HEARTC♡RE

How would I describe my relationship with Starbucks? If I don't have it, I am not really thinking of it, save for trips and special days. But when I am on a bender - I am on a bender! I forget how good it is and then just keep going back for more. 

Gr Ic Brsg Oat Es of 7/1/2024

One more month until this baby ^ is on the market. 

Happy New Year! Posting some art from artist, Stephanie Deangelis that I loved.

I'm 25 and I've just now truly discovered the wonders of caffeine.

Well yes and no. I realized long ago that drinking a cup of coffee could easily send me into an anxiety filled episode (I don't usually deal with anxiety so it does strike me as strange). Apart from the fact that anxiety sucks, the waves hit me long after I've finished the drink and I'm left wondering why the hell I feel a sense of impending doom.

On the morning of my 21st birthday, I was sitting in Costa in Muscat and soon after drinking a caramel macchiato I had the most wonderful quarter-ish life crisis. It was lovely. Just this past Sunday night I was crying on and off for about 20 minutes reflecting on my job, my future, all of the above. Yes, I did look manic. It didn't help that I was watching a 10 year old YouTube video of a sweet 93 year old woman cooking Depression Era meals. Cue the reflections on age, death, world poverty, and humanity. All because I couldn't resist drinking the most delicious vanilla iced coffee in existence (Sunny's Bagel and Deli on Barrett Parkway). Oh my gosh it's so good. As my sister put it, "It's like I'm drinking satin."

sausage egg & cheese everything bagel, cuban sandwich, and the best damn iced coffee

I know some of you may say, "but Melissa- on more than 73 occasions I've seen you throw down a large Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee like it ain't no thing". Relax ✋, I've also asked myself why I can manage when it comes to DD. I've come to the conclusion that the cream and sugar contents just overshadow the amount of coffee in the drink (and that's probably while I love it so much #DunkinDonutsOrDeath).

But, there is good news! I've discovered my caffeine threshold and *gasp* it increases my productivity at work (although I'm still debating on whether it's really affecting me or I have a placebo effect going on- probably the first one).

I was at work one day and just thought I could really go for an iced black milk tea or Thai tea right about now. Soon after, this little light bulb just went off in my head. So I stepped into the break room, placed a black tea k-cup in the Keurig, brewed it and added a little sugar and a creamer single and voila ..... black milk tea. It took me a fraction of a second to go from "oh my god my wonderful invention" to "oh my god this is literally just how your average Brit takes their tea."

Regardless, I haven't looked back and that cuppa is my perfect recipe for a boost of energy without the jitters. I don't drink it daily because deep down I still fear it, but I am very satisfied.

ignore my huge stirrer

Another source of caffeine deliciousness has been from the mobile espresso bar pop up we've had at our building for the last month or so. They were only in our building once a week for the month of October, but due to demand they will be there about 2 or 3 days out of the week- yay! I always get their chai latte, it's so creamy, rich, and always the perfect temperature. I can't describe it, it's a total pick me up. A few weeks ago I went to Starbucks because I was thinking about a chai latte and . . . . I couldn't even drink it- it was SAD. But with Fuel Coffee's chais I genuinely have to stop myself from getting a second before they leave at 2PM. As a mobile bar, Fuel Coffee does all kinds of events and I'm really just thinking of any occasion I can host so that I can book them (thank you Carlos for existing and making my morning each Thursday).



Coming Soon- My Podcast Playlist

Image Source: BR

I was having lunch with my sister at McDonald's today. A few minutes after sitting down a woman who was sitting nearby asked if we spoke Spanish. After asking her to repeat herself a few times we let her know we did and she began asking us if we knew places were they were hiring, especially because of her undocumented status. We let her know we were sorry but didn't really know and turned away. Again, she began talking to us telling us about her day of looking for work, it been days since she has and dropping her kids. I had a bit of a hard time understanding her because of the noise in the restaurant and I think her accent. After a minute I caught on that she was saying she was left without a dollar in her pocket. I kind of just "aha'd" and turned around, processing what she was saying. I felt awkward, especially having food in front of me, and her continuing to talk to me. After a while we were talking again and she repeated either she didn't have money or hadn't eaten all day. So I honestly asked her if she wanted me to buy her a meal, she continued on about her worries and I think her ear problems and I was like ma'am, my question is do you want me to buy you a meal? I felt bad, but at this point just wanted to get it over with especially because my sister was getting visibly annoyed and uncomfortable (and was since the beginning).

