Time To Burn: A Smoker's Opinion on Cigarettes.

Alright, now I'm hoping this post won't be a drag, but I've been wanting to conjure up a few thoughts on something that I've been doing for roughly three and a half years. That "thing" would be smoking cigarettes. Now, I'd like to say I know what you're thinking, but it's not like that. I don't even know how I feel about it. Still. I knew when I started occasionally bumming cigarettes that I would likely become hooked, or have some desire to carry out that lifestyle full-time, but it wasn't like that, and then again, it sort of was.

I made a conscious decision that if I was going to smoke cigarettes, I would act as if I had some conscious idea about what I was doing...and I did.

I told myself that if I did decide to ever buy a pack, it would be something that wouldn't kill me quite as fast. That for me was American Spirits. Perhaps it was a throwback to when I obsessively read Gossip Girl in Freshman year of high school...

"She sat down next to Blair and pulled a crumpled turquoise-colored pack of American Spirits out of her
pocket. She’d started smoking them when she and Aaron had gotten together, because they were
supposed to be all natural and additive-free." ...okay excuse that.

When I first started picking up packs, one would last me a little over a week and that smoking lifestyle lasted for quite awhile. I guess you don't really remember what makes you gradually smoke more and more as time goes on, but I'm guessing it's attributed to the smoker's environment and playbook...oh and stress level? Once people know you smoke, you're more likely to end up smoking, even when you don't even have the desire, because at this point, it becomes a social habit. It's still odd to me, because I went from being indifferent to cigarettes, to absolutely hating them and finding them pointless, to acceptance, to actually becoming a smoker. It's been quite the journey.

Despite all of the facts about smoking; how addicting it is, the destruction it leads to, the toxins you're adding to your body, the need, the craving...it's not like that for me..but then again, it sort of is. I DO feel cooler when I smoke, but I'm sure it's all in my head. In my short three years of smoking (yeah, I know, in the scheme of anything, that's not a long period of time for such a habit), I can't say I've ever "craved" a cigarette. I have never found a cigarette so dire that it comes before anything else. I always try to figure out WHY I smoke. I used to be so against smoking something that really gave you little added benefits, besides temporary stress relief (which smokers know is a vital reason), but then I guess I sort of came to this minor understanding that for ME, it's about taking a moment to focus on breathing and to just do something so mindless and simplistic that gives you a reason to be outside. While I have committed to American Spirits for the most part, there have been other brands that I have fallen in love with over my smoky little journey, those would be Nat Sherman, Dunhill, and Hestia. I guess you can say that I go for higher quality tobacco, or a "lighter" smoke. I like the idea of American Spirits, but I hate the idea that they are still owned under big tobacco, R.J. Reynolds, who doesn't seem so pleased with other companies having the ability to call their tobacco "all natural and additive free"...

I've even saved empty packs of nights that held importance.

The night I smoked from on December 4, 2012 (Florence show)

and the pack I smoked on my 24th birthday.

Fantasias, hands down, have to be one of my favourite things to smoke.

They are such a wonderful conversation starter and they smoke super light.

I don't like overpowering tobacco, so sipping on these in the summertime is perfect.

Of course, I still flip a lucky even in these packs. Got to!

red on red, baby.

However, for the daily smoke or for the night out, Naturals and Black and Golds are the way to go.

I love the box for these and they smoke like the Fantasias. I'd LOVE if they came out with an

"Ice Pack" and it contained menthol cigarettes wrapped in different shades of blue.

I've never been a big fan of the mainstream cigarette brands; Marlboro, Camel, Parliaments...none of those seemed like the right choice for me. I knew better than that. I have never bought a pack of these, have I bummed them, sure, but even in desperation, I will pass up the cheaper, shittier smoke to find what won't leave me feeling nauseous when I get midway through. To each their own, I know people that absolutely disdain what I smoke, so it just depends what you start with, the amount of effort you're used to exerting for your drag, and how long it lingers for. Cigarettes, although all there for the same purpose, have such particular tastes for particular people. It's all about preference.

