain. This is how I met Vijay. Vijay was my physical therapist and has been off and on for 3 years now ( post two hip surgeries.) He helped me get through one of the hardest times in my life. Not only was he my physical therapist he kind of became my therapist too.  Pain and mental health seriously go hand and hand. Pain takes a lot out of you, and he was a great support system for me and always kept me positive...and moving!
The one thing I always noticed about Vijay (aka V-Fit) is how much energy he has. He is a positive force to be reckoned with. He is highly in demand as a physical therapist, a personal trainer, and a club promoter at night. With his very busy work schedule he still shines with an exuberant glow, he is always smiling and laughing, and he is a person who is truly full of life. I lucked out having him as my physical therapist. I hope that once I am all better from my third surgery I can do some personal training with him, which in turn will make me strong enough to lead me to visit one of his clubs that he promotes, where I can go dance the night away...... ;)

Being someone who has always been active and who has also experienced first hand what happens when your body breaks down on you and you have to build it back up, I thought this interview would be interesting for everyone, because we all want are bodies to be working at optimal condition!

So here is the interview with the man who puts the V in fit ;)  V-Fit......................................

 S: Being both a physical therapist and a personal trainer what are the top three tips that you can provide to my readers that would be best for you to get your body in shape without hurting yourself? 

V:The best advice I can give can be summarized is one word: Consistency! As in partaking in your regular scheduled workouts, applying super effort during these workouts to attain maximal results and keeping proper form/technique vs lifting heavier weights. This will help achieve the optimal results.

S: What are the top mistakes people make while working out?

V: Lifting to heavy of weights, compromising form vs proper technique, complacent workouts vs challenging oneself and varying the routine, and poor posture while exercising.

S: How often should the average healthy person work- out  in a week to stay healthy and in shape?
V: I prescribe four days a week, but clients can get by with three.


S: What is your best tip to stay healthy?
V: Eat, exercise, and rest

S:What is the correct balance between doing Cardio workouts and weights for an average person trying to get into shape?
V: Forty minutes of cardio four times a week, and two days of upper body strengthening and two days of lower body would work well. 


S:What are the top 3 most effective exercises for a person to do?
V: Squats, Pullups, and Pushups


 S: How do you balance three jobs and do them all so well?

V: Being Effective, efficient use of my time, and I have the ability to multi-task.

S: What is your favorite thing about being a: Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer and Club Promoter:

 V:Restoring a patient to full functional capacity. Elevating a client to their fullest level fitness capability. Taking care of my clientele's needs and making sure their evening is flawless.

S: I know you also have worked both the winter and summer X-Games for the last several years, what do you do while you are there?

V: I perform PT evaluations/assessments, massage therapy, and stretching with the athletes!




S:What is the coolest story you can share from your experience at the X-Games?
V: Tough to quantify, but would say working with such an elite, high caliber athletes and being able to impact them positively to medal in their respective sport.

S: How did you get into club promotion? What is your favorite part about it?

V: An old colleague brought me into the nightlife business years ago as he knew I had a large social network...the rest is history!  My favorite part by far is providing the greatest customer satisfaction and knowing that someone had the best night out! 

 S: Since you know Boston pretty well...what is the best way to have a fun time in Boston?

 V: Start with a great dinner in the South End, drinks at one of our boutique hotels, followed by dancing the night away at one of our hot spots!

S:You seem to have a very balanced, healthy and happy life..What is your life motto you live by?

V: Live everyday as it is your last and remember that an optimist sees opportunity in danger.

Vijay Daryanani, PT, MS
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
781.962.6217
v_fit1@hotmail.com

Peace, Love, and now some more Understanding!

