Bright July

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 23:23:00 +0000

Happy July, everyone!

Since its been so long since I've posted anything, I thought I'd take a moment to reintroduce myself to you.

I’m Caitlin. I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, and emigrated to the United States as a nine year old. I live and work in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be an artist. I’ve always loved working with my hands, and making something new. My Mom is a quilter, and always tried to teach me to sew as a child, but I could never sit still long enough to learn. After I graduated with my BFA degree, the sewing machine beckoned. I decided to try making pillows – something fun and pretty and totally unserious. I started with a handful of designs, many of which I still sell. Bright July grew out of my desire to make fun, beautiful, high quality designs that brighten up people’s lives.

Bright July's Inspiration

My inspiration mostly comes from celebrating life and love. I love the idea that a Carpe Diem (or Carpe Noctem) pillow is a little reminder to live the day well, or that a Te Amo or Je T’aime pillow can send a simple message of love from one person to another. Nothing makes me happier than imagining my little pillows taking on a new life, encouraging people I’ve never met and becoming a little part of their lives and stories.

About the Process

Each design starts with calligraphy. I use a Japanese sumi-e ink brush and a pot of black ink to write out the saying in a sketchbook. From there, the design is traced and ironed on using transfer paper. Finallly, each letter is carefully and lovingly machine appliquéd onto the pillow and assembled. The beauty of this process is that I have so much flexibility – and can make any custom lettering at any time. I love custom orders! I’m also working on some new designs that incorporate light sensitive dye prints and handmade, hand-wrapped tassels. Each one of those designs goes through many steps and stages of translation before they are finished.

Find Bright July

Bright July pillows and prints are available worldwide!

Here are some places to find me:

Etsy

BRIKA

Great.ly

Down That Little Lane (Australia)

Stockists:

Hallmark HMK, Denver, CO

West Elm, Denver, CO

STORY, Manhattan, NYC (Seasonal Feature)

Butter & Bread Co, Oxford, Mississippi

Hayden & Halle, Marblehead, Massachusetts

East Hills, Fredricksburg, Texas

Wink Lash Boutique, Stanwood, Washington

Love,

Caitlin

Amazing news - Bright July + Mollie Makes Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Friends, I'm over the moon with this one! Ready?

My Carpe Noctem pillow is featured in this month's issue of Mollie Makes Magazine!

Here I am, on page 11... Right here!

Mollie Makes is an awesome UK magazine dedicated to handmade, crafting, thrifting, and re-purposing. Here's what they have to say about themselves:

Mollie Makes curates the best craft from around the world into a tactile, collectable, and totally irresistible magazine. Mollie Makes brings you the best of craft, a look inside the homes of the world's most creative crafters, tutorials on inspiring makes, roundups of the most covetable stash and tours of the crafty capitals of the world. "We love to make - handmade is more than just a hobby for us, it's in everything we do. We can't resist hunting down treasures in thrift stores, then costomising, re-covering, and embellishing our finds with our endless stash of ribbons, buttons, fabrics, and felt. We're forever on the lookout for new inspiration. Whatever we do, we're living and loving handmade."

Mollie Makes, you're my kind of girl!

You can flip through a preview of the issue in digital form here.

Off to celebrate! I hope you have a fantastic Monday.

Love,

Caitlin

An Ode to Tulum - it's Love.

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Oh, Tulum. I really, really love you.

This place is stunning. I wish I took more photos, or maybe took a little more care in taking the ones I did take. Many of my photos ended up slightly blurry or crooked or rushed. I think part of it was just due to the fact that I was totally intoxicated by my surroundings. This place, at this time, was exactly what I needed.

We stayed at this fantastic little place, Playa Mambo. Like many of the hotels in Tulum, it is a little property of cabañas right on the sand. Each one has thatched roofs, screened windows without glass, and simple concrete floors. The entire hotel zone of Tulum is off the grid, so every property has electricity via solar, wind, or generator power. Many places don't offer 24 hour electricity, but Playa Mambo does. Its in the form of one little outlet per cabaña, conveniently fitted with plugs that work with US appliances - perfect for phone charging.

