Latte Diaries #2

December is almost over and the holidays are upon us! I'm excited to go home and while 'home' is a half hour away, I haven't been in about two weeks and it's nice to have other people in the house.

November sucked and just when I thought Decemeber was going to turn around...life decided to mess with me. Was totally screwed over on something and that only made everything else in my life that much more frustrating. And just when I thought things couldn't be worse - stomach bug hit.

But as is my life - when really bad things hit, really good always follows to help ease the pain. Was asked to lend out clothing for two insane shoots, both for submissions and hopefully you'll be able to see my designs in print modeled by amazing models and the one photographer is a pretty big deal - don't know if I can say much.

Hopefully within the week I'll be making an event announcement! It sounds like it'll be a sick time and I'll have new designs...animal prints...battling drag queens...I'm stoked.

It's funny how I was out and super busy everyday last week that last night, when faced with nothing to do, I was going nuts! You would think I would be tired and happy to do nothing and chill, but I can never sit still. Back to work today and time to get a project settled - b/c there's a million things to do and like no time. Story of my life.

December Latte Diaries #1

I have been an eggnog chai fiend! Last week, I was the costumer for this amazing off-Broadway production of the Identity Theater Company, 'The Boys Next Door,' which ran at The Drilling Company Theater in NYC. It was SO much fun and the actors involved are just absolutely amazing. So amazing that the play is extended for four more shows December 12th - 15th!

There's been a lot going on and I'm trying to regroup and rebrand. On the non-fashion side of my life, November felt like it killed my social life and I just couldn't win. I read there was a Mercury retrograde last month and like to blame my frustrations on that. I'm looking forward to the holiday season and New Year to bring me back closer with friends and family.

A new restaurant I got to try was DBGB Kitchen & Bar down in the Bowery. I got this amazing omelette and hash browns and a French bellini. SO good. My friend and I are planning to go back. Their entire menu looks amazing, but I just want all the brunch items.

I'm trying to get new clothing pieces made and I've been working on a project for a music video, which I'm so stoked on what's been made so far. But I can't reveal just yet! Still have photos to post on here - but there are photoshoot images on my Facebook, so check it out.

And finally...don't forget - Sunday, December 9th, 10am - 5pm in Philadelphia. Check out www.r5productions.com for more info. I'll be selling things super cheap. Come say hi!

Coffee Coffee Coffee!!!

Coffee is amazing and the whole Keurig Machine is fantastic for us lazy people.

So now that I'm an environmental hipppie thanks to documentaries on Netflix, I'm becoming more aware of my plastic usage. The one thing I pointed out when we got the machine was how the k-cups were all plastic. I also was pissed feeling like now we're paying $1.00 per cup of coffee when you could get a pound of beans for the same price as a box of k-cups, but get a bunch more cups of coffee out of it.

But of course I didn't do anything to change things up except I stopped drinking coffee everyday. Not fun.

Then my mom buys a new brand of k-cups: San Francisco Bay Coffee. Just love and I'm actually drinking the Rainforest Blend, which is my favorite. Plus! It's a few dollars cheaper and what I love is the bottom half of the k-cup is a filter, not plastic. How cool!

Cheg Diaries - Cup #something

I'm sitting here trying to finish up a show review and I'm drinking a homemade eggnog chai. Haven't had one in awhile. Switched to those caramel brulee lattes.

I haven't been updating like I had hoped. December turned into the month from crazy hell! From preparing for the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market to interviewing the bassist of one of my favorite bands to getting an early Christmas present of a photo pass for another band I die for...And now we're ending the month and year with deadmau5 performing on New Year's Eve.

The Punk Rock Flea Market was an interesting time. Once we got setup and rolling, the time went by fast, which was surprising. But was a learning experience and now all I can say is look out for other events I'll be vending at. I do everything backwards, so we're talking big events.