For me, cigarette smoking has always been built on a social occasion. I prefer puffing a cigarette with the company of someone else. I believe that smoking should be a leisurely thing; a moment in your day where you pause, inhale, and sort your thoughts and chit chat. I disdain the smoking happenstance where you throw on your coat and kick back puffs until you're no longer freezing and you become relieved once your cig is too short to puff. With this brutal winter, smoking was a real pain for people like me. I didn't WANT to make it something that lasted a short period of time, because that's not why I smoke cigarettes. It almost became a "Hey, let's go smoke for some reason for us to get out of this house", but needless to say, I survived.

Then, thanks to social networking, Hestia got at me when I posted a picture of a convenient store haul that included to packs of American Spirits. They told me a bit about them and encouraged me to give 'em a try. I went to their website, and ordered "just two packs", which is just $12. Here's the thing; as I said, I like natural tobacco, and choosing a smarter vice. I prefer to give my money to small business and something I believe in, versus something of less quality that will ultimately have worse consequences. So Hestia's thing is that they sell only online in order to keep costs down, which is smart. I like their whole idea, I like what they're striving for, and it's a company I feel comfortable promoting and telling people about (if you only knew how many people I've actually talked about them to...my god). The company has also been fabulous in their social marketing/networking and I always respect a company who's equipped with proper social skills via online interactions. They respected the fact I was promoting them, and regardless of the fact I had put my order in, they left a pack for me to pick up and enjoy for free at the Lincoln Hotel so I could start enjoying them sooner. This was a super swell move on their end. While hopefully this wasn't a huge inconvenience for them, it definitely made me feel like a valued customer.

Here's me outside the hotel with my Hestia swag

So my opinions on the actual smoke? Hestia's are awesome, however, they would not necessarily replace my daily cigarette consumption. They're definitely a more reserved smoke that shouldn't be sucked down 6 times a day, in my opinion. Perfect for the summer nights. The tobacco in there is fantastic, it's the paper that may give it the biggest difference. Since it is cigar paper, it definitely has that cigar taste. I enjoy cigars, but I can't smoke them anywhere near a daily basis. They burn slower, so you have your 6-8 minute burn with one of these bad boys. I love the packaging design, although, with the way I shove things around in my pocket, I'd need to muster up one of those cigarette holders to slide inside the package, because the package itself is a great little conversation stater, much like the Nat Shermans. Like I said, I've told a ton of people about this product and have given them out to share and have people try them. That's what I like doing most, is finding something new and different, and spreading the word like wildfire (not that I would start any wildfires...). I really like being that person that shares that new product with people in order to have them try something that they're not familiar with. So do I recommend smokers ordering a couple packs from their site? Absolutely, because even though I don't use them as a daily smoke, others might. Others might enjoy them much more than their cigarettes their consuming now. Plus, as stated above, two packs cost LESS than one of the packs you're grabbing from the shelves now, IF you're a city dweller, but you suburb folks can afford to switch it up a bit for a new breed of smoking. You won't regret it trying something different!

Previous

Next

I mean, awesome, right?

I'd love to hear any opinions on what you smoke now or what you think about any of these brands listed. These companies are great about social networking as well if you want to give them a little love; Nat Shermans: @Nat42nd and Hestia: @HestiaTobacco.

All in all, I smoke cigarettes with the twinge of regret and pure joy. I enjoy stepping out and taking a moment to puff on something with good flavor, but I am conscious of what I'm doing to my body; lungs, skin, teeth, etc, so I do try to do what I can to make up for my habits. I will also say, that if I ever noticed any effect on my aerobic activity, I would have cut back, because that's motivation enough. For being a smoker, I am very active and do not have the struggle of coughing or gasping for breath after a solid amount of cardiovascular activity. It scares me that this won't always be the case. While I enjoy smoking, and I'll support these brands no matter what, there will eventually naturally come a time where I will hang up the habit. That time is not now, but it is in the eventual horizon. My opinion? If you're going to smoke, make it the good stuff.

.    .    .

