Officially A California Girl

Warm sun shining down on me, soft breeze in my hair, staring out at the swaying palm trees. No, I'm not at the beach. I'm at at the DMV. Waiting with about a dozen other out-of-staters for our cars to be inspected. The DMV is a place of frustration, impatience, and anxiety. Yet, here I am. Just letting it all be. This is a part of the process. I made the choice to move here. So many people complain about the taxes in California. And the ludicrous fees required to register your car here. Gulp.

But I chose this.

In life, we have to make sacrifices. If we want something different, we have to be willing to change. Nothing comes freely. But as I wait in a long line before waiting in another long line and then paying hundreds of dollars, I remember why it's worth it to me. Why it's worth it to follow my heart and live in the place that makes me come alive.

After finally getting my car inspected and exchanging conversation with the clerk about the differences between California and Virginia, I made my way inside where I missed my number being called by one. I was B125 and as I walked back through the door, "Now serving B126 at Window 23." You're kidding me. I felt my blood start to slightly boil but I knew to just breathe. It would be okay. I stood in line... again... to get yet another number and luckily only waited fifteen minutes before proceeding to pay a couple thousand dollars. Gulp.

Then I was told I'd have to exchange my Virginia plates in order to get my California plates. But I didn't bring my friggin' toolbox, I thought to myself. Not to worry. I asked the man for a screwdriver and marched out to my car, got down on my hands and knees on the scorching pavement and realized this screwdriver was not going to do it. I waited in line again, and exchanged the screwdriver for a wrench, marched back out to my car and onto the pavement. The bolts would not budge. Cue the sweat dripping down my back. Certainly this was not my typical trip to the DMV.

I was frustrated but determined. You got this, I kept telling myself. A group of people walked behind me and the man said, "Turn it the other way." Apparently I was screwing the bolt tighter. Nice work, Chels. "Ah, thanks!" I responded. Back and forth to the front and back of my car. Finally, the bolts started to move and in the back of my head I kept thinking how I wasn't even halfway through the DMV process and I had already been there for two hours. I got all the bolts out except for one. I tried and tried and luckily, a sweet passerby said, "Need some help?" Bam.

I marched back inside with black hands and feet [classy, I know] and waited in line yet again. "I love your blouse!" the clerk told me as she called me up. It put a smile on my face. I can honestly say I've never met so many friendly DMV clerks in the countless DMV offices I've been to. She gave me my new, shiny, California plates and I tried to contain my excitement. I walked over to the final line where I would take my picture and do my best at passing the written test [that several friends had told me they failed.] I turned in my test and waited.

I felt like I was waiting for my SAT results.

Finally my name was called and I received the news, "You passed! Congratulations!" And, to top it all off, my driver's license photo is probably the best one I've ever had. Bam.

Four hours and a couple thousand dollars later, and I finally have my California plates and driver's license. I'm official. My dream is really a reality now. I know it may seem so small and probably a little lame to some of you but getting those plates, being an official resident of The Golden State, was a dream of mine for so many years. It reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I know there will be sacrifices and hardships but eventually, as long as you keep trying, the bolts will finally loosen and it will be so worth it. And in the meantime, you'll have sunshine to keep you company and a few friendly strangers who give you hope until you get where you wanted to go :)

I Know My Dream Will Take Me There: Africa

I naturally have very strong intuition. There are several instances where I've out-of-the-blue felt deeply that I was supposed to do something or go somewhere. Lately, I haven't been able to shake several feelings. One of them specifically is totally so out of left field that I can't ignore it.

I keep feeling like I'm supposed to go to Africa.

I know what you're thinking. Africa?! I thought the same thing too at first. However, when it just wouldn't go away, I started thinking more and more about it and looked into what it would be like to travel to several countries there. I am so very intrigued by that continent. It is so rich in cultures that we really only know so much about. In my first job out of college, I worked for an international organization whose primary function was to reduce world poverty and grow economic stability. One of the biggest departments I worked with was the African department. People from third world countries such as Sierra Lione, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon. They were some of the friendliest, happiest people I've ever met.

Not to mention, Africa has beautiful landscapes and animals to take in and observe. I can't even imagine the experiences I'd be able to take away after spending time there.

Cape Town, South Africa

Baobab Trees in Madagascar

[Tanzania]

I get goosebumps thinking about being there in real life. Interacting with the people, the tribes, seeing the animals in their real and true habitat for once. Watching the sunset over the Sahara. Just feeling the spirit of Africa. Like this...

The girl singing is named Ann and she lives in the Flying Kites Home [a residence in Kenya for orphaned and abused children.] I watched this video several times. The first time, I couldn't stop smiling. To see the joy these children have while dancing and singing, knowing their conditions. *0:57 is my favorite part* The second time, I just cried. For the same reason. Seeing their joy and realizing the lives they're living. These children are beautiful little souls.

I spent a good portion of this weekend reading all about the different countries in Africa. The cultures. The animals. The poverty. The hope. I don't know why I'm being pulled toward Africa - whether I'm meant to work with sick cheetahs, spend time with orphaned children, or just experience all that is Africa. I don't know when I'll go. All I know is that I'll go there. I'm going to Africa.

