tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53187890081871520602024-03-18T04:03:51.089+01:00KanelstrandFor a slow, simple and creative life.Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.comBlogger592125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-78626477848683593012015-06-22T09:00:00.000+02:002015-06-22T09:00:00.652+02:00Motherhood Is Not For PerfectionistsHello world, I'm still alive and kicking, in case you've been wondering. Today I want to write something memorable, empowering, because this is exactly what happened to me in the past year while I kept the blog quiet. For a year I almost forgot what photography was and wrote exactly 7 posts.<br />
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Because life happened.<br />
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Literally.<br />
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My husband and I created new life. <br />
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Our baby DJ is now 4 months old and is the most amazing little boy.<br />
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For the first two months of his life I was so overwhelmed that I only grabbed my tablet or laptop to read more about increasing breastmilk supply, or how to deal with colics, irregular bowel movements, or to understand why he caughs after burping; I watched videos on proper latching, burping positions, baby massage and bathing. <br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kissing perfectionism goodbye</b></span></span><br />
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If you have followed this blog long enough to remember <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/p/simple-living-challenge.html" target="_blank">The Simple Living Challenge</a> I created in the beginning of 2012 you maybe recall my <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2012/02/step-1-embrace-your-imperfections.html" target="_blank">confession in perfectionism</a>. Well, three years later I thought I had overcome it but then the baby came. I was so scared, insecure and genuinely disappointed by the fact that I was not the perfect mother. Was I even mother simply because of the fact that I had given birth? I didn't know it all, I didn't know why he cried, when he was hungry or when he had colics, I couldn't understand his language, I was terrified by the fact that I couldn't cope alone and there were those shameful moments when I wodered why, oh why...<br />
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<b>Until I realized that motherhood is in clear conflict with perfection.</b> Believing I could be perfect in my role as a mother was an utter deception. Perfection doesn't tolerate development. As a parent one is supposed to learn, grow and change with their child. The family is like a living organism that flourishes and adapts constantly so why would I want to constrain it into a stagnant perfection form?<br />
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I am yet in the very beginning of this new journey but I like it as it is already. No, actually I love it. Who needs perfection when there is the unconditional love to give and to receive.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Saying no to multitaskig</b></span></span><br />
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Not only was I a perfectionist but I was also a serial <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2011/08/end-of-multitasking.html" target="_blank">multitasker</a>, something I considered a trait before I realized it lead me to <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2012/06/why-multitasking-is-bad-for-you.html" target="_blank">nothing but burnout</a>. Quite unconsciously I also tried multitasking with my baby: a definite no-no. There is no way to be present and alert for baby when carrying him and freshly boiled water at the same time regardless of how handy you think you are.Never ever multitask with baby around. It is doomed.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keeping expectations low</b></span></span><br />
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Perfectionism is closely related to having high expectations towards yourself and the world around you. I needed about a month to get rid of my inadequate expectations.<br />
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Take something as simple as pooing. I have always sympathized with people with irregular bowel movements and considered it a very important blessing to not be one of them. Before I had a baby I remember stories about babies who had constipation or only pooed once a day and considered it a nighhtmare. Well, what can I say, after an extremely hard month I am now over the moon when my boy poops once a day, instead of the expect two - three times. Life is a good teacher. <br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taking it slow</b></span></span><br />
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Perfectionism is the reason, which in the past pushed me beyond myself to achieve my intentions. I didn't spare neither time nor efforts in the name of goals, I could work forever on a project or I could literally bend time if that was needed. But you cannot rush a baby without that leading to terrifying results. <br />
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Taking it slow and going with the flow, learning to understand my boy is the only healthy way both for him and for me. Raising a human being is not a competiotion and hurrying never leads to anything but disaster. So, I chose to relax and take it slow.<br />
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Which leads me to the <b>Slow and Simple</b> slogan of the Kanelstrand blog. Let's snever forget that taking life slow and living it simply is the only way to fully appreciate all that happens and all that we make happen. Because in the end, the only thing that matters is the love we have given and what it has produced. <br />
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Now it's your turn: </b></span>Say hello and let me know you're still around! What challenges did you have to overcome in the first months with your new baby? How were your expectations during pregnancy different from the reality that followed?</i>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-85983113228761732402014-12-08T14:29:00.003+01:002014-12-08T14:33:29.151+01:00Homemade Salve to Prevent and Treat Pregnancy Stretch Marks (Without Coconut Oil)Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life, isn't it. It gives us the time to recollect, plan ahead, simplify and focus our lives on a something higher than our well-being, that of another person. During that time of preparation women grow – mentally, spiritually and physically.<br />
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Today I want to address the physical growth of pregnancy; although beautiful, natural and glowing, it often has a negative effect on our self-esteem later in life. The growth of our bellies, breasts and thighs sometimes leads to the appearance of stretch marks.<br />
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Based on a my detailed research, I created <b>the most effective natural salve that will prevent and treat stretch marks</b>. As with all things I share on this blog, the stretch mark salve is rather simple and will take no more than 15 minutes to prepare.<br />
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Before I let you know the full recipe, let me remind you that each type of skin is different but no matter how susceptible yours is to stretch marks it is very important that you keep yourself hydrated and eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as fish high in Omega-3.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">No to Coconut Oil</span></b></span><br />
For this stretch marks salve I am not using coconut oil, regardless of the number of praises I've heard and read about it, the reason being that for people with very dry skin coconut oil is not moisturizing enough. Actually, I experienced this effect on my lips last winter when I used my <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2014/01/homemade-lemon-lip-balm-tutorial-based.html" target="_blank">homemade lemon lip balm</a> which included coconut oil and wondered why the hydration wasn't as expected.<br />
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As discussed in <i>Skin Care Talk</i>, coconut oil is made up of glycerol esters of shorter-chain fatty acids, mostly lauric acid (about 47%). Lauric acid has 12 carbon atoms compared to 18 carbons in stearic acid, a common component of most fats and oils. Other major components are 8, 10, and 14 carbon fatty acids. This makes coconut oil a lot different than most other oils.<br />
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Coconut oil obtains some very special benefits for your skin from these shorter-chain fatty acids, very nourishing and healing, in part because they penetrate skin very well. What they don't do well is stay on top to form a moisture seal on your skin. Some folks would interpret this as "drying."<br />
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Also, coconut oil is considered to be fairly comodogenic, so if you have a tendency to get clogged pores (blackheads, etc), coconut oil might exacerbate that problem. To stay away from any possible harm, I left out the coconut oil this time.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes to Aloe Vera and Wheat Germ Oil</b></span></span><br />
Aloe Vera gel is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. It has various essential nutrients and active compounds that can be used in the treatment of minor burns and acne scars. Basically if there is a skin disease chances are that Aloe Vera can help with it. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks as well.<br />
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Wheat germ oil aids the regeneration of the natural processes of the skin. It nourishes the skin and heals and preserves it. Its antioxidant properties prevent all sorts of tissue damage and builds collagen. <br />
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Wheat germ is a "true carrier" oil, as it has the ability to travel through the epidermis into the dermis where the actual stretching occurs. It carries the regenerating oils or Aloe Vera it is combined with into the dermis feeding new skin cells as they travel up to the epidermis. <br />
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According to a study published in <i>Pharmacognosy Research</i> titled <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3141305/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers</a> the combination between wheat germ oil and Aloe Vera extract produces the highest hydration effect on the skin, due to their synergistic effect. Wheat germ oil or Aloe extract, when present separately produces skin hydration to lesser extent.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes to Calendula Infused Olive Oil</b></span></span><br />
According to the same study in <i>Pharmacognosy Research</i>, second in rank in terms of skin hydration is the combination of Aloe Vera extract and olive oil.<br />
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It is worth noting that when oil is added to a hydrating salve, the effect is increased as it forms an occlusive layer on the skin and prevents loss of moisturizer. In general, when applied to skin, the vegetable oils are easily absorbed and show great spreadability.<br />
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In my stretch mark salve recipe I use calendula infused olive oil because calendula is known to have gentle, cooling, and soothing properties. Calendula oil is the most successful oil for assisting with dry and damaged skin, skin inflammations, rashes, diaper irritations, and other skin disorders. It makes a wonderful baby’s oil and is exceptional for those with sensitive skin.<br />