TG

lifestyle // October

The desire to write on a multitude of topics is overwhelming as I've seemed to have stumble into some great topics to lay out in writing form. However, I have a massive amount of pictures that are worthy of uploading and giving a bit of back story about. This might be fun for you and it's definitely chocked full of random. I didn't realize there was so much that had gone on and sometimes it feels damn good to compile these pictures, go back, and remember the good times. I'm grateful when I capture the smallest things because they piece together the whole so much better. Splitting up my time between the city and the burbs is also pretty reflective in this series of shots. It's definitely a great mix up and I love becoming more and more familiar with it each time I go. This is as up to date as it gets. The last few pictures I took up until a few hours ago and the start...I can't remember when I thrifted this jacket, so I'd say about a month or so ago. Buckle in, you might get something out of this one;

And what a marvelous thrift it was. I actually went to Buffalo to try to snag this jacket
and pair of shoes I had seen in the previous week, however, both were gone and I walked
out with this bad boy. I can never pass up a funky blazer or jacket because it's just the perfect
thing to add over something boring. That and I never fail to scope out something Fresh Prince-y...

[ ]

OBVIOUSLY!

These were taken in the park/forest preserve by my house // Knock Knolls Park

autumn outfit. I LOVE AUTUMN FASHION, OKAY? and layering tights.
Don't let anyone tell you different.

 I was shopping on Target and got a little "TRY ON!" happy with glasses and a hat.

And it's Autumn. If you don't have a few of these lollipops lingering in your purse

or pockets, then I suggest you make some linger in there real fast.

 

CHERRY PIE CUPCAKES! MY FAVORITE!
I took this picture for the pure humor of it. This was me at
5:45 am heading to the bakery. Early mornings don't mean you
neglect the cat-eye.

 What a day overall. Hung out with a group where during the daytime we were all just kind of kicked-back

and hangin' out, and then we all parted ways, did what we needed to do, got ready, and came back together

for an evening party. I was introduced to THIS vodka that tastes remarkably like Swedish Fish candy.

When I checked out the site, I found that they had a slew of other amazing flavors. Things like Cookie Dough

Cake, Chocolate Whip, Cotton Candy that sort of make you wonder if the testing for this was them pouring

Vodka over these food items and going "...YEAH! TASTES GREAT! BOTTLE IT!"

 Me + Brooke and Me + Erin at a shindig over at Erin's place.

I love these girls, where a hangout is never a bad time. 

So, this coat. That first blazer picture, I said I went back to get a coat instead,
well, the coat I had gone back for was a leopard print one. A basic trench, but rad in print.
It was gone when I went for it, however, I came back to the burbs and THE NEXT DAY
I was walking Downtown Naperville, going past Serendipity, and this leopard coat was in
the window SCREAMING MY NAME. I SNAGGED THIS BAD BOY FOR A HOT HOT HOT DEAL
and I did it in a very loud and excited manner. I am over the moon that I scored something like this.
It still had the tags on it too, making it that much more of a solid steal. It was
almost too funny that I was able to find an even better coat the next day and
STILL acquire a bad ass blazer. That my friends, was a good day.

 

 The outfit pairing [LAYERED TIGHTS, KIDS!] and my smokes of choice. Love the colour of this box, love American Spirits.

me and Dan exhibiting awesome, MAJ

So let's define rad here for a hot second; Our friend (meaning Dan and I) have
a friend named Danny who's a chef that happens to also be in a billion social
different circles. Her friend proposed the idea of whipping up an Aphrodisiac
Menu that would consist of 7 courses, each one using an element of turn on.
We dined together in a group of six; three couples. We also did a write up on
our experiences that might get published somewhere down the line later, so I
don't want to reveal too much here, except that I got to experience it and loved it.

First paired up was the Carrot + Cinnamon + Saffron soup. Which I could roll in
before I consume it, it's just that good. 

2. here we had the Avacado bowl + Mango + Tomato+ Basil +Arugula, and balsamic truffle vinaigrette salad with

3. Crispy crimini mushrooms + Sage + Brown butter sauce, which can also be described as OVER THE MOON.

4. Lambchop with Kabocha squash + Cayenne + Fenugreek. Let's talk about how I wolfed down

this squash with the greatest ease, it was spicy and made you feel WARM. Outstanding.

