Violet Bella

30 Days Mind and Body Challenge >>>

2012-02-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

Im very excited to share this today. My dear friend Betsy contacted me a few days ago about being a part of a 30 day yoga challenge with her and a few of our online friends. We would love to extend this to anyone who is up for the challenge of doing a little bit of self love practicing over the next 30 days. We will be keeping each other encouraged online on twitter and facebook. See below to find out where and how.

I currently practice yoga once a week, and have always wanted to make it a daily practice. But it is very easy to come up with every excuse in the world why I cant. I love the idea of having a group of girls with the same loving intentions to help keep me motivated. Sometimes that is all we need. And even though this is a self love challenge, I know Ill be helping my friends along the way too. So many of us lead such busy lives, with little ones running around or very active businesses to run, its so easy to neglect our own bodies. I myself, am one of those. Just having Betsy send me that email has already motivated me!

If you are someone who would love to participate in this but do not care for yoga, we are also welcoming other healthy activities as well, such as hooping or pilates. Something that you feel personally resonates with you and your personal mind and body health. I will be doing a split yoga/hooping challenge myself. I will spend the first part warming up with some yummy yoga and then reving it up with some hooping.

Lets help each other! Encourage each other. This is not a competition, and is for anyone, any level of health or fitness, any level of knowledge of yoga. You have to start somewhere. Thank you so much Betsy for lighting this beautiful fire.

Join us on twitter by using the hashtag #30daysmindandbody

Join our facebook group here

visit betsy's blog for a printable calendar to keep track and to read her story (and let her know what an awesome idea this is)

click on the 'add link' to link up with us below:

Feel free to add this button to your blog, just make sure it links back to one of our original posts about this.

PEACE,

Laura

Self Love Smoothie >>>

2012-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day. All the people James works with think he is a crazy liar when he tells them his wife does not want anything for valentines day. Im honestly just really not a fan. I definitely think its a major over commercialized holiday, and we personally choose not to put too much recognition into it, and would much rather show that kind of love everyday, throughout the year. Im definitely not anti love! So, for this Valentine's Day I decided to practice some self love, since it is Self Love Awareness Month. I keep my fridge stocked with all of the yumminess to make awesome smoothies all the time... but, I let myself get lazy in actually making them most of the time. So today, Im changing that. I made one of the best smoothies Ive ever made too! I love how smoothies are soooo versatile with whatever you happen to have on hand. Its fun making them different everytime.

Today I used coconut milk, raw organic coconut, orange juice, flaxseed, mineral water, grapes, dandelion, sunflower sprouts, spinach, frozen strawberries, banana and mango. Yum!!!

Later today Ill be sharing with you a 30-day yoga challenge a dear friend of mine has set up. There will be 4 or 5 bloggers who will be reaching out to anyone who want to joins us for a month long run of practicing yoga daily. (you can insert anything you want besides yoga. ill be doing a split yoga/hooping practice). Ill share more details with you later on how to join us in this fun self love quest!

PEACE,

Laura

Threads - Comfort Days >>>

2012-02-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Some days are just meant for jeans and a tee. All day Ive felt like my sickies are trying to come back. So after I got done with my massive packaging affair, I took a shower and decided to get dressed for the day to maybe feel a bit better. Im not lay-on-the-couch sick... just that feeling of my body desperately trying all week to get sick. You know, the pre-sickies. So, days like these, I go for my favorite broke in jeans and a comfy loose tee. Since its still a bit chilly out from our cold front, Im wearing this adorable cable knit newsboy hat from Three Bird Nest. You can find one just like it here. Her shop is full of other cuties worth checking out too!

Time for another emergen-c and some hot tea. And since the sun has shown its beautiful face today, maybe some time sitting beneath her.

PEACE,

Laura

Sponsorship Changes >>>

2012-02-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

The times are a changin'... Popping in to let you know there will be some changes to the sponsorship info starting next month. I have been completely blessed with the amount of sponsors that pour in each month. It is one of my favorite parts of my blog, to be able to show off other artists that I love and admire. It has however become a bit more than I can handle each month. Im having to learn where I need to cut back in my life in order to focus on the more important parts and not get burned out. But, I do not want to lose this part of my blog that I love so dearly. So Im changing it up a bit... I will still have all of my sponsor spots available, and have only one large feature post per month. This spot will have the opportunity to have a solo post/giveaway. All other spots will have exposure from their buttons. You are more than welcome to include a discount code right on your button for your shop. And I will not limit the amount of any of the sizes except the XL solo spot. So this opens it up to those of you I have had to turn down b/c of size limits.