I only had a limited amount of money in my account going in and buying her a meal put me in danger of going into overdraft. When we got to the counter I asked for a big mac meal and she said she wanted a coffee. I understand that, my mom likes to drink coffee when we go out and if you had a long day so far maybe you need a pick me up. I would order that instead of coke, and then she said with ice. It took me a minute, I was like- coffee with ice??? Then it clicked that she wanted an iced coffee. I was like. . . .. lol (I don't blame her, if you're in a position a treat is nice- or should she have just accepted my order?). I told her I couldn't because I didn't have enough money to begin with. She was just like okay that's fine. The receipt came and I just gave it to her, she said thanks and that was that.

I think in these situations in the back of your mind you wonder if they're really in this situation or do they want money/free meal? I think in order to reach a level to ask/beg there has to be something going on so the benefit of the doubt is okay. She wasn't going to throw the food away and I would spend the next few days thinking about the situation and how I could have done something to spare someone a little suffering. I was left with 74 cents in my account, but how often does this happen anyway. This also reminds me of the time I was leaving Target and there was a woman asking for food/money too. Others just said sorry or ignored her but I couldn't do it and got her two Zaxby's meals for her and her husband (?) and felt bad she had to walk down the lot but I didn't feel comfortable letting her into my car. That was months ago, if not a year ago, so it's not like I'm buying people meals left and right. It's a rare occasion.

I think it was when I was going to Europe the first time, that my whole family had a conversation with me about being careful since they know that I can be a bit vulnerable at those times. I think I am naturally compelled to try to help someone out and they think that could get me in trouble or in a sticky situation. I am really not trying to sound like a saint, it's not only in these "charitable" situations but any. I just think there are just people like me who are unable to say no if they have the resources on them to help (if she wanted cash I wouldn't go to an ATM lol) or want to do something for another person. I remember once I was leaving work and this old woman (who was just at my shop) was waiting for the thunderstorm to go away so she could walk to her nearby apartment. I gave her a ride and she was thankful since she had superstitions about lightning and thunder. But what if I got into an accident and was liable? or she robbed and killed me? lol. She was old so I felt safe but I can think of other times where I have put myself in a vulnerable position because I couldn't deny or say no to someone. Well, the old lady didn't ask me but I felt bad leaving her in that weather.

I think this one of those characteristics I wish I didn't have and could grow a backbone. I don't think I shouldn't help people when I can (and the extreme cases I mentioned above are rare), but in the everyday forms of it I think learning how to say no will really help and improve my chances of success and happiness. Especially as I get older and I'll have many many more of these opportunities. So I think I will practice say NO (but nicely of course).

Image Source: NYMAG

Melissa

It's literally brand spanking new and it's first official box was January. I was in Mexico when I purchased my six month subscription. The monthly box is $12, but I went for the $60 for six months. They aim to follow a certain monthly theme and January's was rejuventation; renewing and resettling your mind, body, spirit, and space. 



This is what the packaging looks like, they have the logo outside the box too.


Here are the five products as they were packaged. I actually got them from the mail as I was leaving to work so I was being very impatient until I got home.



The first was a full tummy massage oil. It used exactly what it sounds like, for when you are full or bloated. And who doesn't love oils? What I love about this, is that I know it is small business, they list the ingredients, and I can trust that most are natural and don't carry unnecessary chemicals.


Next was a hydrating mask from Malie, which is a Korean brand (the kind that make you look like Friday the 13th Jason). I think you can find them actually quite cheap on Amazon. I just used it about half an hour ago, it was well soaked, created and I did notice the difference in my skin.