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An easy and quick way to infuse olive oil with calendula is to fill a clean, dry glass jar with dried calendula flower heads, then cover with olive oil. Put in a double boiler on the stove top and warm over low heat at approximately 100 degrees F (40 degrees Celsius) for at least 4-6 hours. Once the oil has infused, strain out the herbs using cheesecloth and pour the infused oil into glass bottles, date and store in a cool, dark cupboard. Add a few drops of liquid vitamin E which will act as a preservative and will be an added bonus for all skin recipes you'll use it in. Use it up within a year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">Pregnancy Stretch Marks Salve</span></b></span><br />
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<i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />
Equal amounts of:<br />
<ul>
<li>cocoa butter </li>
<li>pure Aloe Vera gel</li>
<li>wheat germ oil</li>
<li>calendula infused olive oil</li>
</ul>
I use 100 g / 3.50 oz of each, which is usually enough for 2 months. <br />
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<i><b>Method</b></i><br />
Melt the cocoa butter in a double boiler.<br />
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In the meantime combine the other ingredients and stir well. Add the warm cocoa butter, stir.<br />
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If you dislike the calendula smell you can add a few drops of essential oil of your choice.<br />
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Pour in a clean glass jar and let cool. The stretch mark salve will harden at lower temperatures but it will quickly soften by the heat of your fingers and palms before applying.<br />
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And that's it. A pregnancy stretch mark salve cannot get any easier but that doesn't make it unreliable. Backed with serious scientific research, this is the most moisturizing natural homemade salve you can use to prevent or treat stretch marks.<br />
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Start applying the stretch marks salve as soon as possible, i.e. once you start seeing your belly grow. Apply on your belly, breasts, and thighs – these are the areas most prone to stretch marks.<br />
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Massage the salve gently into the skin and allow about 20 minutes before<br />
getting dressed. It is best to make this a daily ritual after taking a<br />
shower to lock even more moisture in your skin.<br />
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<i><b>Sources:</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li>Blichmann CW, Serup J, Winther A. Effects of single application of a moisturizer: Evaporation of emulsion water, skin surface temperature, electrical conductance, electrical capacitance and skin surface (emulsion) lipids. Acta Derm Venereol. 1989;69:327–30. [<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2568053" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PubMed</a>] </li>
<li><a href="http://www.skincaretalk.com/t/20689/any-truth-in-coconut-oil-being-drying" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skincaretalk.com/t/20689/any-truth-in-coconut-oil-being-drying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3141305/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3141305/ </a></li>
</ul>
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-88207168170154624332014-10-20T10:00:00.000+02:002014-10-20T10:00:04.503+02:00Guilt-Free Creative Living in the Rhythm of the SeasonsSummer is for living, fall is for reflecting, that is the lesson I learned in the past months. I spent the summer traveling, meeting people, running on hot sands and jumping over waves. <br />
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The feeling of guilt for not blogging was following me everywhere I went and the more time passed by, the less inclined I felt to write. <i>Have you felt the same too?</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't resist</b></span><br />
On some days, my head was exploding by the thought that I could not collect myself and write a single post, on others I blamed myself for not taking pictures to update my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kanelstrand" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>, but I refused to give in to the guilt. Instead, I chose not to resist.<br />
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You see, I believe in not resisting; if a creative urge comes, I succumb and try to live it as fully as possible. So, in this case, the urge was to live in the moment. For the first time in three years I stopped blogging and for the first time in more than ten years I left my camera at home. If you are a blogger you will understand what an effort that was. If you are a photographer, maybe you will be appalled.<br />
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But <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201112/guilt-may-be-top-factor-in-ptsd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">guilt</a> has never led anyone to good decisions. Actually, being guilt prone is only ruining your life. Psychologist Guy Winch <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201308/the-curse-being-guilt-prone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">advises</a> to try to define if the signal of guilt is real or not, then to identify if you are really doing something wrong and if the message is false to ignore it. <br />
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With my feeling of guilt identified as faulty, I simply decided to trust the rhythm.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VFdtaxXbow/VEElSJchSAI/AAAAAAAATDw/gqSrZO0AXhM/s1600/20140721-125607-1-trust-the-rhythm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trust the Rhythm" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VFdtaxXbow/VEElSJchSAI/AAAAAAAATDw/gqSrZO0AXhM/s1600/20140721-125607-1-trust-the-rhythm.png" height="424" title="Trust the Rhythm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trust the rhythm</b></span><br />
Trusting the rhythm of my emotions is very much connected to trusting the rhythm of the seasons. I believe that every creative person is influenced by the natural world, and the changing of seasons. So, instead of trying to follow a strict regime of creating – be it writing, painting, photographing or sculpting – you might want to listen to your urges, stop feeling guilty and enjoy a detour on the your creative path. <br />
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Summer is a vibrant season. Instead of shutting yourself off from the world, go outside and be part of it. Even if that means you have to stop what you're doing. <br />
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Feeling guilty is so out of the question in this situation because even when you are not literally crafting or creating, the impressions and the change in activities will charge you up for your next endeavors. <br />
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<b>Trying to follow a routine regardless of season will only make you feel stuck and sooner or later your creativity will perish because of the pressure you put on yourself. </b><br />
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So, you know how everything in nature evolves and follows an up-and-down curve? It's quite the same with us, our emotions and our creativity. <br />
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If we accept that summer is the season for living outside, then fall is the perfect season for reflecting on all that we lived through and employing it in our creative process. Then comes winter, when held indoor by cooler temperatures our reflections deepen and we have enough time to create an to live in the virtual world of our thoughts, followed by an awakening in spring and new creative juices. <br />
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Don't push yourself, follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and breathe.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebZu_-5gUak/VEElRBWCkII/AAAAAAAATDs/ZVXbPinnmrQ/s1600/20140722-150522-breathe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breathe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebZu_-5gUak/VEElRBWCkII/AAAAAAAATDs/ZVXbPinnmrQ/s1600/20140722-150522-breathe.png" height="424" title="breathe" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Breathe</b></span><br />
Breathe in – breathe out; <br />
work – rest; <br />
create – collect impressions;<br />
day – night...<br />
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It's as simple as that. Don't push yourself. Try to understand and respect your rhythm instead, as you do the rhythm of nature. Allow yourself time to rest and time to be active. Keep this dynamic balance alive and your creativity will flourish.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Now it's your turn: </span><i>Have you gone through long periods of burn-out and how have you dealt with them? Leave your reply in the comments below.</i><u><i><br /></i></u></b>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-41459462706783922842014-07-03T10:30:00.000+02:002014-07-03T10:30:01.717+02:00The Photographer's Connection to NatureWhen I planned buying a macro lens (and that took quite a few years) I was sure I would never shoot bugs. Not that I wasn't interested in them but I thought there were enough male photographers doing that already, plus I couldn't figure out how I would include them in my surreal photography.<br />
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But as the saying goes: Never say never.<br />
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What do you think happened on my first official "macro" walk? I shot mostly bugs and I was actually impressed about the way I handled them.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSLMWvcObGg/U7RSKSBfDbI/AAAAAAAARfM/Tffd3jnW7fk/s1600/20140627-122921-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Photographer's Connection to Nature" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSLMWvcObGg/U7RSKSBfDbI/AAAAAAAARfM/Tffd3jnW7fk/s1600/20140627-122921-1.jpg" height="424" title="The Photographer's Connection to Nature" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought it would be extremely hard to make them stand still but some of them even cooperated. For example, this blue guy was flying very frantically, but impressed by his color (why did I decide it was a male?) I waited for him to calm down until he landed on a leaf and stared right at me while I was getting closer and closer.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCasESZrnQ/U7RbeTflYeI/AAAAAAAARgM/RnJVJuuqdHM/s1600/20140627-132114-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCasESZrnQ/U7RbeTflYeI/AAAAAAAARgM/RnJVJuuqdHM/s1600/20140627-132114-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, in a magical moment of connection between a human and an insect he stood still until I managed to focus on his eyes. We stood there, hanging in the moment, while I was pressing the shutter-release button, making sure I have a few of his poses to choose from. I thanked him and I left happy by this divine communication.<br />
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See, this is one of the most important things I love about photography. When I am alone in the wild, I am able to hear and see more than in the town. I feel connected on a level that is more powerful than words. The magic of art, of reconnection, of <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2013/02/how-to-listen-to-your-heart.html" target="_blank">listening to your heart</a>...<br />
