Roots and Feathers // Violet Bella

GOODBYE BLOGGER, ITS BEEN NICE LOVING YOU

2013-02-16T15:37:00.003-08:00

My new home is LIVE!

I couldn't wait. I worked all day on it, and it was ready, so I thought, why not?

I will no longer be blogging here on blogger, please visit my new website to find the new blog! So much love to everyone who has shared with me in this space, I hope you follow along with me to my new journey.

I will be transferring my BLOGLOVIN followers to the new space here:
www.rootsandfeathers.com

If you have been following this blog through Google Friend Connect, you will no longer see my updates. Please go to the new blog and follow via bloglovin, feedburner or networked bloggers. Thanks!

NEW BLOG HOME // COMING SOON

2013-02-16T07:10:00.001-08:00

I'm starting to get very excited about the new home of Roots and Feathers that is coming soon. Ive been working on the website for hours and hours these past two weeks, and its finally coming together. Its going to be so much fun to have more of a website then just a blog. I may (I hate to say I will in case it doesn't happen yet), but I may be launching it by monday! Or sooner or later. But either way, soon! I wanted to give you a heads up in case you happen to land here and it either be temporarily disabled, or something else while Im working on the switch over. I might not have to though...

As soon as its about to go live, Ill announce it over here and send you a link! It will be a bit sad to leave this space behind, Ive loved it for so long... but Im excited to take the next step and change things up a bit. Change is always good. And honestly, the vibe over there is so me, and so much like this, that you will feel right at home instantly, I promise.

I will also be switching over my sponsor ads. All of my current sizes will no longer be. I have sent all of my current sponsors email about the switch over, but Im still waiting on just a few to send me their new size ads, so please do so soon! Also, if you would like to have your ad up on the blog for the new launch, email me asap. I will now have 3 Feature spots, instead of just one, and these will be the only spots available for giveaways now... And Im going to have a separate blog just for the giveaways, to they wont get buried in old posts anymore! And the medium and small spots are going to be much larger now! my email, violet_bella (at) hotmail (dot) com. <----please put sponsor spot in the subject line.

Speaking of giveaways, the winner of the Blurb Photo Planner Giveaway is... HILLERY SAWYER! Please email me soon so I can get you your code to make your planner in time! Thank you!

Be back soon,

Laura

THREADS // MOON AND STAR

2013-02-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

This quite possibly might be my favorite outfit to date. I'm unbelievably in love with this Wildfox moon and star bodysuit. Yep, its a bodysuit, you know, like a gymnastics outfit. And let me tell you, wearing it around the house by itself, kind of makes me want to do ballet, or just dance. I love it. And I can think of a million ways to layer this baby. I don't think Ive ever had a top that perfectly showed off my back tattoo either. It's like it was made for it! Pairing it with this stretchy cotton skirt, this was an absolutely comfortable outfit too. All stretch cotton. Oh yeah. I can't get over how beautiful The Gypsies Caravan feather piece looks with this outfit. It was made to wrap around an arm or a leg, but its just long enough to wear as a belt too. I love how so many of her pieces are multi use like that. (Her shop is on vaca right now while she is a travelin')

I didn't realize when we took these photos that the post would go up on Valentine's Day, but oh how appropriate. James and I personally don't do Vday. Personal choice, its just another day to us. But we are excited to spend the evening with two of our friends, and go on another nature hike together. I'm all for celebrating and being in nature, especially with peeps we love, anytime! Im excited. But for those of you who do celebrate, I wish you all the happiness today on your dates, or whatever you are doing. And if you don't have one, make one with yourself. (those are some of my favorite dates, a good book, bottle of wine, and a dance with yourself, heck yeah).

These photos were taken a few days ago, and we both really needed haircuts. We just got some yesterday and it feels so good and fresh! Now I can actually wear my bangs normal again. They were to the bottom of my eyes ;) And if you follow me on Instagram (lauramazurek) then you saw some pics after we got our cuts, of a cat sitting on top of a donkey! Another reason I love living in the hillcountry.

{outfit details: bodysuit c/o the trend boutique // skirt - f21 // boots c/o lulu's.com // feather band - the gypsies caravan // rings - gifted & f21 // james sweater - zenthreads}

PEACE,

Laura

MANIFESTING LOVE WORKSHOP GIVEAWAY

2013-02-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

This workshop launches on the New Moon in March 11th, since Spring is the season of growth and expansion and love, of course !

