flowerchild

new space.

2013-08-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Same name, new space... farewell Blogger.

You can now find me here. Come on over!

www.flowerchilddwelling.com

a mix: free at dawn.

2013-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, I made this for you - a tiny collection of songs I really love, that I think you'll love, too. I hope it makes your ears and heart and soul happy... enjoy. (which song is your most favorite?)

Lots of love, xo.

Waves That Rolled You Under - Young Summer
Free At Dawn - Small Black
Do - Young Man
Encyclopedia of Classic Takedowns - A.C. Newman
Love Like This - Kodaline
True Believer - Widowspeak
Black Roses - Escondido
Yuma - Jessie Baylin
Back To The River - Lily & Madeleine
Resolution - Matt Corby

Listen: Rdio | Spotify | 8tracks

photographs: summer afternoons.

2013-07-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Listening to records with the windows open. | My face. | Flower findings for an upcoming design project. | A very happy plant in the sun. | Watering. | The biggest butterfly I've ever seen.

While the rest of the country is melting, I'm feeling super crazy lucky to live near the beach in California. There is almost always an ocean breeze, and our hotter days have been few. So, that means all of you poor souls who are dying in unbearable heat and/or humidity should come visit right now. Summer party, day and night. Let's do it.

*p.s. - for those asking, yes! I'm taking on design projects. My portfolio is in major need of a facelift, but feel free to contact me (kellyann @ flowerchilddwelling.com) with any questions or inquiries. Let's talk!

the grid.

2013-07-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm totally digging the new VSCO Grid - I started using it recently and I love the concept behind it. The focus is on your content and nothing else - no followers, no likes, just photographs. There's a mystery and a freedom to it that's kind of rad, and in the age of social media overload, I find it really refreshing and minimal. Do you have one, yet? I would love to check it out. You can find mine here.

I'm still exploring and stumbling upon some really cool Grids, but here are just a few of my favorites at the moment: Kevin Russ, Emilie Ristevski, David Garvin, Brandon Shackelford, M Stetson Design, Chris Ozer, Dan Otis, Jared Chambers. I've actually started a Pinterest board to save some of the gems I find along the way... so inspiring.

a reminder.

2013-07-02T00:20:00.000-07:00

"It's so easy to forget we are loved when we experience disappointment. Is there anyone left to remind us someone cares? Does anyone still love us?

Maybe it's our job to remind people of that."

-----------------------------------------

I felt such an urgency after reading this to post here. Like someone needed a reminder. Something to calm their heart. So here I am, to remind you that someone cares. That you are loved beyond measure. That you matter. That you mean something special to someone. That you bring a smile to someone's face. That you have made a difference. That you bring something so very good to the world and the people that surround you. That kind word you said the other day? That small, but selfless, thing you did? That compassionate look you gave? That changed someone, and it was carried and passed on to the next person, and the next, and the next. Like a small burst of light. You did that.

I know you are tired. I know you are discouraged, afraid, overwhelmed, weary, burnt out, drained, homesick, heartsick, hurting, bruised, lonely. You feel unworthy. Not good enough. Like nothing you ever do will truly matter.

But it does. It matters so much.

Despite all those feelings, despite beating yourself up every single day, please hold onto the hope that someone out there is rooting for you. That someone wants you to succeed and to feel joy. That someone wants you to see your own worth. To see what they see. Hold onto that. Tightly. And keep going. You will be okay. You will.

I believe in you.

*The quote at the beginning of this post is from An Anthology of Madness, by Max Andrew Dubinsky. This book. It's a super quick-read, but such a powerful one. It's honest, painful, authentic, and moving. It makes you feel about 27 different emotions - sadness, hurt, anger, all of them. I felt defensive, I felt uncomfortable, I felt compassion and empathy. And I felt hope. This book grabbed my heart and took it for ride - and, in some small way I can't quite describe, it also started a healing. A healing of wounds that I had pushed to the very back of my heart - that deep, dark place where my most painful experiences live, that I ignore most of the time. I was going to say that this book brought a light to that place... but instead, it felt like someone came and sat in that darkness with me and simply said, "I understand. I'm screwed up, too. It's okay, you're not alone." Thanks, Max, for sharing your world, and your words, with us. May we all help others - may we all truly see and love others - in such a genuine, honest way. If you're interested in a copy of the book, you will find it here.

june.