I will still give the opportunity to include items in my outfit posts. If you are a sponsoring shop and would like to send me something to incorporate into a post please email me with your inquiries. I will limit these to a few per month, and it must be something I would normally wear.

I understand this may cut back my sponsors drastically by not having the big group shout out & giveaway posts, but I feel this is something I must do for my own sanity. I love so much to be able to provide all of the extra goodness, but I must also learn to balance and take care of myself. Its a learning process, just like everything else. I hope everyone understands.

For more information on sizes and stats, visit my sponsor info page here.

PEACE,

Laura

Instagram Love >>>

2012-02-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

A little Instagram recap from last week. I really love all the photos I capture on my little ipod. I took a bunch last night of Bella. I can hardly believe this month is already half over. I knew it was going to go by quickly, but geez! Im very behind on Soulodge, so I decided to take the rest of the lodge at my own pace and stop trying to keep up with the times things were posted. I feel I did not connect with anyone really (my own fault since I did not put myself out there much)... so I feel I wont be missing out on much by taking it at my own pace. Starting tomorrow Im going to take a 30 day yoga challenge with some of my online friends. Im excited to have some girls to fall back on for support. Its so easy to bow out when you are faced with the day ahead. Im looking forward to this challenge - or should I say opportunity.

*you can see my instagram feed right on my facebook fanpage wall*

I wore my darling hand-painted headwrap from O Bella Organics. I love the simple earthiness of her shop, and the soft colors. The tops she is coming out with are oh so lovely!

I had a HUGE closet sale on facebook this week and almost sold out of everything. It was an attempt to save up extra money to put towards a new car since we lost James... It was a great success and I already feel lighter.

A snap from my outfit post the other day. You can see more here. Love this necklace from Kiki Koyote. Isnt that just a cute shop name?

Breakfast yummies. For those who follow me on instagram, you may notice I eat this often.

Violet sun bathing. Its been chilly outside lately so she has been soaking it up when the sun comes out to play.

James built me a compost bin this week. His first time to build anything. Im so so proud of him! This is just one layer. Ill take real pics when we get it out in the yard. Ahhhh, love him!

Bella just being her cute little self. One of her favorite spots to sit is the back of the couch. She just dangles her feet off the back of it :)

I hung up a post card I got from Christina of Spiral Drift on my office wall with my other pretties. Love these little things. Im dreaming of rearranging my office space.

My girl Hillary sent me a love package the other and I was over the moon with big feelings of love... She sent me lots of my favorite incense (that I only get from her), this beautiful ring below, and some girly face and hand stuff. She knows how to make this girl feel special. Thank you my beautiful rain.

James made crepes filled with strawberries, nutella and homeade whipcream. All by himself. And built a fire that night. Talk about a sweet boy. They were soooo yummy!

Ive been feeling like my body is trying to get sick for the past few days, so my first line of defense was a bath with the salts my friend Hillary got me, my lavender oil and a packet of emergen-c. Not feeling good does have a few little perks :)

PEACE,

Laura

Style Crush - A Bevy Of >>>

2012-02-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Its not very common that I find a fashion blogger who's style stands out to me in every way... But the moment I laid eyes on Courtney from A Bevy Of, I simply fell head over heels. Her color palette is so spot on to all of my favorite colors in this world. Her eclectic style in my eyes is simply perfect. In the huge sea of girls in cute clothes, she took my breath away with one glance. I just had to share my love for this girls style.

PEACE,

Laura

Threads - Spiral Drift >>>

2012-02-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Not very common I get around to outfit posts two days in a row! I got my new Blowfish sandals in yesterday and just couldnt wait to wear them! These ones are called Sea Dream, ahhh... I cannot say enough good things about Blowfish. Seriously love their shoes. AND this amazing necklace and bracelet from Spiral Drift. The bracelet has the sun and moon etched into it. I highly recommend this girls work!

*yes I painted my toes just for these shoes*

<<< outfit details >>>

sweater - thrifted

tank - friends garage sale

pants - friends garage sale

shoes - c/o blowfish
necklace & bracelet - spiral drift

PEACE,

Laura

Morning Delights >>>

2012-02-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

As I sit here and drink my morning coffee, I thought Id share two of my favorite christmas gifts from this year. My sweet friend Hillary sent me this mug from Tierra Sky and I use it every single morning. It could not be more perfect of a mug. And James got me this little birdie sugar holder, something Ive been eyeing at Anthropologie for a few years now!!! These are two things that make me smile every morning!

