Career Changing Advice + Randomly Moving Out!

Sorry that I haven't posted anything lately! I was doing pretty good there, wasn't I? Well, at least I have a good reason this time, plus some pretty big news. I was moving!!

"What? Didn't you just move in to your apartment?" I hear. Yeah, I did. And it seriously sucks having to move out again. But guess what? I really hate to admit this... my apartment had... bedbugs!!! Barely a couple days after moving in, the Biscuit and I started getting bites, and the apartment's weekly treatments did nothing to reduce the presence of the bugs. For obvious reasons of horrible-ness, I haven't really talked a lot about this, on the internet or to people I know.

They are seriously gross! This is one post I won't be adding pictures to, don't worry ;)

Yep, after barely a month of living there, I began the process of breaking my lease, finding a new place, and moving out. Right before December started I moved back into my boyfriends moms house. She's got an extra room downstairs with a small den next to it that is all mine now. I'm all moved out and beginning to settle in.

So that stress is almost off of my shoulders. I still am waiting for my deposit to return, and hopefully the management doesn't try and screw me over now that I'm out :/

In other news, I'm considering switching out of community college and into cosmetology school. Something about that sentence makes me feel a little white-trashy, but hey, I did grow up in a trailer park so it ought to make sense. I'm finding myself increasingly bored at work, unmotivated in my studies, and constantly questioning my future and the career path that I'm on. Plus my recent dye job went amazingly and got me thinking that a career in hair and makeup might go well.

I've always cut my own hair, painted my own nails, and obviously I do my own makeup every day. Most people in my family have actually encouraged me to pursue a more creative field but something very practical inside of me led me to attempt real college. Suffice it to say, it hasn't been working out very well.

So this month I'll be touring schools, talking to financial aid officials and getting myself set up for starting sometime in the spring. I'll be going full time and should be done in about a year. That's the most tempting part! Waiting four-six years to finish a bachelors degree just sounds less and less appealing every day.

Some great advice I've read/heard/learned in my tarot recently that has lead me to this decision:

• If you think you're in a dead-end job, you probably are. 
• If you could do anything without worrying about money (imagine you won a huge lottery) what would it be? Now go and do that. 
• Just because your job offers security, doesn't mean it offers fulfillment (woah, just made that up myself! High-five!) 
• Creative careers are actually some of the more recession proof ones out there. Haircutting, painting, jewelry design all require humans. Maybe people with lower incomes won't be able to afford it in tough times but there's always someone out there who can (assuming you've got the talent) 
• Could a computer do your job? You might want to start looking for a new one before the Matrix begins. In my job, yep; computers, TV and phones are often used to babysit children. 
• If your boss says she wants to promote you, then offers it to someone else, you should probably look for another job :P

Good luck with whatever changes are coming your way,
Lily

Apartment Decorating

My apartment looks so different than it did when I first moved in! That's all thanks to my step-grandmother, Jaqueline. She gave me a bunch of her old furniture and bought me a bunch of new stuff too! I was so blown away by her generosity that I was literally speechless and still have no idea how to fully thank her and my grandfather.

Loveseat from my grandmother that helped me discover the timer on my phone camera ;) Bed is behind loveseat, and I need a huge painting to hang above it!

At first it seemed like I had so much that I couldn't even fit it all in. But since then (about two weeks ago) I've rearranged and organized everything and it's perfect!

Little TV/DVD player from sweet Courtney, PS2 from lovely Sebby. Yeah, I keep it old school. Cube shelf and cubes from Gma <3

Since I just have a one bedroom, I put Biscuit in the bedroom so I could have the rest of the house to roam around in at night. It's a little squished in the living room but the layout fits very well with it. When I first moved in I only had once chair, and it was just an old folding one. Now I have a cute white wicker chair and a sweet little wicker loveseat. Normally I think they're meant for the patio, but she had them both inside and I like them inside too. I've always loved wicker chairs, but sadly I had to leave my great rocking chair behind when I moved!

 Been focusing on my spirituality lately and that led me to put together this little altar. Here I've got my tarot cards out to cleanse in the moonlight overnight.

 Seb's stepmom got my this "awesome" frame for my birthday, but it broke not long after I took this photo :( I kept the frame though and it's made a great tray for decorations on my dining table.

 My tarot box set and a blue wolf from Courtney. She bought it to match a lavender one I already had ^_^

I have so much great new stuff that I can't even begin to describe it... so I hope you enjoy these pictures instead! As it comes together I'll be posting more, along with any DIY decorations that I do.