My workshop is unique that it draws not only the wisdom of the Love Goddess, but also the wisdom of the Moon; the symbol of Goddess and feminine essence. The workshop is 4 weeks long, following the Lunar rhythms from New Moon, Waxing, Full Moon, and Waning.

For four weeks you will receive:

~3-4 emails in your inbox per week focusing on each of the Lunar phases and how to work with the Goddess through each phase
~Goddess lore
~Lunar wisdom
~meditations
~meeting your Inner Love Goddess
~rituals to manifest love
~journaling prompts
~exercises
~love recipes
~videos
~a complete e-book at the end to use whenever you want
~Private FB group for a loving community of support

We have all heard of Aphrodite. She is the famous love Goddess from the Greek pantheon known for her passionate love affairs, beauty, and attraction. Her Roman counterpart is Venus. And please note, I will use both her names interchangeably throughout this course, but feel free to stick with one that resonates with you more. In all honesty, for a long time, I did not like her. Something about her ‘rubbed’ me the wrong way and I could not figure it out! When I finally found the source of my agitation I gained a new perspective of Venus and myself:

I was annoyed with the fact that she embodies her sensuality and sexuality with no shame or guilt; she accepts her body and whole being apologizing to no one.

I saw everything I wanted that I thought I couldn't obtain in myself. It made me wonder where my love –goddess within me dwells and where she is hiding out. And so my relationship with Aphrodite began. Like any relationship, it has its ups and downs, but I am now experiencing healing in ways I may not have found otherwise. I can now say I love Aphrodite unconditionally, and in turn, love myself more too.

In this course, I share with you the rituals, exercises, and meditations I personally use to connect with Venus and my inner-love Goddess.

My name is Marissa and I blog over at Moondaughter. The heart of my wisdom comes from my love for the Moon and my experience working with Her energies. The Moon is linked closely to our hormones, energy levels, emotions, and our spirit. It affects all the water of the world, so how could She not affect us? The Moon also symbolizes feminine essence and Goddess energy of the universe. Following the Moon I have found working with Goddess energy helps connect me more to my inner sage woman. I wish to help women reconnect with theirs as well.

I am offering 20% off to Laura's readers if you feel called to join me in this workshop in March. use the code: Roots20 at check out!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

Marissa is giving away a FREE spot in this ecourse!

TO ENTER:

leave a comment telling us one thing you love about yourself

follow the Moondaughter blog

EXTRA ENTRIES:

follow Moondaughter on facebook // twitter // instagram

share this giveaway on your fb // twitter // pinterest

Also today, I will be sharing a little love alter I made over at Moondaughter's blog! So check back on her blog to see some pretty pictures of my space.

Peace,

Laura

MAKING CREATIVE SPACE

2013-02-12T09:22:00.003-08:00

Lately, my studio have been a wreck! Fitting all of my work into one bedroom is a challenge. And I begin to feel claustrophobic in my creative space when it gets this way. So, I decided to take back over the second spare room in our house. At least a corner of it. I moved all of my fabrics and supplies for making my dreamcatchers and gypsy flags in there. So now I have a textile space and a jewelry space. It feels so good. Bella helped me rearrange, of course...

This is our new view. Since I work on the floor. Bella likes to get up in the window seal while I work. I can now open the window and hear the birds or the wind in the trees. Its perfect. And in the evenings, the sun sets on this side, so I get to see the light spilling through the cracks in the trees and leaves. Its magic.

I also added a tiny sacred space in the room. The word art was a gift from a dear friend, and its from Messy Canvas. The words she chose for me were absolutely perfect. I feel so blessed to have such friends in my life.

THREADS // BELLS & ROSE QUARTZ

2013-02-11T10:23:00.002-08:00

I wore this outfit last week when James and I had our spontaneous little outing in Boerne, to walk around the shops and thrift stores. Most of the stores there are a bit... how do you say... stuck up. The kind of place you walk into and they don't acknowledge you unless you look a certain way, you know. We laugh everytime we leave one of the stores there b/c they neverrrr say hi to us, but will to other people. It's kind of funny. But it's still fun just to go walk around there since our town doesn't have anything like that. But there was a few antique shops there, and some of them had people who said hello, ha ha! Out of all of them, I walked away with a precious piece of vintage trim for 50 cents. Score!