2013-06-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June. - L.M. Montgomery

June is for gloomy days. For cool evenings with a breeze that smells like the sea. For love and weddings. For new life. New ideas. Watermelon. More watermelon. Staring at the beautiful ocean. Making travel plans. Yummy food. (Did I mention watermelon?) Handwritten letters. Feeling confused and curious and hopeful. Iced coffee by the gallon. Celebrating friends. And my birthday.

One of my favorite months, without question.

I hope your June was lovely, wherever you are!

fields - a mix. and a story.

2013-05-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked about the inspiration behind this blog and how it got its name - so today, I thought I would tell you the story (or stories) that inspired the name The Flowerchild Dwelling. AND I've provided a soundtrack, because well, that's kind of my thing.

One of my favorite childhood memories has to do with a flower field... my flower field. (The photo above was taken there, as well as my header) I think it's actually a bunch of little memories jumbled into one, it's almost like remembering a dream. Surreal and floaty and sort of in slow motion. One of my friends lived next to the field when we were really little... it was right outside her back door. I remember her mother telling us to be careful, and not to wander too far, as we ran for the sea of mustard flowers. I remember sundresses, my messy hair, the warm sun, a family of rabbits, and a breeze that made it look like the field was dancing. I remember us, sitting on a tiny cleared space of cool dirt - just big enough for two little friends - with the tall yellow flowers all around us, shading us from the sun. As we stuck flowers and weeds in our hair, we told stories about mermaids and animals and how, when we were all grown up, we would build a "giant, magical cabin" - right there, in the middle of the field. I can hear us laughing and the rustling of the flowers as we walked through them. And that's really all. A small memory, but one that I have carried with me throughout my life.

Since then, I have taken countless photos in that field of so many beautiful people. I took walks with friends when we needed to clear our heads. I've seen the raddest sunsets while standing on the bridge up the hill. I watched dear friends fall in love while eating ice cream on the steps overlooking the sea of yellow. I taught kids how to use their first film camera there. I've sat in that field in the summer, when all the flowers dried up and turned golden, with the hot sun on my back. He and I broke each other's hearts on that little old bench. I danced on the dirt path - no music, just our laughter. I've found bits and pieces of who I truly am amongst the flowers and the trees in the distance and the secret pathways. I'm all grown up, but I still feel like that imaginative, fiery little girl who whispered secrets to flowers and wanted to spend her life outside. And really, she's still here. In my heart.

While scouting a location for a project this past April, we decided to stop by the field - I hadn't been there in a while, and being springtime, it would have been in full bloom. As we drove up, though, my heart dropped to the floor. It was gone. I jumped out of the car and walked onto the now dirt field with tears in my eyes. The flowers. The trees. The little bench. The succulents in the hollow tree stumps. Everything was stripped away and cleared out, leaving a giant, dusty, almost bare space, with the occasional construction equipment and a crane where the trees once were. Gone. It was like a piece of my childhood had gone with it. A piece of myself. I don't really know what will come of that place, or what they're planning to build. I can tell you that it broke my heart into a million pieces. A beautiful piece of nature, of creation, gone... just like that. I will miss it so, so much.

I have my memories, though. Of dancing flowers, and laughter, and friends, and stories about magical cabins, and the messy-haired, big-eyed little girl who was fascinated by everything around her. And I have photographs, and this little space, to represent all that it meant to me. And for this sentimental woman, thank goodness for that.

...Now it's your turn to tell me a story.

Tracklist:
Fields - Library Tapes
Promise - Ben Howard
17 Hours - Emma Louise
The Kindness In Letting Go - Rameses III
22 - Night Beds
Swelling - Sarah Jaffe
The Ballad of Keenan Milton - Devendra Banhart
B.B. Chevelle - Isbells
Hear the Noise That Moves So Soft and Low - James Vincent McMorrow
The Lament of Eustace Scrubb - The Oh Hello's

Listen: 8tracks | Spotify | Rdio

you - a mix.

