Watching The Moon: Tracking Lunar Phases in 2012

The moon is a powerful force of nature that has long captivated humankind with its ethereal beauty and mystical wonder. It is connected strongly to the changing of the tides, and many people believe it connects to human and animal behavior as well. Although much of the evidence is purely anecdotal, we have seen our pets get weird around the full moon, and experienced sleepless nights when the moon is at its fullest even with the curtains closed.

There are many myths and legends about the moon that have persisted over time; it is often considered to represent feminine energy or the "earth mother". Some who believe in crystal energy believe that the full moon is an ideal time to cleanse your crystals, by placing them on a moon-facing windowsill on their own or in a glass of water. Hunters and fishermen have noted that animals and fish seem to easier to find under the light of the full moon, due to increased activity as well as brighter light. The moon also plays an integral part in astrology, and is considered to represent our hidden inner selves, with full moons and eclipses representing times of rebirth and change.

You can keep track of the moon by looking out the window and guessing, but we just love this lunar phase calender for telling us when the moon will be full, new, waxing, or waning. Available in a variety of colors, this useful chart will help you track the moon phases throughout 2012!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 4: The Boho Bandita

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, and pull so one end is longer that the other.
Step 2: Wrap longer end once around neck once or twice and bring to the front.
Step 3: Grasp one side of the loose end and tuck into the wrapped portions.
Step 4: Fluff it up and step out in style!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 3: The Pretty Pretzel

Step 1: Fold scarf in half.
Step 2: Wrap halved scarf around neck so there is a loop on one end.
Step 3: Bring loose ends through the loop
Step 4: Bring your hand up through the new smaller loop that has been created, allowing it to wrap around your hand/wrist
Step 5: Twist your hand with the scarf wrapped around it, creating a new twisted loop
Step 5: Pull the loose end through that loop, and repeat, twisting as you go until your knot chain is the desired length!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Hippie Dude Style: Gifts for the Hippie, Deadhead, or Mellow Man in Your Life

A baja hoodie is the #1 ultimate perfect gift for the hippie dude in your life, and at only $18 a piece, it's a gift that's easy on your wallet as well! Our multi-stripe Mexican baja hoodie is made of environmentally friendly recycled yarns, with a comfy cut and a cozy kangaroo pocket on the front to keep your hands warm. Bajas are awesome hippie hoodies for every season; layer over a long sleeve tie dye shirt in the winter, then take it to the beach as a windbreaker when warmer weather comes! The go-to hippie hoodie for outdoor enthusiasts and music geeks alike, our bajas keep your hippie man looking cool but feeling toasty! Available in a variety of colors including our popular rasta baja, this is a gift that is sure to please!
Give him something super useful as well as awesome with these sweet rasta convertible mittens! These fleece lined convertible mittens are cleverly designed with a flip top! The mitten folds back and buttons down so they may be worn as a fingerless glove. A versatile way to stay warm this winter, these hippie "glittens" will be your absolute favorite accessory when the weather gets cold!
These Thai Fisherman's pants are one of the most popular items at Mexicali Blues for an excellent reason: they rock! Inspired by traditional Thai pants, these tie-waist fisherman pants are lightweight wrap pants perfect for men and women! Made from comfy cotton, they make great lounge or yoga pants. Each pair is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, and comes packaged in a reusable cloth pouch with instructions on how they are traditionally worn.
If the dude in your life loves the Grateful Dead, Mexicali Blues, or our great home state of Maine, he needs the classic Steal Your State hoodie! An awesome take on the classic Grateful Dead logo, this is a hippie hoodie you won't find anywhere else! The Maine Steal Your State Hoodie is an officially licensed Grateful Dead product, and is available only here at MexicaliBlues.com and Mexicali Blues stores. Printed on a high quality black 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester, this unisex hoodie has the Mexicali Blues logo in white on the back. If he's already got the hoodie, check out our collection of Steal Your State Tie Dyes, magnets, and other cool stuff for Deadheads!
If you can't decide what to get, a Mexicali gift card is always an awesome present! We've got tons of tie dyes, Grateful Dead merchandise, Phish tour tees, traditional Tibetan prayer flags, hippie hats, and so much more, you know he'll find something he loves when you give a gift card!

Hippie Chic Style: Gift Guide for the Bohemian Fashionista!

Hippie chic style is all about showing your creativity through your clothes, while embracing the exotic, funky, and comfortable!

The Holidays are a perfect time of year to gift the hippie chic fashionista in your life with the clothing and accessories she'll adore, to accentuate her style and closet in unexpected ways!

Since we spend so much of Winter covered up in coats, it's key that this element of the hippie chic wardrobe is utterly fabulous! This reversible corduroy jacket is warm and cozy, with a sweet asymmetric zipper and pretty piping. AND it's reversible! One side is pretty jewel-toned corduroy, while the other is a bright and funky bohemian print!