PEACE,

Laura

January Giveaway Winners >>>

2012-02-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

PERPETUAL SUNSHINE WINNER:

treehugger_31

GLAMOUR DAMAGED WINNER:

angie

MANIC MRS STONE WINNER:

alma

GROUP SPONSOR WINNER:

heather belle

*if you are one of the lucky winners of last months giveaways, please email me at violet_bella (at) hotmail (dot) com*

PEACE,

Laura

Threads - A Handmade Collaboration >>>

2012-02-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

This cool front that came through the day after groundhog day has allowed me to sneak in a few more winter outfits, and Im loving it. Yesterday I wore a few of my old favorite handmade pieces from Poor Pitiful Pearl and Mountain Girl Clothing, along with a new necklace c/o Kiki Koyote and purse from Lost Boys & Lovers. I love being decked out in my artist friends clothes and accessories. Feels so special.

As much as I love to talk about real things, life, spirituality, all of those things... I love to talk about fashion. Gotta have some balance somewhere right? This girl loves clothes. Kind of a clothes hoarder. Now that spring is here, and we are trying to save up for a new car, I just had a huge virtual garage sale on facebook and sold about 100 things out of my closet! It feels so good to lighten the load, and Im digging things out of my closet I havent seen in a while, like this ppp sweater! Ive decided to only keep things I truly love to wear and of course some sentimental ones I just cant ever let go of. Ill end up saving lots of my clothes for my hopeful one day daughter b/c I know how much I love the pieces my mother kept. She may hate them, but then again, they may become those sooooo very special pieces in her closet.

So... this PPP sweater is one of my favorites of hers. I love the color, the fabric, the simplicity of it. So very versatile. Shauna does a pretty amazing job of creating one of a kind pieces. And beyond her clothes, she is such a crazy cool momma with a true passionate heart.

This necklace from Kiki Koyote is pretty awesome. For such a big statement piece, its soooo lightweight since the big beads are made from 100% recycled material. Im so happy to have found her, or should I say have her find me. Truly great work! And again, a sweetheart of a girl!

I have about 5 pairs of Mountain Girl Clothing's leg warmers and I love love love each pair. She finds the raddest sweaters to upcycle. This is one of my favorites, I love the way they bell out. And not to sound cliche, but again, another super sweet gal!!!

Last but definitely not least, this purse from Lost Boys & Lovers. I have admired her upcycled bags for some time now... I was thrilled to be surprised with this one. She said it called my name and she was ever so right! And one part that I flipped over beside the general beauty of it, is that the original bag brand is called Crazy Horse!!! (like neil young and crazy horse) ahhhh!!! So perfect. And again, another true gem of a girl.

And even though they are not one of a kind handmade shoes, my Blowfish shoes are my FAVORITE. The girls behind blowfish are sooooo genuine and sweet. The only shoe company Ive bought from who have been so personal. I love the way they operate. They are currently having a HUGE clearance on winter boots. Like more than half off of many of them. But they are going super fast!!!

Way beyond loving these girls handmade products, Im honored to call them friends. People I truly admire for who they are beyond what they do. We are so much more than what we do. It gets me excited to talk about people when I know they are soooo wonderful! Ive said it a million times, but I love the community of girls I have found online.

Enough about clothes??? ha ha. Sorry, it really do excite me. How silly huh?

PEACE,

Laura

This Life >>>

2012-02-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

this life. abundant. heavy. exciting. lonely. light. emotional. carefree. full. comforting. engaging. disappointing. magical. grounding. ethereal. dark. ever-changing. breathing. still. ironic. joyful. meaningful. teaching. tragic. resourceful. loving. growing. painful. free. colorful.

the list goes on and on. this life is definitely full of dark and light and every shade of grey and color in between. and its amazing how we can experience all of these in the circle of just one day. amazing. that is all.

PEACE,

Laura

Nourishment for my soul >>>

2012-02-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Just some randomness from my days... Miss Violet has been a dirty pup from the rain. She is so darn cute. She is enjoying the cool breeze on the porch this morning.

I have been smitten with the robin's this year. They have just covered our backyard. Its been hard to snap good pics of them but I got a few kind of decent ones. They are beckoning the beautiful spring on.

One of my favorite simple breakfast feasts is this below... some grapes (or other fruit), peanut butter toast, and my liquid vitamins in juice. Just right. Yum.

The other day before I did my crazy yard work, I spent a bit of time welcoming the spirit of all that was around me in. And did some releasing as well before that. Its hard to tell just how big this sage bundle is from the pics, but its HUGE. I lit the end of it, and totally over estimated this bad girl. She began smoking so much it looked like my backyard was on fire, ha ha. It was hilarious!

