THREADS // A MOMENT TO PLAY

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outfit details: socks + dress + tunic - free people // kimono - threadsence // boots - blowfish shoes // hat - lovely bird hats // body chain - duke of jahan

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A few weeks ago I was having a rough day.  I can't remember why now, but that is not important.  I found myself up in the clouds of my head and not able to ground myself into anything I wanted to accomplish.  So instead of beating my head into the ground, or walking myself into circles around my house a million times, I decided to play dress up and have fun with photos.  Instead of using my real camera, I played with my phone camera, which is a little harder to operate for me without being able to fully control the lighting.  It was on a whim, and just for the hell of it.  I stayed dressed up around my house that day too, and even though I wasn't going to see a soul except my husband that day, it was just for me.  And it felt good.

Sometimes it feels good to play.  Whether its feeling the girl in you and playing dress up in pretty clothes.  Or prancing around yourself house in your skivvies.  Or anything your heart would call play.  Even if its just for 10 minutes.  If I find myself feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, stuck, unmotivated, whatever the feeling may be that is causing me to feel off, finding a way to play helps me.  When I am with my camera, I lose myself in the moment while I'm doing it.  I'm not worried about emails, or to do lists, or dirty floors.  All those things pause for the time being.  I usually return to my task at hand feeling refreshed, from being outdoors, from tapping into my creativity, from allowing myself to feel good in my skin, and from taking moments away from work. 

All you need is your backyard, your phone, and the freedom within you to be yourself.

AENON'S NATURAL INDIE FACIAL CLEANSERS

Over the past few years I have been on the hunt for the perfect facial routine.  One that is all natural, doesn't dry my face out, and actually makes me feel cleansed.  I have tried so many, and have been left disappointed so many times.  Last year I began using facial oil from my friend Nicole at Pure Soul Holistics, and I fell in love.  So when I was introduced to Aenon's cleansing series I was immediately interested b/c it also uses oils as its base. 

All of the herbs & essential oils used in this series are among my favorite smells... Calendula, Lavender, Hibiscus... Yes!  The cleanser smells so good and leaves your face feeling so soft.  The first time I used it I was worried that it was an oily feeling, but after a few uses, and after towel drying I realized it was just that it made my face feel so soft, and kept all the natural oils in instead of stripping them away like I'm used to with most face washes.  This Aloe + Calendula cleanser is soap-free!  Ive been using it everyday for a few weeks now, and I'm officially hooked.

Lavender is probably one of my favorite smells on the planet.  I put Lavender essential oil on my pillow every night before I drift off to sleep.  It is so soothing to me.  I think it reminds me of my mother.  So needless to say, I'm in love with the Lavender facial toner.  I love the way it feels to spritz something cool on my face, especially after a hot shower, which is where I normally wash my face.  It smells so good, and dries within a minute before you apply the oil.  They have more than one finishing oil.  I am using the Lotus + Hibiscus oil.  It only takes 2-3 small drops on your fingertips to spread on your entire face.  It absorbs quickly leaving your skin feeling smooth & soft.  It does not leave your face oily, even after applying makeup. 

I'm hooked.  I have a few other handmade natural products I have found recently that I like to use once a week or twice a month that I will share soon.  I'd love to know what natural products you love using on your skin.  It has taken me years and years to find things that work with my skin, that I love the smell of, and that actually feel like they work. 

Oh, and one of my favorite things about the AEnon's products is that the labels are waterproof.  One thing I hate to is to get a beautiful product and have the label bleed the first time I touch it with wet hands. 

THREADS // LONGHORN + ARMADILLO

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outfit details:  tshirt - wolfchild tees // jeans - thrifted // booties - koolaburra // hat - pylo // belt + buckle - all american buckles // silver bracelets - shop sparrow // necklace - the nomad truck // turquoise rectangle ring - sarah lewis // flower ring - gypsy warrior // turquoise cuff - rossio roos

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First of all, I just can't say enough good things about Wolfchild Tees.  Sabrina, the designer, hand draws all the beautiful imagery on her clothing, and also designs each garment style to be produced herself too, meaning she is behind the entire process, from fabric choices, to cuts, to graphic designs.  And she has seriously picked out the most comfiest materials out there, and designed cozy, flattering cuts.  I love most of my tshirts to be a bit baggy, and she nailed it.

One of my favorite parts of this outfit is the Diller belt buckle.  I was so excited when I found it b/c it is almost identical to the armadillo buckle my dad wore on his wedding day.  I always thought it was the cutest accessory in his wedding photos, so I am thrilled to have my own!  I didn't have any belts that had snaps for interchangeable buckles, so I was relieved to find out that All American Buckles also has belts!  I will for sure be getting some more over time to swap out.

Did you notice some of my deer friends hanging out with me in the background?  He he.  I just love them.  We had freezing temperatures yesterday and they still showed up to get some chow.  They were probably so relieved since the grass was all frozen.  They pretty much feel like family.  I wish so bad I could invite them into our home!  ha ha.  If they would come in, I'd totally let them!

MY HEART BELONGS IN THE WOODS

I took these photos about 10 minutes after returning from staying the night at my Nanna's for her birthday.  It was such a joy to get to spend the night with her, celebrating her and being with her, and my other family.  I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

Anytime we visit the city, whether its to see family or to go grocery shopping, I feel a sigh of relief in my body when I return home.  (Not at all from leaving the people that I love, but from the bustling of the city).  The traffic to get from here to there, the busyness of it all, the almost getting in an accident almost everytime your on the highway... By the time I get from point A to point B, my nerves are shot.  I literally feel wound up inside.  I'm not sure why I am so sensitive to it.  I'm sure most people are not like that.  Although James is too, and we are kind of like opposites. 

The first thing I did when I got home, was brew a pot of coffee, and take a walk outside on my very small piece of land that I live on.  We have a tiny little strip of trees next to our house that we get to call our own.  Luckily no houses are on the two lots next to us, so I get to pretend they are mine too, as long as no one is looking ;) 

I daydream of the day we have a home with at least 5 acres.  James and I both grew up in homes in the country with acres of land to roam around in.  I had 22 acres of wild growing woods, and James had several acres of creek bed, cliffs and woods.  We both yearn for that kind of space in our home.  This past year I have done a good share of daydreaming of our 'dream home'.  So far, all the ones Ive fallen in love with have sold.  But I am reminding myself that when we are ready to make the jump into that home, it will become available for us.  Its just waiting for us to be ready, b/c right now we are not.  This year, we are both determined to work hard, be very wise with our spending and saving, make good choices financially, and work step by step towards that dream of ours.  It won't magically happen.  Although, it will take some magic!  A good combo of Magic + Hard Work.  I have faith in both.  Working with spirit, and allowing spirit to work with you. 

For now I will fully enjoy and embrace our little piece of land, while still allowing myself to daydream for the future.