Sooooo... this was a very happy day! I have been hoarding these jeans that were gifted to me by a lady who wore them in the 60's, and they haven't fit me for a few years. I tried them on just for fun and they fit! And yes, I had to do the Dazed and Confused seen where she lays on the bed to zip them up, ha! You can't tell from these photo actually how awesome these jeans are. The top and belt loose the vision of how high waisted they are. Just know, they are rad! And it was worth it to keep them in my closet for the past 12 or so years!

It was really awesome. When I was about 20 (I can't remember how old I was exactly) I went with my mom to France to do a jewelry show. On the way there, we stayed with a lady who was going with us named Betsy, in Charlotte, NC. She was one of the coolest most eccentric ladies Ive ever met in my life. Her home was like a museum montage of everything she loved. There was not a 5" area that did not have something. Even her kitchen, she didnt use it so she just decorated it. It was insane! It was a two story huge victorian home, filled with cats and odds and ends, all antique and quirky. Anyway, while we were there she learned of my love for the 70's era and she let me go through her entire attic where she had stored all of the clothes she wore back then, and pick out whatever I wanted! I was freakin in heaven!!!!!! Ill never forget it and Ill never forget her.

This adorable birdie purse was also gifted to me. When we lived in our rent house, we lived next to the sweetest old lady. She loved that I loved old things and we became friends. One day she asked me into her house and wanted me to take any of her old purses I liked. She said no one in her family would appreciate them the way I do. I still have them all. Very cool unique ones. Ill try to photograph more here to show, they are amazing. One has a handstitched grasshopper! I miss her. James and I went to go visit her last week. She sent me home with a book of Soduko to do and bring back to her, oh my! She was a math teacher back in the day, and I hate math. Ha ha.

The beautiful necklace is from SoulMakes. Love love love. They are having a Valentine's Sale right now! Get 20% off everything through Feb 14th with the code 'XOXO'. The amazing long bone and feather earrings are from Sea Of Wild. Is that not just the most amazing shop name? Mmmm... And I couldn't decide which Flourish Leather bracelets to wear, so I wore them all! They are now making awesome wallets too! The boots are from BCFootwear. Love these babies. Probably the most well made shoes I have. And they match just about everything in my closet. And you can see below that by the time we left the house, my favorite hat went back on. Ridiculously in love. From Lulu's.com. James loves it too. He even kissed it...

It was a fun day. I loved spending time with James. One of my favorite things to do with him. I so wish he would let me take outfit photos of him! How fun would that be? He has the greatest tshirts (and looks amazing in all of them). But I kind of doubt that will ever happen...

I just had my yoga session, have copious amounts of coffee in me, and Im ready to start my workday. Time to work double time! Muah!

GIFTS FROM NATURE

2013-02-10T07:47:00.001-08:00

These are the beautiful things I found along the way during our nature walk the other day. They were so pretty I had to lay them out and photograph them. Now I can look back on these photos and always remember the spirit of that day. I am taking in the Opossum and Pigeon medicine given to me. Both strong feminine energies. I'm looking forward to spending more time down there this summer. I'd love to carve out times to just go and sit, maybe write or sketch. Just be.

I'm grateful for these little reminders along the way. Last week I had two more significant gifts from nature, a carnelian rock found at my parents house, and a bumblebee James found outside our house. I'm listening and paying attention. And I'm grateful for these gifts showing up when needed.

NATURE, MY SAVIOR

2013-02-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went on a spontaneous picnic lunch to our river park. It has been so long since weve been down there, and with the weather being so beautiful, I just really wanted to get out. James and I were both in a bit of a funk, we were tired, and a bit cranky... and this ended up being just the medicine we needed. We both NEED to be in nature to restore ourselves. Whenever Im feeling depleted, spending some time outdoors is like breathing in new life into my being. James, being the adventurer he is, feels the same way. We both agree you could not pay us enough money to live in the city.

We ate a quick picnic lunch, and then went on an exploring adventure. Violet had so much fun! She realllllly wanted off the leash so she could just run and explore. I wish she could of, but she will bolt, and we know it. But she still really enjoyed herself. She is a fearless explorer. Sometimes we catch ourselves wanting to protect her like a 2 year old, and then have to remember she is a dog... she can do it!

We walked a long trail that goes along the river and I found lots of treasures along the way. The last time we were down there, the trail was all over grown with weeds and vines so you couldn't even walk down it. So it was really fun to explore it this time. Im looking forward to summer, and I pray we get some rain so we can actually get into this beautiful water! We need it so bad.

I took some better pics of the treasures I found when I got home, so Ill share them soon. If you can, go have yourself a little adventure this weekend. You never know what a spontaneous picnic lunch will bring!