Playa Mambo is a simple, comfortable place. The accommodations are basic, but we always had what we needed and felt welcomed and at home. One thing to note - as you can guess from their website, Spanish is exclusively spoken here. I took it as an opportunity to practice speaking Spanish and really enjoyed it. The staff is wonderful and kind and will make sure you have what you need. Apparently there is WIFI here, but we never received a signal. We just used the WIFI at Mateo's down the road. It was a great excuse to stay away from our phones.

{This was what we had to look forward to every morning. Delicious breakfast, right on the beach.}

Speaking of the beach - what a beach it was. The water is such a bright turquoise and the sand is so soft and white, its glorious.

We rented a car from EasyWay near the Cancun airport, which we were really happy about.

One day we drove to the Coba ruins, which were a bit disappointing. Except for the awesome iguanas.

Oh, and then there was this:

Amazingly hilarious, weird little face. I was a big fan of him.

One day, when we were feeling very adventurous, we tried scuba diving here, at Casa Cenote:

Yes, the water really is this color. Isn't that amazing? Luckily it did not occur to me at the time that there may or may not have been crocodiles in the water with us. I was worried enough about all the possible ways to drown while scuba diving.

{I sincerely appreciated my afternoon tea on that day}

The next day, we snorkeled here:

Dos Ojos Cenote. This place was unbelievable. After scuba, it felt so freeing to snorkel. We hired a guide for cheap and visited a cave full of bats, which was amazing. We were given flashlights to help us navigate, and ducked under stalactites and around stalagmites to get in. Once inside the cave, we quickly noticed that almost every possible crevice was full of bats. So awesome.

On our last day in Mexico, we decided to head up the coast to Akumal to snorkel. We had heard it is the best place in the area to see wild Sea Turtles. Sadly for us, the water was rough thanks to rain from the day before, and we were not allowed to snorkel with the beach red-flagged. We decided to embrace the day and just lie on the beach and swim.

{Amazingly, after slathering on SPF 50 multiple times and lying in the shade almost exclusively, I managed to achieve an attractive deep red burn. This skin of mine. You'd think I'd know by now}

Later that day, we visited the Tulum ruins on the way back to our hotel. Just the Ocean view is well worth the visit to this gorgeous place.

Before we knew it, it was time to leave. We spent our last morning soaking up every possible ounce of refreshing ocean energy, in an attempt to store it somehow and bring it back with us.

If only that were possible.

Thank you, Tulum, for being amazing in every way. I'll be back.

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Pattern Play

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This week, Etsy is filling my seemingly insatiable desire for pattern - all kinds of pattern! Lately I've been smitten with polka dots - which is a new obsession for me. And of course, stripes and chevron never really leave my radar either. So much fun!

Clockwise from top left:

Chevron Brass Southwest Earrings by Sol del Sur

Black and White Chevron Dog Bow Tie by Little Blue Feathers

Navy Stripe Maternity Dress by Alexandra King

Gold Chevron Necklace by The Altered Chain

Orange Polka Dot Linen Pillow by Kissen Studio

Scented Botanical Sachets in Grey and White Polka Dot by Gardenmis

Set of 5 Knotted Beanie Caps by LittleHipSqueaks

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Lola Donoghue Inspired Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

A little while ago I happened upon this painting by Lola Donoghue on Etsy - isn't it fantastic? I think it would be an amazing addition to all kinds of spaces, but this week I chose to create a spunky baby girl's nursery around it. I'm a big fan of the idea that baby and kid spaces should be inspiring and fun and be able to grow with the child. I know these pieces can do just that. And I couldn't help but include my Carpe Noctem pillow - it seems that babies know exactly how to "seize the night" instinctually!

1. No Man's Land by Lola Donoghue on Etsy

2. Sophie the Giraffe Teether from Land of Nod

3. Between a Rock and a Lamp Base Gold Lamp from Land of Nod

4. Baby White Tiger No. 1 by Sharon Montrose

5. Stitched Striped Pillow from Anthropologie

6. Carpe Noctem Pillow in Navy by Bright July on Etsy (another shameless plug!)

7. Color Inside the Lines Rug from Land of Nod

8. Netto Collection Louis Crib from Modern Nursery

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Viva Tulum!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This week, I'm so nostalgic for Tulum its a little silly. It could have to do with the fact that its been cold and snowy here, and everything under the snow is still mostly dead and brown and crunchy. Its no secret that this time of the year is my least favorite. If I could, I'd follow summer all around the globe every year.