I had hoped a lot more images were going to be coming my way, but waiting on submissions and edits...it's an annoying process sometimes! But I'm stoked to be doing my first shoot of the year next week with Creepshow Photography! She is also the first photographer I've ever shot with too! Annnddd....I have a video to show off from Keep Me From Dreaming directed by Jesse Fox and you can find my clothing scattered about. YAY!

So until then...Happy New Year Everyone!

The Cheg Diaries - Cup #8

This one was from before heading over to the studio of Sumie Tachibana for a holiday trunk show. There was racks and tables of her designs and I was so upset because I adore her work, but am broke. There was also jewelry sellers, vintage glove dealer and an old student of Sumie's, was selling soap she and her mother make. I got the Lavendar scent and am excited to use it! There's also soap making classes and other sewing classes at the studio. I found info at Here

It was such a nice day seeing those lovely ladies and then went to this great restaurant - BANY - yum! Sushi. And as if I needed any more caffeine (again I would regret this later), went to this punk rock ultra-hipster coffee shop Sweet Leaf. The barista even made a leaf in the latte's foam. So cute!

Than was able to hit up Buffalo Exchange and Beacon's Closet, though I didn't buy anything. No band shirts for me. But my friend bought records at Sound Fix across the way. That place reminds me so much of Skífan in Iceland.

Oh! And at Beacon's Closet, they were like doing a documentary of the place and interviewing people outside. The hipsters scared me. And it seemed yesterday was the day for everyone to be selling at these two thrift stores and the hopeful sellers scared me even more. haha

Back to work for the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market!

Still confused as to what the 'Cheg Diaries' are? Read my intro HERE

Cheg Diaries - Cup #7

Ok, so it's the bag my cranberry bliss bar came in, but I accidentally threw out my cup.

I had been helping out at a nearby theater for two days and I got an eggnog chai to keep me going. Turned out, the barista put a shot of espresso in it. They sometimes do by accident and it wasn't bad, but I was kind of upset. Plus I think the extra caffeine caused me to crash real bad later that night and then feel sick. I was supossed to go out, but instead passed out at home.

It's been fun seeing the behind the scenes inner workings of what goes on for a theater performance. They're doing A Christmas Carol, so the costumes are awesome. The women's skirts and corset tops are heavey as all hell. I want to play dress up, but alas, I would probably be too big even if I could.

Getting ready for the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market. Will post a blog later. Come out and say hi!

Cheg Diaries - Cup #6

Thanksgiving weekend was a complete rollercoaster! Thanksgiving itself was really nice with family and great food. But the other days...bummer mood.

I ran out of chai at home, so I had to stop and pick up a cup today, I was dying of sleepiness. Also confirmed tshirt designs and will post images when they are done. I'm really feeling the second batch being made.

Waiting is so hard! There are so many photos, magazines and even a video to come.

December is almost here and there are so many concerts I'm going to. Plus, New Year's Eve is going to be bananas!

OH! I also got my Youtube channel going. Check out the playlist of songs that I felt compliment the collection and I have my first interview ever up there!

Youtube Channell

Cheg Diaries - Cup #5

WOW! I've been a slacker. I haven't been buying coffee like I thought I would be. Blame it on building me line and never having money for $5 chais. Doesn't matter...I have a secret weapon for getting my fix. It's called make your own!

This is a homemade eggnog chai in a groovy zebra tumbler (which my lovely friend and assistant Connie got me for my birthday)

There's been so much going on and I have to wait to get back images and and there seems that in February you will have to look out for my design on the cover of an alternative Indie magazine.

I'm also getting things ready for an Etsy shop update. All this week I'll be posting stuff at holiday sale prices. Then on December 11th, I'll be selling at the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market. It's the first time I'll be a vendor, so come say hi!

Been hanging with awesome friends old & new, listening to great music, been back in the swing of interviewing bands and sewing my life away. Does anyone else get bummed out during the holiday seasons? I always find myself reflecting on the past, present and future and it can put me in such a bad state of mind. Beauty comes from misery and we know this because it's always better tomorrow.