Knock Knock – Morning Meditation

Knock Knock where have I been?  I feel like I have found myself continuously saying ” I’m trying, I am trying” but in actuality I’ve been doing and going but not taking the time to be fully present and aware.  Trying sounds so tiring and without an accomplished feeling result.  I am writing this of this revelation today, after a 10 minute mediation. For Cyber Monday I purchased a yearly membership to MelissaWoodHealth.com , after following her on Instagram for quite sometime I decided to plunge and pay for her health based services. One day in the next 365 I am sure we will cross paths in person, whether it be on purpose or not. Seamlessly meeting up with quasi celebrities happens to me all the time and doesn’t quite phase me.  Moving forward I will blog these memorable interactions as this blog serves as a digital memory book of my life learnings and experiences.

My background with Meditation.  At the University of Michigan, I enrolled in a class with Martha called Jazz 450. I took it with my sister, best friend, and a few other people  we knew.  Weekly we would attend class, walk outside in silence, and journal.  We read a book called ” the miracle of mindfulness” by thicht nhat hahn   – I highly recommend it!  I felt a renewed sense of energy each week and genuinely did solo mediations when not in class. Fast forward to end of semester, graduating, and life moving on from the class.  I continued a living a mindful life.

I was all about living in the moment, being in the present, only being present minded. While I thought this hyper awareness was super positive, the harsh realities of adult-ing aka planning things in advance and thinking ahead did not adhere to this in the moment vibe.

Living in Ann Arbor for 3 years after college, allowed me to pop back into Martha’s meditation classes from time to time. Overall it kept my stimulated mind focused on being mentally aware and mindful. I was (still am) the friend you call whose ready to go-go-go and participate in whatever fun activity you want to do.

There was a shift in this mentality when I moved to a more adult job in an adult world in Birmingham, MI. I now have a job that requires tons of planning ahead. Not to mention my social life and coordinating weekends with friends. As we grow older it seems everyones schedules more complex, and while not impossible it has become increasingly challenging to do spur of the moment activities.  We are no longer kept in a bubble cluster that we were used to for the previous 18-22 years of our lives.

Back to meditation – Since moving to Birmingham 3 years ago, I dabbled with the headspace app and just found the robotic act of using an app on my phone as a digital distraction to the goal of meditation. Ultimately leaving me to ditch meditation all together.  I am excited to get back into this journey and feel more at peace with myself.

Namastay, have a good day!

Linz

 

Michigan Wolverines Big House Opener

Saturday September 9th the Michigan Wolverines took down the Cincinnati Bobcats!

We sat in Row 2 Section 3. I didn’t know it went A,B,1,2 at the Big House! Honestly if I’ve never been that close to the field before it! If anything i would have been standing up against the rail or on the 1st bench standing behind friends. Literally Not even for graduation did we get down that low. It was SO cool !!

This picture was taken while the Team!the Team!the Team ! Was running onto the field. As you can see im hardly able to contain my excitement and ah!!! the moment I got chant Hail to the Victors!

During the game they honored Michigan Men’s and Women’s basketball team . As well as a’ Veteran of the Game ‘who was a purple heart ,studied at undergrad Engineering school and received a Masters in Business . He was like 92!! They called out Tim Hardaway Jr too in the 3rd q.

We went to the presidential and reagents tailgate in Crisler Arena before the game.

We got this wolverine football dog collar for my new best bitch Luna Bonda!! Hail to her first game day.

Go blue !! 2 and 0!!

@HelloAnnArbor x Farmer’s Market Haul

UGHHHH the thing I look forward to the most on Humpdaze is going to the Kerrytown Farmer’s Market – literally whatever city I may live in next must have a legitimate Farmer’s Market with the freshest flowers and local dank goods. If you would like to follow me on SnapChat @Lshawtay you’ll get a walking tour of me at the Market. On my walk there this week I noticed this lovely Robot engraved on the sidewalk – I wish there was more casual art like this around Street Botthe town. I’d like to call him

If you happened to follow my story yesterday you would have first spotted it there – that is of course if you haven’t stumbled upon it yet in person – it is also live on my Instagram @Lshawtayy

@Argus Farm Stop

I live week to week by the scent of these incredible Oriental Lily’s – they literally will last an entire week and then some ! $3 per stem I feel like it’s a steel deal ! The scent fills my apartment and brings a smile to my fayce everytime I walk in the door. Sometimes i’ll sleep on the couch just to get a better aroma – I guess it may be easier to bring the vase into my room but I literally did not think of that until just now.