I know my posts/ interviews have to do with "My" City, but sometimes a woman needs to get out on the open road and that is what this woman did this past weekend! I went and celebrated the 41st Annual Yasgur Road Music Festival in Bethel NY! I made one music pilgrimage in the late 90's when I went to see Graceland (So Awesome...The Jungle Room was the best ;) ), and this past weekend (as you can see on the picture on the left) I placed my feet on the grass of Yasgur's Farm the original Site of The 1969 Woodstock Music Festival...if this pic was taken 41 years ago I would have been in the front row, and there would have been 499,999 other people with me...I think it was probably a little more peaceful when I was there, but then again maybe it wasn't ;).

The Music Festival I attended didn't take place at the "Woodstock" site, but just down the road on Yasgur Road in the woods...hippies/ and non hippies from all over took over for a weekend of free music , peace, and love, and this one I was alive for and attended!
The reason I was attending this event was "D" was asked to play there on Saturday night. So we got in the car and headed down to Bethel  for the weekend to see what all this hype was about .
Both D and I are huge fans of music, but I wouldn't describe either one of us as a hippie, so we had no idea what would be in store for us in Bethel!

We got there late Friday afternoon, and as we approached the town things were just different from back at home. Farm stands were on every corner instead of a starbucks. There were farms and land every which way, and definitely less houses and buildings, and definitely no malls just quaint little shops. We didn't even have cell phone reception...maybe we were back in 1969 without even knowing it. We pulled into our hotel which was straight out of the 1960's (I am still not sure if that was a good or bad thing ;) ) unloaded our luggage and change our clothes. "D" eyed my tie -dye t-shirt peaking out from my suitcase. I told him it was from L.A., a gift from my mom (now she is the queen hippie), and it had a guitar tie- dyed on it. In a moment I thought I would never see ,"D" put down his black T-shirt, and threw on my tie- dye, and out the door we went...hmmmmm I thought things were starting to getting a little "far out" ;)

Since I am still on a cane (recovering from my hip surgery) I didn't have to do a mile trek into the woods from the car (I got dropped off pretty much by the side of the stage), but on the way in I saw tents everywhere, people setting up stands to sell tie- dyed t -shirts, glow in the dark headbands, bouny balls, etc. A tractor driving around bringing people to different places, people walking without their shirts on (men only), people everywhere coming out of the woods, walking on the road, getting out of their cars. Even when we were driving down the road a 4 year old boy said to me through the window.."Peace out dude"..with the peace sign fingers and all! Where am I????   D set up our chairs next to our friends the J's (I will call them that for short) and we watched some very talented live music...FOR FREE!!! D also went to the "grill master" in the woods  (near the drum circle) and came back with some fresh corn on the cob, cherry tomatoes, and baked potatoes...all for FREE! So we sat,  laughed, listened, grooved, drank, and ate into the night!

Talk about people watching! There were people there from all walks of life. There was even someone who came here from Australia just for this event,( and we thought our 5 hour drive was a hike). There were the musicians, the lovers of music, the hippies, the druggies, the families, the curious, the neighbors and community, there were just people from all over.  This was the first time I have spent a large amount of time in the woods with a bunch of strangers (which some were highly intoxicated and not just on the music) and some actually down right frightened me at first. I am also technically "disabled" at the moment due to my surgery so navigating around strangers in the dark woods with a cane was "interesting". I have been to many concerts, bars, and places with lots of strangers, but this "group" had some of the strangest strangers ever, but never once did I feel unsafe, actually I felt the opposite. Unlike going to a local bar no one grabbed at me when they got drunk, there were no fights. Unlike the concerts I have been too everyone wanted to give me stuff for free; free food, free drinks, free pot if I wanted it (but I said no..just not my thing man)  It was just full of peole who wanted to listen to music and be peaceful. One guy asked me if I had an ashtray...he didn't want to liter the woods. I really loved all those crazy cats and chicks! So this is what peace feels like...its strange that I had to go to the woods in Bethel NY to find it, but it dose exist!