5. Oysters + crispy apple ginger relish - first time oysting, and they were exquisite! The apple

relish was exactly what it needed to make it burst with flavor and ease down the oyster.

6. this groovy drink wasn't the last thing to be served, but it was the last thing

I snapped of this meal. It's Watermelon + Ginseng + Maca Root + Tequila.

It was a drink/shot, but it had the most unusual flavor that we all ended up

really enjoying. It was the mix of all the healthy components that made you

feel like you were getting an extra little boost.

Overall, the aphrodisiac experience was pretty stellar. As I said, there will be a write up

later on being published. I'll be sure to post an update when it is of where to find it.

 

Ah, two divine pleasures, yet very different ones. We featured a Candy Bar Cupcake a few weeks ago

that consists of a vanilla base with M&M's, topped with a PB Ganache, and coated in;

Twix + Butterfingers + Reese's + Rolo's +M&M's. The glory is all behind the Portillo's

meal featured there so perfectly; my beloved Beef + Cheese Croissant with Cheese Fries.

Three of my favourite things; layered + colored tights, a fabulous long coat, and a piping hot bowl of liver dumpling soup. Dan came into town one day and we went to Bohemian Crystal which is a staple in our family.

Numerous family events have been held there, along with handfuls of Sunday meals with extended relatives. It was extremely odd going there on a lunchy date because my family had been the only people I had gone there with and likewise with him. We were both familiar with it-as you should be. Anyone who knows anyone around this area, about anything, knows that the Crystal is going to be loading you up with the best bohemian food. It was a nice variation to add this place to the list of options.

DAN'S BIRTHDAY! 

We kept it pretty low key with a dinner at Old Oak Tap, drinks, and a little

hangout afterwards. I crocheted him this hat and scarf combo. First ones

of the season! We ended the night with a little gelato from Black Dog. It

was absolutely delicious and OF COURSE I find myself craving it weeks later.

I got a righteous little combo that consisted of Pumpkin & Espresso. WINNER.

The look that night:

Layered Tights! Mini skirt! Fur! Boots! SCORE!

 Then Steve had an Arrested Development party! Oh, you've never seen that show? I'm sorry,

I almost feel bad for you. Oh, you have? YOU'RE AWESOME!

 Such a prime show and I'm so glad people are still getting into it all the time.

I decided to go as Lucille, because, she's fucking awesome. The party didn't have a huge turnout,

but those who came, rocked it out. Here's some snapshots

of me with some of the guests rocking out the Lucille look.

Brooke and I after we took the hair down and undid the costumes a bit.
It's almost like we went to a whole different party.

Dan and I sometimes bop in here if we're looking for a quick coffee fix and we're
out and about in the neighborhood; Star Lounge. They also have a pretty nifty tea assortment.
 I absolutely love their menu, as well as the way it's displayed.
I'm a fan of Cortez the Thriller, because...well, OBVIOUSLY
(No, but really, I DO love 'Cortez The Killer' though, too)

Sunbeams + crisp air.

 life in s n i p s.

 suburbia.

 I came back from the city earlier than usual a few Monday's ago, allowing me the chance to skate.

I had neglected skating for so long and I was sort of sick of that happening because it's such a specific movement that releases so much. So after 6 months I took back to the ice and found my edge. I found I hadn't really faltered too much;

my spins were decent, I landed my jumps, my edges and turns were sharp, endurance was there, and artistry was a go.

I always get nervous to go back after such long breaks, but this one was good for me.

Now I try to make it happen every Monday, that's the only day my schedule allocates skating with my work schedule.

Obviously Erin and I had our 2012 couch mixer to celebrate finding her awesome couches
that are the perfect addition to her apartment. She just got her own place and had to basically
fill it from scratch. We found these suckers at a garage sale, with no real reason of sale except
they wanted new ones. We won and now I have an awesome place to sit when I hit up her place.

and then I dyed my hair a little bit more red...