Thanks for looking around,
Lily

Favorite Vegetarian Recipes

I've been vegetarian off and on since middle school. Back then, I was a lot more active in animal rights action, but these days, I don't make a big deal about it. In middle school I petitioned to add vegetarian options to the school lunch menu. It didn't work out so great - I got a lot of trouble from kids and didn't get enough signatures anyway. For various reasons over the years I've gone back and forth. 
Now I'm an adult, buying and cooking all of my own food, and also providing for my son. Since February I've been vegetarian, save the occasional bacon at work or if I'm a guest somewhere. I try not to be extremely strict on myself at this point, because I'm still getting used to it. But finding awesome new ideas and recipes really helps me from going crazy and eating stir fry and rice every day. 
Obviously Pinterest is the easiest resource for finding new recipes.

Some of my favorite recipes I've discovered recently are...

Butternut squash enchiladas, by Skinny Taste

These were a little more complicated than I normally attempt, but damn was it worth it! These were amazing. If you don't mind a bit of a challenge in trying something new, I would really give these a try. The only part I did not like about this was that the oven was only used 10 minutes. Next time, I'd probably undercook everything in the skillet and bake longer, by at least another 10 minutes. The oven just takes to much energy to be used so shortly. Or, you could place the enchiladas in a microwavable dish and melt the cheese in the microwave, removing the oven altogether.

Best Asparagus in Under 10 Minutes, by Ella Claire

The title says it all. Pretty simple and seriously delicious! This was fun because I've never actually cooked asparagus, let alone eat it very often. This just made it my new favorite vegetable.

Fish tacos with Cilantro Peach Salsa, by Feasting At Home

I really only used this recipe for the salsa, and just made the tacos my own way. But it was amazing! The salsa was so flavorful. It was my first time making something like this and I'll definitely be making it again. The tacos were great as is or with a little rice added. I saved the leftover salsa and threw it on a veggie burger and it was the best thing I've ever had (that may or may not be an exaggeration). I'm sure this would be great with shrimp too, or with salmon, whatever! Perfect to spice up a boring frozen veggie burger too. Even my boyfriend who doesn't really like cilantro loved it with some chips.

Fall Kale Super Salad, by Seasons and Suppers

 

I got a bag of cut and cleaned kale on a really good sale, so I needed a bunch of recipes to use it before it went bad. This recipe was the best of all that I tried. This salad seriously fed me for a week! I made a huge batch and had some with most of my meals, and larger portions for lunch. I also used raisins instead of cranberries (way cheaper) and used a strawberry poppy seed dressing, so the salad turned out really sweet! This really was a super salad, and even a small cup was very satisfying. This is probably the most salad I've eaten all year! And obviously salad is very important if you're going to be vegetarian hehe.

So there you have it - main dish, side, salsa and salad. Although I wouldn't recommend eating these together lol! But these are some good vegetarian recipes to mix up your usual meals. Don't be afraid to try this new stuff. All of these recipes were completely new to me, and this was the first time I've tried them! I'm still starting out cooking and they didn't prove to be too challenging. It's important to add new things so you don't end up eating spaghetti every night ;) kind of like I used to!

Do this today, Thank yourself tomorrow

So many amazing things have been manifesting for me this year, it's hard to pick the one I'm happiest about. My modeling is right up there with getting my own apartment, but it's special, because it's something I'm doing purely for myself. I haven't even had a paid shoot (YET!) but I'm still extremely proud that I've been following this little passion of mine and actually being pretty successful at it.

 

My first photoshoot was when I was 17, and as you can see, I was everything a 17 year old should be - messy and rebellious. Yes, that's a mohawk, albeit a very poorly put together one. It had been months since I'd put my hair up so it had grown too long to stand. But I loved it, and I was so excited for the pictures. For some reason though, it took years to go and try modeling again!

 

Now this is completely different from that last one! As it should be, being about four years apart. This is from my most recent shoot, which I did with the amazing Mr. Donigan and the Pinup Bombshelter in Denver. I seriously wish I could do this for a living. Being a regular model for a company like Pinup Girl Clothing would be my dream come true. This year I've done a few shoots but this was my first vintage one, and my favorite. Daily, I don't really have the time anymore to curl my hair like this, but I do whenever I get the chance, and the last several years I've really fallen in love with everything 50's. My goth-punk days are definitely behind me and I've heard that Rockabilly is where old goths go to die ;)

So I had a little break while I moved, but now I'm working on another shoot. Right now I don't really care if it's not paid since I'm just enjoying the experience, networking, and trying to gain a bit of an audience. But hopefully one day this might actually become something more! My idols like Dita Von Teese show that not all successful models need to be in Vogue or runways, even though that's where she's ended up.

When my son had just been born I was very depressed that I wasn't achieving these kinds of things. But he's barely a year and a half (what?! Already one and a half!?) and look what I've accomplished! I had to get rid of some negative influence in my life (guess who) and since that time I have absolutely blossomed into much of the person I want to be some day; into who I've always wanted to be.