Night two: More of the same thing, but even more people!  D and one of the J's also grooved out that night. We also saw a Jimi Hendrix cover band and with Jimi grooving out in the background on a screen made out of a sheet , I am telling you, if you closed your eyes and listened.... I was transported back...I could see what my Dad saw at Woodstock 41 years ago...I was really truly getting it and it was "outta sight"!
My friend J who is an artist made these cool posters for the event, and I voluntereed to sell them, because A. I thought they were great, and that everyone should buy one (very cheap too... only $5) and..

                                                      B. It gave me a job at the festival since I wasn't allowed to sing on stage (which to me is totally crazy...I rock! ;) ), and it also gave me a chance to meet a lot of interesting people at the same time and truly take part in the festival! It's also how I got my official Woodstock nickname "Poster Girl" ;) (This is truly understood by The Miner, The Provider, and Cherry Tomato ;) )

I have heard about Woodstock all my life, I have seen the movie, heard my dad's stories, listen to the music, watch many clips about it, but just like when I first saw the Eiffel Tower, or the Colosseum..I didn't really get it until I saw it with my own eyes! This is what Peace and Love felt like. This is what life can be like if we were all a little less stressed out, and we all could" hang loose", and maybe just be a little kinder to one another. I am not saying that I dislike the life I have now and being in 2010, but there was something magical about being transported back to the 1960's for a weekend, and maybe if everyone got a chance to feel it, we would all be a lot more PEACEful!

Made With Love !

I am a lip balm, lip gloss, and lipstick junkie! If you just look in my purse you will be guaranteed to find at least 7 lip products in there at all times....I take my lips seriously! One day "D" randomly gave me a gift, he said his friend made it, and in his hands was my first introduction to Wunder Budder. It " had me at hello" with it's pretty, bright, and inviting packaging. Since I first put it on my lips I have put all other lip products aside!! I am in love with Wunder Budder! My lips have never felt so good! I put it on by itself and I have soft lips all day, and when I use lip gloss I will put my Wunder Budder on first as I primer. Seriously I don't leave home with out it!  

From the Wunder Budder website: http://www.wunderbudder.com/
 

"Wunder Budder officially began in 2002 based around our Original salve. We wanted to create an all natural multi-purpose super soft ,super smooth ,super awesome salve, with a bright and cheery label that fit our personality better than the standard browns and greens. So, that's what we did. We've expanded since then to offer more skin care and aromatherapy products made entirely of natural ingredients, in environmentally responsible packaging."

Lisa Bernardo is the founder and creator of Wunder Budder.  Just like her product packaging she is pretty, bright and has an inviting persona that makes you feel at ease when talking with her. It definitely was an adventure for her to get to the point to where she is now. With stops in Ireland and New Mexico to learn and experience Holistic Healing and Herbal Medicine through school, educating herself, and experimentation to create the product that she sells today  in Salem, MA.

So here is the interview with the creator of my favorite beauty product and a most "Wunderful" person and friend! There is no need to really "Budder" you up for this interview though, the product and the woman behind the product truly speak for itself.....

S:.How did you come up with the name Wunder Budder?

L: I can't remember exactly!  I was originally just naming what is now called the Original salve.  The consistency is closer to body butter than a traditional salve, and I wanted a name that showed that.  I can't remember how the Wunder came in... wonderful butter?  My cousin Kristy may have had something to do with it, but it was so long ago, it's a little cloudy now.

S:What is your dream flavor of Lip Balm? Have you created it yet or are you still working on it?

L: I've made all my dream flavors!  Black licorice (Black), ginger (Ginger Binge), cinnamon, peppermint  (Firecracker), and Chai.  I loved Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers when I was younger.  They had the best flavors!  When I moved onto natural lip balms, I wanted to make flavors that I couldn't find in stores.  Wait, no, I still want to make a coffee/mocha lip balm.  I'll be working on that some time this winter, using a coffee bean infused oil and essential oils for flavoring.

S: MMMMM...coffee/mocha lip balm..just the name alone has hooked me in ...can I place a purchase in advance ;)

S: What is your most important beauty/skincare advice?