AH! This was quite the night. Got ready in a hot hurry [hence me using my rollers for a hot plate], scampered

down to the city, and attended Dan's company party at the Tribune Tower. It turned out to be a real solid time,

I met a lot of his co-workers, a few invited guests that weren't part of the company, as well as some other cool cats.

Definitely glad I made it down there to celebrate with them. What a groovy kick-off to the weekend.

I took this from the train and loved that it oozed many eerie vibes.

 OBVIOUSLY! NUMERO UNO AT THE 'TILL!

Sometimes when you leave the house, you just have to step out in something fabulous, whether the day warrants it
or not.  So last Saturday I decided to rock this gown I thrifted some time last year. So far it had only been worn to
my fourth Florence show in Milwaukee, so wearing it 6 months later just felt right. Whilst wearing this on Saturday,
I found myself among different groups of friends throughout the night, both in the burbs and the city.
I just love everything about this dress and hope to keep rocking it for awhile now.

Brookie + I at a little shindig that went down at her house this weekend.
I love little get-togethers like this, wish I could have stayed longer, but the city beckoned.

dreamy/arsty shots taken of me in the dress...or something.

my rad Zed Head zebra ring looking at magazine zebras.
He loved it, but mostly, I loved it.

 city adventuring captured in three snaps.

 OH, BUT THE ICE SKATING! Seriously, it feels so good to be

back out there. I went with my lil sis Julie the other day, which is

great to skate along side someone that has a sharper skill set than you.

It was a good motivator and produced good pictures. I love the artistry

in skating. I'm not so much into the technical aspect anymore, but I love

choreography and the dance-y flow that skating allows. Really delicate,

but extremely powerful.

I snagged this shot on the drive home the other day after the rink. I really dig how it turned out.

Dan and I killed the dessert game over at The Palm last night.

Located in the Swissotel, this is a pretty decent little dessert destination.

Key Lime Pie, Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, 7 layer cake, Carrot cake...

It's right on the river which is really nice and it's located in a central area to

dozens of restaurants making it an easy walk-to. Featured above is the 

Cheesecake & the 7 layer chocolate beast of a cake.

Chicago is ROCKIN' out the pink right now for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

It was pretty fabulous, and gives a cute little effect for the city. How about purple for

the other 11 month

 YES, YES, AND YES.  These are on my legs AS I TYPE.

You know how I love funky prints right?! Oh...so...you don't...?

THESE WERE A FIND! I found 3 pairs of OFF THE CHAIN leggings in Japan from UniQlo.

I'm talking, like, thick, funky, and top notch rad kind of leggings. So in the states, I see awesome pairs,

but they have some outrageous price tag attached them, unless you get crafty about

where you're digging for leg adornment. I found these at Ragstock. Most of these locations

are urban, aka finding them in an upscale suburban mall was pretty...sttrrannngeee to say the least.

I walked in, looked at the guy behind the counter and said "So...this is pretty weird for you too, right?"

I've only been to city locations, but it's cool/unusual to see that style hit that particular mall.

Anywho, that worked out nicely for me where I scooped these suckers up for $10.

They're perfect for right now because they are thick enough where you don't need to double them up,

but you can just throw them under a pair of shorts or a micro mini skirt. Today I rocked them with the former.

I also feel like promoting this small tidbit of information because I really feel like it'd help some of you ladies out. So, as a skater, former and present, I've learned to LOVE Mondor products. Mostly just the leggings that I grew up wearing to prevent the freeze and still find myself running to them when I'm rink bound. However, about two years ago, I started throwing them under my jeans and my thinner pair of leggings. They are flesh colored and extremely thick; made of bamboo and other bullshit that locks in the heat. This way, you don't have to worry about your leggings getting that see-through effect and you can have that extra layer of warmth buzzing about under your pants. They save me in the winter time, fit skin tight, yet comfortably, 

and I thought that you might dig that idea too. ORDER THEM HERE. 3303 are your friends!

AH! IT IS 

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!

I AM STOKED!

 ENJOY YOURS.

you're rad as ever.

-T