There was also a small "Simply Fresh" (rosemary blend) soap from Skin Candy, what's awesome is that they're from Villa Rica, GA. My first thought was that it was a bit too small, but it is a sample after all. I'm not sure if I ordered Lush soaps before or after the box, but after a while I thought it's the same concept, natural soaps. I looked at their website and they have full size Lush-like soaps. So I think I will invest in one of their soaps and compare with Lush.



There was a Butters by Jay cucumber sugar scrub. At first I was like "eh," not because I don't love sugar scrubs (and cucumber is my favorite for skin cleansing products) but because it felt like one of those products that I could make at home. I would say the reality is that I wouldn't even get to making one, but my mom had actually made one and had it when this arrived so it made it less exciting. But, there's nothing wrong with some variety, the extra ingredients are exciting, and can you have enough natural beauty products? I haven't used it, but I am looking forward to it.



And last was a smudge stick, which is a sage/herb stick used in some Native American ceremonies to get rid of negative energy. You can burn it, and I thought it was waste quickly but it barely burns (just smokes). So you have most of the stick after a use, and I'm sure it will last a while. I am thinking a bit more of it right now, and I am feeling a bit guilty of not just using it in a joking manner, but using it at all when it is for sacred ceremonies. To be quite honest, when I saw it in the box it was exciting, but something about it didn't feel quite right. I didn't know until now it is for sacred practices, and what adds to the burn is the source. It is not listed, and it would be different if it was from a Native American seller/vendor. Don't know, what do you guys think?

I can't wait for February, I love wellness but I am also hoping that they add more beauty/makeup products.

So yes, this was HuesBox for January. If you're interested here is their website and February subscriptions open up the first. I think I will post the next five on my blog too!

Melissa 🐝

Want to start off by saying I thought I reached Lana Del Rey Ultraviolence (2014) levels back in 2014. . . nope I'm still treading towards the climax.

• you can make your own body or lip scrub by combining coconut oil and brown sugar (maybe a little vanilla?)!
• you can put coconut oil on your lashes and eyebrows to help them be more full and grow healthier
• you can rub coconut oil on your cuticles to make your nails grow faster
• if you have darkness between your thighs use coconut oil daily
• shave your legs and armpits with coconut oil (I use babyoil which I swear by, but will try this)
• great massage oil for your head
• use it for your scalp and hair as a mask for beautiful moisturized hair (helps with dandruff)
• as a moisturizer for your face ***hear it can clog pores so it's up to you (how often or at all)
• has anti-fungal ingredients (I'm totally gonna try that on some bumps that just showed up on my skin almost sure I have Keratosis Pilaris?? so I'm hoping this will make a change lol)
• it has really good health properties when used for cooking (lower cholesterol, higher immune system, acid reflux, stomach ulcers)
• mositurzier for skin (prevent stretch marks during pregnancy)
• helps allergies by applying a bit into your nostrils with a qtip (& keep germs out like on airplanes)
• swish in your mouth and on teeth for whiter smile and stronger teeth
• as a replacement for Neosporin, helps repair abrasion and fights infection

• don't use it as a lubricant because it will deteriorate a condom (i don't know where someone would get that idea)
• someone would add just a little teeny bit on their 🐱 to enhance natural lubrication
• give your vagina a facial (??) by adding oil to your fingers and massaging each time you finish using the bathroom, leaving skin soft and subtle (I am a bit skeptical)
• you can use coconut oil to treat yeast infection!! (it's high in three properties: antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal) instructions below: 

1. Coconut Oil In Diet

Incorporate 3 – 5 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily into your diet. Initially, start with a smaller dosage and increase gradually. See the following suggestions on how to do this.
Substitute coconut oil for butter on toast.
Add a teaspoon to coffee or stir some in oatmeal.
Consume a teaspoon of coconut oil before each meal.
Substitute coconut oil for other cooking oils as coconut oil does not break down into unhealthy trans fats when cooked in high temperatures.
Add traditional fermented food to your diet for added relief.