Top 5 Tuesday-5 Ways to Get Out of a Funk

July 14, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / 1 Comment

Everyone from time to time gets in a funk. Personally, I do often. Here are some tips to stay positive and to keep your mind happy:

1) Go Herbal

Going herbal is a healthier option for your mind and body. Valerian Root is my personal favorite. It helps with insomnia and anxiety. I like to think of it as a natural version if Valium. St. John’s Wort is an antidepression and for mood disorders. Chamomile and Kava Kava are very calming and help take the edge off. You can take these in herbal teas and capsules. I get mine from Mrs. Mango’s.

2) Get a Pet

Many studies have shown that getting a pet can reduce stress in your life. Think about service dogs for PTSD patients or bringing a puppy into a nursing home or hospital. They put a smile on your face. It is a different kind of love. Plus, who does not want a cuddle buddy?

Web MD Pets and Depression

3) Words of affirmation

Yoda is my guru. This is one of my favorite quotes: Do or do not. I need friendly reminders to stay positive and motivated. When I lack the drive or feel lost, I will browse words of affirmations and quotes until I feel motivated again.

4) Get a hobby

I definitely have many hobbies. I draw, paint, wood work, write, play drums and take photos…. You name it! Baking is another hobby of mine. For others, going to the gym, hiking or playing soccer and being physically active are good hobbies to have. Having a hobby is something to look forward to. Like learning to play guitar, you have goals: Learn chords, learn a song, start a band! Find passion and a productive outlet.

5) Hygiene

When you are in a funk, you are probably in bed and have not brushed your hair, or feel like a mess. Get your ass in the shower and wash your hair. Blast some upbeat music and get dressed, brush your teeth and put on a nice outfit. Then, go outside and see the sunshine. It is the best way to start your day. There is something about feeling fresh and looking good that can lift your spirit. If you still aren’t feeling it, get a haircut.

If you still can’t get out of your funk, talk to a friend. You can also check your local resources online and find out about counseling or therapy. Many local colleges offer free services.

Music Monday – Everymen 07/09/2015 Cocoa Village Show at Dog and Bone British Pub

July 13, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

This was my first time seeing Everymen at a live show. They are a fun-loving sideshow punkrock band from Lake Worth, Florida and tour outside of Florida often. I remember coming to a show once but it was over and I missed everything. Everyone looked like they had a great time. Before the sweat, blood and music started, I asked everyone why they came tonight to see Everymen.

“The first time I saw them they spit whiskey and lit it on fire, then did the limbo with the standup bass while he was still playing. It is always a good live show with interaction with the crowd. Yeah! What what. But seriously, that guy over there, his cornrows are so cool that I want to lick the skin between the braids.” –Elisha

“They are always shirtless. I don’t really like them.” –Scott

“The standup bass guy is amazingly hot.” –Michelle

“Because they’re all amazing and I want a cuddle fest with them. Their music is amazing and they are great guys.” –Rosie

“The first time I met them, they played at a house party and played ‘My Milkshake Brings All The Boys To The Yard’ and they just bring everyone to the yard!” –Carrie

“They’re some of my good friends.” –I forgot who said this.

“They…..” phone rings and walks away. –Logan

“I have nothing better to do.” –Austin

“Facebook bonding.” –Daniel

“My friends are fans so I came to see their fans. They always put on a good show.” –Bryan

“They are awesome. They breathe fire and ride unicycles. They are a sideshow band and nice guys.” –Andrew

“I come here every Thursday.” –Mike (Totally saw him dancing and enjoying himself later)

“You told me to come.” –Jan

“Just ‘cuz.” -Gus Papa Jems

“My girl is here.” –Christian

“It is the last show of the tour and I know it will be amazing.” –Leah

“They play awesome music and have an amazing presentation. They all take their shirts off too. ” –Natalie

“To see my brother Mike D off. So, brews and hugs.” –Wolfy

“I love them. They are so unique and put on a good show. I always make sure to see them when they are here. I love their story.” –Tracy

“Because I fucking love them.”-Aubrey

“Becca made me and they are peaceful loving awesome dudes who bring out a great crowd. I get to listen to great music while I work.” –Andy