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Whatever it is, thank you, Nature for sharing your beauty (and bugs) with me.Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-90119558448906425222014-06-27T10:00:00.000+02:002014-09-17T11:06:40.870+02:00How The Moon Was BornAstronomers have been trying to find out how the moon was born for ages. Why didn't they ask me? The moon was born in a pea pod. I even have evidence:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oRsBLY7xO4/U6vnk4N878I/AAAAAAAARIg/tC_zh_nV68o/s1600/20140622-184756-etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How The Moon Was Born" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oRsBLY7xO4/U6vnk4N878I/AAAAAAAARIg/tC_zh_nV68o/s1600/20140622-184756-etsy.jpg" height="424" title="How The Moon Was Born" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take note of the gentle halo and the way the sister peas are reflecting the moonlight.<br />
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This photo comes as the answer to <a href="https://plus.google.com/114887456270027266936/posts/esBij2XjugS" target="_blank">a question I posted a couple of days ago on Google Plus</a>. Let me know what you think and if you expected such a development for the original photo. If you haven't seen it, here it is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP-2Eoyr6fQ/U6mgy7v9uEI/AAAAAAAARGU/QrdhGt5SzHo/s1600/20140622-184756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP-2Eoyr6fQ/U6mgy7v9uEI/AAAAAAAARGU/QrdhGt5SzHo/s1600/20140622-184756.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can buy this original surreal artwork while it's hot and sizzling on <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/how-the-moon-was-born-sonya-kanelstrand.html" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a>. For all Kanelstrand readers I created a <b>discount code</b> CYRCTU which will give you 15% off. The code is active until November 17th. <br />
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<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/how-the-moon-was-born-sonya-kanelstrand.html" size="20"><img alt="Art Prints" src="http://fineartamerica.com/displayartwork.html?id=12148357&width=250&height=165" height="400" style="border: medium none;" title="Art Prints" width="383" /></a></div>
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-37947395432838897062014-06-25T10:22:00.000+02:002014-06-25T10:22:27.780+02:00Cherry Tomatoes: Macro ShotsThis year I entered the realm of tomato planting. It is a world of gentle touches and delicate aromas. I've been watching my plants grow, expand and bloom. And the time came for the first very tiny and still green cherry tomatoes. They are almost as big as peas.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3pnwN_SLKY/U6p_c9ctO0I/AAAAAAAARHI/qz003vZKuGA/s1600/20140624-102135-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cherry tomato" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3pnwN_SLKY/U6p_c9ctO0I/AAAAAAAARHI/qz003vZKuGA/s1600/20140624-102135-3.jpg" height="424" title="cherry tomato" width="640" /></a></div>
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Armed with my new macro lens AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED I am spending a good amount of time around my plants each morning to take their portraits, up-close and personal.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBqv6oFgyTY/U6p_dPMGM_I/AAAAAAAARHM/_djM0v2LZ3Y/s1600/20140624-104824-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cherry tomato blooms" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBqv6oFgyTY/U6p_dPMGM_I/AAAAAAAARHM/_djM0v2LZ3Y/s1600/20140624-104824-3.jpg" height="424" title="cherry tomato blooms" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Wednesday to all of you, cherry lovers out there.Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-28775116402067878092014-06-10T08:30:00.000+02:002014-06-10T08:32:42.638+02:00Photographer in the Kitchen: Making Cherry Jam<br />
Each summer, when I was a kid, I used to spend in our summer house. We had a small garden tended by my grandfather and, of course, apart from eating fresh produce each summer, I was helping with the preserves, as much as a kid can help.<br />
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I look back to these moments with joy and love because they carry with them the feeling of unity with my family - unconscious but strong, the smell of burning wood on a long summer evening, the sight of vegetables and fruits cut in precise pieces, clean glass jars waiting to be filled up.<br />
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I considered this summer ritual as one of the things I had to do, not a chore by any means but something as fun as playing. At that time I didn't have a camera but my memories are so vivid that I still see my grandparents around the working table. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IcYOaJ9wc/U5XEM5kcV4I/AAAAAAAAQsg/K5ZgOx6LSZs/s1600/cherries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freshly picked cherries by Kanelstrand" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IcYOaJ9wc/U5XEM5kcV4I/AAAAAAAAQsg/K5ZgOx6LSZs/s1600/cherries.jpg" height="424" title="Freshly picked cherries by Kanelstrand" width="640" /></a><br />
I picked about 5 kg of cherries yesterday, and here it is -- the right moment for my first ever cherry jam. <br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Cherry Jam Recipe</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 kg cherries</li>
<li>1/2 kg sugar + some vanilla</li>
<li>1,5 teaspoon citric acid per kg fruit</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>glass jars - clean, dry and warm (I warm my up in the oven)</li>
</ul>
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My grandmother used to add 1 kg of sugar to each kg of cherries but I am tweaking this recipe a bit and adding less sugar, so the taste of the cherries comes up and the jam is lighter on sugar. <br />
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It took me about 3 hours to de-stone the cherries last night and afterwards I covered them in white crystal sugar to which I added some vanilla. I left them overnight and in the morning I put them in a deep pot and let them boil. The sugar had made the juices of the cherries come out, which is vital for the boiling afterwards.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-8TkRF0-Yo/U5XEMFhjTBI/AAAAAAAAQsY/0Z_OWLTQWfs/s1600/DSC_4925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photographer in the Kitchen: Making Cherry Jam" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-8TkRF0-Yo/U5XEMFhjTBI/AAAAAAAAQsY/0Z_OWLTQWfs/s1600/DSC_4925.JPG" height="424" title="Photographer in the Kitchen: Making Cherry Jam" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the initial boil the cherries start producing a kind of thick foam which I am skimming with a slotted spoon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKv56NWy5wM/U5XEMANHiJI/AAAAAAAAQsM/q_BlOQN4hd4/s1600/DSC_4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Making a cherry jam - skim the foam" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKv56NWy5wM/U5XEMANHiJI/AAAAAAAAQsM/q_BlOQN4hd4/s1600/DSC_4930.JPG" height="424" title="Making a cherry jam - skim the foam" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I have photographed the layers of foam I have skimmed from the boiling cherries so far. Notice the way the colors are changing and flowing into one another. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And now, the jam is 2 hours in the boiling and reducing. The smell is gorgeous and I am excited.<br />
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I will keep on boiling on low heat until a drop of jam falls comfortably to the bottom of a glass of water retaining its shape. Then, I will add 1,5 teaspoons of citric acid to each kilogram of cherries (in my case, it's 1,5 x 5 = 7,5 teaspoons).<br />
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By the way, I have a habit of reusing the jars I buy from the grocery store, so I have a bunch of different ones waiting to be filled. I will pop them in the oven for 15 minutes to warm them up before filling. Afterwards, I will spoon the warm jam in and let them cool turned on their caps to make a good vacuum. <br />
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<i><b>Question: Should I add orange juice to enhance the flavor? Let me know quick before I'm done with this first batch of cherry jam ever.</b></i><br />
<br />Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-44542805137933493972014-06-06T08:30:00.000+02:002014-06-06T08:30:01.534+02:00Street Art in Belgrade, SerbiaA week ago I came back from a short trip to Belgrade, Serbia's capital. This was my first time visiting the "White City" and I was in awe by the hospitality of its people, by the tasty food behind each corner and by the beauty of its architecture.<br />
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But instead of boring you with touristic information, today I choose to show you the street art of Belgrade - decadent, naive and downright creative. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mtJYqAFtsoEwumhBLNrXf9xPOROSapE3QByS37PM7wCan5GwF-ynN3nXBZv-AM1NzLHB55Y1qWMRjtyv1l2hcWwKxhBQqVHnPjM4qdBDJGmfpZt1LhD_GqviY9hgCx3meSpr5dRREa3p/s1600/20140509-132929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mtJYqAFtsoEwumhBLNrXf9xPOROSapE3QByS37PM7wCan5GwF-ynN3nXBZv-AM1NzLHB55Y1qWMRjtyv1l2hcWwKxhBQqVHnPjM4qdBDJGmfpZt1LhD_GqviY9hgCx3meSpr5dRREa3p/s1600/20140509-132929.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-42081304845208989822014-05-28T08:30:00.000+02:002014-06-26T09:40:33.365+02:00How to Enjoy Clouds<br />
They were moving so fast across the deep blue sky. The air currents up high were pushing the white fluffy clouds with the deliberation of a shepherd hurrying to get his flock away from a rain storm.<br />
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On a hot afternoon 30 years ago today I sat in front of our house, facing the sky, mesmerized by the transformations and the speed of clouds. I think I sat there for hours. The clouds were beautiful and they let me fantasize about what it was to sit up there.<br />
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And I can do that still. How about you?<br />
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I can lie down on the warm grass and look at the sky, follow the clouds' routes and imagine what it is to walk on them. I am even more delighted when I'm in an airplane and have the chance to peek "behind the scenes" of the life of clouds.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XktyNA6Q5ys/U3-CkJdoPwI/AAAAAAAAQe0/ByAx8KU04ho/s1600/20130521-145916-3-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Enjoy Clouds" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XktyNA6Q5ys/U3-CkJdoPwI/AAAAAAAAQe0/ByAx8KU04ho/s1600/20130521-145916-3-wm.jpg" height="640" title="How to Enjoy Clouds" width="640" /></a></div>
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But looking is not the only thing I do, I photograph them. Although I have little knowledge about their types and names, clouds have been an inspiration for my artworks for a good 5 years now. <br />
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The following cloud image was selected as one of the TOP TEN altered images according to Smithsonian Mag for 2013.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyChupw7sQ8/U3-D_mlv3LI/AAAAAAAAQfI/0FM2HKXjagY/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Enjoy Clouds" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyChupw7sQ8/U3-D_mlv3LI/AAAAAAAAQfI/0FM2HKXjagY/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-wm.jpg" height="458" title="How to Enjoy Clouds" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kanelstrand.com/" target="_blank">More of my surreal cloud artwork.</a> </div>
