Tonight: Open Mic in DC

BloomBars has open Mic tonight in DC.

                                                                                              


Amateur poets, singers, comedians, or dancers can perform their talents.

There is no no fee to get in, but they do suggest a 5-10 dollar donation at the door.

The event begins at 9 p.m. tonight, and should be done by 11 p.m. tonight.

Located: 3222 11th St, NW at Kenyon

If you decide to check it out, I'd love to hear how it went! It's usually a fun event to attend.

*It's every Monday. If you miss it tonight, you can always go next week.

Art Venue

Today: There is a Free Artist Venue happening in DC
Price: Free
Time: 3-6 p.m.

(post walk reception from 5-6 p.m.)                                                      
Where: 2702 and 2902 Georgia Avenue, NW
What: The Georgia Avenue Window Walk will feature Artists John Grunwell, and Emily Sloat Shaw. 


It's a beautiful Sunday to come down to DC and check out the art venue. Bring yourself, or friends. 


Hope you all enjoy! 

Fall Decor

I was looking around my room/ house, and decided I want to change things up with the space. I was looking to add a few pieces that would add some color, and would be tasteful decorating pieces.
Personally, looking outside is the best way to get ideas flowing through my mind.


Tried out some fun ideas, and maybe you'd can take some of these ideas for your own place.


1. Bowl of Red and Green- With the Holidays coming up so soon ( I can't believe it), try to get into the season. It comes once a year, and it's always fun. In your kitchen mix red fruits (think Apples, Pomegranates), with something green (I used limes) into a glass bowl. It's a fun decorating piece, and it's very affordable.

2. Fall Leaves- these leaves are the perfect shades of yellow, green, and red. So grab some of the leaves on the floor (preferably with the some stems) and place them in a vase.

Mix and Match the colors for your vases

                                                                      


3. Candles- Find an abstract piece of wood that you can place in the center of your dining room table. Cut small holes in the wood with a knife, and place candles in them. This idea is a little more time consuming, but the end result looks great.

4. Pumpkins- Something so simple can be used in so many different ways. If you're not a fan of using them for pies- creating pumpkin fall decor are perfect for the season. You can either decorate the pumpkin to what you prefer, and place in front of your door steps, or table. Another idea is simply placing a several small pumpkins in a corner of your kitchen/ living room with some candles, pears, and apples surrounding them. Makes a beautiful center piece.

The Holidays are about family, new beginnings, and a calm you. Practice the things that make you happy, and enjoy your moments with loved ones.

Stress

There are two things I find to be the worst things to deal with in everyday life. The first one is not being able to have a successful night's rest, and the rest is being stressed. You could even argue that they both go hand in hand with one another.

                                                                                                

This idea of "stress," is something that cannot be cured with medication. We want there to be a cure for it. We want an easy route- pop a pill in every morning, and we're set. Unfortunately, de-stressing requires mental work, and will power. That's why doctors don't prescribe people with 'stress,' because there is no pill that they can prescribe, and essentially make more money.

Personally, I've tried lots of things to help with stress. Reading, Writing, Blogging (?), Yoga. Nothing seemed to work. What I've realized does help is the idea of connecting your breathing, to your body and thoughts. When you take deep breaths, let yourself feel it go through your body, and let go of all thoughts. When you focus on your breathing, you should be taking your mind away from everything else.
Continue the exercise for as long as you need, or several times throughout the day.

Stress creates physical and mental illnesses. It's such a bigger problem, than we make it out to be.
Depression, Anxiety, Cancers are all created when you're body is stressed.

So today, try looking up at the sky. Realize there is more out there than the present. Focus on your breathing, body, and health.

Quote

Happy Wednesday to all. It's a good day.





“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
~ John Lennon

Make the Romance Last

Question: My Boyfriend and I are Best Friends, but how do I make sure it also stays Romantic? I don't just want to be his "bud."

Nikki: Have you ever noticed people either have the problem of
A. Their partner just wants to have sex, and doesn't take it further.
B. You get too comfortable with one another, and the chemistry isn't fun anymore.
Either option isn't the best of times. One of the reasons couples take vacations is because it allows for them to reconnect with one another. They can try new things that they don't normally do when they're home doing the same routine. Unfortunately, we all don't have the luxury of taking vacations whenever we want (and if you do, more power to you!). Therefore, it's important to find ways ways to relax and try new things with one another.

Cooking- Trying new recipes, and making a Romantic meal once a week, is a great way to add variety to your relationship. It will give you both the opportunity to see what you like/ don't like. It always leads away from the typical "work day" conversation.

Classes- Take something new together. Whether it's dancing, Rock Climbing, Yoga, Hiking, writing books. Find something you both like, and try it out.

Quiet Days- It's really important to sometimes shut out the hectic days. I'm not saying do this everyday, and let's be honest, it's not always easy. But if you can find your easy day, and use it to spend quality time with one another, then that can always rekindle the spark.

Be Romantic- it doesn't have to be anything dramatic, and over the top. Light some candles. Take a picnic together.

And remember- it's okay to be a little mysterious about things. Keep your favorite episode of Kardashian  to yourself, and your new ideas on life with him.

Lunch Matters

Question: Do you have any lunch ideas for people who pack their lunch everyday? Looking for something healthy that still tastes good.

Nikki: It's a great thing that you pack your own lunch. You not only use less waste by doing so, but you also save money, and can control the calories going in your body. Nothing wrong with buying out from time to time, but overall it's more efficient to pack your lunch. I have a couple of lunch ideas that are tasty, healthy, and easy to make the night before/ in the mornings ( if you're not like me, and have some time).

                                                                                                  

Salad Option:

Ingredients:
-Lettuce of your choice
- 2 Eggs
-Red Onions
- Vegetables of your choice
-Any additional protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, fish)

Dressing Directions:
- half a Tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 2 TableSpoons of Vinegar
-Sea Salt/Pepper
- Few Drops of Lemon Juice
(for a sweeter taste, remove the Lemon Juice, and add honey)

Calories: 400-500 (depending how much meat you use)

Sandwich Lovers:

Ingredients:
-Wheat Bread
-Turkey Slices
- Swiss Cheese
-Tomatoes
-Basil

Directions:
-Lightly warm up the bread in the toaster
- Add the Turkey, and Cheese in the Sandwich
- With a Skillet, cook the sandwich on a low heat until the cheese is nicely melted
-Add Tomatoes, and Basil

Calories: 380

Beans:
They are an excellent source of Protein, and Fiber. They also keep you full, and are easy to cook with.

Ingredients:
-Beans (1 can)
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
-2 Tablespoons of Vinegar
-Lemon Juice
-Red Onions
-Cucumbers
-Basil
-Salt/Pepper

Directions:
-Drain the Beans
- Add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- Add 2 Tablespoons of Red Vinegar
(- Add Lemon Juice for preference)
-Salt and Pepper
-Add Basil
- Chop the Cucumbers to small pieces and add in
-Add Red Onions

Calories: 550-600

Lunch is about variety, and healthy habits. Always make sure that your lunch has some sort of protein (red meat, seafood, beans). It's the protein that keeps you full.
Happy Lunching!