Luckily Etsy is full of awesome Mexican made and Mexican inspired things to bring the vacation back home!

Clockwise from top left:

Mexican Wedding Banners by Ay Mujer
Tulum Mayan Ruins Print by Little B Studio
Vintage 1960's Taxco Mexico Silver Hoop Earrings by Loving Tree Studio
Palapa Print by Little B Studio
Hand Carved Copal Wood Deer Bowl Set by mexchic
Natural Mexican Vintage Crochet Tunic by Aida Coronado
Pink Folk Art Embroidered Pillow Sham by Casa Otomi
Tulum Ombre Seascape Pillow Cover by Loud Waterfall Photography ($1 from every sale benefits Nothing but Nets, an organization that gives mosquito nets to needy families. Cool, right?)

Any of you going (or just returned from) somewhere warm for Spring Break?

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Jennifer Young Inspired Office

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I forgot how much fun I have making Styled rooms! It has been way too long. I've just caught up with my sewing goals and have finally had time to do it again. Hooray!

This week's post is inspired by the most gorgeous photograph taken by Jennifer Young. Check out her inspiring blog, I ART U, here. That amazing saturated shot of color against the landscape behind it in this image is just stunning. I think it would bring the perfect amount of energy to a workspace - just enough to get you through a tough project.

1. Magnetic Bamboo Board from West Elm
2. Cotton Polka Dot Pillow by Sveta Style on Etsy
3. Photograph by Jennifer Young
4. Kvarnvik Magazine Files from Ikea
5. The Original Chalkboard Horse by Houndstooth Design on Etsy
6. Striped Pencil Cup from See Jane Work
7. Epicene Frame from Anthropologie
8. Single Drawer Homework Desk from Design Within Reach
9. Surya Jill Rosenwald Fallon Rug in Coral from RugsUSA
10. Saddle Office Chair from West Elm

Love,

Caitlin

An Excuse and Some Good News

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Well hi friends!

Let me start by apologizing for the very long time its been since I posted anything. I have all kinds of excuses, but I'll spare you. Except for this one - I won't spare you this:

Last week I was in Tulum, Mexico. It was so beautiful and warm and spontaneous. I desperately needed it. I can't wait to fill you in on that trip in more detail.

I also have some exciting news to share with you - I'm a featured seller on BRIKA!

I am so excited about this partnership. BRIKA is a beautifully curated site stocked full of gorgeous handmade items at special prices for a limited time. I've discovered some really fantastic sellers via BRIKA, and I'm honored to be among them.

BRIKA shot a video telling their story - its lovely. You can watch it here.

I have been one blessed woman when it comes to pillows lately. Lots have been selling in a few different channels, which is really exciting - and very validating. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes. I'm also itching to make new styles that I've had the ideas for in my head for weeks, and just not the time to produce them. Can't wait for that!

If you've been thinking about buying a Bright July pillow, now is the time. The limited time sale I am running with them will be up for another week, and then it will be gone. So head on over to BRIKA, folks!

Its good to be back.

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Pink and Mint Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This week's Etsy Round up is inspired by a color combination I love - pink, mint and gold. I swear, these colors are made for each other. With Valentine's day just around the corner, I vote for updating the usual red, white, and pink tradition to this fresh combination. And these fantastic items are a great place to start.

Clockwise from top left:

Sweetheart Love Studs by Lola and Cash
Arrow Bobby Pin by Dreams by the Sea
Mary Oliver The Journey Letterpress Print by Cucumber Press Studio
Mini Round Stud Earrings by matoto
Set of 4 Golden Feather Napkin Rings by Nest Pretty Things (Gorgeous photo and styling by Susana of Citrus and Orange)
Fold Over Vegan Clutch in Mint by Milk and Honey Handbags
Pink Gold Bar Necklace by laonato
Gold Zag Tray by Up In The Air Somewhere

More beautiful pink, mint, and gold finds are here - Treasury - Pink, Mint, and Gold Love.

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Britt Bass Inspired Living Room

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Styled is back, and packing some serious color punch thanks to this amazing painting by the lovely Britt Bass! I'm such a big fan of her bright, engaging, layered pieces. You really should head over to her site and look at them all. They are stunning! Britt's bold, bright painting is the jumping off point for this seriously fun space I'd love to hang out in.