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<h3>
Although they get some really bad publicity, clouds can be an invaluable source of inspiration for the people who are willing to see.</h3>
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"Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked. They are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see in them will save on psychoanalysis bills." <a href="http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTksm03f5vg/U3-EjW4qmEI/AAAAAAAAQfU/2wa9OnS_03A/s1600/jacobs-ladder-large-wings-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked. They are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see in them will save on psychoanalysis bills."" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTksm03f5vg/U3-EjW4qmEI/AAAAAAAAQfU/2wa9OnS_03A/s1600/jacobs-ladder-large-wings-wm.jpg" height="640" title=""Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked. They are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see in them will save on psychoanalysis bills."" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are still not sure that you can enjoy clouds the following 7 steps might be of help.<br />
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<h4>
1. Learn to look up often.</h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">How many times a day do you look up into the sky? My sister recently shared with me her surprise at how just a few people ever looked up. I think there is a common belief that only dreamers have the time for it but why not be one? Why not take your life one day at a time and find time to actually stop and stare high up into the sky. You will see a different universe above that will amaze you - you know - birds, trees, clouds that are always different... If you are persistent you will notice that you develop the ability for dreaming. And this is a good thing for sure.</span></h4>
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<b>2. Wait for the sunset.</b><br />
The clouds are most beautiful at sunset. Not only do they get romantic shades and warm colors but because the sunlight is low, it gives them a totally different, other-worldly dimension. <br />
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Now turn your back to the setting sun and look to the east. Do you notice how the colors change? They are more into the blues and violets, and purples. Do you realize that all this parade of colors and fluffy cloud shapes is there just for you?<br />
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<b>3. Designate cloud watching time.</b><br />
Make sure you spend at least 5 minutes a day looking at clouds. It could be in your lunch break, or when your kids are taking their afternoon nap. You can find 5 minutes for quiet, peaceful observation of the clouds in the sky, be they soft and white or grey, stormy ones. <br />
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In the beginning you might feel ridiculous spending time for cloud watching but if you manage to keep that routine for 10 days you will realize that it has become part of your YOU time, and you feel calm and relaxed and are actually looking forward to these 5 minutes.<br />
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<b>4. Become a member of The Cloud Appreciation Society.</b><br />
When I heard of <a href="http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Cloud Appreciation Society</a> in 2012 I was ecstatic. I could hardly imagine a more appropriate society to be a member of! So, why don't you try it yourself? The Cloud Appreciation Society currently has 35,301 members from all over the world, so you can connect to many interesting people, who are interested by clouds.<br />
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It is easy to love clouds when you have company. The members of the society photograph and post cloud photos daily and you will truly be blown away at the visual display on the sky all over the world.<br />
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<b>5. Challenge yourself.</b><br />
Challenge yourself to find something special even in the most boring clouds you see. This is an exercise in imagination and you will soon feel its effect on you. You'll thank me later.<br />
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<b>6. Photograph clouds. </b><br />
I've noticed that using photography as an excuse to do anything can make me more responsible. You can start a visual project by photographing clouds each day in your designated 5 minutes. That will help your creativity, which in turn will clear your head, help you overcome any mild depression or simply bad mood. Life seems brighter when you have a purpose. <br />
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It is worth noting that you don't need fancy equipment and you need not question the quality of your photographs. You can use your phone, simple as that. If you are more adventurous, why not upload your photos to flickr, instagram, or any social media. By the way, Twitter has been hailed as the newest place for photos.<br />
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<b>7. Use cloud spotting as a digital detox.</b><br />
As Gavin Pretor-Pinney, the founder of The Cloud Appreciation Society <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/27/opinion/pretor-pinney-cloud-spotting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">writes in a CNN article</a>, <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Finding shapes in the clouds is an aimless, carefree pastime that we adults should also do more of. The digital age conspires to make us feel busier than ever. Cloudspotting, by contrast, is an activity that legitimizes doing nothing.<br />
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These days, we need excuses to do nothing. Happiness comes not from a desperate search for stimulation elsewhere but from finding what is intriguing, surprising and "exotic" in the everyday stuff around us. You don't need to cross the world to be amazed. You just need to step outside and look up, every now and then, as if you are seeing the sky for the first time."</blockquote>
Take a step back and allow yourself a daydream. The clouds above you are waiting for you to discover them and use them to your own creativity.<br />
<br />Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-65188166424040568892014-05-26T08:30:00.000+02:002014-05-26T08:30:04.176+02:00Dark Fairytales by Mario Sanchez NevadoMario Sanchez Nevado is an independent visual artist, living in Madrid, Spain. For more than a decade he's been illustrating and designing for music bands and publishing houses.<br />
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He creates some of the most mind-blowing surreal artworks of the digital
era, but it's his sensitive approach to storytelling that makes his
style a unique emotional experience.<br />
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<a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/115052926611471360589" target="_blank">+Mario Sánchez Nevado</a> has an eye for mathematical composition, color
psychology and visual narratives. In his artworks he usually combines
photo manipulation and digital painting to achieve his distinctive
aesthetics.<br />
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Besides his passion for all things creative (that gets shaded by surrealism, fantasy, sometimes political messages, and other, dark atmospheres), he is directing the international artistic collective <a href="http://hystericalminds.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hysterical Minds</a>, as well as writing advanced user tutorials for digital photo manipulation.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aegis-strife.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/mario-sanchez-nevado.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a> | <a href="http://aegis-strife.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deviant Art</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115052926611471360589/posts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google +</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/aegis_strife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w48jZ2Z3XWE/U32mP9pCHUI/AAAAAAAAQcQ/lMRYOACeyOs/s1600/betrayal_by_aegis_strife-d5i2j40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Betrayal by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w48jZ2Z3XWE/U32mP9pCHUI/AAAAAAAAQcQ/lMRYOACeyOs/s1600/betrayal_by_aegis_strife-d5i2j40.jpg" height="640" title="Betrayal by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESInPi5evw4/U32mP1C-32I/AAAAAAAAQdM/AJW-g7Q4nRY/s1600/deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deep by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESInPi5evw4/U32mP1C-32I/AAAAAAAAQdM/AJW-g7Q4nRY/s1600/deep.jpg" height="404" title="Deep by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3M3HDcT_jMY/U32mQlQQqKI/AAAAAAAAQdA/57aMQtncuqo/s1600/delirium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delirium by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3M3HDcT_jMY/U32mQlQQqKI/AAAAAAAAQdA/57aMQtncuqo/s1600/delirium.jpg" height="640" title="Delirium by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ibcy3f-Xo/U32mRVZTVII/AAAAAAAAQc8/N3J7hfDj-vw/s1600/patience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patience by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ibcy3f-Xo/U32mRVZTVII/AAAAAAAAQc8/N3J7hfDj-vw/s1600/patience.jpg" height="640" title="Patience by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="452" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4XEdW4eaqQ/U32mRUiXdSI/AAAAAAAAQcw/nFbv2vuUPHI/s1600/silence_by_aegis_strife-d7j254h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silence by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4XEdW4eaqQ/U32mRUiXdSI/AAAAAAAAQcw/nFbv2vuUPHI/s1600/silence_by_aegis_strife-d7j254h.jpg" height="426" title="Silence by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYmYzOTxCvg/U32mQ0E1Q6I/AAAAAAAAQco/5pcy1f2xEZM/s1600/internal-landscapes-mario-sanchez-nevado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Internal Landscapes by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYmYzOTxCvg/U32mQ0E1Q6I/AAAAAAAAQco/5pcy1f2xEZM/s1600/internal-landscapes-mario-sanchez-nevado.jpg" height="320" title="Internal Landscapes by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLC9X8ra-HQ/U32mSfqZhqI/AAAAAAAAQdE/fiYUrFiAhLg/s1600/the_uninspired_by_aegis_strife-d4s92su.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Uninspired by Mario Sanchez Nevado " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLC9X8ra-HQ/U32mSfqZhqI/AAAAAAAAQdE/fiYUrFiAhLg/s1600/the_uninspired_by_aegis_strife-d4s92su.jpg" height="424" title="The Uninspired by Mario Sanchez Nevado " width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-41378107722778770402014-05-24T08:00:00.000+02:002014-05-24T08:00:06.145+02:00Simple LIving Rabbit: Time for a WashSometimes Muffin Rabbit couldn't care less about the mud in the garden. He's hiding underneath the leaves of the cucumbers or in the peppers bed, running around or digging. But then his feet get all muddy and it's time for a wash.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeDYFcBMZ3JOXDLfqrH7LOPNozuh8hrj1p-_tFkwgZW0vw14YwhWPODYqHduYDPkDWaB-3pAnkgUM2V765WRKDl7Xk71rphtr1SBefcPnFrtEOp7GaYnxEcNrXsAnkug26Otg6P2eyer2/s1600/20140215-130705-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeDYFcBMZ3JOXDLfqrH7LOPNozuh8hrj1p-_tFkwgZW0vw14YwhWPODYqHduYDPkDWaB-3pAnkgUM2V765WRKDl7Xk71rphtr1SBefcPnFrtEOp7GaYnxEcNrXsAnkug26Otg6P2eyer2/s1600/20140215-130705-2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/muffin" target="_blank">Read more</a> about the adventures of Muffin, the simple living rabbit.