IN THE STILLNESS OF SURRENDER

2013-02-07T08:20:00.001-08:00

Different forms of this quote above have been popping into my life alot the past week or so. I have always felt that the universe holds me and supports me, in ways much deeper than I can do myself at times. But even in that trusting, there are times when things seem so big, or so deep, that it is hard to just allow and trust.

I have been a little quiet in this space as far as personal stuff goes. My heart is being pulled in many directions right now, through future dreams, and past wounds that still need alot of healing. Im in a place right now where I need to be a bit quieter and reserved with my thoughts... Which will mean alot more on the surface posts, like outfits and random photos... For the time being. I will come out of my shell again, but there are times when healing really needs to be done in a quiet safe place, and this is one of them. And some of my dreams stirring in my heart are way out of my control at the moment, so surrendering to the flow of the universe is what Im trying to do. A much harder journey for me than trying to make something happen.

My quieter, behind the scenes connections have meant so much to me lately. There are a few women who have made me feel so held, and I am so very grateful for their love. Actually in a knee dropping kind of way. I wish so badly these ladies were right down the road so I could have a cup of jo and sit on the couch with them over these conversations. But I will take what I can get!

Please just hold me in this space for a while. And know that even though you may be seeing alot outfit posts, giveaways and photos of my creations lately, there is an ocean below the surface, and Im learning to ride its waves at the moment.

SWEET FREEDOM // GUEST POST

2013-02-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today Im here with a guest post from Sweet Freedom, a lovely bohemian inspired jewelry shop. These images are from one of her latest photoshoots. I love the mix of denim and sweet florals.

Here is what she has to say about her shop:

Sweet Freedom is about living in your own truth, Life isn't worth living if you're not being authentically you!

I love designing pieces that are pretty with a little edge! My designs are inspired by Native American, Rocker and Bohemian style! Each piece is unique and made with love.

I am so thankful to all that are supporting my gift and I hope each piece brings sweet freedom into your lives!

You can visit her at her shop // blog // facebook // twitter

THREADS // OMBRE + THUNDERBIRD

2013-02-04T13:23:00.002-08:00

Hello monday. How are you? Me, I'm bouncing in too many different directions. So I thought Id take a quick break and post this outfit post. So, here I am.

I wore this the other day on a thrifting date with my boy. Pretty much the perfect cozy outing outfit. And yes, Im insanely in love with this hat if you have not noticed by now. I wish it was still available from Lulu's for everyone else to know what I feel. But then again, you might not feel like me and make your hat your best friend.

The pants were just some tan pants I had that I dip dyed in brown fabric dye. Now I love them! And there is not much better than a plain grey tshirt. You might remember this necklace from the recent Bohemian Collective lookbook. Christina from Speckled Feather Boutique has been working behind the scenes to get some in her shop, and there are now two very amazing smaller versions listed right now! She does take custom orders though if you are wanting a big boy like this one. Highly recommend her work, its stellar quality, and I have a feeling this piece is going to be hanging around my neck quite alot.

I better get back to work now... Have a wonderful monday!

BLURB PLANNER GIVEAWAY

2013-02-01T08:02:00.001-08:00

So, remember this beautiful planner I showed you guys a while back??? Well now you have a chance to create your own planner, with your own photos, for free! Blurb is giving one of my readers a $25 gift certificate towards making your own planner! Eeeekkk!

To Enter:

Leave a comment below letting me know what kind of planner you would make!

Extra Entries:

Share this via twitter // facebook // blog // pinterest // instagram

THREADS // SHEER + PATCHWORK

2013-01-31T08:43:00.001-08:00

outfit details:

sheer top // chicnova

pants // handmade

shoes // blowfish

necklace // roots and feathers

rings // f21

bracelet // spiral drift

There might be a bit more outfit posts for a little while b/c its just been so darn pretty outside! The warmer weather creeping in has got me excited to get out more. I'm sooooo ready for spring. So unbelievably ready. I just want to lay on the ground and feel the warmth of the sun all over me. I cannot wait!

Thank you so much for the love you showed for my new mini prayer flags yesterday! I'm excited to be in the studio all day working on custom orders. You guys make this dream of mine come true!!!

And can I just say... my heart is constantly in awe at the love you guys show through your comments, and through personal emails I receive. Thank you for allowing me to feel safe and loved in this space. I am someone who has to feel safe in my environment in order to open my heart, so thank you for creating that kind of environment here. It means the world to me.

Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow b/c Bella is presenting a fun giveaway! Eeeek!

MINI PRAYER FLAGS

2013-01-30T12:05:00.001-08:00

So, Im a bit obsessed with the prayer flags I have been making, and I decided to make a mini version. These little darlings are so precious and can be hung just about anywhere. I'll be adding them to the shop very soon, but I will also be taking custom orders if you would like one with your own word on it. Just message me on etsy if you would like one.

What is your word of intention for this year? I'd love to know what others are cultivating in their lives.... (my word is Cultivate)

THREADS // AZTEC CASUAL

2013-01-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

outfit details:

sweater // flying tomato

jean // target

boots // blowfish

purse // christi jay & the aquarians

crescent ring // laurel hill

leather bracelet // spiral drift

necklace // roots and feathers

This adorable sweater is unfortunately sold out at Flying Tomato, but if your quick, they have one left in another color! Coziest sweater ever. I wore this outfit a few weeks ago, but Ive been waiting to share it until the release of the bohemian collective lookbook came out. This is a casual version of that outfit. This necklace is one of a new collection I have waiting to be listed for Roots and Feathers. I may be keeping this one b/c I just love it oh so much, but I can take custom orders for them! I have four others ready to be listed, soon!

After feeling very jumbled up in my headspace for about a week now (or more)... yesterday I went to yoga, had a great long talk with a friend and released my new creative lookbook. Those 3 things combined really cheered me up and put me in a better perspective. Later on today Ill begin working on several custom orders, so Im looking forward to some good creative studio time. Thank you to everyone who checked out the new lookbook and left some love over on the blog! Makes my heart so happy!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The winner of the Datevitation giveaway is CHRISTINE R. Please email me at violet_bella (at) hotmail (dot) com. Congrats!

AZTEC DREAMS // MINI LOOKBOOK

2013-01-28T14:18:00.002-08:00

Eeeekk! Go check out the new lookbook on The Bohemian Collective!

INSTAGRAM LOVE

2013-01-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

Lately I have not quite felt myself. Ive been feeling a bit more inward. I think from being sick, its just taking me a little while to crawl back out of my little crab shell and back into the world. But tomorrow that will change! Ill be releasing the new Bohemian Collective Mini Lookbook! Im so stoked. Its like our big ones, but with just one look, and a bit more stripped down and simplified. Even though its not quite as artistic as the others, I'm still really digging it, and looking forward to doing many more of these throughout the year. So make sure to check the blog over there tomorrow! The pic above is from the other afternoon when I went outside to draw. Ive been doodling before bed every night, sort of as a meditation, but I got the urge before bed the other day, so I went with it.

And guess who joined me? Ha ha. I think this is MY FAVORITE photo Ive ever taken of her! I want it blown up HUGE and framed on my wall. I crack up everytime I look at it! God I love this cat!

And when she got on top of the table to join me she showed me just how excited she was to be there! Ha. She couldn't help but just scream at the top of her lungs!

Then the next day she got herself stuck up in a tree. She is allowed to hang out in the backyard by herself with Violet whenever she wants. Its fenced in and big enough for her to roam around at free will. (although lately she has been sneaking under the fence, little rascal!) But yesterday I heard Violet barking, so I went to go check to see what it was at (make sure it wasn't a snake), and I saw two big labs running around outside the fence. And I couldn't find Bella anywhere. I was looking all in the woods, on all sides of the house, etc... Until finally I looked up! I never expected her to be in a tree b/c she doesn't have front claws, so tree climbing is not really her thing. But I'm proud to say she doesn't let that stop her in a time of need! She was actually pretty relaxed up there and wanted to stay there for a bit before coming down. She rubbed her mouth all over the branches up there. (she likes to rub her mouth on all sorts of things). Then finally she let me get her down. A little adventurous day for this little lady!

Mmmm... is this not the pretty record youve ever seen? I just love Donovan. I have the silliest memories of me and my friend Justin in junior high listening to Donovan, especially the Intergalactic Laxative song. We thought it was the best thing in the world! And I still love listening to him...

Last night's beautiful Leo Aquarius moon was amazing. It was soooo bright I could barely look at it like usual. Oh and I had a hard time sleeping last night too, I felt so much energy. A sweet sweet (9 year old) friend of mine gifted me a huge amethyst quartz cluster, so I put it out last night to charge under this beautiful moon. It is so beautiful and something Ill treasure forever. She was so sweet to give it to me!