2013-05-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hey you. You make life wonderful. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're a rad and brave and beautiful soul, and that's the truth. I dig you and all that you are. So this? This one's for you. With love.

Tracklist:
Nothin' On You Kid - Bootstraps
Brave Ruth - Before the Brave
Mountains - Kris Orlowski & Andrew Joslyn
Pidgin - Great Wilderness
In The Wind - Lord Huron
Barnacles - Cathedral Pearls
Before You Go - Ok Sweetheart
You - Nils Frahm

Listen: 8tracks | Spotify

You're terrific as far as I'm concerned. - E.B. White

to women.

2013-05-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

I received a question recently from a young reader, Katy, and it brought me to tears. After coming across some super snarky, mean-spirited articles the last couple of days, BY female writers about women and gender roles that made me want to throw my computer out the window, I thought it was especially appropriate to post my answer today. (Question shared with permission) These are my thoughts... they might not align with yours, just hear me out.

"What does feminism look like to you? (Can you be a woman of faith and a feminist?) Sometimes I feel like feminists exclude certain types of women and certain roles, and that's confusing to me. I want to go to college and possibly pursue journalism, but I also want to be a stay-at-home mom someday. My friends - who call themselves feminists - make fun of me when I bring it up, and it's hurtful. I feel like I can't be my true self around them and share my dreams. I thought feminism fought for the freedom of all girls and women to achieve anything and be anyone, without prejudice or bullying each other? What would you say to women who feel shunned and ridiculed because of the life they want or have already chosen?"

I believe women have always been meant for great things. We are not the same as men, but that does not make us less than. We do not stand behind them, but next to them. Both men and women bring different, but equally valuable, things to the table. I believe women, of all walks of life and cultures and religions, have accomplished incredible things throughout history and have been amazing examples of leadership and how to handle great responsibility. While there are some people of faith (or political affiliation) who think women are only meant for certain jobs or roles in life - the God I personally believe in has a different message. He used women throughout Biblical history in mighty, mighty ways. In ways that were just as important as the ways He used men. (I think Sarah Bessey always writes beautifully about this very subject - here's a taste of what she has to say about women and faith/leadership, she's even writing a book about it)

Throughout time, women have changed the course of history. They've changed events, they've changed people, they've changed hearts and ideas and opinions. They have raised families... sometimes alone. They have lead armies. They have taught the masses. They have fought for the poor. For the rights and freedoms of others. For their children. They have lead countries, governments, and movements. They have discovered solutions, answers, and cures. They have been role models and activists. Wives and mothers. Young and old. They have healed, protected, fought, died, rallied, nurtured, encouraged, sacrificed, saved, created, inspired, and loved. Their voices and their strength have carried families, towns, cities, tribes, churches, and nations. Their stories have paved the way for women like me, to live the life I want and to be able to make choices that are right for me and my future.

This. All of this. This is what feminism looks like, to me. Women helping the world. Women helping other women, encouraging and lifting them up to be all that they want to be. No limits. No prejudice.

Here's what I would say to women. To you.
You are enough. You will always be enough. You have all the strength and courage inside you to live the life you imagine... whatever that looks like. You can be an artist, a doctor, an entrepreneur, a preacher, an ambassador, an activist, a working mother, a stay-at-home mom, or the leader of a country. All of those jobs, all of those roles, are valuable. They all require bravery, determination, and compassion... qualities that lie in you.

Don't let anyone tell you that the life you've chosen isn't enough. That your role in life isn't important. That your life has to be a certain way to have meaning or spark change or leave a mark on the world and future generations. That is not feminism. Whether you are meant to be a mother or not. Whether you are meant to be married or not. You are not less of a human either way. You are not less of a woman. You are complete, regardless of what your family or life look like. Whether you are a business owner, a journalist, a teacher, a wife, a music maker, or a stay-at-home mom... you are so very important. You are whole. Women before us have fought and cried and spoken out and rallied so that we can have those choices. So that we can create a life that brings us joy, no matter how "conventional" or "unconventional" it may look to the world, it is our choice. It is our truth. And it is our job to continue speaking out. It is our job to continue paving the way for the next generation of women. It is our job to continue encouraging each other. Reaching across town lines and borders. Taking each other by the hand and saying, "You are enough. Keep going."