I love this feather wand, it was my mom's. In due time, Ill be making my own for my one of my Soulodge crafts. Im going to use one of the large turkey feathers my mom collected forever ago. I have a few that I have carefully preserved, just as she did for most of my life. Im so very behind on working through the lodge, but I have decided to just take it at my own pace regardless. I must not force these things.

Yesterday James and I watched The Shift by Wayne Dyer. It was very uplifting and insightful, and explained so much of what has been going on inside of me over these last few months. And pointed on so much of the things Ive been reading in his books as well. Sometimes its easier for me to understand when its spoken to me as opposed to reading it. Im so glad James loved it too. We even had discussions from it before bed. I love that we have been able to open up together in these ways even though we are both on very different parts of our path. Its been a beautiful thing for our marriage. We both have different spiritual outlooks, but we hold respect for each other in them and never push or banter the other in those ways. I think we are both going through our own shifts right now, for sure.

PEACE,

Laura

Guest Posts >>>

2012-02-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today I am guest post blogging on two very lovely blogs!

On The Flowerchild Dwelling I shared a few of my favorites from my Pinterest board. You can see a few posts back on Kelly Ann's blog where she tagged me as one of her favorites to follow on pinterest, which of course made my heart beam b/c her taste is pretty much flawless. Love that girl!

For those of you who are just starting out with your business or are well under way but would still like a bit of advice on branding, I spoke about the identity of your business over on Just Lovely Things. She is doing a month long series on business, so you might want to keep checking in with her thoughout the month for more lovely guest bloggers on the subject. I think I kind of just rambled in this post, but you may gather at least one little helpful clue.

Im honored to be sharing on these lovely ladies blogs today. Take some time to pop over and check out their sites, and send them some little comments of love while you are there.

PEACE,

Laura

Preparing my Earth for Spring >>>

2012-02-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday before the show, I spent some quality time outside in my backyard, and broke my first sweat of the season! It felt so good to play in the earth. I went rock hunting outside my fence for garden border rocks. I pulled a million spiky dandelions (not the wonderful kind you can eat), I rearranged my pots and prepared spots for spring gardening. By the time I was done I was drenched in sweat and had dirt on me from my face to my toes. I didnt want to shower, but I had to... ha ha. And of course Bella and Violet helped me along the way. I definitely felt more grounded after spending this time with the earth.

PEACE,

Laura

Date Night at Antone's >>>

2012-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Last night was such a grand night. We drove up to austin to see some of our favorite musicians play at Antone's. The only sad part was our 3 friends who were suppose to go with us couldnt make it b/c they were sick. We missed them so much!!! But James and I still had a stellar time! Im not going to show the whole outfit post I had planned b/c last minute ( I mean 30 seconds before walking out the door) I changed. Its that crazy time of the month all of us girls have when nothing seems to feel right, ya know? So I had a last minute change of heart. So this adorable shirt you see below that my boy made, did not go to austin last night :) But I DID still wear all of those freakin amazing bracelets you see below! Spiral Drift, Moorea Seal and Flourish Leather outfitted my wrists to the nines! Im so in love with my new one from Spiral Drift, the moon and sun carved one. You can get one just like it here.

Back to the show. The lead singers from 5 of our favorite bands did a solo acoustic set at Antone's last night. It was an amazing intimate laid back show. Pretty much ones of the best shows Ive been to. These are all bands that James and I mutually share a deep love for, which was awesome. Evan from Into It. Over It., Chris from Saves The Day, Ace from The Early November, Anthony from Bayside and Matt from The Get Up Kids. We didnt realize Matt was on the tour, so it was an added bonus. Weve seen Saves The Day several times, but I always love the small time acoustic sets the best, and he played lots of oldies that were special songs when James and I started dating. I was mostly excited to see Bayside, a band James introduced me to, and I fell way more in love with than he. I listen to their acoustic album allll the time. I felt like a giddy little teenager when I got him to sign my cd, ha ha. Like I thought my heart was going to pound out of my neck! So silly. James was very excited to see Ace Enders acoustic, he has seen him with the band, but this was sooo different. He told awesome stories. We missed the first part of Evan's set which made us sad, but what we heard was awesome and he seems super sweet. I listen to a huge Into It. Over It. mix that James made me all the time as well. Matt Pryor was good solo, weve seen before with the band, but its always nice to be close enough to see the sweat drip into their eyes :) Oh and we got some yummy food cart pizza after the show. Always nice to be able to walk out of a place at almost midnight and be able to grab some food. You do NOT see that where we live. It was the first time going a long distance in my car, with no ac & no music player. James talked the entire way home like he always does, ha ha. My phone pics came out so bad, so Ill spare you and just post two, Chris and Ace.