1. Rock Party IV by Britt Bass
2. Flamingo No. 4 by Sharon Montrose via 20x200
3. Coco Spiro Hanging Lamp from Weylandts
4. Love is All You Need Print by Print for Love of Wood on Etsy
5. Eres Mi Cielo Pillow by Bright July (shameless plug!)
6. Simpatico Hobnail Candle from Anthropologie
7. Clairemont Coffee Table from Crate and Barrel
8. Nayna Rug in grey from RugsUSA.com
9. Klyne Slipcovered Chair and a Half from Crate and Barrel

Love,

Caitlin

Bright Bazaar Feature!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:30:00 +0000

This is a crazy week of features, friends. And I'm up to my eyeballs in sewing to keep up!

I discovered a few days ago that my Je T'aime pillow was featured on Bright Bazaar last week!

{See the whole post here.}

So, so exciting. As a result of all this attention, I've been sewing like a crazy person. Cutting, ironing, and stitching until my fingertips go numb. Its slightly ridiculous. But my goal is to complete 30 pillows by this weekend, so I have no choice. Onward!

So please forgive me for my blatant lack of blogging this week. I do have a beautiful room planned for styled and some awesome Etsy finds for Round Up next week, so stay tuned!

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Email Feature!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Look what happened yesterday morning!

My Carpe Noctem pillow was featured in the daily Etsy Finds email!

I am totally shocked and thrilled to be featured, particularly in the top left hand corner! Am I dreaming?! Someone pinch me!
Usually I open the Etsy Finds email every day and check over it to see all the beautiful things being featured. Yesterday I went out for a run early, and since I had a lofty sewing goal to achieve, I didn't check it until dinner last night with Jeremy. A few hours before dinner, I was printing a shipping label for an Etsy customer and noticed that my Etsy activity seemed really busy. When I checked the stats, it read that I had over 1,200 views - in just one day! By dinner, it was up to 1,400. It seemed very strange to me, until I opened the email and my jaw hit the floor.

So last night's date night was full of with conversation about vision for this Etsy shop of mine, and toasting to the day's success. In the end, I had over 1,511 views and 363 favorites yesterday. And its really just as well I have lots of new pillows on the way - because I intend to do my best to keep this ball rolling!

Yes!!

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - The Pantone Color of the Year, Emerald!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This week's Etsy Round Up is inspired by Pantone's official color of the year for 2013 - Emerald!

This saturated beauty of a color has so much to offer. Its dark enough to be almost neutral, but stands alone to pop an outfit with some serious punch. Nice work, Pantone. I enthusiastically approve of your choice!

Clockwise from top left:

Rough Emerald Twin Ring by metalmorphoz
8x8" Landscape Photo Set by Moon Garden
Emerald Draped Slinky Dress by We Had a Time
Emerald Medallion Beaded Applique by FolkStroke
Vintage Emerald Earrings by MyCellarDoor
Boho Emerald Twist Turban Headband by TheTurbandShop
Emerald Green Distressed Leather Handbag by artoncrafts
Emerald Landscape Photograph by NessysNest

And if you can't get enough emerald, there are more gorgeous Etsy finds here - Treasury - Pantone 2013 Color of the Year, Emerald.

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Inspiration for my Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This week, I couldn't resist styling up my own little boy's* room. We had a very helpful and productive phone call with our adoption agency worker last week (!!!), and as a result the thrill of meeting him re-settled into my soul. Its a very good feeling to let myself be happy about it, instead of putting it out of my mind all the time. So I've channelled my energy into planning his room! I've been envisioning a quirky African inspired space for him - but something he can grow into. I think this room is on to something.

1. Robbie the Large Rhino Trophy by Cardboard Safari

2. Cheetah Print by Berkley Illustration (already purchased! Yes!)

3. Z-A Print by Jaco Haasbroek via Africandy

4. Nate Berkus for Target 5x7 Picture Frame from Target

5. Blue Room Essentials Desk Lamp from Target

6. Oak Park Elementary Nightstand from Land of Nod

7. Kite Kilim Floor Pouf from West Elm

8. Crossed Flokati Round Rug from Anthropologie

9. Piper Twin Bed from Room and Board

Love,

Caitlin

*Please don't be confused by the fact that I go back and forth talking about my son singular and my sons plural. Since its much more likely that we'll end up being referred to one boy, I decided to talk about him that way for now. We'll just have to wait and see!

