shop {wooly baby}

along with my personal need for good style so course i search for the same for little O. I came across such a cute etsy site that i cant resist sharing.

the slippers or booties are made from recycled sweaters so very limited editions are made. these are just so sweet. i want a pair for me too.

images: wooly baby

shop {ruche}

i came across a new shop via sams notebook. she has lots of great finds on her site and she is also an aussie (living in sweden). 

but back to ruche and the fabulous and affordable clothes that they offer. thats right... affordable (dresses from $38USD). 

the online boutique is obviously inspired by vintage style, they carry a line of handmade and eco friendly accessories and clothing. all so pretty.

images: ruche

8,683 miles

my beau and i are separated by a great distance for what has seemed like an eternity. to deal with the additional issue of the time difference we frequently email each other little findings on the net or whatever is on our minds so when there are hours between other methods of communication we still have that. 

one of the recent finds is a website zen habits which contains alot of lists (which i love) of ways towards simplicity etc. but there is so much information that i havent had a chance to even scratch the surface. however i have my personal sifter as M sends me links to the pages that he finds that might be of mutual interest. the most recent was just what i like to read a simple reminder but so effective.  it makes me feel not so far away when we read the same words and have the same focus.

image: kristybee

real living mag {may}

as much as i will miss domino i now have a new magazine to look forward to (thanks to holly at decor8) and they will be waiting for me when i arrive in oz. M was wonderful enough to get me a subscription starting now so that i will have a bit of a collection by the time i am there. 

i frequently peek at the editors blog and there are actual pages from the mag for those who cannot get a copy. these pages are from the may makeover issue and are so pretty. since i am going to have a whole house to decorate i am so happy that will have some local inspiration.

image: real living mag

statement

I have been attempting to find the exact words to express the extent of my transition from my current life into my future.

This statement sums it up so well.

"I lived what most people call the good life. I was happy, but deep inside I always felt that, with the short amount of time we are given to live and love in the world, we spend too much time loving things instead of people." ~Antonia Brenner

It also makes me feel as though I am not alone in my quest for the simpler things in life.

image: futurogirl

shop {forestbound}

i ve had my eye on these unique bags and minipurses from forestbound for quite sometime and would seem to be the perfect accessory for every occassion. they blend pretty and rustic - my favorite combination - are just so sweet.

the collect and carry pouches are just the thing for wandering in the forest and collecting tiny treasures of nature along the way.

forest bound flickr page

images: forest bound

da ja vou

today as I am looking over my blog making a few adjustments as I settle into the blog world. i got the sudden feeling of de ja vou. i have heard many theories about what exactly it is. perhaps an emotion from a past life, wandering souls or a dream. but my favorite one is that it simply means you are on the right path so getting da ja vou is just little reminders of that. 

and of course this couldnt be more comforting with all the changes that are coming in the very near future. 

image: alicia bock

shop {hende}

it was time to replenish my spring/summer wardrobe so i purchased a few items from another great etsy shop hende. but it ended up with the unearthing of much more.

the name hende is derived from hände, the german word for "hands." in middle english hende also meant "noble, graceful, clever and beautiful." how perfect!

shop owner/ designer holly wren spaulding is also a writer & community activist which i discovered after the fact. her book of poetry is also available for sale on her etsy site. so along with all the beautiful things she creates she is also concerned with conserving what exists. in her profile she states "I think I want to defend and preserve what already Is or deserves to Be--trees, quiet, clean water, justice, the dark night sky, human dignity, topsoil, green growing things and the time to enjoy all of it". i can tell just from that statement that her poetry would be just as inspiring. 

and lastly she has a shop for wee ones that i would be sure to purchase from if my little one wasnt get so big.

images: hende

compassion

when i need a bit of insight or a reminder to live in the present, i tend to read words by the dalai lama. althought i consider myself spiritual i do not follow one system of beliefs but just look for words that inspire and are generally good. today i read the following article.

Compassion and the Individual

Tenzin Gyatso; The Fourteenth Dalai Lama

The purpose of life ONE GREAT QUESTION underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not: What is the purpose of life? I have considered this question and would like to share my thoughts in the hope that they may be of direct, practical benefit to those who read them.

I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don't know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.

How to achieve happiness

For a start, it is possible to divide every kind of happiness and suffering into two main categories: mental and physical. read more...

OM MANI PADME HUM mantra

consider the journey {sea glass}

beauty comes from an item that has been discarded back to  essentially where it originated. the voyage that these objects endure tumbled by the oceans waves turning them from function to form. the color is the only hint of when and where it may have come from but the true secret will never be known.

from bottles that make their way to the sea. 

we are left with pretty little pieces of glass. 

image sources: oberazzi & ginger_terra

shop {trampoline}

i daydream on a daily basis about what things i will want to buy to fill the corners of future new home.  etsy always seems to be the best place to get my vintage home decor fix. today i came across a lovely shop with some wonderful mid century modern finds.

I am smitten with these little prints. upcycled from old books. 

take a moment

i so often get caught up with daily life that i need reminders. this is the most basic but so essential.
just for a moment consider only yourself and dont forget to breathe.

image: yeehaw

shop {namolio}

my obsession with linen continues with items from namolios etsy shop. who doesnt need crocheted pin cushions as adorable as these?

the linen bias tape would be perfect addition to a growing collection of sewing necessities. although since i am limited to sewing things in squares it may be awhile before i find a use for it. still pretty none the less. 
the uk based shop carries a variety of natural fiber supplies but more recently added these doily throws that of course make me swoon. 

images: namolio

return to simplicity

i have been given an opportunity for a new beginning.  i am returning to where i have always considered my home and since my heart belongs to another that also resides there, it is time.

along this journey i hope to share what i discover and what it inspires me to create. i desire simplicity in my day to day life and hope to surround myself with constant reminders of just that.