So know this... you are special in ways you don't even know. You are a light that shines bright. You make a difference even when you can't see it. Be the person you are meant to be. Listen to that still, small voice in your heart that says, "This... this is who I want to be" and go for it. Baby steps. You can do it. I know you can. And if anyone tells you that the life you've made for yourself isn't good enough, if they bully you to be and act and look and live a certain way - all under the name of "feminism" - you stand up and say no. Because that is not truth. They are contributing to chauvinism and misogyny, not feminism. And that is heart breaking. I wish those women, who shame other women, would realize that they don't have to be miserable. They don't have to hurt others to make themselves feel better or superior. They can have joy, peace, and love. They deserve it, just like you do. Just like I do.

You be you. And I'll be me. Let's encourage each other to be our best selves, to continue being the women we want to be. And to lift each other up, and make each other laugh, and love one another.

You are important, and I'm proud of you.

come celebrate.

2013-05-13T15:04:00.001-07:00

I got the opportunity to interview kindlewood for the new issue of Off Switch Magazine and it's out today! I am so stoked, you guys. You can read the issue here, and paper copies will be available soon. (I also contributed some tunes to the issue as well) Big thanks and lots of love to Katie for letting me be part of Off Switch again, and of course to kindlewood for being fantastic people, as always. It's so fun to promote artists I truly love, and seeing my name on a list of incredible contributors? Talk about humbling. So, so cool.

Enjoy the issue. Maybe share with a friend or two. And let us know what you think! xo.

(photo by Jennifer Lyman)

breathe easy - a mix.

2013-05-07T23:35:00.000-07:00

Of course, I couldn't come back to this space without some good tunes to share. It's only right. I sure missed making these, I hope you enjoy.

Tracklist:
Roads - Sydney Wayser
Amsterdam - Daughter
Lulu - Tim Noyes
Breathe Easy - Rachel Sermanni
Running for Cover - Ivan & Alyosha
Be There in Bells - The Pines
I Will Fall - Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen
Beginnings - Houses

Listen: 8tracks | Spotify

(original photo)

let's discuss all the things.

2013-05-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Who's got two thumbs, is on her third cup of coffee, and misses this space? THIS moi.

I've been thinking about this little blog lately, and what it means to me. Why I walked away from it for awhile, and if I wanted to come back. And the truth is - I kind of miss it. It's an important part of my life. It's something I like doing. I like sharing, documenting, and having a voice. I like making new friends and getting to know their hearts. I like photos, stories, recommendations, and jokes. I need outlets, like this one, where I can share things and be inspired.

But I realized toward the end of last year that this space just wasn't fun for me anymore. It felt like a chore. And boo to chores, because they're the worst.

I don't really know what the focus is here, maybe I never knew in the first place. And maybe it will always be a continuous experiment and nothing more. Maybe the focus will change as my life changes and as I grow as a person. Putting my thoughts and ideas into a nice little box is pretty confining and not my cup of tea. The truth is - my thoughts are messy. Really messy. My emotions, my opinions, my beliefs, my likes and dislikes, the things in my heart and on my mind... they're all jumbled into a great big ball of feelings. And I just have to go with the flow, untangling bit by bit, and either tucking it away in a special place or releasing it into the world.

And maybe I need to treat this space like you are sitting across from me, eating great food and drinking something delicious. (Because sometimes the best conversations happen over a good meal, amen?) We could discuss music (of course) or film or design. We could talk about our favorite photographers and poets and authors. We could talk about feminism (one of my favorite topics) or we could talk about faith. (another favorite) Or we could talk about how both of those things relate. We could talk about our pasts, or presents, or share our hopes for the future. Or we could talk about things like the importance of naps, or our shared love for Natalie Portman. You would find out that I love humor and laughter; sometimes I quote Liz Lemon and sometimes I say my own weird (and/or inappropriate) things. And I would hope that at some point and in some way, I would make you smile. But most of all, I would hope that you feel important. That you feel valued. That you feel like your words and your presence matter, because they do. In the end, this is my space... but you are a part of it, and I'm really stoked about that. My heart kind of feels like exploding because I think you're so great.