Etsy Round Up - New Year, New Start

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Well friends, we are solidly into 2013 now. How are your resolutions coming? I tend to be a bit all over the place with resolutions - for some reason the word "goal" works much better for me. And one of my goals is to dress more stylishly this year. And that's where Etsy comes in - with so many gorgeous things available with just a click. If only one of my other goals wasn't to save money to bring home my son/s! Anyway, here are a few of my favorites this week.

Clockwise from top left:

Gold Chevron Ring by katerinaki1977
Hand Crocheted Hand Warmers by Plexida
Ikat Clutch by eclu
Baby Botanist Bag by Opelle
Handmade Small Convertible Leather Bag by LeatherFun
Lace Up Flat Boots by Olive Thomas
Missing You Crystal Buttoned Quilted Cashmere Coat by idea2lifestyle
Apophyllite and Quartz Chunky Ring by CraftsGardenOfZen
Felt and Leather iPhone 5 Case by TopHome

There are more gorgeous finds in the rest of the collection here - Treasury - New Year, New Start.

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Sam Kweskin Inspired Living Room

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Styled is back, fresh and ready for a new year! I don't know about you, but I'm definitely in the mood for some changes to my living space. As usual, I live out all my design daydreams with inspiration boards inspired by artists that I love! This week, photographer Sam Kweskin's landscape inspired a modern, saturated and functional living room. If you look closely at the photograph, you'll spot the human element. I love the presence of people in landscape photography, and I think this particular photograph would make a beautiful centerpiece in any room. Layered into this space are plenty of saturated colors, natural textures and metallic elements.

1. Small Arrow Bundle by Vogtsmith from Serena and Lily

2. Landscape by Sam Kweskin

3. Capri Blue Indigo Jar Candle from Anthropologie

4. Venetian Frame from Anthropologie

5. Clarke Sofa from Room and Board

6. Hammered Metal Lamp - Nailhead Stripe from Serena and Lily

7. Driftwood Side Table from Crate and Barrel

8. Venda Dhurrie in Plaster from West Elm

Any living space updates planned for you in 2013?

Love,

Caitlin

Its a New Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year, friends! Here's to a new start, a new year, one day at a time. I must say, I'm reveling in the fresh feeling that January first brings.

Cheers to all of you today! May 2013 be richer, fuller, happier and braver than any year you've ever lived to see.

Love,

Caitlin

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

{Our seventh Christmas tree together - maybe one day we'll have room enough for a tree that properly fits our star - !}

Happy Christmas Eve, friends!

I hope this is a day (and week) of rest and rejuvenation for you - even better if it coincides with spending time with the people you love most. We plan to attend our Church's Christmas Eve service tonight, and spend most of tomorrow with my family. Very peaceful and low key - my favorite kind of holiday.

I'm signing off for the rest of the week to be with my very favorite people. I'll see you all after Christmas!

Love,

Caitlin

Loving this Week - Statement Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This week I'm loving the bold statements made by each of the amazing light fixtures in all of these inspiring spaces. The lighting speaks volumes about each room, creating an interesting, beautiful focal point. I love how unique they each feel. Thanks to the lighting, these aren't your average rooms.

{source}

Which one is your favorite?

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Fresh Home Decor Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

On this, the final shopping week before Christmas (can you believe that?!), I thought I'd poke around Etsy for some home decor gift ideas. I am absolutely crazy about all of these beautiful things. Time is running out to snatch up one of these beauties!

Clockwise from top left:

European Rainbow Deer Mount on Walnut from Cast and Crew
Rustic Wall Sconce with Edison Bulb from Worley's Lighting
Sweat, Tears, or the Sea Print from Mint Afternoon
Hand Painted Bear Cup from Margollo Shop
Melusine Handmade Soy Candle with Green Tea Scent from Rococo Rose
Tiered Small Beaded Plant Hanger from AM Radio
Mid Century Modern Dresser and Nightstand from Funky Luxe
Hanging Recycled Glass Terrarium from Megamyers
Vintage Brass Pair of Elephants from High Street Market

Love,

Caitlin

3 Meaningful Christmas Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

{Camel anyone?}

This time of year, we as Western media consumers face an immeasurable array of choices - particularly when it comes to how we will choose to spend the money we've worked hard to earn. With the frenzied media emphasis on spending and an near constant barrage of advertisements, sales, and special deals, its all too easy to forget why we are buying gifts in the first place. Christmas is at its core, a celebration of the day that Jesus was born on the earth. The celebration of the beginning of his life on earth can be and is celebrated in all kinds of ways, and I think a brilliant way is to meet the needs of the world's poorest and most marginalized people in the name of someone you love. That is exactly what we intend to do this year.

