Author Archives: Lauren

My dad was named the second Edward Farrell in my family and my little brother was named the third. I was named Farrell sometime in between. I was researching the origin of my name recently and this crest came up for “The Farrell Clan”:

Black greyhound crest: in Irish folklore and particularly in Gaelic poetry and mythology the hound is often used as an epithet to describe a valiant warrior.
Golden crown of a duke: (as in the Lords of Annaly: the Farrells). The gold colour denotes generosity and elevation of mind.
Golden lion rampant: (rearing): the lion signifies bravery and nobility.
Green field of the shield: green signifies hope, love and joy.
Motto: Prodesse Non Nocere (To do good, not to do evil).
Cu Reabtha (The rampaging dog) – Another popular motto, but not the official.

(Crest and description taken from here)

I am not sure if it is my recent obsession with Game of Thrones or my Irish roots, but I feel a renewed sense of pride in my name and its origin.

I gotta admit, I’m a sucker for a cover song. The original source always provides a familiarity from which to enjoy something new, in the context of something already known. While trying to pick a few songs to include to illustrate the point, I discovered LP. Ummmm, am I late to the party?! An early adopter (that’d be cool). Regardless, this is an amazing artist. You heard it here first, or again. Either way, incredible! Listen!

Dance Dance Evolution

By Lauren

May 10, 2012

Inspired & Inspiring

1 Comment

“This is enormous. It’s epic. Anytime a President of the United States takes a stand on an issue like this, it reverberates around the world. And in many ways it changes the world.”

-Brian Ellner, Human Rights Campaign

image via mathbabe.org

I was really disheartened yesterday morning when I heard news that North Carolina had passed an amendment banning same-sex marriages and civil unions. The old-school song lyrics of The Youngbloods’ “Get Together“ ran through my mind, “C’mon people now…” Admittedly, I heard the phrase in a much more exasperated tone than its 1960s vibe of peace, love and understanding; but nonetheless, c’mon!

I once heard that the mostly likely factor influencing whether a person is homophobic is whether or not that individual knows an openly gay person. While I’m not implying that individuals opposing same-sex marriage and union are thereby homophobic, the opinion certainly conveys and perpetuates a strong degree of separateness, and emphasizes difference.

The national conversation on gay marriage took quite a different focus just a few hours later in the day when President Obama affirmed his support of gay marriage, making him the first in-office U.S. President to do so. In addition to mention of openly gay members of his staff and those serving in the military, the President spoke of the role his daughter’s, and their dinnertime conversations, played in forming his belief. A belief that has been coined an evolution. And isn’t that the way evolution so often happens – from one generation to the next.

As timing would have it, our openly-gay father is hosting a fundraiser this evening in his home in Columbus, Ohio for U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. If elected, Rep. Baldwin will be the first openly gay person in history to serve in the United States Senate.

Though it may often be a process of evolution, you cannot deny the power of someone speaking his authentic truth, especially when that dialogue takes place across generations. Today I’m feeling quite inspired and hopeful by the actions taken by two fathers – our President and my father. Their leadership, courage and decision to speak their truth makes us all a little braver and all a little better. And it helps to set the rhythm for this dance dance evolution!

Homie of the Day: Erin of WELL in L.A.

By Lauren

May 9, 2012

Homies, Music

8 Comments

Recently, while perusing the internet, we discovered Erin of WELL in L.A. We immediately loved her style, her message and all the applicable information she is sharing about wellness and entrepreneurship. So needless to say, we were pumped when she agreed to homie it up over here at Sister Disco with a guest post – and accompanying playlist (download the full version here) – on the topic of manifestation. Thanks, Erin!!

For this Type A girl wrapping my head around a concept like manifesting induced the phrase “right… only in California.” There must be something in the water because after 2 years in the Golden state I’m seeing a shift in my state of mind. I’m closing in on thirty. And finally beginning to understand that the less I try to force life the more I enjoy it. I spent the better part of my late twenties struggling to make life fit in the box I had carefully constructed in my early twenties. Ditching the box, the plans that belonged to the me who was trying to please everyone else and coming into my own has made the world a much more lovely place. Manifesting has been been my secret weapon in deconstructing the life I thought needed to live.