Find whatever is holding you back and get rid of it! You'll thank yourself later ;) and you might thank me too, hehe.

Love, goodnight,
Lily

I'm back!

As my last post suggested, yes, I took a biiig hiatus. And a lot has changed since then! To avoid further confusion, here's the basics -

• Julian is 1 1/2 years old now, walking and even talking! Expect to see more of that soon ;)
• On October 2nd I moved into my own apartment, and I couldn't be more excited! I will be writing lots of decorating, DIY and food posts once I get settled in. 
• I've changed a LOT about my appearance, and I couldn't be happier or more comfortable in my own skin. I dyed my hair, re-gauged my ears (they were like 00's in highschool), and have two tattoos now. This year is apparently an enormous time for change in my life but I haven't been this happy in years! 
• I've re-focused on modeling and have completed several photo shoots this year. They just keep getting better and better! You should definitely check me out on Facebook or Instagram (lilyaurora9) to support my art :) I would greatly appreciate it!!! 
• Julian's father and I split up. Yes, that's it, and that's all I'm going to say on it.
• I do have a new boyfriend, my longtime friend, Seb. And again, that's pretty much all I'm going to say about it.
• Overall I've been working my ass off but still managing to stay positive and pursue my other goals, and I plan on writing extensively on how I manage to stay sane (well, at least pretend that I am).

I've spent three nights in my new apartment so far. I absolutely love it! The inside is so cute and the neighborhood is great too. It's still a huge mess, but here are a few spots I've got set up so far:

 This is just a little shelf with my little doo-dads, and a bit of an altar to keep me grounded :) The Lucky Cat and jade Buddha were birthday gifts from my man. Everything else is a mix of gifts and random stuff from the thrift store or made by me.

 I don't have space for a coffee maker so I got this french press from Ikea. I bought this tea kettle from the thrift store, and got another second hand (not pictured). Both of these mugs were also second hand :) I was really lucky and haven't actually bought very much because I know so many generous folks!

 A little art for my wall: A puzzle, Julian, flowers, and my Grandmother when she was younger, and a poster blown up from my own painting from high school.

This is seriously how much counter space I have :/ There's a bar across from this, but it has plants and some other stuff, not really the size for appliances. I covered half of the stove tops, put my dish rack in the left hand sink, and had to place my microwave sideways to fit it in. It works but I definitely need to be careful in my organization. Each side is barely a foot wide.

I really want to get back into posting regularly, and posting thoughtful, helpful ideas instead of just journaling. The more I get settled here the easier that will be!

Thanks for reading,
Lily

Blog Hiatus - Creating a New Purpose

Since it's the new year I had wanted to do a "2013 Review" kind of thing, but I'm honestly sick of that shit. When I first started blogging, I had no intention of it being diary-like at all. I don't believe anyone really cares about what I did this week, and the people who do can actually call me on the phone to talk about it. I've never even been huge on keeping a secret diary, so why would I write my hum-drum goings-on for all the world to see (or ignore)?

So somewhere along the line between posts about crafts and posts about being a mom, I lost track of that idea I had. So I'm taking a break to get myself and my thoughts back on track. And no... this was NOT a New Years resolution! It's just naturally a time for new beginnings...

This started when I was browsing Lifehacker, and stumbled upon this holy-grail post: How Can I Write a Successful Blog and Get More People to Read It? 

One idea from this article caught my eye: Can you come up with 52 post ideas, one for each week of the year? After focusing on the topic and purpose of my blog (Hello, 9th grade English), I was able to churn out about 20 in probably 5 minutes. I was actually excited. I still am! All I want to do now is write this all out because my head is overflowing... but I have to put Julian down for a nap :(

Basically, it still revolves around what I've been writing about: Julian, and my new life as a mom. Just with much more purpose and a lot less "So, today I..."

I've been lucky as a young mom. Both sides of our family were happy and supportive since day one of my pregnancy. Renato and I both have good jobs, we have lots of great friends and family who help babysit Julian, and he is about as easygoing as a little boy can be. But there are still struggles with judgement from older moms and childless teenage peers, struggles with holding onto my youth, and struggles to remain positive with an uncertain future. 

I want to reach out and create (or join) a community of young moms, who refuse to conform to either the "lame mom" or "idiot teen mom" stereotypes, and are proud of their families and their role as a mother. I've seen a lot of mommy blogs that are written by well-to-do, 30 something stay at home moms. There are even some goth moms blogging out there, like the amazing Adora BatBrat. But there's not really anything aimed out there to encourage and inspire bad ass young moms... who are dealing with a lot of responsibility in an already hard time in their lives, and really need it.

I could keep writing all day, but this is already insanely long and -gasp- there's no pictures to look at! So I will end here and leave you with this:

 

 
Cool parents make cool babies. 

Lily