L: This is a hard one!  Skin is the largest organ in the human body.. it's our living protective shield, and like all living things, it's constantly working towards a state of balance where it's happiest and can work the best.  Keeping it clean and healthy is the most important thing, and it's easy to do that as long as a person doesn't over-do it.  I know that sounds very vague, but specifics really depend on the individual.

S.What would you like to see for the future of Wunder Budder? Any new items you will be introducing soon?

L: This is another hard one!  I have different dreams for short term and for long term, but basically I'd love to just see Wunder Budder grow organically, with word of mouth helping it grow.  I'd eventually love for people to be seeking it out nationwide, but for now I'd just love to be somewhere and see a stranger using it!  

 I just released a new salve, Garden Grease, formulated specifically for gardener's hands in mind, but like my other salves it's multi-purpose. I'm always working on improving my newer releases, and creating new products, but for the near future I'll be focusing on face masks and aromatherapy blends.  I'd love to see them out before the end of the year.

S: Since this blog focuses mainly on Salem..Why did you open up shop in Salem?

L: Mostly because I live here (!), but Salem is home now.  When I moved here 8 years ago, I was just planning on sticking around for a year or so, but I fell in love.....  with Salem and with who is now my husband (Mike!).  I've met so many amazing people since I've been here, and I love being able to get almost everything I need in town, most of the time on foot.  I love the buildings and the history, I love that it's a tourist town, but also has a great local community.  It's an ideal place to start a business.

S: I know why I love Wunder Budder, but why do you think people should be using it?

L: This is too hard, I don't think I can answer this!  I'm not a good salesperson, and it's difficult for me to talk about Wunder Budder in a way to try to get people to use it.  But, I think I'm good at making products that work well, so I'd really like them to speak for themselves.  I guess I think people should try it, because I love Wunder Budder so much!  I love everything that I make (and wouldn't release them if I didn't) and I use most things on a regular basis.  I add "love" to all my ingredients list because although it may sound corny, it's absolutely true!

S:You have done an AWESOME thing, you invented a product/products and now are selling them. What tips could you share with others who have dreams to doing something like this?

L:Stop thinking about it and just do it!  Thinking and planning are definitely good steps, but then you just need to stop thinking and take the leap without worrying about the consequences or else you might just think about it forever.  Jump in and figure it out as you go.  It's empowering to take a chance and follow your dreams, whatever they are, whatever they lead to, and whether or not they work out as you'd hoped.

S: You have done something so many people want to do, create something you feel passionate about and share it with others. How does that success make you feel?

L: I love life, I really do.  Almost every day, I have a renewed sense of how lucky I am.   I feel really lucky to have an impulsive side of me which allows me to make big changes in my life and kind of deal with the consequences later as they appear, but also lucky to have such amazing support from the people in my life.  It's been a lot of hard work, and probably always will be, but I love it and it makes me feel good about everything in my life, even the things outside of Wunder Budder.

****You can buy all Wunder Budder products online at www.wunderbudder.com and Lisa will ship to anywhere in the continental US.  Outside of the continental US, she can ship anything except liquids.  She recently added a studio pick-up option on the website, so anyone who's local to Salem can make an appointment with her to come pick up their purchases.  Also, if someone wants to pay by check or cash, they can make an appointment with her to come check out the studio, test products, and see what they like.  Lisa would love to be able to do this more often.. right now the appointment times are mainly on Wednesdays, but she can be flexible when her schedule allows it.  Basically, she is open to getting Wunder Budder to people whatever way is easiest for them! :)

All salves and inhalers are available at Front Street Cafe.  The Two Girls Shop on Washington Street also has Original and Paramedic salves, and lip balms.  Roost carries some WB Products too!