NEW JEWELRY & GYPSY PRAYER FLAGS

2013-01-25T08:16:00.001-08:00

Above are some of the custom wall hangings I made this past week. Some very special ones for some very special ladies. It makes my heart burst to know that these will be placed in each of their sacred spaces in their home. I can't think of anything better. Each one holds a special meaning for each girl, and after 2013 is over, they will each have a keepsake to remind them of the impact this year made on their lives. Beyond just making beautiful art, this is where its at for me. Being able to create something meaningful for someone, something that has an encouraging or positive affect on their spirit. Yes!!! This kind of stuff makes my heart so happy. I'll be making a few more customs this week if you want to add your name to the list, just message me on etsy.

I also listed a bunch of new stuff in the shop the past few days. Some of these are already gone, but many are still available. If you ever see something I have sold that is no longer available, don't hesitate to ask if I can make you something similar. Chances are I might!

THE ADVENTURES OF LOU FROM STARS IN JARS

2013-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Lou here, from Stars in Jars.

First of all, thank you so much to our sweetest gal Laura for inviting me over! It's pretty darn comfortable over here on the Roots and Feathers page I have to say, y'know she's got the sage burnin' and spinnin' that good Bob Dylan ^.^

The topic of conversation on the table today will be my curious living circumstances. I'm a British gal hailing from South London but for the past 3 years and counting I have lived in South Korea, 'The Land of the Morning Calm', earning my bread and butter working as an English teacher.

To get to the root of how I landed so far away from home we'll have to rewind roughly 4 years to when I was backpacking solo through India. 25 years old, single, no job, no binds and the travel bug's fangs had well and truly bitten and injected me with that lovely little venom they call 'wanderlust'.

It was on the last leg of my magical mystical Indian experience that I met a fellow female traveler in Mumbai; we became friendly when we were both picked up by street touts hiring foreigners to work as extras in a Bollywood movie. On the set of the movie (it was a Casino scene) as we sipped on our fake cocktails next to the one armed bandits we were trading travel stories when the topic of South Korea came up. She mentioned she had had a wonderful experience working there for a year and that it was extremely easy to apply successfully for a job as an English teacher.

My only prospects for after I was to return home to England was to move back in with my parents and presumably try to get back into my old profession in online marketing. Suddenly a new window of possibility had opened up to me and when I peeked through it I saw magic and adventure. I was on a flight to Seoul, South Korea within 4 months of returning home from India.

Do you believe in destiny or a Universal plan?

It has become my belief that I was destined to travel to this country at that moment in time.

That very first weekend in Korea I was sent to an orientation session with around 50 other English teachers, fresh off the airplane, for a few days training and initiation into Korean life. It was on that weekend that I met a 6 ft sandy-haired powerhouse of personality, freshly picked from Tennessee, who I'm proud to still call my boyfriend more than three years later.

Chance? Coincidence? Maybe. But I can never quite shake it from my mind that it was kismet; that had I not met that girl in Mumbai, had she not opened that window of possibility, had I not looked through it and had my gypsy blood all stirred up, I would have ended up choosing a different path and ending up somewhere very different in life.

Well, apart from cosmic prospects proffering "the one" what else does South Korea have to offer?

I recently read that Koreans were once dubbed the "Irish of Asia". This resonates with me deeply because both of my parents are Irish. Koreans, like the Irish, love a drink and have a warm and welcoming culture. Korea is also a very small country, surrounded by big superpowers, which has managed to maintain it's cultural identity through centuries of war and bullying. The dichotomy between the young and the old of Korea are one of the most stand-out features to any fresh face in the country.

Skinny, kitten-faced Korean girls shimmy down the street in their high heels right alongside stooped and shuffling ajummas (old ladies), their short height and bent stature declaring them relics from the dog-eating, rice-field working days of the Korean war. Large Starbucks coffee houses are crammed full of middle class Koreans so obsessed with their iPhones or laptops that conversation is only sparsely heard while outside these ajummas will be selling root vegetables from a sheet on the ground. The old, tough way of life is still palpable against the rich and glossy Louis Vuitton bag totin' ambition of modern-day Korea. But this sense of tradition and history, this mix of old and new, makes it a fascinating culture to live among.