Big fan of the Roos Roast Cold Brew Coffee , a locally brewed treat that’s a pricey $4 per cup but pretty worth it. Shopping Haul

Shopping Haul ! These are the BEST items  – outside of the flowers – that I got yesterday.  These Rosemary & Sea Salt Gluten Free by the Taste like OMG you’ve never had anything so amazing with out gluten ! Today I splurged for the large box for $10 – otherwise they come in smaller sizes for $3.50 – they’re also sold at Lab Coffee & the Argus Farm Stop.

The White Lotus Farm has quickly become my go-to booth at the Kerrytown Farmer’s Market.  If there could only be one butter left on earth it should be their Herb Butter with Taragon. You know this is the purest butter that can grace your lips!

Go on & get after it !

Lshawtay

OOTD : Farmer’s Market Uniform June 10 Twenty Fifteen

Shoe Cam#1307daily features the outfit of the day

Step into the morning light ! Wednesday Mornings I’m UP & atta um’ to get to the Kerrytown Farmer’s Market in Ann Arbor. Even though the market starts at about 7 AM I don’t aim to be the first one there. Spotted here I’m rockin’ my new Aldo Flatforms which compliment the Essie Bikini So Teeny toe polish. I’m really into the hashtags #FromWhereIStand & #FromWhereIStood – look for a feature on my @Tr3ndey Instagram account.

Creepin’ in the shot the bottom of my BoyFriend Jeans by JBRAND  – this was the first time that I let the bottom go unrolled.

Full View ShotSunnies On Fleek   The most classic basic outfit for spring time is this – perfect for work or headin’ to the Farmer’s Market.  A tight black basic T Shirt is one of the most essential items you need in your closet.   I’m kinda digging the unrolled look for the Jbrand Boyfriend Jeans !  This outfit requires little thought and looks sharp.

Wouldn’t leave home with out my dope new Dior shades !  Here’s an up close and personal shot of me in the sunnies from @Lshawtayy on Instagram

Keep it Klassy Ya’ll

Lshawtay

@HelloAnnArbor x @AnnArbor_Eats x #Kerrytown

Honest Co. One of my favorite things about living in Ann Arbor, Michigan is the Historic District of Kerrytown. Kerrytown is home to Zingerman’s!  You may have heard about the famous sandwich shop/ deli  located at 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.  It’s about a causal 10 minute walk to Kerrytown from where I currently live. I always bring my Re-Usable Honest Co. Canvas Tote in case I want to pick up some goodies from Zingerman’s or other shops near by! I am not the most eco-friendly gal but one of my best friends works at an Organic Baby Store in NYC and always hooks it up with these awesome bags !

Check out my instagram posts of two yummy sandwiches from Zingerman’s.

Month of May Special Sandwich : Fried Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Spicy Pickles, Pimento Cheese

TNT Cowboy Ruben : Hand Pulled Bbq Brisket without the Coleslaw and melted Provolone Cheese

Here is an inside look of @AnnArbor_eats Your Source for the BEST eats in Ann Arbor !

Never Stop Eating or Exploring,

LShawtay

@HelloAnnArbor x @AnnArbor_Eats x Neopapalis

Bianca Pizza Neopapalis the Pizza King on the block of 500 E.William which you can also call ahead and place your order for pick up or you can dine in. I prefer to dine in most of the time because they have friendly staff, great seating options for big or small parties, and a bar area with TVs and local microbrew beers!

What to order? The Bianca Pizza @ Neopapalis is just simply incredible ! I am not typically a Pizza Person but this Pizza is out of this world ! The Bianca Pizza base is made up of Herb-butter base, asiago and mozzarella cheese & honey. That small touch of honey really makes each bite super delicious!  Featured here upon request a crispy crust + artichokes, spinach, jalapenos and FIG.