Initially manifesting scared me because it’s such a “squishy” term. It’s having a vision, but being open to knowing the outcome may surprise you or exceed your expectations. It’s equal parts push and pull. The manifestation of things is with you – always – but until you acknowledge and recognize its presence and power in your life, you’ll never be able to fully bridle its beauty or power for use in your life.

Whoa… just a minute. Erin – you’re talking crazy talk. Give me a concrete example of what the hell you’re trying to say.

Okay, okay. I had a friend in college who had an uncanny ability to make things happen. She prayed. And asked others to pray for her when she needed something to happen in her life. She needed a plane ticket to visit a loved one who was nearing death. We were sneaking our way into theaters, splitting Subway footlongs between four people and scrounging $5.00 for bottomless cup night at the bar. Coming up with money for an airplane ticket seemed impossible. Within a week of asking, $500 showed up on her doorstep. Ask. Be open. And you shall receive. There are several other instances with this friend – receiving a bicycle, clothing, a pair of shoes, finding car rides for long journeys and a few more examples. She is open, she asks and the universe rewards her willingness to be a part of something bigger than herself.

Maybe prayer isn’t your thing. It’s semantics in my world. Manifestation is beautiful in the sense that you can adapt and give it meaning in a way that feels right for you. Call it spirituality, setting an intention or simply acknowledging gratitude for what our lives and the Universe has to offer. That’s manifestation.

I started my own journey with manifesting late last year. It takes time, courage and clarity to say what you really mean and what you need in order for manifestation to work its magic in your life. I admire people who can do it right away. It’s a gift to be so open and willing to trust. Saying what I want is the first step. I’ve been working on removing my barriers and negative thought patterns. As a result, I feel blessed, abundant and open to the gifts that have come my way.

I’m working on clarifying what it is I want out of life. I want to write a book about my wellness journey, to work with creative & passionate creatures and to live life on my terms each day. I’m chipping away the broad set of goals and becoming more clear by working on these three items in some capacity each day. Living in L.A. has caused a big internal shift in my life. I see people living their dreams and the accompanying patience, work, love and drive paired with their manifestation. You can’t help but be energized and feel a buzz from whatever it is they’re putting in the water here.

I would love to know your thoughts on manifesting. Is it BS? Has it changed your life? And because this is SISTER DISCO I want to leave you with a fun “manifesting magic” playlist.

Be WELL!
erin

About Erin Haslag:
Erin of WELL in L.A. works with Big Dreamers to overcome their fears and dismantle roadblocks to success. Her services range from a bi-monthly “best of the web” digest for business owners to one-on-one intensive consultations & strategy sessions. Her mantra “Life is short; live it WELL” is threaded throughout her work, play and life. Find her @WELLinLA on Twitter or contribute to the WELL Facebook community.

One Word, Two Ways: Time

By Lauren

May 5, 2012

One Word, Two Ways

1 Comment

Each week we choose a word and each do a post based on that word. This week, the word is Time.

“To the tick tock ya don’t stop, to the tick tock ya don’t stop.“

I can’t say I have a great forte for punctuality but I do love the look of a creative clock. What time is it, you ask? Now. The time is now. Get after it!

Cantena Wall Clock / Art Deco Origami Clock / Homemade Ball Clock / Recycled Bike Wheel Clock / Rotary Phone Clock

I thought this would be an appropriate TIME to introduce you to one of our mentors. “So long, Carrie Bradshaw—there’s a new role model for go-getting thirty-somethings. Gabrielle Bernstein is doling out inner peace and self-love for the post-modern spiritual set.”—Elle magazine

Gabby puts out a weekly vlog, this week’s was on stretching time!

My Beef with Bukowski

By Lauren

May 3, 2012

Inspired & Inspiring

Homie of the Day: Catherine from Grapes of Cath

By Lauren

May 2, 2012

Homies

3 Comments

We’re delighted to have our friend, and wine aficionado, Catherine from Grapes of Cath back again (remember her holiday post on the bubbly?!). This time ’round she’s presenting us with a killer guide to rose wines for your springtime sipping pleasure. Thanks, Catherine! Cheers, all!