” A show at Dog N Bone is always a good time. Free show and no charge for ladies to drink upstairs. Threaten me with a good time!” –TJ

Reid gets hit in the face with a mic, “Shit happens at shows.” –Reid

While they covered TLC’s “Scrubs” in an elbow to elbow packed venue, I realized that every single person there was having a good time. My body was getting misted with their sweat and my gin and tonic spilled on my feet with each bump from the crowd. EVERYONE had a huge smile on their face. These guys have been away from home and on tour since the beginning of June. They are very interactive with the crowd. People sing in their mics and they crowd surf while rocking out. Blood, bangos and beards. It was a gnarly and rowdy good time. They stopped mid song at one point to break up a fight. Reid got a battle wound but went right back to rocking out and having fun.

By the end of the night, their shirtless sweaty bodies glistened under the smokey dim lights. Yes, they are all babes. The girls were right. Everyone was soaked in beer and sweet and wacking eachother with pool noodles. I walked away with their vinyl and a huge smile. So, now I know: Why would anybody go to an Everymen show? To have a great fucking time!

Everymen Website

Facebook aftermath:
Watch a video clip from the show!

Street Style Saturday-Bobbi’s at Parkside

July 11, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / 2 Comments

Bobbi’s at Parkside is a beautiful boutique facing the park in Cocoa Village. I must admit that I have sipped on a beer next door at The Village Idiot and popped in to see if there was anything I could wear for the evening without breaking the bank. Sure enough, I found a flowy black dress that I absolutely had to have.

I love that Cocoa Village is growing and with this new strip by the park, it is full of amazing new and previous businesses. You can spend the entire day here. Start off with a caramel macchiato at Ossorio’s, who makes their caramel from scratch! Then, you can walk over to Bobbi’s and try not to buy EVERYTHING! I have a serious weakness for her jewelry, which she travels outside of the country to inport and personally assist in the designs. Of course, you need a nice cold beer after shopping. We later took the ladies, Elisha and Christie, to Crush Eleven for drinks and dinner, but that is an entire other blog post. Yum! It was definitely a fun ladies night!

What I love about Bobbi’s is that they treat you like family and she is incredibly involved in the community. She is always giving back and throwing fun events to get others involved on giving back as well. Her shop is unique and there is always something for everyone. Styles range from bohemian to beachy chic while remaining affordable.

Hair by Misti Blu and Danni Gess from The Big Bang Studio

Makeup by Joyous Faces

Wardrobe and Jewelry from Bobbi’s at Parkside

Models: Elisha M & Christie Walker

Foodie Friday-Danni’s Easy 4 Ingredient Pignoli Cookies

July 10, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

One of my earliest memories growing up on Long Island is going to the local bakery with my Pop and our weekly order of Sunday morning pastries and hard seeded rolls. Back then bakeries were the only place where you could get your baked goods. In fact, I remember when supermarkets started adding bakeries to their stores and turning my nose to it. Baking is an art form. At the time, I couldn’t imagine people wanting to skip the experience of entering a wonderland of beautiful baked creations and the aroma of fresh bread. My siblings and I would fight over who got to go with Pop because we all knew the girl behind the counter would sometimes sneak a cookie to small children. Normally it was plain butter cookies but one time I managed to score a Pignoli Cookie.

Pignoli (pine nut) cookies have a perfect balance of a crispy outside and a softer, chewy interior that I’ve long tried to replicate. One of my favorite recipes was from Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook which involves A LOT of sugar. Not going to lie, it’s divine but hey, it’s Martha Friggin Stewart! Of course it’s perfection.

Though that recipe is wonderful and worth attempting, I wanted to share a simple 4 ingredient recipe that was quick and equally delicious. It presents as “special” and I often make it as a dessert for a dinner party because it goes so well with coffee or tea. This recipe only yields about a dozen cookies but you can double it with good results. The egg whites are what makes the cookies spread a little so if you enjoy a crispy thinner cookie go ahead an add the full 2 egg whites. Still delicious!

Preheat oven to 325
Place 2 oven racks in center and towards the top.