A colorful fashion scarf is a versatile accessory that has unlimited styling potential and the ability to transform any ensemble from ho-hum to tres chic! This recycled sari silk scarf makes a particularly perfect gift for a fashionista because--beyond being lovely in both looks and feel--each one is completely unique! Made by hand from recycled saris (beautiful, ornate dresses from India), these affordable & one-of-a-kind pieces take classic patchwork to the next level of ethereal elegance!
Speaking of scarves, a pretty pashmina is always appreciated, and these simple, solid, silky scarves will fit seamlessly into the wardrobe of any stylish lady, while adding bohemian panache!

Accessories are our favorite type of gift for the fashion-lover! Pretty necklaces, neck scarves, or sterling silver pendants possess the ability to completely transform an outfit; plus, you never have to worry about buying the wrong size! This beautiful retro beaded necklace is one of our favorites, to bring a bit of old-school elegance to any ensemble!

If your favorite fashionista already has all the jewelry she needs (though you can never have too much!) or you feel that perhaps you don't quite know her style, every girl needs a pretty jewelry box to keep it in! This small spiral box is perfect for holding onto rings, earrings, pendants, and other small trinkets!

We hope this gift guide has been helpful in coming up with some ideas for the best gifts for the bohemian fashionista in your life! Find more pretty hippie clothes for women, handmade jewelry, and more hippie style staples at MexicaliBlues.com!

Pamper Your Yogi: Yoga Gifts for the Holidays and Beyond!

Whether you practice Ashtanga or Iengar, Kundalini or Bikram, our yoga gear from comfy clothing to zen decor will help you stay mindful and inspired as you get your stretch on! Here are some of our favorite yoga presents to give or get:

Woven Yoga Mat Bag

The Mexicali woven yoga mat bag features colorful, exotic woven stripes, a drawstring closure, and a handy strap for carrying your yoga mat over your shoulder in comfort & bohemian style!

Thai Fisherman Pants

We love these Thai fisherman pants for yoga because they are soft, lightweight, and easily adjustable for the perfect custom fit! Inspired by traditional Thai pants, these tie-waist fisherman wrap pants are perfect yoga pants for men and women. Each pair is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, and comes packaged in a reusable cloth pouch with instructions on how they are traditionally worn. Available in a variety of colors, these make a wonderful gift yourself or the yogi in your life!

Sun Salutation Mexicali retro tee shirt

A comfy yoga top is key to focused practice; you don't want to be distracted by a too tight shirt that keeps riding up, or scratchy fabric! This Mexicali Sun Salutation tee is just one example of the many soft cotton shirts for men and women that are just perfect for yoga. This super soft cotton shirt is pigment dyed, giving it a nice worn-in look, and has a Mexicali Blues logo on the back. Perfect for wearing during your morning yoga session, while showing off your Mexicali love!

1. Batik Yoga Flags, 2. Hand Carved Ohm Symbol, 3. Abhaya Mudra Buddha Throw, 4. Traditional Tibetan Prayer Flags

Create the zen decor of your dreams with any combination of our awesome exotic elements from around the world! Use an ohm wall hanging or weeping yogi sculpture as a meditation object, let the good vibes flow freely across our prayer flags, or bring more senses into your yoga or meditation practice with our Tibetan singing bowls or bell and dorge sets.

We love yoga here at Mexicali Blues, and if you or someone you love does as well, you can be sure that we've got the gifts to impress and inspire your yogi this Holiday season and beyond!

Spotlight on Awesome Art: David Lazar Photography

Australian photographer David Lazar has a knack for capturing the color and exuberant energy of some of our favorite destinations around the world, with an evocative emotional focus on the people who make it so.  We are so in love with his photographs, and wanted so share some of our favorites with you!

 "Three fishermen on Inle Lake. The fisherman of this region have a unique rowing technique, where they stand on the stern on one leg and wrap the other leg around the oar allowing for fine paddle control. This way they can precisely steer around thick vegetation which often appears on the lake. It also keeps one had free for using nets. These fishermen successfully live off the land and its natural resources, without using motor propelled boats."

Young Myanmar monks reading

"Sand Dune Boarding" in Mui Ne

 "Vietnamese Lady"

"Powders and Paint" in Jaisalmer, India

 "Beach Cricket" in Mumbai

 "Indian Dancer" in Mamallapuram

 "Sapa girl"

"Flowers for the monks"

"Living on the edge", in the Northern Philippines

"Jungle Temple" in Angkor, Cambodia

"Boat Lady"

Check out more of Lazar's stunning photography at David Lazar Photography his Flickr stream or follow him on Facebook  

Which of the above images is your favorite? Where in the world would you most like to photograph?