My dad sent along a few gifts for my 28th birthday this past November. In his card he wrote, “something whimsical, and something not.”

The whimsical was this playful painting.

Recognize the rhyme? Hey Diddle Diddle...

Pretty silly, but I adore it just the same. I hung it up right away, and glance at it often just to remind myself…on days when I start to take life a little too seriously… to never say never, that there are a million things unseen, to believe in the ridiculous. All because in some place, at some time, there was a cat that played the fiddle and a cow that jumped over the moon.

When it comes to wine, nothing seems to command whimsy like a glass of rosé. In my world, rosé is a year-round thing- its dusty romance is never lost, no matter the season. But, here we are in May with new vintages hitting the market, and bottles of it everywhere – just begging to be brought home, chilled, and sipped on a blanket in the park. Rosé, rosato, rosado, vin gris, blush- dew on the grass- all so new!

The making of rosé is a craft. Depending on the producer and their practices, it is often more time-consuming then making red or white wine. Rosé, you see, has to be just so. Though there are a few different techniques (blending, skin contact, saignée, etc.), each producer has his own variation on the theme. In the end it depends on the grape, the winemaker, the typical style of the region. Some are made to last for quite a few years, many are meant to be quaffed just months after they are released.

Generally, rosé can’t really be generalized. As a category, it is capable of all sorts of substantial and flighty, weak and strong. As far as flavor, body, and shade go, the span of rosé is vast. If Elle Woods has taught us anything, let it be to give pink every bit of respect as the rest of the color wheel.

Here are just a bunch that I’ve been diggin’ on from across the spectrum – a few somethings whimsical, a few somethings not.

Bandol from Mas de la Rouviere. About $23

This wine is made almost entirely from old-vine Mouvedré, which shows itself particularly well in the dry, hot, limestone soil ofProvence, along the Mediterranean and nearby the port of Marseilles, in southern France. Mas de la Rouviere is a small estate owned by the Bunan brothers. The deep old roots deliver a poignant spice and deep herbaciousness- and has been said to resemble our dear friend Mary-Jane.

Canavese Rosato Rubiconda by Orsolani. About $15

How to describe this delightful wine coming fromItaly’s northwest region of Piemonte? Its specific growing area is Canavese, a valley carved out by a large glacier that slid down from the nearby Alps long, long ago. There are many notable things to say about this location, and this producer as well. But let’s begin with the grape – it is called neretto and is one of very few grapes out there that has both red skin and red pulp (most pulp is white). Orsolani, a very talented white wine producer, removes the skins of the neretto grapes just after harvest and vinifies the juices as a white wine. Because of the tinted pulp, the result looks like a rosé. Tricky, huh? Maybe as tricky as the blushing tart on the label!

Cotes de Provence Cuvée Tradition Rosé by Clos Cibonne. About $24

Made from an ancient grape variety called Tibouren, this rosé is interesting to say the least. Produced by Clos Cibonne, an estate in sunny southeast France, it is aged in barrels with flor, a layer of yeast that rests atop the aging wine (traditional in sherry production). The flor contributes great intricacy, character, and complexity. Pleasantly-oxidized. Not exactly pretty – but handsome. Dashingly-handsome.

Vin Gris de Cigare by Bonny Doon. About $16

Bonny Doon is a most wacky and natural estate in California’s CentralCoast. Headed by the equally wacky and natural Randall Grahm, one of the original “Rhone Rangers” (check out his book, Been Doon So Long, for understanding and entertainment). Grahm’s wines, are excellent – you sip them and the joie de vivre of Bonny Doon translates through the bottle. Possible? Stranger things have happened. This vin gris is composed of typical Rhone varieties – grenache, mouvedre, grenache blanc, roussanne, and cinsault.

Cerasuolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo by Valentini. About $80

From near Loreto Apruntino in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, this wine is from the montepulciano grape, and from the mysterious (and maybe genius) Edoardo Valentini. What is used, and what is done, no one knows. There is a basket press, there are cement tanks, there is Slavonian oak botti, there are about 8 hectares planted to vines. The details are fuzzy, but you taste this wine and know something – that this is an interesting wine, a rosé that can withstand the years. It wins many awards, but that is not what matters. What matters is that there is a bacon on the nose, tomato leaf too. Actually, there is a whole meal that you have not even thought to make yet – and the table is beautifully set, and all of your friends are there, and the conversation is full, and in between courses you dance your favorite dance, sing your favorite song, and know that you have found some sort of infinity in a glass. Priceless.