Almond paste 8oz carton
1 1/2 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 c pignoli nuts

Cut the almond paste into smaller pieces, add sugar and blend well with a hand mixer or food processor. Add egg whites and blend. On a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet place a heaping tablespoon. You can use a bakery bag and star tip but It does not have to look perfect. Carefully cover each mound with pignoli nuts.

I was gathering ingredients for a more complicated recipe. Then thought why not just 4 ingredients!

Bake on the center rack for 10 then move to upper shelf for 7 minutes or when tops look golden brown. Allow to thoroughly cool.
Easy enough?
Tell us what you think!

Beautiful Thursday-Theresa’s Antihumidity Makeup Must Haves

July 9, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / 1 Comment

1) Benefits Stay Flawless 15 hr Primer : Apply after moisturizer and before foundation. This product is also sweat proof and keeps all of your makeup in place all day! Perfect for a hot summer!

2) Becca’s Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème: This is great for a hot evening out. It is full coverage (don’t use powder over it, instead use a finishing spray) and is sweat and humidity resistant. It will last all night through dancing or outside parties without showing any flaws or being cakey.

3) Benefit’s Benetint in rose: This product is a little intimidating but it’s awesome! With the appearance of a nail polish, Benetint is actually a liquid blush. Make two X shapes on the apples of your cheeks and pat in with your ring finger. You will be left with natural rosy cheeks that will last you all day and night. It’s a stain and it’s not sticky. You can also apply it to your lips for a natural look. They come in 4 different colors. This one is the original.

4) NYX Matte Finishing Spray: This is something that I use everyday during the summertime. Mist over your finished makeup look for an all day zero shine finish. For the dry complexion girls, there is also a dewy finishing spray that is great and also made by NYX.

5) Kat Von D liquid lips in Lolita: It goes on like a lipgloss but finishes matte. It stays all day through sweat, heat and eating. It doesn’t budge! Matte lips have been all the rage but this one doesn’t dry your lips out and lasts. Lolita looks great with a tan over the summer.

6) Mario Badescu facial spray : Keep this in your bag over the season. It’s $5 at Ulta! It is filled with aloe, herbs and rose water and keeps your face hydrated while soothing your skin from the heat. Mist over makeup or natural face and neck.

Theresa Lanno is a licensed cosmetologist at The Big Bang Studio in Cocoa Village. She loves makeup and the beach! She is also a brow specialist.

Wanderlust Wednesday-Kelly Park Rock Springs

July 8, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

There are so many gorgeous springs all over Florida and being conveniently located near the ocean can sometimes make us forget. I hopped in the car last week and headed to Rock Springs. The springs are typically a clear and cool 70 degrees.

I googled Rock Springs and let my smart phone direct me there. When I arrived to the destination I was at a closed gate that had no water access. I parked my car and went to the website and got the correct address on the other side, about 12 miles around. I passed a Rock Springs Bar and Grill where you rent the tubes and paid $5 to get in. They do not rent tubes in the park or allow reentry.

That being said, I highly recommend you bring your own or stop at the bar and grill to rent tubes because there is a perfect float stream. I also highly suggest to arrive no later than 10am because they close at a certain capacity. When we left at 1pm the park was still closed.

It was a little brisk at first but after sitting in the sun it felt refreshing. It was very much worth the hour and a half drive and great to see my feet in the water. So clean!

Check out their website for the correct address and any other tips I may have missed!