So, welcome to the mess that is my world. I hope you stick around.

Let the spontaneous dance party begin!

xo, Kelly Ann

for you.

2012-12-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to come up with words to close this year and welcome the next... but I can't. I've found myself avoiding the whole thing, actually - reflecting on 2012 and all that happened, and looking forward to 2013 and all that is in store. Nope. I've been avoiding it all. I've been standing still. Frozen. Not wanting to look back, and too scared to look forward, to the fog ahead of me that is the future. (Admitting fear is hard sometimes, isn't it? I think we all wish we were fearless at one time or another) Times goes by so fast, and some days I feel like I accomplish nothing. Like change isn't happening. Like I'm not where I'm supposed to be. Don't you wish time could stand still for a little while - just so you can gather your thoughts? That's how I've felt. If everything could just pause for a second, so I could have a moment to breathe, that would be great.

In wrestling with all of this, Lauren tweeted about this post she wrote in 2011, and it was everything I needed to read right now. Everything. It felt like someone was giving me a giant, loving, warm, reassuring hug... "Girl, you got this. Keep going." So, thank you, Lauren, for your heart and your words and your wisdom. And to you... yes, you. I feel like you need to read this, as well. Whether you believe in the Divine or not, that's okay... you can still find nuggets of encouragement in it that will find it's way to your heart and lift you up. We can all use words like Lauren's from time to time, to help us move along on our journey. To help us realize how far we've come, and how much our future holds.

Happy New Year, dear one.
xoxo.

design: ayofemi.

2012-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

A recent blog design I did for the lovely Ayo - soft, ethereal, simple, pretty. Ayo is a kind soul and a super talented jewelry designer... check out her shop here! Her wish bracelets would make great Christmas gifts.

You can find Ayo's blog right here. It's kind of a must-follow. xo.

music monday.

2012-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas tunes are in full swing right now (at least at my house!), but amidst all the Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sufjan Stevens being played... here are some artists I'm currently enjoying a whole bunch.

I hope this is the perfect soundtrack for your Monday. Oh! And look out for a new Music to Motivate on Inspired to Share this week! xo.

Tracklist:
Stromness - The Magnetic North
Tessellate - Alt-J
Bloom - Duchess Leo
Sugarloaf - Golden Fable
Black Crow - Greylag
Cost - Folly and the Hunter
The Fear - Ben Howard
Heavy Home - The Spring Standards
Sleepyhead - Colour Thieves
Wolfmoon - Modest Midas

Listen → 8tracks

(image found via Local Milk; original source unknown)

give.

2012-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

As we enter this season of giving, I thought I would share just a few of my favorite shops. Not just any shops, though... these ones are truly special. Some of them support handmade artists & small business owners, while others give proceeds back to their community and provide opportunities & hope to those who need it most.

Maybe you'll find a gift or two for the loved ones in your life (or maybe yourself!) from one of these shops. Just know, that whatever you purchase, you're spreading hope. You're spreading empowerment. You're spreading courage. And you're helping dreams grow and thrive.

The Giving Keys was founded by singer-songwriter Caitlin Crosby, who longed to start a movement of people who pay-it-forward, spread hope, and inspire others. Paired with her desire to help those without homes, The Giving Keys was born.

"The Giving Keys exists to employ those transitioning out of homelessness to engrave recycled keys that get sold and shared around the world. Each key necklace is unique and carries a message like HOPE, STRENGTH, DREAM or COURAGE. When the wearer of the key encounters someone else who needs the message on the key, they give it away and then tell us their story."

THEIR STORY & MISSION | SHOP
Moorea Seal is a shop owner, illustrator, and graphic designing trifecta of talent residing in Seattle. Inspired by metals, geometric shapes, and natural elements, Moorea creates fresh & original jewelry pieces - with a bit of an edge - for the modern bohemian.