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-37270835980446466802014-05-17T08:00:00.000+02:002014-05-17T08:00:03.390+02:00Simple LIving Rabbit: On the BeachIt's time to go to the beach. Muffin Rabbit enjoys digging in the sand. Maybe he's building his summer residence.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y22j2fsejso/U0ZQ7xNFWdI/AAAAAAAAP0M/76lDGc9xTPI/s1600/20110602-170215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y22j2fsejso/U0ZQ7xNFWdI/AAAAAAAAP0M/76lDGc9xTPI/s1600/20110602-170215.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/muffin" target="_blank">Read more</a> about the adventures of Muffin, the simple living rabbit.
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-44652790189832045592014-05-10T08:00:00.000+02:002014-05-11T08:31:27.363+02:00Simple Living Rabbit: Beyond the RaindropsOn a dark rainy we are on the road. Muffin Rabbit is peeking through the misty window, trying to figure out what's outside. He's an experienced traveler.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFTT86q4U4/U0ZQ7KmxHeI/AAAAAAAAPz0/DkdMEOz2fL8/s1600/20110226-143439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAFTT86q4U4/U0ZQ7KmxHeI/AAAAAAAAPz0/DkdMEOz2fL8/s1600/20110226-143439.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-16816725634353645092014-05-03T08:00:00.000+02:002014-05-03T08:00:00.396+02:00Simple Living Rabbit: The First Walk Around TownThis photo was taken on the first day we met Muffin Rabbit and decided to make him a part of our family. He chose my hood for the walk around town. Now that I know him better, I wonder why he didn't wet me all over. Pure luck.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7u88P6Jn58/U0ZQ8DQA-9I/AAAAAAAAP0Q/y9YMi_-GoTk/s1600/20140215-130705-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7u88P6Jn58/U0ZQ8DQA-9I/AAAAAAAAP0Q/y9YMi_-GoTk/s1600/20140215-130705-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-33284499451057665242014-04-28T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-28T08:00:10.699+02:00On the Joy of Handmade with Lisa JordanIn today's edition of our <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/a%20portrait%20of%20the%20artist" target="_blank">handmade interviews</a> I'd like you to meet Lisa Jordan, a very inspiring wool artist living the rural life in the woods of Minnesota. She creates art that reflects the variety of textures and colors around her. The tiny worlds of fungi, moss, and lichens are particularly intriguing to her. Lisa uses primarily recycled and natural materials in her work, especially wool and wood.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87XjVpma9kQ/U1pd_uPbvWI/AAAAAAAAP9Q/cEOvzyxBzlE/s1600/IMG_5471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lisa Jordan" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87XjVpma9kQ/U1pd_uPbvWI/AAAAAAAAP9Q/cEOvzyxBzlE/s1600/IMG_5471.JPG" height="400" title="Lisa Jordan" width="398" /></a></div>
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Apart from making intricate designs out of felted wool, Lisa shares her creative process, inspiration and daily musings on her blog, <a href="http://lilfishstudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Fish Studios</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>How did you start crafting?</b></span><br />
I can’t remember a time when my hands weren’t busy making something, but about 8 years ago I left the corporate world to raise my children, and at about the same time I discovered the joy of working with wool. I’ve been hooked ever since.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Why are you passionate about handmade?</b></span><br />
I think the act of making something by hand, whether a scarf, a pie, whatever, is a loving act. Pieces made by hand have the maker’s story woven in them; they’re personal, and I value that connection. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXtMPCV0e_M/U1pd-h_brBI/AAAAAAAAP9M/E-wOQbpXPxQ/s1600/12530446723_5890cbc28e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Felted stones by Lisa Jordan" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXtMPCV0e_M/U1pd-h_brBI/AAAAAAAAP9M/E-wOQbpXPxQ/s1600/12530446723_5890cbc28e_z.jpg" height="638" title="Felted stones by Lisa Jordan" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>How and where do you sell your products? </b></span><br />
I am incredibly lucky that through the years I have connected with “my people”… people who read my blog and who really “get” where it is I’m coming from in my work. When I have pieces to sell, I do so mostly through my <a href="http://lilfishstudios.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online shop</a>. I also participate as an <a href="http://www.artomat.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art-o-mat artist</a> and some of my small pieces appear in Art-o-mat machines around the United States.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>How much influenced do you get by the Internet in your creativity?</b></span><br />
I see work online often that I think is thought-provoking or beautiful or clever and it makes me feel the urge to get up and do my work. I can’t say I find my inspiration in the pieces themselves, as I’m at a point in my creative process where I’m focused on translating my own thoughts on nature to wool, but seeing others being creative makes me appreciate how incredible and varied we are, and makes me want to join in the fun.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcQhtsmiwE/U1pd-yKI1QI/AAAAAAAAP88/0Kz520a_FS8/s1600/7494041308_468e127304_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On the Joy of Handmade with Lisa Jordan" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjcQhtsmiwE/U1pd-yKI1QI/AAAAAAAAP88/0Kz520a_FS8/s1600/7494041308_468e127304_z.jpg" height="458" title="On the Joy of Handmade with Lisa Jordan" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Do you remember the first time you held a magazine your work was featured in? What was the feeling?</b></span> <br />
I do! I had made some gift tags out of old sewing patterns and CRAFT put a little picture of them in their magazine and sent me a t-shirt. I was beyond excited then, and still get a thrill when something of mine shows up in print. That will never become old hat for me. (and I still have the t-shirt)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgu8wKGrvw4/U1peEg221DI/AAAAAAAAP9c/xeSHGzV3UqU/s1600/IMG_8374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On the Joy of Handmade with Lisa Jordan" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgu8wKGrvw4/U1peEg221DI/AAAAAAAAP9c/xeSHGzV3UqU/s1600/IMG_8374.JPG" height="458" title="On the Joy of Handmade with Lisa Jordan" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>How is your family involved in what you do?</b></span> <br />
My young children love to sit down and needle-felt with me or stitch stones, and can point out many natural dyestuffs when we’re out for walks in the woods. My husband will sometimes cards wool for me and good-naturedly deals with bowls of stones and bins of fiber crowding the dining room table. Our life here together under poplar and pine is integral to how I relate to nature and without it, my work would be very different.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?</b></span> “Crafting a Life Under Poplar and Pine” it’s my blog tagline and a reminder for me that I’m crafting this life, not just along for the ride.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FygFbCHk97U/U1pd-_RpIPI/AAAAAAAAP9E/gVJFwew5ZtQ/s1600/8066829119_dcb49eba68_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FygFbCHk97U/U1pd-_RpIPI/AAAAAAAAP9E/gVJFwew5ZtQ/s1600/8066829119_dcb49eba68_b.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?</b></span><br />
That’s a difficult scenario to imagine, but I suppose I’d do less “doing” and more “being”. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>What does "being creative" mean to you?</b></span><br />
It means valuing the process and result of self-expression, and that can come in many forms.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mIIOHRBtA/U1peEpCkVvI/AAAAAAAAP9g/77rijahEPH4/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mIIOHRBtA/U1peEpCkVvI/AAAAAAAAP9g/77rijahEPH4/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?</b></span><br />
Stop thinking that you aren’t, and open your eyes to the ways in which you are. I hear so many times from people who say “I’m just not that creative” because they’re comparing themselves to someone else, and that’s not fair. Everyone comes from a different place, and has different stories. Take joy in exploring yours. <br />
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Connect to LIsa:<br />
<a href="http://lilfishstudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog</a> | <a href="http://lilfishstudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shop</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lilfishstudios" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/lilfishstudios" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lilfishstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilfishstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">flickr </a>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-26433603657528848242014-04-26T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-26T08:00:01.151+02:00Simple Living Rabbit: In the PocketWhen he was a baby Muffin Rabbit went everywhere with me. He even hopped into my pants pocket once and that's how I took him to the beach.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32M4nbvbhhs/U0ZQ7JutOrI/AAAAAAAAPz8/lSJ5lEDacQc/s1600/20090719-151131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32M4nbvbhhs/U0ZQ7JutOrI/AAAAAAAAPz8/lSJ5lEDacQc/s1600/20090719-151131.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-32129911254494542922014-04-24T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-25T21:27:09.096+02:00Which is Better for Hair: Lemon Juice or Vinegar?In the three years that I've been no-pooing it was a habit of mine to replace hair conditioner with apple cider vinegar. I knew that some people used lemon juice instead of vinegar but because vinegar gave me great results I never tried lemon.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnZaSpqhCCU/U1jcZ3fbwMI/AAAAAAAAP8o/SB-RY6DUQRA/s1600/LEMON-VINEGAR-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Which is better for your hair- lemon juice or vinegar based on pH" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnZaSpqhCCU/U1jcZ3fbwMI/AAAAAAAAP8o/SB-RY6DUQRA/s1600/LEMON-VINEGAR-1.png" height="542" title="Which is better for your hair- lemon juice or vinegar based on pH" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few days ago Kanelstrand reader <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/117603175186978603843" target="_blank">+glittermoongdes</a> asked me to test the pH of lemon juice and see if it can safely be used instead of vinegar. <br />
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Which reminds me, if you still haven't read my post about <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2014/01/baking-soda-destroyed-my-hair.html" target="_blank">how baking soda destroyed my hair</a>, please do so.<br />
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And if you are doing the same to your hair, you are killing it slowly. Stop immediately.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Why pH matters?</b></span><br />
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Hair and skin are covered
by a very thin fluid layer comprised of oil, salt and water, called the
mantle, which is slightly acidic and has a pH balance of between 4.5 -
5.0.<br />
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This natural acidity of the hair and scalp prevents
fungi and bacteria, and keeps the cuticle closed and healthy.