As the children say, "I know my dream will take me there."

Have you been to Africa?

The Retweet That Meant the World

I had the longest post I've quite possibly written typed up for this but decided I just wanted to keep it simple. For the past two and a half years [and even before that] I have started my day everyday by reading The Daily Love email that I subscribe to. If you don't know already, The Daily Love is based around a blog/daily inspirational message written every single day by a man named Mastin Kipp. He uses real life experience and quotes from many motivational leaders and authors and speakers from around the world to help convey these messages of love to us. Well, yesterday, this happened:

Mastin and The Daily Love literally helped me get through the two most difficult times of my life: The decision to get a divorce along with the after effects, and the sudden death of my mom six months later. It made me re-evaluate my thoughts. My attitude. My perspective. And my true purpose here in life. The Daily Love was the beginning of a new phase of my life where I made it a priority to understand myself on a much deeper level spiritually and mentally. That phase still continues today and it will be an ongoing process as I journey through life and accomplish my dreams.

I have mentioned my new meditations that I have started and lately, instead of praying for certain things that I think I want, I have been asking the Universe to take me where I need to go. In just this short amount of time compared to the grand scheme of things, I have felt so much better connected to the Universe as a whole. I have been hearing the messages I've needed to hear. And then Wednesday night happened.

I'll skip all the details but just know that Wednesday night is what inspired that tweet that I sent out. I had experienced such a spiritual moment while hearing something in his talk that I had been needing to hear. I kept thinking about how I wanted to write Mastin an email, thanking him. I wanted so badly for him to just know that that one talk resonated so deeply with me. But before I could even start writing that email, the Universe did its work...

To me, this wasn't just about the fact that he retweeted me. It was about the bigger picture again. It was about the Universe. At a time of such uncertainty in my life, this was the Universe's way of saying, "I hear you. I love you. I support you." That one single tweet I sent out turned into a short conversation that I'll always remember. And now Mastin knows how grateful I am for him, for his message, and for his courage to follow his true purpose.

And now it's my turn to do the same...

Here are some previous posts I've written about The Daily Love:

+ Creating more support in your life

+ On finding the way to my dreams

+ Taking the power back

+ Active | Reactive - A post from two years ago

Strengthening Yourself for the Hills of Life

Upon moving to San Diego back in December, I knew I wanted to make these days and years moving forward the best years of my life. Spiritually, mentally, and physically. I have been focusing a lot on my fitness and recently started a new 40-day meditation. I found places here in San Diego where I feel most inspired and make it a point to go there often.

I used to be the girl who hated running. Dance was my sport of choice so I was accustomed to a fast sprint of cardio and action-packed variety with stunts and tricks. Doing the same motion repeatedly and for a long distance just didn't strike my fancy. Ever. Until I moved to San Diego. It started with that one day back in January when I surprised myself by saying yes to running through Torrey Pines. I felt inspired and motivated and wanted to push myself again.

I later went for my first run through the legendary Balboa Park. A simple walk through Balboa Park is enough to inspire me, no matter how many times I've been. But to zoom over the bridge, past the San Diego Zoo, around the "Tree of Life," and then to finish my run by sitting there at the Lily Pond, reflecting on life and the beautiful place where I live... now that is inspiring. It clears my mind every time and it became something that I needed. I couldn't stay away and you can tell from the racerback tan lines that have appeared on my back and won't go away.

But the inspiration doesn't stop there and this is where I get to the point of this post. I don't need to run somewhere where my feet touch the ocean. I don't need to run past the one and only San Diego Zoo. Lately, I've been going for runs in my neighborhood and the solace I receive is amazing. To do something as simple as running through the streets where I live and to receive the peace and clarity and happiness that comes from something so very simple... how could I ever ask for more?

It hit me really hard on Tuesday night. I was nearing the last leg of my run, listening to P.O.D.'s "Alive" on repeat, running through the streets of a city I had only dreamt of living in years ago. And here I was. My home. My place. My streets. I was reminded back to 2002 when that same song was my ringtone. Back when ringtones sounded like video games. I thought back to the girl I was then. And then I thought about the woman I am now. Maybe not much has changed on the outside other than my hair color but I knew how much had grown on the inside; how much had been solidified and strengthened. And as I was running along a path that was 75% uphill, it reminded me how I got where I am today. Not only am I living in my dream city, in a neighborhood with palm tree lined streets and views that overlook all of the valley, but I am living a life of happiness. Even after all the hills.

I got where I am today because I changed my thinking. I consciously made the decision to live a life of happiness, of positivity, and of prosperity. And I have to make that decision again and again everyday before my feet hit the floor as I get out of bed. Just like when I'm running and I see a hill approaching. I have to consciously tell myself, "You got this. Keep going. Push harder." And I look down at my legs and I see the muscles in my very own legs. I see their strength. I see their tone. And I remind myself it's because I've been pushing myself that they've strengthened so much more. But the greatest feeling? The greatest feeling is when I get to the end of my run. I am drenched in sweat. My legs feel like jelly. My heart is pounding. But I feel amazing. Because I can look back at every single one of those hills I conquered. Every single time I thought, "Dang, I'm tired" or, "Man, my hips hurt" but didn't stop.