Muralhas de Monção Rosé by Adega Coop Regional de Monção. About $8

There are incredible deals to be found in Portuguese wines. I believe that this is one of them. This wine comes from the sub-region of Vinho Verde and is made by a cooperative. Cooperatives have long been common for European wine production – keeps prices down, vintners paid, and bellies full of wine. Most Portuguese wines come from native grapes specific to the country. They are usually borderline unpronounceable. Alvarelhão, pedral, and vinhão are the players here. Fresh, fresh, fresh.

Viña Tondonia Rosé Gran Reserva by López de Heredia. About $26

A serious rosé if there ever was one, coming from one of Rioja’s oldest bodegas, Viña Tondonia, and run by family with a long history of love and respect for their land and work. Made from temprañillo, garnacho, and viura. Aged in barrels for over 4 years, bottled unfiltered by a winemaker who believes in magic. Sturdy yet bright.

Rose by Wölffer. About $14

Made on the Wölffer estate on Long Island’s South Fork by German-born oenologist, Roman Roth. A little merlot, a little cabernet sauvignon, a little chardonnay, a little cabernet franc. A lot of peach, a decent amount of acidity, a touch of confection. German influence, Provence-inspired, New York made.

Sancerre Rosé by Pascal Jolivet. About $21

Pinot Noir grown in “the garden of France,” that being the Sancerre appellation of the Loire. This wine is simply really good. Unctuous, cherry, fresh earth. Pair with a good G. Dead album. Jerry!

One Word, Two Ways: Image

By Lauren

April 28, 2012

One Word, Two Ways

1 Comment

Each week we pick a word and both do a post based off that word. This week, the word is…Image.

I have a special affection for Google Images, in that I love it. I also have a book called “The Yoga of the Nine Emotions: The Tantric Practice of Rasa Sadhana.” The book centers on the practice toward achieving mastery of one’s “most important and basic” emotions: Love, Joy, Wonder, Courage, Calmness, Anger, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust. I thought it would be interesting to do a basic Google Image search on each of these nine emotions, and select one of each to present a full spectrum image of all of them together. So that’s what I did.

Click for image source, from top to bottom:

Love / Joy / Wonder / Courage / Calmness / Anger / Sadness / Fear / Disgust

Lately I have been wanting to write about body image but I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. When the word image came up for our word of the day, I thought it would be a great way to start. I know I am not alone in saying that I am really tough on my body. I have had phases of extreme weight loss and extreme weight gain and I did not feel complete in either one of those places. As the years have progressed, I am proud to say that I love and accept my body much more than I ever thought I would. But, it is an ongoing process.

A couple of months ago, I read a post by this brilliantly strong woman. She had just had a baby and woke up early and went out for a walk. When she reached for the top of the hill she was hiking and she heard a voice that said:

You’ve got to trust me.

When I am hungry I will tell you.
You’ll hear it in chambered echos, grumbles and moans.
DON’T FEED ME, until you hear my call.

When I am lonely I will tell you.
A lump will well up in your throat, like you’ve swallowed cotton and tears will form in your eyes.
DON’T FEED ME, try making a connection with the fine collection of friends you love.

When I am anxious I will tell you.
Your heart will beat fast, your breath will struggle to leave the lungs, and you might feel full of fire.
DON’T FEED ME, instead sit down and fight for those breaths, let the oxygen pour into you—clearing the veins and vessels, close your eyes, identify the fear that is squeezing you.

When I feel depressed I will tell you.
There will be a significant lack of energy, a slumpy reaction to bed-leaving, my mind will slow down and thoughts will become like black puffy clouds.
DON’T FEED ME, instead fill your head back up with new thoughts, ideas from books and discussions. Replace the dirty fuel in your mind with clean energy.