If your haircare routine is too alkali your hair cuticles will stay open
and your hair will be dry and brittle. But if you use pH balanced
products, i.e. ones that are close to the natural pH of the hair (4.5 -
5.0) your hair cuticles will close properly which will result in healthy
shiny hair.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>But what's the case with vinegar/lemon juice? </b></span><br />
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After an extensive research I am positive that vinegar and lemon juice are used interchangeably, and mostly depending on personal preference.<br />
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Both vinegar and lemon have long been used to make hair silky and lustrous. They work to restore luster by removing build up from other hair
products. The acidity of vinegar and lemon juice leaves hair smooth and silky and detangles your hair. They fight dandruff and improve scalp health. They also stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Depending on your hair type, you may want to use a vinegar/lemon rinse once
a week, or as often as three times a week. <br />
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Before I continue with the actual measuring of the pH let me explain that vinegar (as well as lemon juice) is a dilute acid that can be made more dilute using water, it can be neutralized using a base, but it cannot be made into a base. The term "pH" stands for "potential hydrogen" -- which means that the more free-floating hydrogen ions in a solution, the more acidic the solution is. Vinegar's pH will always remain at a number lower than neutral, no matter how dilute it is, because vinegar is an acid (<a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_8702588_dilute-vinegar-affect-ph-value.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
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Pure apple cider vinegar has a pH 2. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVmyT5vqJ6k/U1eQZlSVJWI/AAAAAAAAP6o/X-bALpUINPg/s1600/ph-vinegar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pH of pure apple cider vinegar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVmyT5vqJ6k/U1eQZlSVJWI/AAAAAAAAP6o/X-bALpUINPg/s1600/ph-vinegar.png" height="474" title="pH of pure apple cider vinegar" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the pH of 2 tbsp vinegar diluted in a cup (250ml) tap water.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqqOdtjCfK4/U1eQZGS-4XI/AAAAAAAAP6s/yWAjdGIRtYY/s1600/ph-vinegar-diluted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqqOdtjCfK4/U1eQZGS-4XI/AAAAAAAAP6s/yWAjdGIRtYY/s1600/ph-vinegar-diluted.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pure lemon juice:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oToY5fJWF2I/U1eQYX7b4kI/AAAAAAAAP6c/0GQ9glNpAao/s1600/ph-lemon-juice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oToY5fJWF2I/U1eQYX7b4kI/AAAAAAAAP6c/0GQ9glNpAao/s1600/ph-lemon-juice.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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2 tbsp lemon juice diluted in a cup (250ml) tap water is slightly more acidic than 2 tbsp of vinegar diluted in a cup of water.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxWppYYISqA/U1eVpaEqs_I/AAAAAAAAP7M/4JA_nrAE06U/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxWppYYISqA/U1eVpaEqs_I/AAAAAAAAP7M/4JA_nrAE06U/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-250.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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But when you dilute 2 tbsp of lemon juice in 2 cups of water you get a pH of about 3.5 - 4.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olkg1lDhGK0/U1eQYXGxu7I/AAAAAAAAP6U/XFVzMw3cV4c/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olkg1lDhGK0/U1eQYXGxu7I/AAAAAAAAP6U/XFVzMw3cV4c/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-500.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Edit: </b>If you insist on getting the pH of your lemon juice rinse to 4.0 you can dilute 1 tsp lemon juice in 450ml tap water, which is roughly 1 3/4 cup.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXD4fBOuus/U1jMCbkEcaI/AAAAAAAAP8M/bgNQCOZ9WI0/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXD4fBOuus/U1jMCbkEcaI/AAAAAAAAP8M/bgNQCOZ9WI0/s1600/ph-lemon-juice-450.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>In conclusion</b></span><br />
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The reason for using an acidic hair rinse is that it helps our cuticle scales to lie as flat as they can so they won't be torn off or won't allow stuff to pass into our hair shaft.
In that sense, a vinegar or lemon juice rinse works toxic-free magic
for a considerably less amount of money than the conditioner you can
buy. <br />
<br />
As you can see from the pH tests, lemon juice is a tiny bit more acidic than vinegar, but it has the same qualities. There is no documented danger of using it as a hair rinse.<br />
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One thing worth noting is that lemon juice will lighten your hair in direct sunlight. <br />
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<b>If you dislike the smell of vinegar, I have a solution for you!</b><br />
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Add some dried rosemary or rosemary essential oil to the bottle of vinegar that you're using and the smell will be gone. (thanks to <a href="http://myplasticfreelife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beth Terry</a> for this tip)<br />
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<i><b>Have you tried rinsing your hair with lemon juice or vinegar? What's your experience?</b></i>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-55771712052523566592014-04-19T06:00:00.000+02:002014-04-22T20:38:13.396+02:00Simple Living Rabbit: The YawnDoes he get tired running in the garden? You bet! A yawn from Muffin Rabbit on a lazy sunny Saturday.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0Bcc7JjU0w/U0ZQ9uUYaII/AAAAAAAAP0g/jOgkziMez8M/s1600/20090716-140826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0Bcc7JjU0w/U0ZQ9uUYaII/AAAAAAAAP0g/jOgkziMez8M/s1600/20090716-140826.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/muffin" target="_blank">Read more</a> about the adventures of Muffin, the simple living rabbit.
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-2276868018535451802014-04-14T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-14T08:00:00.124+02:00On Crafting and Blogging with Alycia of Habitual HomebodyWhen I started this blog 4 years ago, I thought that giving back to the handmade community was the tiniest of things I could do to repay for what I learned (and keep on learning to this day).<br />
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That is why, after a few months' rest I am reviving the all-time favorite <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/a%20portrait%20of%20the%20artist" target="_blank">interview series</a> featuring amazing artists from the virtual indie handmade world.<br />
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So today, I'd like you to meet Alycia of <a href="http://habitualhomebody.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Habitual Homebody</a>. I met her virtually in the very beginning of my blogging life and I kept on following her musings, travels and crafting in the years that followed. I love her creativity and the strength with which she copes with life's challenges. There is much to learn from this young lady and her determination. Read on.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vur-Zwvly4w/U0rQ_pKngTI/AAAAAAAAP4M/FNdZ-w2K2rI/s1600/alycia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vur-Zwvly4w/U0rQ_pKngTI/AAAAAAAAP4M/FNdZ-w2K2rI/s1600/alycia.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Give us some background about yourself. Describe yourself and what you do.</b></span><br />
Hi! I'm Alycia and I'm currently living in Pennsylvania with my husband and our two dogs Monty and Mabel. We are about to move to Colorado this summer though (where there are SO many yarn shops!). I do office work, but in my free time, I'm a crocheter and blogger. I've been crocheting for 2 years and blogging for 5 years.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>How did you start crafting? Do you stick to only one craft?</b></span><br />
I've always been into crafts since I was a kid. My mom is a seamstress, quilter, and crocheter so I was always around creativity as a kid growing up and encouraged to create. And her mother, my grandmother, enjoyed sewing and crocheting too. I like to play around with different types of crafts and keep my eyes open for pretty projects or DIYs that catch my eye, but right now I'm big into crochet.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A816bsrfId4/U0rRAZ9aCSI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/h72pxRoyBbE/s1600/tablet+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A816bsrfId4/U0rRAZ9aCSI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/h72pxRoyBbE/s1600/tablet+case.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Why are you passionate about handmade?</b></span><br />
I love making something out of nothing. And the process of planning a project, finding the supplies I need, and working on it from start to finish is so entirely satisfying. It also gives my mind a rest from all the everyday worries when I have something fun to focus on. Handmade items are so personal and lovely. I especially love the online handmade community too.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>How and where do you sell your products?</b></span><br />
Currently I do not sell any of my products as I don't have the time to commit, but I used to sell on Etsy. I'd love to reopen my Etsy shop once things settle down (we are in the process of a big move) and sell some of my crochet wares!<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>How much influence do you get by the Internet in your creativity?</b></span><br />
I get SO much inspiration from the Internet it's crazy and I love it! My main sources of inspiration are Pinterest and Ravelry. I find all the patterns for my crochet projects online, mostly for free through Ravelry, but I'll also peruse Etsy. I follow a lot of crafty blogs so I'll find patterns and project ideas that way too. I'm finally starting to feel confident enough in my crochet work to make a few of my own patterns too.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWlby5mO6Yg/U0rQ_gvCduI/AAAAAAAAP38/dA7JUSI002M/s1600/chunky+wrist+warmers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWlby5mO6Yg/U0rQ_gvCduI/AAAAAAAAP38/dA7JUSI002M/s1600/chunky+wrist+warmers1.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Why do you blog? What does blogging give you that crafting doesn't?</b></span><br />
Blogging gives me the platform to share my projects and inspire others to create. I love interacting with like minded people and sharing about life with others who have similar interests as me.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>What does "being creative" mean to you?</b></span><br />