The DRA Great Salt Bay Music Fest: Roots, Rock n’ Reggae

A Rasta Peace Patch turns any outfit into a reggae celebration!

One of our favorite local Maine events is back and better than ever! The Roots, Rock n' Reggae Fest is a musical extravaganza of good vibes and great tunes, taking place at one of our very favorite places--the Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta! Owned by the Damariscotta River Association, the Salt Bay Farm is on 100 acres of protected land in the Great Salt Bay. The Damariscotta River Association is an awesome organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River and surrounding areas. Many of the places we love to hike in the midcoast are being protected and maintained by the DRA---in short, they rock!

Last year's Reggae by the Bay celebration was awesome, and we are super psyched for this year's event, taking place this Saturday, July 23 from 10:30AM to 5:00PM. A fun event for the whole family, there is great food, tasty drinks, and awesome music surrounded by the gorgeous backdrop of stunning fields and forest.

Singer/songwriter Bruce Hardina will get the party started at 11:00AM, with his warm melodies and insightful lyrics easing the crowd into an awesome day as his tunes skip and tumble from reflective to rockin'.

Following Hardina's mellow grooves, the New Rangers will take the stage at noon with their unique blend of folk and country-roots rock.

Gypsy Tailwind will rock your socks off at 1:30, playing soulful Americana with a modern twist. See them performing their original song "Spirits" below:



Next up is some awesome reggae with festival favorite Beat Horizon. Known for their high-energy reggae, there is no way you will be able to listen to this band without getting up and grooving!



Mexicali Blues is proud to be sponsoring this event with other local businesses, and all proceeds support the conservation and education work of the Damariscotta River Association. "Tickets are on sale now at Maine Coast Bookstore in Damariscotta, Mexicali Blues in Newcastle, and also at DRA headquarters at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. Prices are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, children 12 and under free. A single ticket is good for the entire day, granting access to all four performances. This year, hoping to make the concert more accessible to teens and young adults, the DRA will offer a special student price of $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Volunteers are needed and receive free admission and a t-shirt." More info can be found at the DRA website.

Come join us for a fun and fabulous day of awesome music and great times! We hope to see you there!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Thai Princess Dress

Step 1: Pull the magic skirt straight out on both sides, behind your torso

Step 2: Bring one side of the skirt across the front of your body and around, passing the tie on the end around behind your neck.

Step 3: Pull the tie that has gone around behind your neck under your arm and back to the front.

Step 4: Tie the two ties under your bust, creating a pretty empire waist.

Step 5: Go show off your lovely bohemian style!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Bohemian Shrug

Step 1: Pull your magic skirt out on both sides, behind your shoulders.

Step 2: Wrap it around you like a cape and tie in front of your chest.

Step 3: Pull the ties behind your back again and cross them, switching hands and bringing them back to the front in the opposite hands.


Step 4: Tie the ties under your bust.

Step 5: Go out and rock this awesome shrug!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Butterfly Kimono Top

Step 1: Hold your magic skirt out on both sides, behind your hips.

Step 2: Bring the right side up over your shoulder, keeping your grasp on the end and pulling your right hand back down towards your waist.

Step 3: Take hold of that end with your left hand hand. Using your right hand, pull the tie on the other side across your chest and up.

Step 4: Pull the strand in your right hand around your neck and back around, under your left arm and back towards your front.

Step 5: Bring the strand in your left hand around your back and back to the front, circling around your waist.
Step 6: Tie the two strands in the front, around your waist.

Step 7: Enjoy getting compliments on your exotic new look!

Trend Alert: Friendship Bracelets

Our colorful Mexicali friendship bracelets are just $1!

Whether this trend is driven by nostalgia for the carefree days of Summer camp, or simply love for colorful accessories that are a little bit rustic, friendship bracelets are all over the fashion world right now! Combined and layered on top of one another, they can make a colorful cuff of woven whimsy that adds an awesome edge to your casual bohemian style. Paired with bangle bracelets or a sophisticated gemstone bracelet, these fun fashion accessories are striking in their exotic chevron patterns, creating a look that is at once elegantly worldly and funky!

Check out the wide selection of handmade friendship bracelets at Mexicali Blues, and add a bit of Summer color to all your favorite hippie outfits!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Jungle Tunic

Step 1: Stretch your magic skirt out across your back & behind your torso, with the longer layer facing outwards, away from your body.

Step 2: Bring the sides in and criss-cross the straps over your collarbone.

Step 3: Tie the ties behind your neck in a knot or bow.


Step 4: Grasp the outer (longer layer) of the skirt and pull it out to your sides.

Step 5: Cross the outer skirt later behind your back.


Step 6: Pull the crossed skirt sides back around to the front.

Step 7: Knot the crossed outer skirt layer under your bust.

Step 8: Go somewhere awesome & show off your exotic new look!