Wunder Budder natural skincare and aromatherapy, made with LOVE in Salem, MA.
http://www.wunderbudder.com/


(Stay Tuned for a Part 2 to this post..The Tour of Wunder Budder Studio or Made With Love Part 2 ) ;)
(Photos from the wunderbudder website)
(Photos of me by me)

DELVIS..LIVE FROM OUR LIVING ROOM ! ;)

I met Delvis about 7 years ago..give or take a little. My next door neighbor at the time was playing a gig with his band Lee Harvey at the Edgewater Cafe  in Salem (which is no longer there). Being new neighbors I thought it would be fun to get to know my neighbor better as well as being entertained, so I went with some friends to the show. The opening act that night was a guy named Delvis. Delvis had his "Buddy Holly" glasses on, and a suit, and was singing a song about him getting any girl he wants. My first thoughts were
#1 Wow this guy definitely like to perform
#2 He may have a little bit of an ego
#3 but  he does have a really nice voice.
My friends and I were entertained for sure. After Delvis's set he came over to my table with my new neighbor, I told him he had a nice voice and he asked me to dance.

I saw Delvis performed out and about over the years.  I then injured my hip and was out of commission for awhile. Randomly two years later I got an email from him .. "How's it going? I haven't seen you in a while. Del"  .. ..that email led to a few more, than to coffee, and here we are a year and 8 months later in our apt chatting about him,and his music,which is what brought us together in the first place.

 I told Dennis recently that I thought Delvis was his real name for the first five years I knew him. When he gave me his phone number I put it in as Delvis. He laughed, but I know I am not the only one, because every time we go out people always come up and say "Hi Delvis".  Dennis was bestowed with the name Delvis by his friend Pete, because Dennis was born on Elvis's Birthday and he was born to rock. :)

"D" (my nickname for him...it makes it easier and  it covers all bases ;)) is one of the kindest human beings you will ever meet, and I am not saying that because I am biased, it just happens to be one of my most favorite qualities about him. He also is charming, funny, and a truly talented singer/songwriter/musician. I can say without a doubt that music fuels his soul. I have always loved music, but I have come to understand music on a whole different level once D and I started dating. Our living room is a music haven, it holds 6 guitars, a bass guitar, amps, LARGE speakers, a drum set, a speaker system for his ipod, a record player, a stereo system, and over a 1,000 records (if not more). Technically I should be a musician myself just by the "music fumes" from our living room ;)  Even though "D" is Dennis to me now, in my phone he will always be DELVIS!

So here it is the interview with my BF and the man who only really needs one name.....So let's rock!

S: What's the difference between Delvis/Dennis:

(long pause:))

D: The spelling ;)   Delvis is simply a cooler stage name than Dennis.  Delvis transformed me as an artist. I feel I became more of who I am from a creative, artistic standpoint once I was Delvis. It is hard to imagine a time when I wasn't Delvis, that is how much of an impact that it has had on my life.

S:What question would you like me to ask you, since I know most of the answers to the questions I want to ask you?

D: Do you think that Elvis is still alive?

S: Hahahaha! Ok, so do you think he is alive?

D:Yes!

S: Who do you look up to as your own personal music icons?

D:  Ted Snyder, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan,Warren Zevon, The Beatles, The Stones, The Byrds and of course Elvis


S: If there is one song you wish you could have written which one would it be?

D: Hmmmmmm...I guess this may seem obvious, but Stairway

S:Why?

D: Because it starts off so soft, but then it rocks so hard in the end , I could use this as a metaphor about me, but I will keep this PG

S: Haha



S: You are both a singer and a songwriter do you prefer one over another?

D: For me they go hand and hand....equally together.

S: What is your favorite song you written?

D: They are all my favorites, they are all my babies!


S: How do you stay calm singing in front of large groups of people, it seems so scary to me, I get butterflies in my stomach when you perform ,and I am not even up there?

D: I feel more calm as the show goes on. I try to be as prepared as possible and that lessens the nerves.

