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Lusting over Lichtenstein

Looking to the past for future inspirations is key for a creative mind. The eyes, mind and soul are constantly wandering and lusting for new creative direction and recently I have found myself in search for a boost of creative energy. My recent rediscovering of Roy Lichtenstein has me falling in love all over again with his use of color.  I happened to stumble upon Liechtenstein’s art over the weekend and haven’t been able to get his retro take on pop art out of my head. With this hot summer heat radiating down upon the city I have been gravitating more and more towards bold colors, especially summer yellow. My recent Lichtenstein obsession has me spinning with ideas for future collections as well as how I can incorporate this new creative boost into my current wardrobe.

Many of the interns are art majors or minors so we’ve been having an ongoing discussion all day debating our favorite Lichtenstein pieces as well as how this pop art genre has inspired so many amazing looks throughout history. From 60’s flower child, to color blocking, and today’s ever popular youthful festival wear, it seems that pop art inspired style is constantly being recycled throughout the generations. I love looking back at how trends from the past have influenced popular looks today! It’s always so fun to take a trip down memory lane isn’t it?

To make this look work for you throw on your favorite summer colors in the forms of geometric shapes or free spirited patterns. Layer your look with Susanna Galanis chains featuring charms and gems finally, finish your look off with a gorgeous gold cuff from my collection. There are so many ways to make this look work for you so have fun with it my fashionistas/os!

Stay inspired my darlings!

 

xoxo,

Susanna

To learn more about Roy Lichtenstein and his amazing work follow the follow the links below.

http://www.lichtensteinfoundation.org/

http://www.biography.com/people/roy-lichtenstein-9381678

To inquire about the jewelry featured in today’s blog post please look at my website http://www.susannagalanis.com/main_collection.asp or to set up a private viewing of the showroom please call 212.759.9142.

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POSTCARD – MagicTurquoise

What is the appeal of turquoise?

For years, as a jewelry designer I was drawn to this precious stone [well, technically, it is considered a semi-precious stone] but you know what I mean. My clients as well feel the same. We are all obsessed with this color! So beautiful and magical. We feel and look great wearing turquoise. Here is why:

Turquoise Healing Properties

Turquoise is aiding in:

♥ Purification ♥ Serenity ♥ Protection ♥ Wisdom ♥ Balance ♥ Strength ♥ Friendship ♥ Love ♥ Positive thinking ♥ Sensitivity

Blake Lively Blue AgateTurquoise is a mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium.  Turquoise is an 11th Anniversary gemstone and vibrates to the number 1 [ my number].

Do you know about Chakras? You must understand their functions in order to understand how turquoise [and other gem stones] helps.  So, let’s get ‘off’ the subject there for a moment [or two, this is a bit lengthy yet extremely important] and learn about chakras.

Chakras (pronounced “Shock-Ruhs”) are whirling concentrated energy centers within and around our physical bodies. They are measurable patterns of electromagnetic activity for receiving, assimilating, and transmitting life-force energy to and within the body. Without this life-force energy we would cease to live. Every living being, including the Earth has chakras. Chakras receive and transmit energy all the time. Chakras are located deep within the center of the physical body next to a hormonal gland along the spinal column.

Chakras are attached along the spine from the base to the top of the head. Chakras draw in Divine life-force energy (also called “ki”, “chi” or “prana”) from the Universe and distribute this vital energy to the physical glands and organs in the body and through the bloodstream and nervous system for optimum health and well being. Each chakra has an influence over the hormonal glands and internal organs in that part of the body where the chakra is located. The chakras also connect the spinal cord, the nervous system, and the hormonal system with our subtle body of vibrational energy called the bio-electromagnetic field or aura.

There are hundreds of chakras within and around you, but most psychics and healers are concerned with only the 7 major ones. Some people are sensitive enough to see or feel the chakras.

Where are the 7 main chakras and what are their related life issues?

Besides their role in maintaining our physical health, chakras also oversee various life issues. Each of the 7 main chakras reflects essential aspects of consciousness and governs our lives, relationships, learning, and spiritual awakening.

1. Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine is red in colour and governs stability, grounding, security, will power, safety, prosperity, physical energy. If unbalanced one may exhibit sluggishness, tiredness, weight problems,  skin,  bone,  teeth and back problems. And on the behavioral side, show signs of greed, fear, fear of change,  anxiousness,  addiction to security,  restlessness and  lack of discipline.

2. Sacral/Naval Chakra, located 3 finger widths below the belly button governs, emotions, emotional identity, sexuality, creativity, pleasure and ethics. If unbalanced my show physically in the form of sexual problems, back problems, problems with reproductive organs, spleen and urinary system. problems. Behavior problems such as, dramatic mood swings, addiction to or fear of sex, emotional dependence, obsession, poor social skills, lack of desire or passion, loss of appetite for food, sex or life.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra, located 3 fingers above the belly button governs,   intellect, power, ambition, self-esteem, will, responsibility. When out of balance, you may see physical signs of arthritis, diabetes, digestive disorders, ulcers, problems with stomach, liver, colon and intestine, anorexia or bulimia, pancreatitis, gallstones and allergies. And behavioral problems such as poor self esteem, overly aggressive, arrogant, stubborn, hyper active, competitive, passive, sluggish, blaming and being unreliable.

4. Heart Chakra, located in the centre of the breasts governs, Love, self-love, intimacy, forgiveness and loneliness. When out of balance, physical signs can be seen as problems of the heart, lungs, breast, thymus and arms, asthma, allergy and immune system problems. In the way of behavior, jealous, critical, lonely, depressed, demanding, narcissism, fear of intimacy and intolerant.

5. Throat Chakra located in the throat area governs, communication, self-expression and divine guidance. It also governs the throat, mouth, ears, thyroid gland, arms, and hands. Physical problems such as stammering, weak voice, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid and ear problems such as earaches and infections. In the way of behavioral problems, talking too much or too little and poor listening skills.

6. The Third Eye Chakra also knows as the Brow Chakra, is located in central to the eyes but up into the centre of the forehead, it governs intuition, intellect, imagination,  creativity and psychic abilities. When unbalanced can show in the physical forms of poor vision, sinus and nose problems, headaches, seizures, learning disability and neurological problems. Behavioral problems can show in the forms of lack of imagination, visualization and foresight, poor memory, obsession, nightmares and hallucinations.

7. Crown Chakra located on top of the head governs, spiritual awakening, enlightenment,  and cosmic consciousness. Physical symptoms of being out of balance, migraine, brain tumor, amnesia, coma, and sensitivity to Light and Sound. Behavioral symptoms include, confusion, cynicism, rigidity, greed, and domination.

What are energy blockages or energy imbalances in the Chakras?

Imbalances in the chakras are known as energy blocks. When there is unreleased emotion such as fear, anger or guilt accumulated from past experiences or when there’s been a lack of nurturing, love, and encouragement during the developmental period, the energy flows less freely to/from the chakras. Whenever a person blocks an experience, he or she blocks the flow of energy to and from their chakras. The chakras become blocked, clogged with stagnated energy, spin irregularly or backwards or can even become distorted or torn.

When the chakras are functioning normally, each one will be open and spinning properly to metabolize the particular energies needed from the universal energy field. If you were to completely think thoughts of love and faith, your body’s energy would flow smoothly between and around the chakras. You would probably feel happy and healthy . Fearful thoughts negatively affect your chakras’ ability to function. That is why you may feel out of sorts or lethargic and not know why. Obsessive thoughts cause the chakras to enlarge and become out of proportion.

Many people close down the top three chakras (Crown, Brow, and Throat) by the time they are three years old as a reaction to the disbelief of their parents and society in nature spirits, spirit friends, and past lives. During the teenage years, the Heart or 4th Chakra often closes down or becomes blocked because of pain and rejection from parents, peers, and lovers. The Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra may close down or become blocked when parents and society force teens into molds they don’t fit. By the time many of us reach adulthood, we have closed down all but the first 2 chakras (Root and Sacral) and even those often have imbalances due to energy blocks.