PEACE,

Laura

Sacred Space >>>

2012-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh..... *big sigh - wishing i was in my yoga class now saying...'ahhhhh' with the classroom* As you know this past week has been an interesting one, along with being completely full of responsibilities, I have felt like their was not much room to breathe. I realized last night I had not even read in my books all week, I had not been able to really participate in my Soulodge journey, or even do anything physical, like hoop or dance. This morning marks my first real 'ahhhhh' moment. That moment you feel you can finally exhale. Last night before I was about to crawl into bed, I saw my little desk next to my bed, in complete disarray, full of strewn out books, tissues, empty water cups... so unattended. I realized what I needed to do was to get my little space back to feeling sacred. I grabbed several little trinkets that have special meaning to me from around the house and created a loving, inviting space for me to bath in before I go to bed each night.

I feel like I need to go outside and shake myself off like a wet dog does, ha ha. Fling off this past week and let it dissipate into the air. It is time for me and nature to have a little oneness. Clear my head a bit and welcome back in the great spirits of the north.

PEACE,

Laura

Say Hello to my Little Friends - January Edition >>>

2012-01-31T10:08:00.000-08:00

website // facebook

I started out just wanting to tell a few people who were close to me how grateful I was they had helped me to just keep going through a very difficult time. They held my hand and kept reminding me that with some things in this life, the only way out is through. They reminded me that no matter what was happening, we could get through it together. There wasn’t anything I could give them to symbolize how vitally important their support was during that time, and so the first creative seeds of Parachute Promise were born.

But this isn’t about a product, this is about an idea. It's a representation of something really big and very difficult to articulate. In simple terms, it's an expression of gratitude for people who have had an impact on your life, but it’s bigger than that. At its core is something that allows people to connect on the deepest level to the most meaningful people in their lives. It asks the question, Who matters in your life? And why? And it encourages you to risk telling those people how much they mean to you. Parachute Promise is a vehicle that allows that to happen.

blog // facebook // twitter

Hey there, I'm Elisabeth from Manic Mrs. Stone. I am a [super] young mama to 2 little goddess girls and am happily married to my BFF. I blog about my offbeat adventures in "hippie" life and motherhood - so some pretty regular topics are natural living & mothering, daily musings, creativity & inspiration, vegan food, and sustainable living.

shop // blog // facebook // twitter

Im a Passionate S.F. Bay Area girl who runs a cute small business. I create art with my hands, in the form of crochet accessories & hand sewn clothes, that are unique, eclectic and hippie inspired.

shop // facebook

Hello! I'm Mary, the creatress of all the wearable art you will find in my shop, Perpetual Sunshine Creations. Hemp is my media of choice, with accents of natural stones and original knot work designs. I am a designer, architect, lover and artist. I've found that my most inspired pieces are born naturally by letting them flow through me, which often surprise me in the end. I hope you enjoy!

shop // blog // twitter // facebook

Moorea is 25 years old, a lover of nature, chevrons, triangles, metals, bears, juice drinks, this really tall boy she knows, and is naked without a gaudy ring or two on her fingers. You can often find her scavenging through the city and countryside in search of something unique and inspiring, from the mixture of nature's colors, to the sparking lights of the city. She spends most of her time in Seattle, so if you see her, don't be afraid to say hello! She loves new friends.

shop // blog // facebook

Insightful readings, pretty things, and a hint of a modern outlaw on the mend. I roll with my intuition, I dig my heels deep into the earth. Let's just say I know a soul who's lost when I see one, and it's my soul's calling to herd 'em up.

website // blog // twitter // facebook

Lost Boys + Lovers is a carefully curated shop bringing you the best California-girl vintage in addition to handmade artistic accessories.

shop // facebook // twitter

The GIngham Owl offers Vintage Home Decor, Housewares, Original Fine Art Photography, Nursery Wall Art, Dreamy Nature Prints, Whimsical Carnival Prints, and Sweet Owl Art Prints.

shop // facebook // twitter

Im a photographer, vintage hound and creation-inspired jewelry maker. My small shop is called myAvonlea (my-Ah-von-lee). Thank you for your Love and Support.

shop // facebook // twitter

I'm michelle, a work from home mama who enjoys creating all sorts of things, i love to make, grow, cook, play & eat. i've been keeping my family clean since early 2009 and began this little company in may of 2010. my speciality is infusing love & good juju into all the bath & beauty goodies i make.