MOOREA SEAL: THE SHOP | Moorea is generously offering a 15% discount to readers of The Flowerchild Dwelling. Enter FLOWERCHILD15 at checkout.

Krochet Kids International is a non-profit organization that strives to bring empowerment and growth to those in developing nations. Every hat purchased from their shop carries the name of the woman who made it... your purchase helps provide for her and her family. Over 150 people in Uganda and Peru are working, receiving education, and providing for themselves and their loved ones.

"Our two project locations are but microcosmic examples of what we hope to replicate throughout impoverished communities around the globe. Join with us as we continue to spread the good word of hope and empowerment…

We believe actions rooted in love bring lasting and powerful change."

THEIR STORY & MISSION | SHOP | In other news, Krochet Kids is currently in the running to win $1 millon for to grow & expand their business, and help even more people overcome poverty. They need your votes, and I know they would appreciate it so much! You can vote for them HERE, as well as read more about their cause and the competition. Thank you, friends!

Both Krochet Kids & 31 Bits began to blossom at my university. Remembering them in their early stages when I was a student (I bought my first 31 Bits necklace on the patio of our school's coffee shop), and seeing how much they've grown since then... it's inspiring, motivating, and moving.

31 Bits is a non-profit that gives women in Northern Uganda opportunities to overcome suffering and poverty, and to provide hope and empowerment for a brighter future. Each piece of 31 Bits jewelry is handmade using recycled paper and other local materials.

"Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity."

THEIR STORY & MISSION | SHOP

Ayo is a jewelry designer from Phoenix who handcrafts a clean, simple, and delicate collection of jewelry for her shop, Ayofemi. With a mix of earthy, neutral tones & pops of color, Ayo's jewelry can be mixed + matched, stacked, and layered to create the perfect look.

AYOFEMI: THE SHOP

Roots & Feathers, run by small business owner Laura Mazurek, is a shop for the gypsy at heart. Inspired by earthy, bohemian, and native elements, Laura has handcrafted a collection of jewelry and adornments that is intentional, soulful, and unique.

ROOTS & FEATHERS: THE SHOP

These are just a few of the amazing small businesses and organizations that I support and love - they inspire me to create, dream, and give wholeheartedly. xo.

so much to be thankful for.

2012-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

I hope all of my American friends enjoyed every moment of their Thanksgiving.

Thankful for you. And you. And you. And you.

music monday.

2012-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

How was your weekend? I want to hear all about it!

It's 90 degrees here... and I'm kind of bummed about it. So today, I'm going to daydream about cold mountain air, a cozy cabin in the woods, and trees as far as the eye can see. Staring at this photo certainly helps.

Enjoy these tunes today... xo.

Tracklist:
Hannah - Ray Lamontagne
King Of The World - First Aid Kit
I Found You - Alabama Shakes
To Just Grow Away - The Tallest Man On Earth
Save Part Of Yourself - Brandi Carlile
Dead Sea - The Lumineers
Fireflies - Will Stratton
Cicadas & Gulls - Feist
Go Out All Night - Givers
Sun - Laura Gibson & Ethan Rose

Listen → 8tracks | Spotify

(photo by Kevin Russ, via Miss Moss)

music to motivate.

2012-11-02T15:07:00.001-07:00

There is a brand spankin' new Music to Motivate playlist on Inspired to Share today, to kickstart your weekend! It features The Killers, Muse, and The Chemical Brothers... and that 'Maybe' track by Vanbot is my jam right now. So good.

Head on over and leave some love! Enjoy! xo.

(photo by donald j)

music monday.

2012-10-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

I made a Halloween playlist for a friend recently, and I thought it would be perfect for this week's Music Monday. While I'm a total and complete wimp when it comes to scary things (I freak out watching trailers for horror films), I definitely have an appreciation for the slightly spooky, strange, dark, and downright bizarre. (Think The Twilight Zone, Hitchcock, and of course Tim Burton... Beetlejuice, anyone?)