Be sure to go over and grab a 12” pizza at Neos like … now!

Only YOU can make it better

Start UP your day with a bumping playlist of tunes or just simply one song on REPEAT

Today’s Eargasm has got me going all day ( granted it’s only 215PM) ! Pump up the volume for this Bumping Beat of The Day: Revolution by Diplo ! This remix will most def turn up your day.

Maybe the music to your ears isn’t enough to make your day better. If you happen to be in Ann Arbor walk on over to your nears Arbor Bike Stop – mine happens to be the Library Lane located on South 5th Street between East William & East Liberty.  You can slide in your credit card and for $6 you get to pop out a lovely blue bike to ride for the next 60 minutes. Ice Coffee & Arbor Bike I didn’t really have a plan of where I would go on my bike ride … just let the sunshine and day take me to where the road led.  On my journeys I got a bit thirsty and remembered the Jefferson Market & Cakery was near by.  The Jefferson Market was voted Best Local Cakery in Michigan more than 3 times. Today, April 15th happens to be their 8th birthday! To celebrate they were rolling out Free Slices of their famous cakes. Balloon Cake Although the pic of the cake is not featured you can find one hear on my @tR3NDEY instagram account.

Inside Jefferson MarketTo celebrate today was the official opening day of their re-model of the interior of the shop. The Jefferson Market is located on 609 West Jefferson Street in downtown Ann Arbor.

HOURS

Monday they are closed but are open : Tuesday – Thursday 8-2PM and Friday 8-5. The best time to go I think is for the weekend brunch : Saturday & Sunday 10-1 PM. Floors at Jefferson Market

I was totally feeling this authentic wood floor and had to take a snapshot.

Here is a photo of my lunch ” The Enlightenment ” on a Pretzel Roll & the Arbor Bike i Rode over. Lunch 4.15.15 It was totally fabulous and did provide me with some enlightenment that it is up to you to make your day better !

It was really fun to hop on a bike! I probably haven’t biked since my last bike share ride in Miami Beach. I love that I was able to get in a few miles walking this morning, a few miles biking this afternoon and later on will go to Yoga down the block.

Vibe On, Walk 10,000 steps, and eat things you love,

Lshawtay

Do it For Detroit x APRiL 2 Twenty Fifteen

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Good day Ann Arbor!

Get UP and Get Movin – leave your blinds open and let that sunny sunshine graze over your covers and into your eyes in the morning. Prop open the window for a fresh breeze and embrace  the day.

Jump outta bed and walk over to the local market to grab fresh eggs to make omelets. Fresh air and fresh food what could be better ?!

Today I’m rocking Nike Pants and a Detroit Tigers tank. Opening day for the Detroit Tigers here in Detroit Michigan will be Monday April 6 @ comerica park.

#BBOTD #1307daily Now Playing : Exodus on the big screen

Live it up
Lshawtay

Blogging on Medium | Hello Ann Arbor

I’ve been working on a new project called Hello Ann Arbor – I’ve been living in Ann Arbor since the Fall of 2008 with two short breaks. The first break was when I studied abroad in Barcelona , Spain aka Barshawlona. In my studies abroad I focused on Digital Media & Web 2.0. Of course I blogged about my adventures and the media while in Barshawlona – check it out. I am intrigued by the way society is effected by the mass media.

So yes back to my new project – @HelloAnnArbor on Instagram and I have been making short less than 1 Minute Reads about Ann Arbor Action on Medium. Check um out & Let me know what you’d like to see more of !

Live it UP,

Lshawtay

BBOTD : Know What I Want

This Bumping Beat of The Day graced my ears as I arose this morning. Eyes barely opened and sun shining through the shades … I knew today was going to be a sunny positive day! Muchas Gracias to Kali Uchis for singing this Eargasm.

“I know what I want ”   a life filled with running into Hello Kitty and driving Red Hot Ferrari’s !

Miami FL December 31 2014  Vibe On,

Lshawtay