shop

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression, and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

shop // blog // facebook

Melissa Baswell Williams is a Chicago-based artist, sustainable fashion designer, and blogger who works too much but attempts to find moments between the chaos for things like live music, estate sale adventures, traveling with her husband's band, and playing dress up. Bubby and Bean, her line of art, features illustrations and other goodies inspired by positive messages and the memory of her sweet Bubby dog. Her blog by the same name focuses on living creatively through design/art/fashion/DIY. And Mountains of the Moon, her sustainable womenswear line, features vintage-inspired clothing made from eco-friendly fabrics.

blog // pinterest // twitter

I'm Kelly Ann, a twenty-something designer and photographer from sunny California. I have a deep love for vinyl records, messy hair, french films, and mexican food. I'm a firm believer in compassion, humour, and multiple cups of coffee. I started The Flowerchild Dwelling as a place to share my love for music, photography, design, film, and all the things that inspire my world.

shop // shop // twitter

Laura Cordell a lover of all things vintage. I run MontanaSnowVintage and MontanaSnowVintage2 (for the home) . A sucker for chihuahuas, an 80s music lover and most importanly a lucky mother of 2 handsome young men. A 21 yr old who is an amazing musician and a 15 yr old that has imbraced our Native American Culture so much so that he is considered an "Elder" be his time.

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A Ruby Rosebud is full of eclectic vintage clothing and accessories mainly with an 80's vibe. From sweet and darling to biker chick.

shop // blog // twitter // facebook

I have always enjoyed creating! As an artist I look for items to be added to my jewelry that can catch the light, provoke interest or make you smile. Mainly my inspiration comes through nature. My favorite part of making jewelry is spending time with my daughter. She is usually in my studio while I am creating, telling me about her day, or giving her input on designs.

shop // facebook

Hi, my name is Natacha. I have always loved crafts and I started my small business 6 months ago. Since then, I attended a few craft fairs and my passion for handmade only grew. I hope you will like my jewelry as much as I enjoy creating them!

PEACE,

Laura

January Group Sponsor Giveaway >>>

2012-01-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

One lucky winner will receive all of these amazing items listed below! This is such a fun group of girls and I highly recommend checking out each of their shops and more. See the ways to enter below...

red chateau hat from my avonlea

shop // twitter // facebook

bracelet, necklace & keychain from nanoukiko

shop // facebook

8x10 print by the gingham owl

shop // twitter // facebook

$50 shop credit from gaia metal studios

shop // blog // twitter // facebook

green earth facial mask kit from cosmic bath and body

shop // twitter // facebook

'laura' studded leather bracelet from moorea seal

shop // twitter // facebook

TO ENTER:
visit each of these 5 shops and tell me your favorite item from each (yes you have to work just a bit to win all this loot!)

EXTRA ENTRIES:
blog about this giveaway
tweet this about this giveaway
share this on facebook

(please leave just one comment with all of your entries)

PEACE,
Laura

Instagram Love >>>

2012-01-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Just popping in with another Instagram post. These are a few I shared throughout this past week. If you are an instagram user you can follow me at lauramazurek.

the most adorable blowfish shoes ever.

me and my nephew aiden.

breakfast: broccoli & eggs, jam & toast, fruit

pics of my parents on my desk.

going to town.

reorganized craft space.

bella helping me make jewelry.

breakfast: yogurt, granola & fruit

flattened my hair for the first time in foreverrrr.

crazy day after hair.

This week has been a crazy one. Starting off with finding the most hurtful insensitive email of my life from someone. Then James hit two deer. Luckily he is a-okay!!! We did find out two days ago though that his car is considered totaled, so now we have to get a new vehicle. Totally did not see that one coming. And just this week we seriously started talking about saving up for a new vehicle. Funny how this world works. Now we HAVE to, and fast! We will be a one car family for the next several months while we save up for a new car. I will be honest, its kind of been stressing me out. Also my nanna's man has been in the hospital and that has been weighing heavy on my heart. He is going to be okay, its just been rough for him lately and makes me so sad. And the night of the concert I posted about in my last post, I got super sad about my dad. Places like Floore's just make me think of all the times going out with my parents... and how much my dad LOVED music. He would have enjoyed that show. And we ran into some of his friends that he normally would of gone with, which made me sad. We were listening to the Smashing Pumpkins on the way to the show, and they have a cover of Landslide, and the words have a whole new meaning now... and I lost it. I held it together and still fully enjoyed the show, but by the time we got home I was just done for. My emotional levy finally broke. And it flooded all through yesterday too. I couldnt hardly crack a smile all day. Most days I can accept the reality of it all, but then others I just cant. I just want my parents here damnit! Its just been one of those weeks! Symbolically Im glad tomorrow is Monday. Time to start anew. I woke up this morning and decided to just stay focused on work to get me through this day. I posted lots of new goodies in my Roots and Feathers shop, and Im about to go work more on Ruche. Keep my hands busy. (thanks for listening to me vent and rant)