Without a doubt, music plays a huge part in setting the tone for all things spooky and weird. Here's my version of a dark & twisted soundtrack. (Including the unsettling/disturbing Sigur Ros masterpiece, Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do - all three tracks played simultaneously)

In other news - I gave The Flowerchild Dwelling a fresh, new look... simple, clean, minimal. Boom. Enjoy the tunes! xo.

Tracklist:
Moth Wings - Benoit Pioulard
Seven Devils - Florence + The Machine
I Gaer - Sigur Ros
Dark Matter - Bjork
The Artist - Jagat Skad
Aha! - Imogen Heap
Ramalama (Bang Bang) - Roisin Murphy
Dark Star - Polica
The Ghost Who Walks - Karen Elson
Flowers Grow Out Of My Grave - Dead Man's Bones
Mona Lisa - Jagat Skad
How Did You Get So Far Away? - Night Beds
An Echo, A Stain - Bjork
Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do - Sigur Ros

Listen → 8tracks

(original photo)

design: m loves m.

2012-10-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

I designed Mara's blog quite awhile ago, and it was time for a revamp - here's the final look that was launched this fall! We kept the design clean, organized, and feminine - with a soft color palette and touches of gold & florals. I always love designing for Mara, her sweet & warm personality is inspiring.

I've come a long, long way in the last couple of years, and it was awesome seeing the progress between Mara's old and new designs... sometimes we don't see just how far we've come until we step back and look at things as a whole.

xo.

music monday.

2012-10-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

I woke up with a bad case of the Mondays this morning. Boo. I hope this playlist helps anyone feeling the same! xo.

Tracklist:
Springfield - Santah
Feeding Line - Boy & Bear
Orphans, Kingdoms - Brooke Fraser
Hope In The Air - Laura Marling
War In My Blood - Fiction Family
The Heron & The Fox - Little Scream
This Bed - Horse Feathers
Drowning - Tara Jane O'Neil
Palms - Jana Hunter
Bella Marie - Megafaun

Listen → 8tracks | Spotify

(photo)

music monday.

2012-10-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

In need of an afternoon pick-me-up? This playlist is for you. Enjoy! xo.

Tracklist:
Prizewinning - Julianna Barwick
Now Is The Start - A Fine Frenzy
I Follow You - Melody's Echo Chamber
Vertigo - Erin McCarley
It's All Over It's Everywhere - Drive Drive Faster
Daydreamer - Youngteam
Houses - Great Northern
Never Come Back - Hyde & Beast
Mr. Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan
On The Low - Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions

Listen → 8tracks | Spotify

(photo by Alexandra Valenti)

get cozy.

2012-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you just need to turn your bed into your office. (Which makes me think of this tweet)

p.s. I'm really loving the photo shoot Vogue did with Garrett Hedlund in their most recent issue - the styling is so, so good.

music monday.

2012-10-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Mixtapes are back, my friends... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. xo.

Tracklist:
Dreams Today - Efterklang
In Nothing - Sea Wolf
Berlin Sunrise - Fink
Sparks - Jesse Woods
My Father's Father - The Civil Wars
Little Cup - Thao & Mirah
I Get Nervous - Lower Dens
It's All Okay - Julia Stone
Hood - Perfume Genius
Falling - Florence + The Machine

Listen → 8tracks | Spotify

(photo by luca venter)

flowerchild

new space.

a mix: free at dawn.

photographs: summer afternoons.

the grid.

a reminder.

"It's so easy to forget we are loved when we experience disappointment. Is there anyone left to remind us someone cares? Does anyone still love us?Maybe it's our job to remind people of that."

june.

fields - a mix. and a story.

you - a mix.

to women.

come celebrate.

breathe easy - a mix.

let's discuss all the things.

for you.

design: ayofemi.

music monday.

give.

so much to be thankful for.

music monday.

music to motivate.

music monday.

design: m loves m.

music monday.

music monday.

get cozy.

music monday.

"It's so easy to forget we are loved when we experience disappointment. Is there anyone left to remind us someone cares? Does anyone still love us?

Maybe it's our job to remind people of that."