The closure or imbalance of the energy blockage doesn’t usually occur in response to a single event. It’s the repetition of similar events without relief that eventually closes off the chakra or causes the imbalanced energy blockage.

Why we want to identify and remove energy blocks/imbalances and balance our Chakras?

Yogis knew that a person’s illness often first manifests in the chakras before the physical body. They knew that no one could be completely healed if the chakra system continued to be out of balance. When there is a blockage or imbalance in one part of the chakra system, it has an impact on all the other chakras. Imbalances occur when there is too much or too little energy flowing through the chakras. By understanding how each chakra affects a particular body function and life issue, it is possible to identify where a chakra is malfunctioning. Various techniques can then be used to balance the chakra system and restore health in the individual physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.Holding negative thoughts causes chakras to become dirty with dense, dark energy. This prevents chakras from providing sufficient vital energy for the body. Unbalanced or “blocked” chakras create a whole range of mental, emotional, and physiological conditions.

Keeping Your Chakras in Proper Alignment

Using gemstones is one way to prevent chakra dysfunctions.

Turquoise helps with the Heart, Throat and Eye Chakra.

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Chakras – Heart ChakraThroat ChakraThird Eye Chakra
Birthstone – December
Zodiac – ScorpioSagittariusAquariusPisces
Planet – Venus & Neptune
Element 
– Air & Fire
Typical colours –
 turquoise, blue, green, yellow-green

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Susanna Galanis AGE of gods (2)

Gossip Girl 10Turquoise is a purification stone.  It dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere.  Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilising mood swings and instilling inner calm.  It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks.  Turquoise promotes self-realisation and assists creative problem solving.  It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love.

Turquoise aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune systemSusanna Galanis - PRESS, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body.  It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and alleviates cramps and pain.  Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts.  It neutralises overacidity, benefits rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, and viral infections.

TAIGAN (2) 018-001Susanna GalanisSusanna Galanis Jewelry Collection (2)IssaPictures18Pictures15-1

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POSTCARD Major confrontation

 

 

Archangel Micheal 

 

In the New Testament ( Book of Revelations) archangel Michael leads God’s armies against Satan’s  forces, where in the war in heavens he defeats Satan. He is often depicted slaying a demon with his mighty sword. His chief function is ridding the world of fear and toxic energies.


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Call upon this archangel as a strong protector and a support system.

                                                   

Below:  Guido Reni’s Michael (in Santa Maria della Concezione church, Rome 1636) tramples Satan.

Archangel Michael is seen as a healer angel, as a protector and the leader of the army of God against the forces of evil. The Book of Revelations (12:7-9) describes a war in heaven in which Michael, being stronger, defeats Satan.

“…there was a war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But, he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven…”

After the conflict, Satan is thrown to earth along with the fallen angels where he (“…that ancient serpent called the devil, still tries to lead the world astray…”)

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Elevate your moods…with chocolate!

It’s Sunday morning 11:30 AM in New York city the day of hurricane Irene’s anticipated mega catastrophe. The anticipation for the past 48 hours was a tornment paralyzing the entire city and our souls. Everything appeared (although on the surface we all were  very cool)  dark, depressing and very scary as this was described, according to the news and several warnings, to be “possibly the biggest  destructive force of nature of our times.”

The “destruction”  however, was not bad after all. Thank God. We survived the hurricane! Someone up there really likes us, or, as the ancient Greeks used to say, “the Gods are favoring us.” We are in New York city after all, and our elegant skyscrapers act as modern-day cathedrals, as magical connectors with the divine, forever pointing up towards the sky quietly inspiring us to reach towards our higher purpose. It’s a magical feeling!