PEACE,

Laura

A Night out with Fred Eaglesmith >>>

2012-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Last night we saw one of my alltime favorite musicians play at Floores. Fred Eaglesmith holds a sweet spot in my heart, and especially b/c its shared between me and my bestie. The songs from Paradise Motel just bring me back to a time in my life and make me want to weep everytime I hear them. This was the first time seeing him since his mandolin player passed away. He is now paired up with The Ginn Sisters (who are from Texas) for this tour. They were amazing and made me want more more more. They kind of intoxicated me. Im so glad that this canadian loves to come to our home town about once a year. Ill never forget the first time I saw him play at the Cabaret in our hometown before it shut down. And then another time that was just so very special... The first week James and I started dating. We drove to Gruene with our friends and had a magical evening. One of my top memories for several reasons.

Of course I was excited to get dolled up for a night out... you know how I love the clothes. A true weakness. I thought Id show you real quick how I transitioned what I wore during the day to my evening outfit. Simple change of the shorts to a skirt, mocs to boots and throw on a sweater and accessories. These are my favorite kind of outfits. Do you spy miss Violet in the background? :)

<<< outfit details >>>

sweater - threadsence

tank - forever 21

skirt - forever 21

tights - target

boots - blowfish

necklace & bracelet - moorea seal

earrings - roots and feathers (coming soon)

Here are just a few of my favorite Fred Eaglesmith songs:

Fred Eaglesmith by Laura Mazurek on Grooveshark

PEACE,

Laura

Perpetual Sunshine Giveaway >>>

2012-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

This ring will be made to your size!

TO ENTER:

visit Perpetual Sunshine and let me know your favorite item

follow her new blog Rays of Perpetual Sunshine

follow Perpetual Sunshine on facebook

EXTRA ENTRIES:

share this on your facebook wall

share this on your twitter wall

blog about this giveaway

(please leave ONE comment with ALL of your entries)

PEACE,

Laura

CSNY Threads >>>

2012-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's outfit was full of some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. This golden crochet fringe cardigan is just about my new favorite piece. The moment I saw it, it just screamed my name. Nanna, this is another piece I got with my giftcard :) My custom CSNY dress from PPP is pretty stellar if I say so myself. I searched for this shirt to revamp for a long time. I found it on ebay as a mens xxxl and it made the perfect dress. If anyone EVER comes across this vintage shirt as a regular small size PLEASE let me know. Id probably wear it everyday of my life. And I could pair just about anything with these blue velvet pants from Threadsence. They have completely filled the shoes of the bellbottom ones I had in junior high/high school. As you can see, these Blowfish flats go with just about any outfit on the block! The lovely red and teal tassel earrings came from Rachel of La Belle Vie. So darling! And the braided leather bracelets are from my collection from Flourish Leather.

We spent the afternoon yesterday picking up a rental car. My boy had two deer run into his car on the way to work the other morning. Yes, they ran into him! It happens out here in the hillcountry. I knew a girl who on two separate occasions had a deer jump off a cliff area onto her car! Or at least she said so. Sounds like an exaggeration to me, but honestly something I could see really happening. Today, Im playing catch up from the past two days. Time to get my butt to work! Here is some of CSNY for you to listen to. Not as great as listening to them on vinyl, but better than nothin!

CSNY Love by Laura Mazurek on Grooveshark

PEACE,

Laura

Glamour Damaged Giveaway >>>

2012-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

TO ENTER:

visit Glamour Damaged and let me know your favorite item

follow Glamour Damaged on facebook

follow Glamour Damaged on twitter

EXTRA ENTRIES:

spread the love on your facebook wall

spread the love on your twitter wall

blog about this giveaway

(Please leave just ONE comment with all of your entries included.)

