Threads - Date Night with my Bestie >>>

Last night I went out with my bestie for a girls night out.  I was pretty much jonesing for her all week and after waking up yesterday morning and realizing it was the day we were going out, I was excited all day.  I love my time with her when its just us, which is rare it seems.  So I soak it up when I can.  I swear she is the only person I know that when Im around her a whole different side of me comes out.  I talk ninety miles an hour, laugh alot and just get silly.  And I think b/c it is so seldom that we get that time together, that when we do, it just all pours out.  I love it.  I love her.

I was thrilled that some new things came in the mail just in time to wear!  My grandparents gave me a visa giftcard for xmas.  I really had high hopes to save it for dirt.  Im soooo ready to start gardening.  But the shopping bug got the best of me and I scored a group of super lovely clothes.  Couldnt help myself.  I got this lovely sweater top and hi-lo skirt from Forever 21.  And two of my new favorite pieces of artisan jewelry... an arrowhead ring from Moorea Seal and a crystal protector pouch from Spiral Drift.  I just came across this shop b/c the lovey owner was following me on Instagram.  Im so glad I did.  Its soooo good I almost dont want to tell you about it!  You know, like keep it my little secret.  But I love to share the love... so I cant.  Im eyeing several other pieces from her already.  And can I just say... this is a rare gem.  Her packaging blew me away and felt so special.  I try to do this with my packages, so I know the love that goes into it, but this girl almost made me cry with how special it was.  That speaks volumes to me.  The love and craft that goes into her work is soooo apparent.  I kept the stone she sent in the pouch, and I also added a mountain laurel seed since they have special connection to my mother. 
Im still so very much in love with my Blowfish boots... I think I will wear these until they fall apart!!!

Today I must give some love to my house.  Its is that time again.  I think Im going to start by listening to this mix I made a good while back on Grooveshark.  


PEACE,
Laura




Pieces of Home - Instagram Style >>>

For those of you who follow me on Instagram youve already seen all of these images. But those who dont, I thought Id share them here, kind of a little recap of things throughout this week >>>
  
Most excitingly I created and launched a new Roots and Feathers website hub.  A central place where you can easily find links to everywhere we are online.  I love it!  

I had some yummy meals.  Getting back on my good eats train.  This one was wild rice, carrots and a spinach salad with grapes and feta cheese and hibiscus dressing.

Broke out my Blind Melon albums to listen.  They were the first band I learned every song in and out to on my cassette player headphones in 4th grade.  I remember laying on the living room floor just blaring it in my headphones and memorizing every word.  The second album I did that with was Counting Crows.  I remember sitting on the bathroom sink devouring every lyric while singing along.  My musical journey really started there I think.

I gathered sticks and stones from the woods.  You can read more on that post here.

I got a book from my friend Julie, The Sacred Tree, and read the whole thing before bed one night.  Great simple explanation of the medicine wheel.  For the first time in a long time, I devoured the words like a child learning about bugs, or something like that.

Just a pretty pic of some wrapping paper I got at World Market.  Little things like make my heart happy happy!

There were two days this week that Violet wanted back in after going potty in the morning.  She snuggled up in bed almost all day.  It was precious.  Bellas window is by the bed, so she just laid there staring out the window.

A piece of my little window bunting.  I did a diy on this a while back, you can see that here.

Lately Ive been called upon by the Blue Jay in a big way.  I have been seeing them and the words 'bluejay' everywhere I go.  Im listening.

Found this old wine cork in my backroom and it reminded me of my daddy, Tim.  Going to incorporate in one of my Soulodge projects I think.

Wore one of my PPP dresses for the first time in a long time!  I love my bambi dress :)  So so sweet.

My new Roots and Feathers postcards came in the mail!  Along with James new Skyline Fever business cards!  Love little stuff like this.  I used images from my newest lookbook.

I hooped everyday this week.  Even if it was just for 5 minutes.  This is a pic of me feeling happy resting on the deck after doing so.

Snapped a pic of James and Violet snuggling in James music room.  So sweet.  Violet gives the best snuggles.

PEACE,
Laura

Manic Mrs. Stone Giveaway >>>

Winter solitude- in a world of one color the sound of wind
-Matsuo Basho
Hello lovelies and happy New Year!  I'm Elisabeth of Manic Mrs. Stone.  I have been very in love with creating my inspiring resolutions for 2012.  These photos being shared with you are part of one of my biggest goals - to create more of my art for myself and the world.  They are influenced by my love and interest for the camera, nature, the seasons, and, of course, motherhood and family life. Being a mom for the last two years has, in a way, left my pre-mama-life passions in the dust.  I am sharing these photos because it is always inspiring to see others setting plans in motion and then following through. 

Sooooooo-
I'm super excited to give one lucky Violet Bella reader a personal outlet for becoming more in-tune with their beautiful selves and work towards their amazing goals for this New Year.  This is one of my gifts back to the Universe.
I actually recieved my copy of The 2012 "Creating My Goddess Year" Workbook and Planner through a giveaway - so this seemed fitting.  Let's just say I've thoroughly scribbled-in and loved my planner since printing it.  Included in your copy are journaling pages for celebrating/letting go of 2011 and welcoming 2012 with open arms.  There are pages for your small goals,  your bigger goals, and some that even seem impossible. You can create your positive affirmations and set your plans in detailed motion.  There are over 100 inspiring pages of this and so much more.  I'm so excited for whoever wins this - happy soul-searching!

Lots of Love,

TO ENTER:
follow Manic Mrs. Stones blog

EXTRA ENTRIES:
like her on facebook
follow her on twitter