To me, being creative means expressing yourself in a way that gives you fulfillment and satisfaction while not being afraid to try something new. Finding inspiration in the smallest of things is all it takes to make creativity happen.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNmh-nDJlJU/U0rQ_mKQPWI/AAAAAAAAP4E/7LrKFATJPys/s1600/jar+cozy+700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNmh-nDJlJU/U0rQ_mKQPWI/AAAAAAAAP4E/7LrKFATJPys/s1600/jar+cozy+700.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>What advice do you have for people wanting to start crocheting?</b></span><br />
What worked for me was watching video tutorials on YouTube. For whatever reason, I just couldn't grasp how to crochet when my mom tried to teach me (go figure!), but when I had access to video tutorials it was as easy as pressing pause or rewind to really understand what I needed to do. I have also made a few of my own <a href="http://habitualhomebody.com/crochet-tutorials/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video tutorials for beginners</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Do you have a favorite inspirational quote? Share it with us.</b></span><br />
I found this quote on Pinterest and it's always made me smile because it's so true!<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>"The creative adult is the child who survived."</b></blockquote>
Which then reminded me of this quote:<br />
<blockquote>
<b>"Stop pinning and make things."</b></blockquote>
<br />
Here is where you can find Alycia:<br />
<a href="http://habitualhomebody.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blog</a> - <a href="http://instagram.com/habitualhomebody" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - <a href="http://twitter.com/habitulhomebody" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - <a href="http://pinterest.com/alyciapug/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/habitualhomebody" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-3221438738288889242014-04-12T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-12T08:00:03.076+02:00Simple Living Rabbit: Spring FlowersOn a sunny spring day Muffin Rabbit is outside with us. I think he's missed all the nature smells and you can tell when you see him around the snowdrops and the crocuses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4QVXZxx3iU/U0ZQ9B-U2-I/AAAAAAAAP0c/fm5n0gcaEHE/s1600/20140215-130705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4QVXZxx3iU/U0ZQ9B-U2-I/AAAAAAAAP0c/fm5n0gcaEHE/s1600/20140215-130705.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/search/label/muffin" target="_blank">Read more</a> about the adventures of Muffin, the simple living rabbit.
Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-85093058242926506902014-04-11T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-11T08:00:05.945+02:00Surreal Photo Print GiveawayDon't you just love spring? I feel empowered, excited and awake when I look at the blooming trees and flowers, and when I notice how fast the leaves are growing. Every living thing seem to be waking up from the long winter sleep and the sun gets warmer each day.<br />
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All this excitement reminded me how much I love to bring joy to the people around me, including you, my readers. That is why, I am reviving the giveaway series on Kanelstrand. Yes, prepare for awesome prizes, just like before!<br />
<br />
This week you have a chance to win <b><span style="color: #b45f06;">ONE OF THE TOP TEN SURREAL PHOTOGRAPHS</span> for 2013 according to Smithsonian Magazine</b>. That's right, I am the author and can't wait to send it to you wherever you are in the world.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pci-JVqvq4/U0ZfImbJ5NI/AAAAAAAAP00/-CMdtAy5P5Y/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-etsy-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pci-JVqvq4/U0ZfImbJ5NI/AAAAAAAAP00/-CMdtAy5P5Y/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-etsy-wm.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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The winner will receive a signed 8x10 inch photo printed on professional photo paper with original Epson eco-friendly dye inks that will last a lifetime. The print has a thin white border and is ready for framing. <a href="http://goo.gl/ct1Bt6" target="_blank">The value of this print is $30</a>. The giveaway is open worldwide.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pfJf0rNLA/U0ZfSZN2SDI/AAAAAAAAP08/3bbxf6zByKI/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pfJf0rNLA/U0ZfSZN2SDI/AAAAAAAAP08/3bbxf6zByKI/s1600/20090629-222900_10_9-frame.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what are you waiting for, this stunning wall art is waiting for you! Enter the Rafflecopter. You only have one week!
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8463d044/" id="rc-8463d044" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-81716706986904117342014-04-04T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-04T08:00:06.345+02:00A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in SpringThis is a step by step guide to finding a way to notice and love nature this spring. Why, you'd ask... because by noticing nature, even for a couple of minutes each day helps you hear your inner voice and little by little, as each day goes by you become a more real you.This, on the other hand will help you live a more authentic life, to be more productive, more creative and calm.<br />
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So, why don't you start this spring?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMfZCB-Mx6I/Uz0Vvo1WTDI/AAAAAAAAPvY/N0tJgPuZcnM/s1600/20140321-135135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMfZCB-Mx6I/Uz0Vvo1WTDI/AAAAAAAAPvY/N0tJgPuZcnM/s1600/20140321-135135.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside</b></span></span><br />
Open your window. Listen to the noises outside. Even if you're in the busiest of cities you will hear a nature sound - birds chirping dogs barking, the wind, even waves if you're lucky.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSKpscIN9Fw/UziFQENjQHI/AAAAAAAAPoM/zn28hyfpFJQ/s1600/20140330-150406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSKpscIN9Fw/UziFQENjQHI/AAAAAAAAPoM/zn28hyfpFJQ/s1600/20140330-150406.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Nothing? Play a YouTube video with nature sounds on your headset. I did a quick search for you, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=nature+sounds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here are the results</a>. That will even help you work better after the designated couple of minutes. You will instantly be transferred to the forest, a meadow, or the fields, depending on your choice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mU3Hvxzu_NQ/UziFN6ygJhI/AAAAAAAAPnw/NPxquChZsRQ/s1600/20140330-145907-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mU3Hvxzu_NQ/UziFN6ygJhI/AAAAAAAAPnw/NPxquChZsRQ/s1600/20140330-145907-1.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stop thinking about anything except for what you're hearing. Exclude your worries, shut down your eyes and absorb the sounds. It will be hard at first because city life may have turned you numb for nature and overly sensitive to achievement and competition but with time you will manage to go back to loving nature.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outside</b></span></span><br />
Whether you're driving or walking, don't hurry. Move slowly and try to notice all little nature details. Look down to the ground and kneel next to the flower you see. Smell it. touch it gently, feel the ground, last year's leaves that are covering it, the fresh new grass. Be quiet and observing. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AFWu7kjofA/Uz0YOjaalgI/AAAAAAAAPv0/hrJRUxo7STw/s1600/20140216-135800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AFWu7kjofA/Uz0YOjaalgI/AAAAAAAAPv0/hrJRUxo7STw/s1600/20140216-135800.jpg" height="422" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stop by a tree, look at its blooming branches and tiny green leaves, touch it. Hold your hand on the bark and forget your worries. You will feel some resistance at first. You will probably find it stupid or childish but ignore those thoughts. Try to do this every day for a week and you will find yourself in a better shape.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SP6nrVAkpQ/Uz0VzmvWoiI/AAAAAAAAPvo/EAZI6lyWmIs/s1600/20140321-142259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SP6nrVAkpQ/Uz0VzmvWoiI/AAAAAAAAPvo/EAZI6lyWmIs/s1600/20140321-142259.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look up to the crown of the tree, you will hear and see a whole universe, a colony of bees, flies and butterflies having a feast on the tree's blooms. Hush... Listen to the buzz. There is a different life than going to and from work. There is a slow life, in tune with nature and you can live it. If you want to.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFo5y-XG2VI/UziFQBhmxsI/AAAAAAAAPoE/491oyYTvJhI/s1600/20140330-150407-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFo5y-XG2VI/UziFQBhmxsI/AAAAAAAAPoE/491oyYTvJhI/s1600/20140330-150407-1.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those of you who feel brave enough and are willing to expand their communication with nature and converse with the trees, please read <a href="http://thegaiandragon.blogspot.com/2012/01/listening-to-trees.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this post</a> by <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/102128393200503837526" target="_blank">+James Clair Lewis</a> who taught me that you can communicate not just with the bees but with the trees as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IuVZokS5dY/UziFPLNAqrI/AAAAAAAAPoA/ixu5BOhXmlw/s1600/20140330-150234-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IuVZokS5dY/UziFPLNAqrI/AAAAAAAAPoA/ixu5BOhXmlw/s1600/20140330-150234-1.jpg" height="424" title="A Beginner's Guide to Loving Nature in Spring" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spring is the best time to sparkle a new love to nature. Try it, you don't know where it will lead you but I promise it's a good place. Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-3947729530767982822014-04-02T08:00:00.000+02:002014-04-02T08:00:00.713+02:00How to Simplify Family Craft Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Forrest Espinoza is an artist, mother, and the founder of <a href="http://goo.gl/kiUTR6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artterro</a>. The Artterro brand is all about creativity, with a line of Eco Art Kits—open-ended art projects with natural materials, for kids and adults alike. Along with nurturing her business, Forrest also blogs about family and creativity at Artterro’s <a href="http://goo.gl/Ykby0J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spark blog</a>. </i><br />
