Healthy alternatives for the Holidays!

Some people can't have all the delicious goodies at the dessert table around the holidays. Its important to find ways to include the people that have food allergies in on the fun. In our family, there are a few people with a wheat allergy. Here is a delicious alternative to a holiday loaf that I got from a great book on low starch. You definitely need to go to a health food store to get the ingredients, but the consensus in our household is that it's worth it. For those with an allergy to nuts, this won't work. 

Here are the ingredients you are going to need.

2 cups blanched almond flour 

1/4 cup coconut flour 

1/2 tsp xanthan gum 

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt 

1/4 cup light oil 

1 1/2 tablespoon honey or agave syrup 

1/2 cup buttermilk 

3 eggs 

2 egg whites, beaten to soft peaks 

lets get started! 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine almond 

flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 

Mix the oil, honey, buttermilk and eggs together before adding them to 

the dry ingredients. Mix to combine. Gently fold in the egg whites. 

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in the oven for 50 

minutes to one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean when 

inserted in the center and the loaf feels relatively firm to the touch. 

                           

When I took the loaf out of the oven, I wished that I had done a better job greasing the pan. It ended up working out okay though. I usually serve this loaf sliced and toasted with butter, or earth balance spread and agave nectar on top. However, my favorite way to eat it, is shown above. I spread a thin layer of greek yogurt on top and add my choice of berry. To finish it off, I drizzle honey or agave nectar to sweeten.

It's so good, that you won't miss the junk food one bit! Enjoy!

Save a tree.

My Christmas tree this year.

You can reduce your households waste this year by creating a christmas tree out of things that you already have around your house. Here are three examples that I have pulled together. I have to credit my mother in sending me these ideas from an online magazine. The fist one is my own rendition of the idea. I have friends that celebrate all sorts of holidays this time of year, and I have used this opportunity to find things around my house to represent the people that I love. Have fun with it!

Pieces of old wood, either glued or hammered together.

This Tree was posted on Nico Vegas facebook page. I love the use of natural objects. 

If you are someone who collects lots of little things, this approach is a good one for you.

There are lots of ways to be resourceful around the holidays, and it feels good not to add to the mass amounts of waste when we don't need to. I think that gifts wrapped in newspaper are underrated,  and I am always a fan of reusing wrapping paper as my family knows. Also, giving a gift in a basket, or some kind of a beautiful box that can be used around the house is a good idea. Don't be afraid to work outside the box on this one. The chances are, your friends and family will be surprised by your craftiness.

Women who have paved their own way.

My Mother Rogene Manas

I woke up today compelled to blog about women that have inspired me in one way or another. I love these women so much because of what they represent in society. Some of them have been frowned upon for the mistakes that they have made in years past. I identify with some of  them because of their mistakes and ability to recover. I identify with others because they went where no woman had gone before. It is so important to have role models that inspire you. Not just saints and untouchables, but real life people that represent a goal, a destination, a strength, or a will to persevere. I don't believe in idolizing people in an inhuman way. It can be unhealthy to aspire to BE someone that you aren't. Each one of us has a strength, and a uniqueness inside that we choose, or choose not to tap into. We can be LIKE others, but we are always exactly ourselves. 

I started the blog off with a picture of my beautiful mother. She has always been the most stable thing about my life. We were best friends the moment I got into this world, and have been ever since. She was more or less a single mom raising 2 children while pursuing a career in art. She is the person who has taught me about buying second hand , and recycling. She makes 75% of the gifts she gives from scratch, and they are always more amazing than anything else I get. My mom is a true artist in every aspect of her life. I wouldn't be a musician, nor would I have pursued a life in art if it were not for her. 

Bjork

Bjork. One of the most inventive musical, and visual artists of all time. She never ceases to amaze me. She has also performed pregnant, and managed to stay out of the limelight as a mother her entire career. Bjork is the definition of someone who paves their own path. She is true inspiration.

Tina Turner

People that know me well know that musically I have been inspired by Tina Turner. She was the voice that encouraged me to become a rock singer. Tina Turner has been through so many trials, and has managed to come out on top.  I love this woman.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie. A mother of 6, a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations, a jet setter, an actress, and someone who used her face to help save the world. Rag on her all you want. She does more good than anybody in her industry.

Maryl Streep

Maryl Streep. This woman is a master of her trade. She deserves every bit of hype that she gets. Maryl Streep is so inspiring to me. Her ability to transform herself and create the most convincing character(s) is undeniable. I have yet to see a better actor or actress.

Thank you to these women for inspiring me with their individuality, and strength. 

Raquel Allegra making something out of nothing.

Raquel Allegra



Here is yet another woman who has inspired me. I am starting to see a pattern. I met Raquel a few years ago in Los Angeles. She was just starting out as a designer. What I found most amazing about Raquel was her ability to take something as ordinary as an old t-shirt, and turn it into an incredible piece of designer clothing. Raquel was one of the first designers on the market to manipulate and tear apart cotton material by hand to create a lacy net like fabric. She started out buying second hand garb from the inmates at prison facilities in the Los Angeles area, and recycling them into clothing that could be worn on a runway. Each piece had a story. As she has gained popularity, she has grown as a designer and started working with leathers and other materials. If you cant afford her clothing, let her ability to recycle inspire you to take your old things and turn them into something new. 

Manipulated cotton by Raquel.

Manipulated cotton, and leather work by Raquel Allegra

These leather leggings are one of Raquel's newer designs.

Mercedes Helnwein and her inspiring talent.