S:When you make it big as a rockstar what will your demands be? ;)

D: I would have to demand that a record player must be in my dressing room at all times, as well as planters cheeseballs, and Uppercrust Pizza.

S: I wouldn't have expected you to say anything else ;)

S: "The Road is My Home" is the CD you just released, is their a reason why you picked that title?

D: I feel I picked that title, because I thought it represented the place I was at that time. I wrote it four years ago, and the song "The Road Is My Home" still rings true in my heart.


S: What inspires you when writing a song?

D: It's hard to say because inspiration pops up when you least expect it. I have actually thought up songs in dreams that I finish when I wake up. One time I had written a song from a phrase that someone wrote on a  bathroom stall.

S:What song is that and what was the phrase?

D: "Brown Eyes" and the phrase is "Brown Eyes Couldn't Stop Me From Loving You"

                   (Brown Eyes Video/  Music By Delvis /Lyrics By Delvis...and the bathroom stall)


S: I had no idea that is where that song came from, see I learned something new about you tonight!

S: Do you have any advice for singer/songwriters who are just starting out?

D: A good way to practice would be to sing at karaokes, and then start  performing at local open mics, because that is where you can start making connections with other musicians or people who book gigs. Singing in the subway can also be a confidence booster, if you can do that you can do anything...just be prepared for how hot/cold it can get in there!

S: Do you like being interviewed by your girlfriend?

D: Of course, any time spent with you is worthwhile.....even during the times when you yell at me for not doing the dishes ;)

S: Awwwwww thank you, you are so sweet....and yes you should wash your dishes after you used them ;)

S: Any last Comments you would like to share?

D: Here is a quote I wrote "If you don't stick your foot out, you ain't gonna trip anybody"

and on that note .....Delvis has just left the building......well the living room ;)

Delvis CD Release Party: Friday August 6, 2010 at the Pickled Onion in Beverly w/ the Rockin Band "The Willows"!

You can check out Delvis's
music at www.myspace.com/delvisrocks

and on Facebook: DELVIS
delvisbooking@gmail.com 

(photos and video by Sarah)

One Person Can Make a Difference/ We Can All Make a Difference

I have known Brian Tronic for 5 1/2 years, but he is one of those guys you feel you have known your whole life. He is extremely smart, kind, and caring person. I feel very lucky to call him my friend.
I met Brian when we worked together at a learning center 5 1/2 years ago. We both have been teachers in our "past life" (Brian just graduated Law School). I was the Center Director of the learning center we worked at, and Brian was our most requested teacher (seriously some parents would only keep their kids enrolled at the center if Brian was their only tutor). Brian is brilliant! He can teach anything he wants, because he seems to have a true understanding for all things (I am not exaggerating at all,if you know him you would say the same), but Brian isn't just smart, his nature and persona makes him be able to teach the most difficult subject in the most basic way, so anyone can understand That is why he was such a requested teacher. Not only did Brian educate the kids of the North Shore area, he also did a two year teaching stint in Africa (2001-2003) when he joined the peace corps prior to me meeting him.

Africa! My dream destination, the one place in the world I feel I have to go to in my life...no matter what!  I was so fascinated by all of Brian Peace Corps stories, the adventures, the people, the experience. Brian was a math and physics teacher in the village of Kativani. He taught freshmen, sophomore, and junior classes that consisted of 40-60 children.  There were only only 4 classrooms in the school with one classroom per grade. I loved looking at the pictures, even the scary bug pic that completely freaked me out the first time I saw it (you can check that pic out on the "Sarah in the City" Facebook page under the "Blog Interviews" photo album). Come to find out after awhile that Brian started a non-profit organization for the kids in the village he taught in called the "Friends of Yumbuni'. I was so impressed to know that not only was my friend making a difference with the students he taught at our learning center, but he was changing children's lives across the world as well.