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One of the goals I have for my business is to inspire people to explore their own natural creativity. At Artterro we believe everyone is born creative! But sometimes the pace of our modern lives gets in the way of that impulse to create, and arts and crafts project can seem like one more item on your endless to-do list! So my hope is with this post, it will become a little easier to incorporate arts and crafts into your family's daily rhythm, no matter how short on time and space you may be. It really can be easy! You don't need a gorgeous family art studio right out of Dwell Magazine, or a walk-in closet full of high-end materials. Just a couple of shelves or drawers, a place to sit, and a few essential, affordable supplies.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIbP9H7eEmY/UzkVE_okL4I/AAAAAAAAPp0/Yit3-RcMzjw/s1600/smiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Simplify Family Craft Time" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIbP9H7eEmY/UzkVE_okL4I/AAAAAAAAPp0/Yit3-RcMzjw/s1600/smiley.jpg" height="424" title="How to Simplify Family Craft Time" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some simple steps to get started:<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. A Simple Art Supply List for Kids</b></span></span><br />
Kids really don't need fancy art materials when they are first learning to draw, color, and create, just child-sized tools that work well. Here's a shopping list to use as a guide (and you can also “shop” in your own home—you might have a lot of this tucked away already!).<br />
<ul>
<li>plain paper</li>
<li>colorful paper</li>
<li>plain journals or mixed-media paper pads</li>
<li>glue sticks or glue</li>
<li>coloring tools (crayons for younger kids, colored pencils and markers for older kids)</li>
<li>kids scissors (with rounded edge) for younger kids and quality scissors for older kids (make sure they are the right size)</li>
<li>storage container for paper and tools (folders, shoe boxes, jars, etc. can work great!)</li>
<li>recycled materials from around the house (magazines, newspaper, empty plastic containers, ribbons, wrapping paper, etc.)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dP0ncVUkyw/UzkVFCAa2kI/AAAAAAAAPp4/sbZxQ7lSFSU/s1600/_DNP3196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Simplify Family Craft Time" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dP0ncVUkyw/UzkVFCAa2kI/AAAAAAAAPp4/sbZxQ7lSFSU/s1600/_DNP3196.jpg" height="426" title="How to Simplify Family Craft Time" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Family Art Supply Storage</b></span></span><br />
Set up a small family art station at or near a convenient table. I find that most kids like to be near adults or other family members when they create, so the kitchen is a great central location. I use a combination of baskets, magazine holders and cups in my art cabinet at home--feel free to be creative when you look for containers. And don't worry too much about being perfectly organized. They're art supplies, not library books!<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Make Art Happen!</b></span></span><br />
Have the station where your child can easily reach it, and teach him or her how to get materials and how to put stuff away. Young kids love being independent, and it's great to build on that skill at an early age. Drawing can be a fun and relaxing thing for kids to do in the evening when they are waiting for dinner. It's also a great time to spend together at the end of a long day. And any time you can sit down and do a family art project with an older child or tween, it's such a great opportunity to talk.<br />
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<i><b>Let me know in the comments if you have questions about what materials to buy or how to organize your family art station!</b></i><br />
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<b>More resources:</b><br />
Check out all the recycled containers utilized in this <a href="http://goo.gl/oY343e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">organized art cabinet</a>, from The Art of Simple blog.<br />
Last year on the Spark blog we talked about the convenience of having a <a href="http://goo.gl/lK2VgA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mobile art station</a> (for kids or adults).<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/BqEkIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A fun selection of supplies</a> to jazz up your stock of basic essentials, on the Design Mom blog.<br />
Check out our selection of <a href="http://goo.gl/cGQDKu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eco Art Kits</a>—sometimes a kit is just what you need to jumpstart your family’s creativity!<br />
<br />Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-69409476819328144852014-03-21T08:00:00.000+01:002014-04-11T17:50:29.154+02:00Can Turmeric Really Whiten Teeth?Last month I posted <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2014/02/how-to-whiten-your-teeth-naturally.html" target="_blank">5 ways to whiten your teeth naturally</a> and one of them was turmeric. I must admit I raised my brow the first time I heard that turmeric can whiten teeth because I knew that it stained anything irreversibly.<br />
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On the other hand, any article I read claimed how beneficial turmeric was for teeth and oral hygiene. According to research compounds in turmeric have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and is famous for being a great non-abrasive whitener.<br />
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So, instead of wondering if it really worked or not I decided to try turmeric. I anticipated a yellow mess around the sink but actually it wasn't that bad. <br />
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I put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a small glass bowl (the original recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon and actually that is quite enough).<br />
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Then I mixed the turmeric with a few drops of water to form a thick paste and put some on my toothbrush, which I knew would get stained.<br />
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And I started brushing as usual. I was expecting a weird taste but it was quite acceptable. I tried to brush thoroughly for about 2 minutes.<br />
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After I rinsed my mouth though, I was unpleasantly surprised with the yellow tint on my teeth and gums. I quickly put some baking soda on my toothbrush and continued to brush for a minute more but the yellow was still there.<br />
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Then I got some toothpaste on but the yellow persisted. It didn't look like my teeth were very much whiter than before, so I felt disappointed. Anyway, I took the "after" picture and looking at it later I saw that my teeth actually looked cleaner!<br />
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Before: <br />
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After:<br />
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You can see the overall yellow teeth on the gums and teeth but if you look closer at the bases of the teeth, they're much cleaner and whiter than before.<br />
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In about 30 minutes the yellow tint had gone away and I could see a difference between "before" and "after". Although the result is not as dramatic as I expected I can see that there is some whitening.<br />
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So overall:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes, turmeric can whiten teeth though not dramatically.</b></span><br />
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<i>Have you tried whitening your teeth with natural remedies? Let us know how it went for you in the comments.</i>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318789008187152060.post-17675266424757803622014-03-19T08:00:00.000+01:002014-03-19T08:00:16.118+01:00Whole Wheat Apple MuffinsI've been spending much of my time lately baking (because I'm a baking addict but don't tell anyone) and experimenting with tastes and textures. I've been baking so much actually, that I thought of starting a separate Kanelstrand blog to journal my experiments but I doubt I would be able to keep up with both blogs, so I hope you're up for some sweet or salty healthy baking from time to time.<br />
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Today, I'm presenting whole wheat apple muffins that are very easy to make. I found the recipe on <a href="http://thegoodieplate.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/whole-wheat-apple-muffins/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Goodie Plate</a> a couple of hours before a friend was about to come on a visit and so I set off preparing them.<br />
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In any other situation I would have tried to turn them into vegan whole wheat muffins but this time I decided to stick to the original recipe. Well, sticking to one is very figurative in my case because I never am able to... but I guess it's the same with you if you love to bake and add your personal touch.<br />
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So here goes the recipe with slight adjustments:<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Whole Wheat Apple Muffins</span></b></span><br />
<i>makes 12 muffins</i><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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<i>Batter: </i><b><br /></b><br />
2 cups whole wheat flour<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 cup melted butter<br />1 cup plain yogurt<br />1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />1/4 cup dark brown sugar<br />1 large egg<br />2 apples, diced<br />
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<i>To sprinkle:</i><br />
2 tbsp brown sugar<br />
1 tbsp soft butter <br />
1 tsp cocoa powder<br />
2 tbsp diced walnuts<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b></span> In a large bowl beat the egg with the granulated and the brown sugar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b></span> Add the melted butter and mix well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.</b></span> Add the baking soda to the yogurt and add the mixture to the egg. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b></span> In another bowl combine the flour, salt and baking powder, then add to the wet mixture. Mix just until the flour gets incorporated. Do not over mix.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.</b></span> Add the diced apples to the batter and mix until you incorporate them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6.</b></span> Oil your muffin tin and pour the batter.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7.</b></span> To make the sprinkle just mix all the ingredients and sprinkle on top before baking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8.</b></span> Bake at 350° F (180° C) for about 30 min until they become golden brown and an inserted wooden skewer comes out clean.<br />
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Remove them from the hot tin and place them on a plate. Let them cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!<br />
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<b><i>What's your favorite apple muffin recipe?</i></b>Kanelstrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656658673748250383noreply@blogger.com0