I wanted to highlight three international organizations that make it easy to participate in giving communities of the world sustainable food sources, income streams, access to better nutrition, health care, education, clean water, and fuel. So here are my three favorites:

1. Heifer International

Heifer International began in 1944, when the organization's founder, Dan West, decided that providing a family with a source of food and income was a far better and more sustainable way to help a needy family, and in turn, their entire community. Heifer provides all kinds of animals to families - but not without preparing them with training on how to properly feed, shelter, care for, and breed their cows, goats, camels, sheep, chickens, rabbits, even water buffalo (!) Before an animal is delivered to a family, a proper pen and shelter is built, and the family commits to "pass on the gift" to their neighbors through the animals' offspring. And all animals are carefully chosen for the areas they are sent to, ensuring the best chance of survival for the animals and the best fit for the environment. Check out all the gift options here.

2. Oxfam America

Oxfam is an international relief and development organization that works to end poverty by helping people and communities overcome it. Working in over 90 countries around the world, Oxfam is a totally independent organization that accepts no funding from governments so that they can carry on in their vision without compromise.

There is so much hope in the faces of this family. I love seeing that! Through their gift catalog, you can provide animals, books, education, gardens, water pumps, building restoration and a day's wage. See all the gifts available on Oxfam's gift page.

3. Compassion International

Compassion International is one of the leaders in Child Sponsorship, which is a model I wholeheartedly support. Through child sponsorship, families vulnerable to separation because of poverty can stay together, and the child's unique needs are addressed. I can imagine the relief it must be to parents to have such direct help in meeting their children's basic needs, ensuring they receive an education, access to proper nutrition, health care, and individual love and support from a local church personally acquainted with them. With Compassion International, the opportunity to sponsor a child with an ongoing donation of $38 per month is a great way to extend a Christmas gift throughout the year while getting to know a particular child. They also have a one-time gift catalog with options that range from mosquito nets to emergency meals to HIV tests and career guidance. Choose a compassion gift here.

There you have it - three exceptional organizations to help facilitate meaningful Christmas gifts. I'm quite sure that I've missed dozens of other amazing ones - so tell me, who are your favorite charitable organizations?

Love,

Caitlin

Styled - Jong Ro Inspired Living Room

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I stumbled upon the gorgeous painting At Peace by Jong Ro on Pinterest months ago, and it was instant love. The saturated navy and teal combination is heavenly, and I adore those strong ochre pops. Today, its the inspiration for this warm, modern living space.

1. At Peace by Jong Ro

2. 4 Light Hampton Chandelier from Lighting Universe

3. Rustic Barnwood Frame by Restoration Harbor on Etsy

4. Vintage Brass Deer Figurines from Rust Belt Threads on Etsy

5. Under These Things They Sleep Series, Erased Print by Julie Massy via Little Paper Planes

6. Tatum Throw in Teal from World Market

7. Bryant 76" Sofa from Ethan Allen

8. Bello Shag Rug from West Elm

9. Daunan Coffee Table from Weylandts

Love,

Caitlin

{Infinite Value}

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

{source}

Last night my wonderful, strong, brave, amazing friend posted this quote to her facebook profile:

"It is a miracle if you find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season - like all other seasons - is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about miracles in your own life, and be grateful for them." -Lemony Snicket, the Lump of Coal

This friend has been in total isolation for the last 9 days while she is treated with a powerful dose of radiation to combat thyroid cancer.

Her quote, and another message she sent me about how much she is looking forward to doing some very simple things again when treatment is over, has sent me into deep retrospection about how significant and fragile life is, and how sweet and fleeting the moments are that come together to write the larger story of our lives.

Over the last few months, my husband and I have each felt a strong pull toward the unknown future we are walking into - and with it, a certain uncomfortable awareness of how much we don't actually know anything about it. At times, its made us angry, pensive, lonely. And other times, its brought with it a tremendous feeling of privilege and joy - that we have the unfathomable blessing of living our lives. My life. Jeremy's life. Our life together.