Mixing travel with work has been one of the biggest memory-makers of my almost 30 year old existence. When I'm a tattooed old woman I will still remember seeing Radiohead play at the Jisan Valley Rock festival, Dallas and his friends dressed in hilarious traditional Korean peasants clothing to take part in a Korean friend's wedding, countless nights drinking Makkoli (Korean rice wine), sating myself with delicious Korean barbecue, soups, pajeon (pancake) and baap (rice), having my fortune told for the first time and enjoying the abundance of pink cherry blossoms that explode like popcorn over the entire country each Spring.

The plane ticket is free, the beer is cheap, the summers are sweet and the kids are adorable.

If you've ever wanted to plunge down that rabbit hole, my advice is this:

hold your breath, close your eyes, don't look back..... and jump.

Peace & love

Louise

MY WEEK + GIVEAWAY WINNERS

2013-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

My week. Let's back up all the way to last saturday. I went out with my bestie for a date night to watch some local music... We had a great time, but little did I know that somewhere in that building was a little bug called influenza waiting to pounce on me. At least I believe the culprit was residing there according to my timeline.

Then monday, after yoga, I started to feel a little tickle in my throat that lasted all day. Just a tiny one. We went that night out to our friends house and by the time we left, I knew I was sick. I thought at first it was major allergies from being out in the hills... but oh no!!! By the time I woke up the next morning, full on flu. And a high fever for the next few days, and you know you, all that goes along with that. So.... there was a whole lot of this below for the whole rest of the week.

Then a few days later, James started to get it too... so just as I was coming out of my fever break, he was going into his and I needed to take care of him too. It's been about 5 years since Ive had the flu, so I had conveniently forgotten how rough it is. I'm sooooo happy we are both coming out of it. I still feel exhausted and I'm having a hard time finding my energy, and still have a bit of a soar throat... but this I can handle. And I'm so happy that we did not have to go to the doctor, and I fought the whole thing naturally. It's kind of weird though to wake up one day and realize youve spent an entire week in bed.

And FINALLY!!! I have the winners for the past two giveaways... Thanks for your patience!

The winner of Catina Jane Art's giveaway is RACHEL AWES!!!

The winner of the Flying Tomato giveaway is ELIZA KASZTNER!!!

Ill be emailing you ladies soon, congrats!!!!

DATEVIATION LOVE COUPON BOOK GIVEAWAY

2013-01-19T13:58:00.001-08:00

For James birthday I surprised him with this cute little date coupon book from Datevitation. I chose 5 different dates he could redeem at anytime. It was so fun browsing through their site to pick out the dates b/c they have over 200 to choose from! And some of them are pretty hilarious! They even have an entire 'adult section'. I decided to stick with just a few so it wasn't overwhelming, and pick ones I knew we would both really enjoy. You can see my selections below...

You can personalize the first page to say anything you want... along with the descriptions next to each date photo. The little drawings are cute and silly. And there is a tear off spot on the end of each coupon to fill in the date it was redeemed! One other very cool thing about the site is that it can be for anyone. You have the option to have it be boy & girl, girl & girl, or boy & boy. So it can also be used for same sex couples or friends! I love it! And the best part is its a family run company by a husband and wife duo, Alex and Olga. Oh, and it came in a gift box, ready for giving, bonus!

I'm excited to announce that Datevitation is giving one of my readers a FREE love coupon book! You get to create your own customized book for whomever you want with 5 date coupons. AND through January all of my readers get $10 off their first book with code VIOLET, just in time for Valentine's day!!!

To Enter: follow datevitation on facebook // follow via twitter // visit datevitations library of coupons and tell me your favorite one // share this on your fb - twitter - pinterest - instagram

Fine Print from Datevitation: winner will be chosen using random.org and will receive a promo code. winner will pay $3.50 shipping and tax will be applied to california orders. books ship to US ONLY.

Please leave a comment for each below.

ATTACK OF THE SICKIES

2013-01-18T14:37:00.002-08:00

Hello world... if you have wondered at all where I have been all week... weve all been doing a whole lot of this. Resting. Monday evening we went to some friends house. When we arrived, I felt totally fine, and by the time we left, I felt sick. Bam. By the time we got home, I felt awful. I thought it was just allergies from being out in the cedar... but by the next day I had a high fever, and that lasted through last night. I'm feeling alot better today. Not good, but able to function again!!! Now my boy is sick in bed. So sad he finally gets a vacation and he has to spend it with the flu. No fun at all! It's been so long since Ive run a fever I forgot how awful it feels. I'm going to try my best to not over exert myself this weekend with catch up work so that it doesn't come back. So anyone who has a custom flag coming their way, please just be a little extra patient? Id be so grateful!