I really wanted to do this interview for two reasons  #1 His cause is truly a great one! Where a little can go a long way, and I feel more people should know about it  #2 He is someone from the North Shore who is doing fabulous things, and I wanted to share his story w/ you :)

We decide to do the interview at our favorite Restaurant "The Organic Garden" in Beverly (a raw food, vegetarian, and gluten free person dream restaurant # 978/922-0004  Organic Garden Cafe 294 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915)
We talked about his Foundation and his time in Africa while eating delicious food (best way to interview in my opinion). Brian as always came prepared with his photos from Africa (which he let me take a few pics of), and other info about his foundation, and I came w/ my list of questions. So here it is, my interview w/ Brian Tronic, the "Ultimate Teacher"!


S: What made you decide to join the Peace Corps?

B: I wanted to explore the world and have an adventure.....and I did!

S: Was Africa your first choice?

B: Actually I requested Nepal, but then I got a letter saying I was going to Kenya. I didn't know much about Africa, but I thought this should be fun and interesting, so I just went with it.

S: Where you scared about traveling so far away by yourself?  

B: Of course I was. I was afraid of the unknown, where will I be living, food, where would I be working, learning a new language and culture, trusting I will be able to find my way around a new place, being out of touch/communication with the people I rely on back home, and making new friends. The first few days I was very lonely in the village, and on the first night I actually got locked into my house (if you meet Brian you need to ask him about this story..it's a must hear!) My house consisted of a bed, no electricity, no bathroom (outhouse outside), no running water, and windows w/ metal bars. Once I got rescued from my house by two high school boys, figured out how to get around, and made some friends things started to get a lot better.

S: What inspired you to start this non-profit organization?

B: In my village their was a married couple who owned a restaurant that I went to daily. We would sit together and have tea, and they would teach me the local language Kikamba. They became my good friends. They had a son who worked at the restaurant who was in 8th grade. They wanted to send him to the school I taught at, but they could not afford it (no free High School, it's about $200 a year for a child to attend). After hearing this I spoke with my parents, and between myself and my parents we paid for Masila to go to High School. He was the first student I helped, and that is where it all began.  Unfortunately a year later I found out Masila parents both died, but Masila finished High School despite that happening. I actually just got an email from him yesterday saying that he now wants to go to a university, so he is the student we are now currently raising money for.

(Rough Cost to send a child from his village to a 2 year university is between $2,000-$3,000...I think I paid that in just text books for my own college education, and it actually could have been more)

S: How many children from Kativani that you have taught have gone on to college due to your program?

B: We have had one girl graduate with a business degree, and one boy graduate from a full on four year university. The boy was extremely bright, and it is very rare for someone to graduate from a 4 year university from the village I taught in.


S: What was your favorite experience during your time in Africa?

B: I really enjoyed teaching the kids. They had such a thirst for knowledge. They didn't even have text books, they really appreciated all the small things.  One day I brought a chess board to school, and played with a fellow teacher, the kids were fascinated by the game. At one point we had 80 plus kids surrounding us, and they were in awe. I went to Nairobi after that and bought 15 chessboards and started a chess club (about 1/2 the kids in the school joined) The advanced chess players started teaching the younger kids. We had tournaments at the end of every term, and the prize was their own chess board. They loved it!


S: Since you inspire me by all the great things you do to help others...what inspires you?

(long pause..;) )

B:People who follow their dreams. People who go and dare to live an exciting life, and not afraid to fail.  Many of these kids cannot get to school due to money, and they dream of an education, and I want to help people who make life work for them.

People helping others...showing true kindness...helping other people!









"Education for a Better Life."  
" Friends of Yumbuni, Inc. is a non-profit dedicated to helping
motivated high school students in Kenya attend colleges and
universities. 100% of our donations go directly to the students'
accounts at the colleges and universities in Kenya - our
administrative costs are covered by volunteers and the board of
directors."
http://friendsofyumbuni.com/

(photos from Africa provided by Brian Tronic/ photos of Brian taken by Sarah)