It's not physical endurance that matters. It's mental endurance. Because the mental endurance is what gets us through the hills of life, no matter what they may be. Make the decision everyday to be strong.

DIY Gold Plated Glass Decor

My big jewelry show is a week and one day away! I have been busy creating new designs but one of my biggest focuses has been on my display. I knew I wanted to have an antique theme and have gone on several antique adventures to find the perfect pieces. I'm so excited to share my final display with you but today, I have a fun and easy DIY!

Today, I'm going to show you how to make stunning Gold Plated Glass out of plain glasses and jars that you either have laying around or can find at any antique store, thrift shop, or swap meet!

I mocked up some of the glass items to figure out which colors I'd want to paint which color. [Note: There will be a Part Two to this. I'll show you how to easily turn glass vases into any color you want using acrylic paint!]

Here's what you'll need to make your Gold Plated Glass:

+ Any forms of glass bottles, jars, bowls, etc. (I found the vintage sundae bowl at Goodwill and found the bottle at the swap meet.)

+ Gold Plated Metallic Spray Paint (I picked a Krylon Premium fast-drying spray paint from Michael's)

Here's how you do it:

+ Find a well-ventilated area to set up.

+ Cover your surface to protect it from any additional paint.

+ Hold the can about a foot away from the glass and in slow motions back and forth, apply thin coats until the entire glass is covered. Keywords: Thin coats.

+ Allow the glasses to sit for however long your directions recommend (Mine said to wait 10-15 minutes but really they were dry in almost 5!)

And that's it! This was honestly one of the quickest and easiest DIY projects I've done. A little spray paint went a long way and now I have a bunch left over for more glasses and jars! Let me know if you try this out :)

I can't wait to show you how I end up styling these with my After Sunset jewelry! I'm very excited to see the final outcome on the night of the show. Happy DIYing!

Oh, Summer Television

I remember back in the day when there weren't over a million TV shows on throughout the year, TV just kind of stopped once Summer rolled around. Which meant staying out late to play outside and catch lightning bugs. Now, there are so many shows on TV that they all take a hiatus midway through one season instead of breaking for the entire Summer. I suppose that's okay with me now... ya know, now that I don't have any lightning bugs to go catch.

I'm not sure if you know this already, but I am a huge Pretty Little Liars fan. Huge. It's really the only series TV show I tune in to anymore. So, let's talk about what I have been DVRing and then let's talk about what's really important here: PLL. Because the new season starts tonight!!

On my DVR:

+ The Real Housewives of Orange County - How could I ever live without this show? It better not go off the air. Ever. I mean, how could they ever run out of content? Did anyone else want to cry during that tender Tamra/Gretchen moment last night?

+ Dance Moms - As a former competitive dancer, this used to be my life. Okay, it used to be my mom's life. Just... not nearly as dramatic.

+ The Voice - I'm a big-time fan of this one too, although, I must say... I'm not totally digging this season because I'm just not that into country. Can I just vote for Adam?

Look at that face.

I'm in love with this man.

+ The Bachelorette - Duh. Loving Des so much more than Emily. Just sayin'

+ The Real World: Portland - Yes, I am the only person who still watches The Real World.

+ 90210 - I am still in denial that this show was cancelled after five years...

AND...

+ PRETTY LITTLE LIARS!

Will we actually find out who A is? Or shall I say, "Red Coat"? I have no idea what thrills and shocking secrets and twists to expect this season. All I know is that this show has yet to disappoint me in its first three seasons.

If you don't watch this show already, hop on over to Netflix and start watching NOW! All three seasons are up so there are no excuses ;)

Where are all my Pretty Little Liars? Who will be tuning in with me tonight??

#gotasecretcanyoukeepit

Hope for the Helpless

Friday night, I sat with tears streaming down my face. I read a story about the hundreds of horses in Oklahoma that were killed because of the horrible tornadoes. Hundreds of them. A rescuer described the scene as they arrived saying he will live the rest of his life trying to get those images out of his mind. I just can't. even. imagine.

Then, because my heart was already broken, I jumped on Facebook to check the latest news from Central Oklahoma Humane Society. There are still dozens upon dozens of animals separated from their families and left without homes. My heart breaks for every single homeless animal in the world. Every time I walk into an animal shelter, I think about their stories. Where they came from. What they've been through.

And then I think about the animals in Central Oklahoma. I think about their itty bitty hearts that must have been beating out of their chests during the fury of a storm as massive and deadly as those that ripped through their town. And then I think about the aftermath. Thank goodness they were rescued. But what must be going through their minds now? Where's my family? Will they ever come get me? Where am I? Where's my home?

As I write this, each of those animals above is still waiting for their family to find them. Some of them may never be reunited.

For those of you who want to help, I still have a few Glimmer of Hope bracelets left in my shop. Right now 50% of the proceeds are being donated to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to help every one of those animals above and the hundreds of others still needing food and shelter... and love.

And then I just realized this post resembles that of an ASPCA commercial. Cue the Sarah McLachlan...