Speaking of being grateful... I'm very grateful that James was home while I was sick to take care of me. And that he doesn't have to miss work b/c of him being sick. And that I do have such understanding customers. And that I can feel myself on the road to recovery. And that I have the best mother in law in the world, who made two trips in one day just to bring us stuff. I love her oh so much. And for my group of friends who held me so close in their thoughts this week when I really needed some love. And for having many many insights into my true self this week. And for having a cozy place to call home. And for being my own boss so I could just take off work to be sick. So many things to be grateful for.

I'll be back this weekend with some awesome giveaways, and will be announcing the winners of the last two giveaways then. Thanks for all your love and patience!! So appreciated.

Peace,

Laura

THREADS - MOROCCAN LOVE

2013-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

So, I got these pants from my friends online garage sale the other day. I was a little nervous. Ive always admired this style of pants from afar, but convinced myself I was way too short to pull them off. Im SO GLAD I took the risk! Im pretty much in LOVE and have been living in them since I got them. Like total pajama luxury, ha. I love love love them. She got them in Morocco. So excited she gets to go home and see her family in Spain soon, and get to go hunting for more treasures! She has a big virtual yard sale going on her Gyspies Caravan facebook page right now. Everything is $5-$10. Although no more pants like this... just look for her photo album titled virtual yard sale.

I decided to keep the rest of the outfit pretty simple with a plain tee and sandals... And of course some jewelry from some of my favorite designers, Spiral Drift and Run With The Tribe. It was the perfect running errands outfit.

Yesterday, in honor of my moontime, I spent most of the day in bed, literally. I read alot and got lots of extra rest. It's been a while since Ive had a hard one, but it wasn't too bad. Just enough to keep me from doing anything but laying around. But after doing that all day long, I found it in me to get cleaned up and go out with my girl last night to enjoy one of our favorite local bands. I'm so glad I did too. A night out is what I needed. I'm honored to be friends with Art & Lisa Crawford. Two of the sweetest people I know, and they make music together beautifully.

Cheers to good friends and good local music!

P.s. I'll be sharing the winners for the Flying Tomato and Catina Jane Arts giveaways soon! Sorry for the delay.

LOVINGKINDNESS TO A FRIEND

2013-01-11T19:51:00.002-08:00

Yesterday, the sweet soul behind the Apothecary Circle, Laura Emily had two emotionally upsetting events occur... ones that would of for sure have sent me into a wild fit of rage and sorrow and fall to the floor helpless kind of feeling. Which I can only imagine that she felt all of these things too. My friend Katelyn invited me to join along with her in a releasing ceremony, to send loving healing vibes Laura's way. You can see how Katelyn chose to send her love here. I loved her intention of having 13 crystals, representing Laura, her husband Tyler, and the 11 babies she has now miscarried. So I gathered 13 mountain laurel seeds. These are the little seeds my mother leaves me from time to time. To me they are one of the most sacred things on earth. As I cleansed them with sage, I sent many loving words your way Laura. I had a little heart to heart with you.

I brought my sacred sexuality candle with me outside since there was no light outside, being the new moon. I thought Laura would like that since it would have Athena's love in there too.

I buried them in the ground, and I spoke some more words to you Laura, letting you know these seeds are being planted for you tonite, under the new moon, and it reminded me of the post I shared this morning on the bohemian collective, about the balance of death and life. The cycle of something passing, making room to sow new seeds. Although I'm sure you are sick of that cycle... I am too, just in other ways... But I put the love of new beginnings in this dirt. And then I sealed it with wax from Athena's candle.

You were held today, by both katelyn and I, digging our hands in the earth. Thank you for being a teacher to us, in so many ways.

BOHEMIAN PRAYER FLAGS // WALL HANGINGS

2013-01-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

I've been working for a few weeks on these yummy textile flags and I just listed them all in my shop! Each one is one of a kind. I'll be taking custom orders if you would like your own prayer flag to say a certain something. I'm going to be making myself one with my word for the year, CULTIVATE. So, ladies of the Apothecary Circle (or anyone else), if you would like a flag with your word for the year to reflect on, just send me a message on etsy.

I'm absolutely smitten with all of these flags, and don't really want to part with any of them. I thought about keeping one, but I loved them all so equally... So I'm just going to make one with myself in mind soon. I'll be hanging it in a sacred space I can reflect on anytime I need a little reminder of my intentions for this year.

Have you chosen a word for the year? If so, I'd love to hear. I think we could all inspire each other by sharing them.