PEACE,

Laura & Julie

Recalling my Journey >>>

2012-01-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

By candlelight, I sit here. Ready to check in a bit. This past week or so has felt full of Balance. Not in the way you think when you hear the word balance. But the actual meaning of balance. The highs and lows. Balance is one of my personal words for this year. Or this time in my life, whether that lasts a year or not. The simple pure understanding that this world is ruled by balanced. Moon and Sun. Water and Earth. Life and Death. Man and Woman. Love and Hate. And the list goes on and on. Without the other, we would not know one. (I know Im not stating anything new here, nor am I trying to, just my own little pondering). Really understanding the need and the requirements for the parts of life that are a bit harder to handle. Like death, and hurt. And knowing these are things we have to fully accept in order to fully accept life. I have been going within alot more lately, allowing myself to walk through these woods. I find myself scared at times, and even stop and turn around, and realize Im not ready to go there yet. The process in which we heal is so different for everyone. There is not a right or wrong way, or no time constraints. I feel like over the course of the past four years since I lost my mom (tomorrow is actually exactly 4 years)... I have slowly transitioned into new beings. Or I guess you could say, different stages of awareness within myself. The first year, I went crazy. I thought I knew everything, I was wild, rebellious and immoral. I betrayed people I loved in a powerful attempt to find myself, who was 'I' without my mom??? Like a hurricane, I wrecked alot that was in my path. I betrayed my own trust within myself. Then I was betrayed by others in a way that really made me take a step back and look at who I had become. I spent the next year in anger. Anger at myself, and complete mistrust of people around me. I realized exactly who I did not want to be, and what I did not want to allow in my life any longer. Then after a long time that trust was reunited. Healed through a learning process that me and those close to me had to learn together. The biggest problem was that I went from being too open and wild, to retreating into my little crab shell, and I lost a sense of freedom within myself. I spent so long in fear of others actions that I didnt want to do anything or go anywhere. I was terrified within myself. Then I began to create. Ive always made stuff, but I decided to take it to the next level and make it my real business. The fire was fueled and I began to feel a new sense of purpose in life. And I realized I could heal myself in ways about my mom through my creations. My mom was the one person who just thrived on seeing me create. I would show her everything the very next day when I made a new painting or photograph. So I used this image in my mind and kept her at the heart of everything I made. It has helped me tremendously to deal with the pain of her loss and to keep her alive daily in my heart. And to follow in her footsteps by living the same type of life she lived and to support my family with it. I learned responsibility through my work as well. I learned independence too. I learned that I was the only person I could rely on to make it work. Making a living at art is not a matter of a lucky break, its a product of alot of hard work and dedication. I spent that year finding who I was as an artist. I liked doing so many things it was hard to pin down what direction I really wanted to go with my focus. And throughout that year, I had alot of lessons in truly letting go. In more ways then one. This past year has been an abundance of the best and worst times. From reaching the next phase of my life of home ownership, the first thing that really felt like James and I accomplished something huge together and can share in daily. To losing my daddy. The friendship that we formed over the past few years since my mom was gone was awesome. We confided in each other and just really became friends. We shared our hearts. And no matter what I did, I realized I could never fill the void that my mom left behind. She was his soulmate. His lifeline. And he felt he needed to go home. A choice that will forever haunt me, and one that has opened my eyes even more to the delicate ways of this world. It has taught me the importance of community (being surrounded by people who have my highest interest at heart). It has taught me to not be afraid of opening up and being vulnerable (even though that brings in people with very cold hearts at times, who try to bully me for being who I am). It has taught me more about impermanence which makes me a better friend and wife. I think it will continue to teach me new things throughout my entire life. I am just now allowing myself to face my fears, and to know that I am who I am, and that is all I need to be. Im finally in a place in my heart where I am not as easily shaken by people with a vengeful or hateful heart. And I am deeply learning the things I want to further embrace in this world - especially in my healing. Im on a very personal journey of the heart. I dont know where the road will lead, but I will keep walking into the unknown anyway. I am a child traveler and a year from now, Ill be able to add to this story.

I am just like any of you reading this. We are all in this together. This life. All on different paths. All in different timing. Embrace each other right where you and those around you are. And if you find yourself on a path you are not wanting to be on, search within yourself to find out how to steer your boat in the direction you want it to go. You are the captain of your life. And know that things take time. Healing does not happen overnight. But it does require you to take the first step.

PEACE,

Laura

Going Within >>>

2012-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

Ive been finding myself lately retreating back within myself. My head feels full and my body feels sluggish. Not because Im super busy, Im really not. I think its more of the transitionings happening within myself, are making me process a bit slower than usual. There have been so many days I almost got on here and poured my heart out, but something keeps me from doing so. Ive been finding myself quieter than usual and a bit more spacey. Spacey as in... just staring off and getting lost in thought easily. Well, and doing things like putting the butter in the cupboard instead of the fridge, so really I guess just spacey! It took me 4 days just to order vitamins... simply b/c I could not focus long enough to do so. Things like that. Im really getting kind of tired of it, but at the same time, trying to honor it as I feel it. I thought this photo above from my recent lookbook was appropriate... I feel like Im hiding in the shadows right now. In my own way, quieting down, not worrying about being driven, taking extra time out, honor the season of the north. I think my foggyness is due to the little amount of time I allowed myself in the past. Im here. Learning to be more present within myself. Struggling at times. But that is okay. Ill keep practicing.

PEACE,

Laura