When I feel stressed I will tell you.
Like rubberbands squeezing around your cranium, your head throbbing, your stomach turning, your muscles tightening.
DON’T FEED ME, instead write it all out, everything you are feeling, look over the list and examine.

When I feel sick I will tell you.
Fevers, aches, pains and physical discomfort.
DON’T FEED ME, take care of me, bathe me, give me lots of water and put me to bed.

When I feel happy I will tell you.
Goosebumps infiltrate your skin, you will feel light and airy, propped up on energy, buzzing in your blood.
DON’T FEED ME, use the excess vivacity to spread your sentiments to someone else.

When I feel sensual I will tell you.
Your skin will turn pink and glow. Your mouth will involuntarily smile, your body will hum with awareness.
DON’T FEED ME, you know what to do.

When I need exercise I will tell you.
Your legs will ache to be walked, your back will beg to be stretched, your heart will ask to be throbbed.
DON’T FEED ME, walk me. And don’t exercise me until I say so, please, or we will battle.

When I feel lazy, content, competitive, peaceful, overwhelmed, snippy, snappy, hot, cold, tired, frustrated, thirsty, full, beaming and bright I will tell you.
DON’T FEED ME, none of these sentiments require food. Excess surplus will have to be stored. I will have to make more of us—human shelves in rolls and lumps—to organize the overflow intake. Don’t make me do that, please. There are babies to feed, children to squeeze, a husband to kiss. Right now, we don’t have a lot of steam to become a storage facility as well.

But when I feel hungry I will send you a message of emptiness of stomach, dizziness of head, a sensation in your mouth extending into your throat that reads, I NEED FOOD, PLEASE DON’T STARVE ME.
Then, feed me.

Though in all those instances, I would probably do the opposite of feed myself, her post is a great reminder for me to listen to my body and remember to love it unconditionally.

Homie of the Day: Megan of Greetings from Texas

By Lauren

April 25, 2012

Homies, Travel

2 Comments

What up Sister Disco readers! I’m Megan and today’s featured “homie.”

I started my blog, Greetings from Texas, a year ago when my husband’s job brought us to Houston. Growing up in the Midwest, I thought there was a lot of bizarre stuff going down in the state and I wanted to document it. My blog still chronicles my life as a new Texan but I incorporate other topical things such as Jay- Z, New Orleans, and my homemade music videos. I talk about cancer every once in a while too because I had that. (It sucked).

Any of you happen to be coming to Houston soon? You should. It’s a really awesome city. Here are some of my fave spots to prove it.

-GREETINGS FROM HOUSTON!-

HOUSTON EATS

One. Tiny Boxwood’s – Adorable and somewhat “girly” cafe with amazing food. Order the beet burger – it will change your life. Plus I had a celebrity sighting there!!! Read about it here.
Two. Tacos A Go-Go – Houston has a million Mexican places. This is a very casual but the food is really authentic. The Main Street location is really colorful and unique.
Three. The Tasting Room – Though it’s a “wine cafe” I go here for the food. Their pizza, salads, and sandwiches are all awesome. Plus they usually have live music. It’s fab!

HOUSTON SHOPPING

Four. Downtown Heights – If you like vintage stores, you will die. (In a good way.) So many good ones on one single street!! Plus this is a historical area which is something to see in itself.

Five. Cheeky Vintage – A high end vintage store. It was featured in Lucky Magazine last year and let’s be real, Lucky Magazine is legit. So is Cheeky Vintage.
Six. River Oaks – Though this area has a lot of big box stores like Gap which you can go to anywhere, the landscape makes it worth the trip. It feels more Malibu than it does Houston. Also, it has a plethora of Starbucks. Don’t believe me? Click here.

HOUSTON PASTIMES
Seven. Pinky’s – If you’re willing to take a short ride to El Lago, Texas you can rent paddleboards or kayaks. So fun!

Eight. Boneyard Dogpark & Drinkery – Have a pooch? This place is a bar and a dogpark all in one. Genius!
Nine. Hotel Zaza’s Pool – If you book any service at their spa, you can spend the day poolside. And with a pool like this, believe me, you’ll be living large.Not buying a plane ticket? Then get your Texas Living on vicariously through my blog. See you there friends!

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