I cannot have a blog without mentioning my friend Mercedes Helnwein. Her artwork is incredible. Mercedes is the daughter of the legendary Gottfried Helnwein. No doubt talent runs in the family. When I met Mercedes she told me that she had been drawing seriously for only a few years. That was about 5 years ago. Her early work was already amazing and in a short time it has become quite epic. One of the things I admire most about Mercedes is her workspace. She has a large one bedroom loft and the walls are all white. She has collected a few pieces of vintage furniture keeping a sparse minimalist vibe. Her drawings are up all over the walls. From the moment you enter Mercedes' studio you feel as though you are privileged to witness a private look at one of the greats. I encourage everyone to look into the work of the entire Helnwein family. They are all a true piece of history in the making. I have learned from Mercedes that it is important to live in a space that I feel free enough to create in. I know that my surroundings effect my inspiration. One old phrase comes to mind. "Messy bed, messy head".

Mercedes Helnwein

A piece from her "Temptation to be good" series.

I was privileged to be a model for one of Mercedes drawings a few years back.

This is a painting from Mercedes', "Asleep in the wind" series.

Second hand first!

So. As some of you may know, I am a big advocate of thrift store shopping. Anything from goodwill, to the higher end thrift stores. I love reusing things that had a previous life. I also think that it is easier to be creative with your money by shopping second hand. 

I love Goodwill to no end, but I will say that some people need more help finding treasures. Goodwill can be overwhelming. I have listed 3 stores in 3 cities that I really like. I found them on the road while I was traveling with Nico Vega. I urge you to look into these thrift spots because they all have a unique voice about them. There are also people working that can help you find something that uniquely represents you. 

Feathers in Austin TX. This is probably the nicest, and most tasteful thrift store that I have ever been to.  I would go as far as saying its my favorite store in the world. It has choice pieces. It is almost the same price as a regular retail store, but  much higher quality, and one of a kind. Do not miss this one.

The Gypsy Den in Las Vegas. This is a really special little place. The owner (seen above) hand makes a lot of the jewelry. She is incredibly sweet, and very helpful. It is the most unique clothing store I have ever been to. You will see what I mean when you go.

Squaresville in Los Angeles. I love this store. I find 50% of the dresses that I wear on stage at Squaresville. Its reasonably priced, and has a lot of taste.

Make second hand your first choice.

Tasya Van Ree

Today I would like to introduce a friend of mine named Tasya Van Ree. I met her through a group of really amazing women. She is an incredible artist in all facets, and has a strong voice in the community in supporting equal rights. Tasya shot a beautiful short film of me in my apartment last year and that is when I fell in love with her artwork and photography. As a painter she has inspired my work and encouraged my untrained self to be more ambitious. Keep an eye out for this woman.

Tasya Van Ree at her opening for Distorted Delicacies 

Two paintings from her "Birth Marks of the Feminine" series

Photo by Tasya Van Ree

Photo by Tasya Van Ree

Anya Ayong-Chee creating something out of nothing.

Anya Ayoung-Chee

Anya Ayoung-Chee is a top designer on last seasons project runway. Anya has inspired me to no end. She has only been sewing for 4 months, and has proven that her imagination is stronger than her technique. I love everything that she creates. It doesn't matter what her skill level is, her determination and artistic eye get her by ten-fold.

Anya loves patterns that hint at a vintage/eclectic vibe. She is not afraid to be loud and has no problem making a statement. I also love that her clothing showcases women in a very strong, goddess-like nature. When I put on a long flowy dress for a show, I automatically feel like I am summoning the spirits of woman-hood. Anya does the same for me. If I could have her a as a personal stylist for stage, I would feel like, visually, my entertaining spirit was being captured. Keep an eye out for what she does next. I strongly encourage those of you who love self expression through clothing to research her creations.

A beautiful dress created by Anya

My paintings. Another case of something out of nothing.

This is a large painting about 4' x 5'. It was done with acrylic and house paint.

This is done with construction paper, house paint, and sharpies.

This is done with oil paint, very old construction paper, and sharpies.

This is done with sharpies, and house paint.

Like every artist across the globe, I am my own worst critic. I am such a critic of my own work, that it becomes hard for me to show it to anybody. As a small child I used to crumple pages of drawings up and throw them in the trash. I could barely stand to look at the imperfections. I am untrained, and very amateur. That being said... Life is too short! I want to encourage people to put themselves out there, so I have to do the same.  The pictures above are random drawings and paintings I have done. They vary in size. I am always creating on a dime. I use sharpies and house paint most of the time, but occasionally acrylic as well. Another case of making something out of nothing. 

If you don't display your work, it becomes hard to gauge your growth as an artist. It also becomes easy to hide everything all the time. Eventually you might even stop creating. I am constantly in competition with myself as a singer because of the work I have released. I get better because I am constantly raising my own bar. This is why sharing your work is important. 

There are also those of us who never even started creating art. The critic inside of our head was so strong that we never even tried. We just said, "I'm not an artist." That is tragic. Everyone has an artist inside of them. Find the outlet that is right for you. Who cares about how good or bad you think you are if you enjoy doing it. The freedom to create is a gift we were handed from the moment we came into this world. Don't waste the gift. Share it with the rest of us. 

More examples of vision boards.

This is one of my earlier vision boards. 90% of what is on this vision board has happened in my life since I made it.
The other 10% is happening right now. 

This is one of my more recent vision boards. I made this vision board about the next few years.

Don't be afraid of making many vision boards. I make one ever time I need inspiration. This is a starting point for anything in your life. Love, happiness, family, work, money, art, spirituality, travel. Cut it, paste it, paint it, write it. Start as soon as possible. The goal here is to get yourself into an inspired headspace. With anything new in life comes the question,"Where do I begin?" 

Begin with a Vision Board.