While watching the constant bombarding of “warnings” all over the news, of “how bad things could possibly get,” and “the worst case senarios,” my usually upbeat, possitive mood plummeted — my energy level was  at the  lowest… what was I to do? Reach for the chocolate of course! Dark, rich, decadent chocolate. Instant gratification! It worked! I began feeling like my usual self again. This made me wonder: what other foods can produce the same effect? After a little research, here is what I discovered:

Hipocrates (460 BC – 370 BC) an ancient Greek physician who founded the Hyppocratic School of Medicine and who  is the father of Western medicine , was the first to suggest the healing power of food. But, it was not until the medieval ages that food was considered as a tool to modify temperament and mood.

As modern scientific methods in neuroscience emerged, investigators began to examine the role of diet to health, including mental well being. As science advanced we learned that the foundation of brain activity is food. What we eat creates brain chemicals, the basic units of brain action. From the array of nutrients in a meal, proteins in the brain called enzymes conduct chemicals in a balanced proportion. There is a relationship between food and the balance of brain chemicals. These chemicals are:

seratonin – enhances calmness and sleepiness and erases depression,

norepinephrine – makes you energetic and focused, and,

endorphine – causes “natural high” because it creates a sence of euphoria.

LIST OF MOOD ENHANSING FOOD:

Whole grains, bread and pasta, oatmel, shell fish,  seafood, pultry, salt, grean leafy vegetables (especially spinach), dairy products, leggumes, avocados, tomatoes, beets, peas, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, oranges, blueberries, bannanas, pineapples, plums, passion fruits, pomegranates, green tea, coffee, sun flower seeds, brazilian nuts, walnuts and dark chocolate (70% dark chocolate to ensure maximum benefits.)

A few people would frown after popping a square of decadent chocolate into their mouths, but it’s not just

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because it tastes good.  Chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins and it can  boost serotonin levels — also, it contains compounds like phenylethylamine that act as mind stimulants. A recent study from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) finds that eating chocolate may lead to 33% lower risk of heart disease (with its antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties lowering blood pressure and improving insulin resistance.)

Growing up in Northern Greece, I remember that my mother always kept a beautifully decorated porcelain box full of fine chocolates “for the visitors” as our home was always open and welcoming. Well, that little box had plenty of visits…from me!

The euphoric effects of chocolate are beautifully depicted in one of my favorite films:Chocolate (2000), with Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp and Lena Olin.

It is an oscar-nominated film where Juliette and her daughter open up a chocolate shop in a small French village (1959) and she shakes up the rigid morality of the community with her cocoa remedies — that her pharmacist father had discovered in one of his adventures in Central America.  Unrefined cocoa with a pinch of chili was used in ancient Mayan sacred ceremonies. The people from the Maya civilization believed that cocoa had the power to unlock hidden desires and to reveal destinies. Chocolate is a recurring motif in the film — one that is used to draw secrets and stories out of people. Juliette’s character serves her magical spicy hot chocolate with a pinch of chili flakes causing everyone to feel love and to be delightfully  elevated and permanently transformed.

It is a beautiful  modern-day fairytale with a beautiful message, ‘We can’t go around measuring our goodness with what we don’t do, with what we deny ourselves,  what we resist, and whom do we exclude. We have got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include.” This film will definitely elevate your spirit and it will absolutely make you fall in love with Johnny Depp…if you are not in love with him already…

HURRICANE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE  (try it it will give you a lift!)

2 cups of organic milk (whole, or 2% fat)

3 oz. bar of dark, organic chocolate (grated)

honey (to taste)

2 tb spoons  cocoa powder

1 vanilla bean

crushed red chili pepper flakes (to taste)

a pinch of salt

Heat all ingredients until chocolate melts, stir, strain and serve. Add a bit of whipped cream and “delicious” is something you can expect!

Well, no one was anticipating the drama and the interruption of our routines  in New York City that hurricane Irene caused. I must say, this event was productive — inspiring me to make all these chocolate discoveries and sharing  them with you, and, further verifying my belief that nothing ever happens by accident. I was really anticipating that this time my post will be about Aristotle and his influence on Alexander the Great…but, I like this element of surprise.

I am leaving you with a sweet scene from Chocolate…a chocolate kiss…

    Until next time…stay well…

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