Rock Springs Kelly Park

Top 5 Tuesday-Tattoo Care

July 7, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

Top 5 Ways To Preserve Your Tattoos During The Summer

Tips from Jamie Wong at The Big Bang Studio, written by Misti Blu Day

Aftercare: Always wash your hands before you wash your tattoo. Use a hypoallergenic antibacterial and fragrance-free soap. Do not use petroleum products for the first few days. Avoid swimming and over saturating your new tattoo in water. Let the skin heal naturally and do not pick at it or touch it.
UV Protection: Don’t wanna wear sunscreen? Put on a rash guard. They let your skin breath while keeping you cool. Rash guards are great but they can get a little pricey. If you know you’re going to be at the beach for an extended period of time, pack a umbrella. They’re great for a nice break from the sun. If you love your tattoos then you need to preserve them and protect them. I recommend using a higher SPF while not forgetting to reapply. Forgetting to reapply can be pretty easy when you’re having fun. It is important, especially in Florida, to make sure you have UVA and UVB protection.
Coffee Scrubs: I recommend Frank Body Brand. After a day in the sun, a good coffee scrub helps exfoliate and renew your skin. I usually do one 2 -3 time a week, after your tattoo has healed, of course.
Cocoa Butter: You can find cocoa butter in most retail stores. It’s really affordable and great for your skin. Preserve the life of your tattoo my keeping your skin nice and moisturized! I moisturize twice daily, all year long. When trying a new lotion, I suggest that you apply a small amount to your wrist and allowing it to sit for a few minutes. This will help determine if you will have a sensitivity to the lotion.
Hydrate: Keep you skin hydrated, not just externally with lotions but internally. Drink water! Especially in the summertime when you perspire more often or if you drink alcohol. Keeping your body hydrated is the best skin regime I can recommend.

*Jamie Wong is the owner of Jamie Wong Tattoos and an avid surfer and father from Cocoa, FL. Jamie also is very involved in the community. Check out his work: Jamie Wong Tattoos

Music Monday-Mixtape

July 6, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

Ramones – “Yea, Yea” Video
The Buzzcocks – “Ever Fallen In Love With Someone (You Shouldn’t’ve Fallen In Love With)?” Video
Alt J – “Warm Foothills” Video
Sia – “Elastic Heart” Video
The Kinks – “This Time Tomorrow” Video
Glass Animals – “Toes” Video
Maps & Atlases – “You and Me and The Mountain” Video
Rocky Votolato – “White Daisy Passing” Video
Bjork – “Hyperballad” Video
J. Mascis – “Listen To Me” Video
Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith of The Cure – “Not In Love” Video
The XX – “Night Time” Video
Lana Del Rey – “American” Video

Street Style Saturday-Upcycled T-shirt

July 4, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

I really hate throwing out things that I can rework. I have painted furniture, reworked old costume jewelry, created Cosplay costumes, pillows out of torn bed sheets, stuffed monsters out of socks but playing around with clothing you would wear as fashion? No.

I started seeing the shredded T-shirt tutorials about a couple years ago. Lace work out of old T-shirts (I’m particularly fond of ’90s and ’00s reworked concert T-shirts) have a fun summertime feel that can easily be accessorized or just worn to the beach. However, I am a mom of three boys and they are typically my guinea pigs. Not a fashion statement they were willing to make.

I decided to go to the thrift shop and hunt for a fun Fourth of July girl’s T-shirt to rework for Misti’s daughter. Shopping for a little girl: a rare treat!

I immediately found a sweet cap sleeved red T-shirt with an American flag that seemed perfect for the project. A whopping .49 cents!

I immediately went on Youtube to find an easy to follow tutorial. The one that seemed the easiest to follow was by Youtuber Ally McAlpine. I was particularly fond of her second look, which I attempted but the asymmetrical fringe shirt is a look was really cute as well. She had some great tips that I regrettably skipped and wished I hadn’t (do the soap chip step!).

Youtube Link
Ultimately, I was pleased with how fun it turned out and remarkably quick! About 20 minutes from start to finish.

Have you ever made a fringe T-shirt?

Tell us about your favorite design!

Foodie Friday-Mug Cake

July 3, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

My family has a wicked sweet tooth. Oh, and they are indiscriminate. If it’s sugary, they’ll eat it. I, however, am a little more discerning. I try to limit myself to once a week and small portions.
This is how I became obsessed with Microwavable Mug Cakes. Admittedly, it took a little while to find the right balance of ingredients, timing and containers that would create a moist, fluffy cake.
I usally use my Godiva superwide mug and cook for 2 minutes but I wanted to create something fun for the holiday.

For this, I needed an extra 15 seconds but set your timer for 2 minutes (since power varies) and take a look.

Chocolate Microwavable Mug Cake

1/4 cup Flour
5 tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
dash of Vanilla extract and salt

Stir ingredients in a LARGE mug. Microwave for about 2 minutes until puffed and done.

Allow to cool (or not!) add ice cream, whipped cream, and berries.

Enjoy!!!!