It is true - uncomfortably true - that our lives are very, very short. What we choose to do with each day, each moment, is extraordinarily important. In the coming new year, I want to grow in my awareness of this truth in a way that empowers me to deeply, fully live into my days. If only it wasn't so hard to actually do. I suppose that is the discipline of it.

"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit - not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength - that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask Him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19, The Message Translation

Love,

Caitlin

Etsy Round Up - Gifts for the Guys

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Every year I go through the same thing - searching for the perfect gift for the men in my life. Is it just me, or are the guys way tougher to shop for than anyone else by far? Luckily, Etsy came through for me with these great ideas from some very talented sellers.

Clockwise from Top Left:

Men's Bartek Winter Wool Hat in Olive Green by Woolibear
Shaving Soap Bar by Rocky Top Soap Shop
Kente II African Print Infinity Scarf by Noah's Crew
Cord Bound Leather Journal by Badger and Chirp
Verne Erbent Satchel by Verne Leather
Men's Handmade Curried Leather Desert Boots by MDesignWorkshop
Forged Beer Bottle Opener with Copper Rivet by HandforgeMetal
Personalized Guitar Pick by Silverado Jewelry
San Francisco Railway Token Cufflinks by therustedkey

Love,

Caitlin

Peru, Chapter 6 - Arequipa!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Well, this is the very last chapter of the chronicles of our Peru trip - Arequipa! We really saved a beautiful city for last.

Our one and only day in Arequipa began with another TripAdvisor recommendation - Santa Catalina Convent. It is the most tranquil, beautiful place - surrounded by the busy hustle of the city on every side. The monastery was built in 1580, and nuns still live in a corner of the complex closed to the public. The majority of the complex is open to explore at your own pace. The walls of the convent are so thick and aged, it seems they've mastered the art of silencing the world around them. In some places it was so peaceful, I almost felt like I could hear the sunlight warming the walls.

The convent is designed like a city, with various avenues connecting areas of different functions. All throughout are chapels, courtyards with fruit trees, fountains, and dozens upon dozens of geraniums.

{The boldly painted walls were my favorite part.}

Of course, we couldn't leave without a strong cup of tea and some carrot cake, which tasted just as delicious as it looks.

Next began our search for more blankets, just like the one I bought in Miraflores. We spent the rest of the afternoon checking every market and shop, thinking we'd stumble upon them, but we were quite wrong. Still, we happened upon a totally fascinating food market that sold these little guys:

Dried Fetal Llamas. Yes, that's right.

Apparently they are used in traditional sacrifice to the Inca gods. We particularly liked tiny little hats, which made them just that much more creepy.

This market sold all kinds of things other than dried fetal llamas (!). It was split into all of the expected grocery store sections - fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, breads, medicinal, etc. Upstairs were fabric vendors and sellers with stalls full of batteries and chintzy things like cell phone covers and plastic jewelry. Other than the llamas, the most interesting thing we saw was a freshly decapitated sheep's head. Hair, eyes, and teeth still intact. Luckily for you, I was too shocked to document that!

{I have absolutely no idea what these buns with clay characters in them are all about. Anyone know?}

{This purple corn is used to make candy that you can find all over the place. Chicha is made of it as well. }

After lots more shopping at various craft vendors, we decided to have lunch. We chose this restaurant, which you can just barely see at the top left corner of the photo above. It has four levels, and we ate on the roof. Just across from our table was a gorgeous mountain view.

{Cusqueña and Jugo Mixto with a pizza on its way - this is the life}

Just after lunch, we began the walk back to our hotel before we needed to head to the airport to go back to Lima. I was so in love with the Jacaranda trees, just blooming. It reminds me of Johannesburg, my hometown.

{This photo is so funny to me. Little spiderman had just thrown a fit and received a serious swat on the bum for it. I thought the whole scene was hilarious! You go Mom.}

Arequipa is another city I had a hard time saying goodbye to. We hardly scratched the surface of what it had to offer, and loved it. Before we knew it, we were on our way home, and our Peruvian adventure had come to a close. Amazing how something you anticipate for so long can arrive so slowly, and pass so quickly.

What an amazing journey it was.

And next time, Arequipa - we'll be back for you.

Love,

Caitlin