New Moon - New Hair >>>

The past 48 hours Ive been swimming in hair dye.  And Im honestly not quite sure I want to cry, or find that I love it...  I feel like Im 15 again.  I havent had red hair in so long.  Ive been almost every shade of red possible in my teens years... which is probably why it makes me feel young.  It all started when I got the bright idea that I was going to dye my hair dark brown, faded to red, faded to blonde.  So all day yesterday I mastered the brown and the blonde, which was sooooo beautiful, and Im so sad I didnt take any pics of it.  It was super light blonde against this beautiful dark brown.  Then today, I decided to add the red, and quickly I began to realize that my ombre daydream was not going to be a reality, and that I needed to dye all of the blonde red.  The first take was a disaster and came out soft strawberry blonde pink.  So, after I got my new moon hair cut today, I went for it again with a richer shade of red...  And here we are.  Still not sure if I love it or hate it.  I kind of think I hate it, but by tomorrow, I may love it.  But right now I sure am missing my blonde, and Im realizing there is no turning back for a little while at least.  I dont want to ruin my hair after growing it for so long.  Ahhh... the adventures in hair dye.  Luckily, it is just hair.

Happy new moon everyone!  I hope you enjoyed my guest post earlier from Marissa.  Very inspiring!  And, tomorrow Ill be back with yet another awesome giveaway.  This month is full of them!

New Moon Guest Post by Moondaughter >>>

Hello dear souls! I am Marissa over at Moondaughter, and the lovely Laura has asked me to talk about the New Moon today! I am so honored to be here!

Today is the actual New Moon, so happy New Moon to everyone!

(image found here)

Before I started following the moon, I used to think the new moon was at the end of the Lunar cycle (since you couldn't really see it anymore, it marks the end, or so I thought).  It is actually the beginning.  This totally shifted my perspective of this phase, and made more sense to me!  The new moon is a rebirth; a reawakening of the lunar energy.  So do take note of how you feel during this week.  The energy shift can be jarring to some people, inspirational to others, even stagnant to some; everyone is unique and different, so ask yourself how it affects you!  I personally, get antsy!  I want to do everything all at once, so I know I need to slow down during this phase and make a to-do list!

Dana Gerhardt's Mooncircles is a wonderful resource all about Luna!! Dana encourages her readers to embrace the moon energies in an ordinary way, and I totally agree! If you make following the moon apart of your day-to-day life, it becomes uniquely yours and special. Just beautiful!

Here are some simple ways to embrace the New Moon energy each month:

• Make a to-do list for the next month of everything you want to accomplish, big or small. Make it pretty and fun!

• Start a new book!

• Create something. Birthing a new project, or creating a new work of art will feel so rewarding to your soul. (And a lot of ventures that take place during the new moon come to fruition!)

• Dana goes on a "walkabout" every new moon week. Walk or drive somewhere with no destination in mind, just embracing the spontaneity and adventure of the new moon! So awesome! I will have to try it sometime!

• Replace your loofa or body sponge in the shower and start the new lunar month fresh!

• In yoga, just as there is a Sun Salutation, there is also a Moon Salutation. Moon Salutations are a little more restorative and gentle. This is great for the New and Full Moon. There are many variations so try them all out!

• Keep a Moon Journal. Each week write about your energy, emotions, spirit, and take note of the moon phase. If you are consistent enough, you will notice a pattern connected to the moon, and you will know yourself a little bit better in the process :)

I really hope these simple ideas can help you on your unique journeys!  As you follow your own moon journey, you can create your own and make them more personal to you!  On my website I offer a Moon phase poster, go here to download it!

Thank you so much Laura for sharing your space with me. And thank you so much for reading!

Love and Blessings,

Marissa Moondaughter

Lost Boys & Lovers Giveaway - Fringe Bag + Feather Earrings >>>

Today I am beyond thrilled to share this giveaway to my lovely readers.  It comes to you from the beautiful Sadie Rose of Lost Boys & Lovers.  Ive been a long time fan of her work, and her lovely vintage shop.  I have one of her upcycled fringe leather bags and let me just say, its soooo rad.  You can see mine here.  Im also thrilled to say that Sadie will be one of the artist in the upcoming Bohemian Collective lookbook for fall!  So, lets get to it... In the words of Sadie:

"i like to believe that everything has a story (or maybe it is that i am drawn mostly to the things that do have stories) and my personal perception of beauty is my north star. Lost Boys + Lovers is a shop offering a heartfelt collection of both classic and bohemian vintage from all eras, as well as an array of handmade treasures that spring from the source. each piece i sell is thoughtfully hand-crafted or hand-chosen; they are relics of what has been, sent forth into what will become. this is part of their story. my vintage is selected by love and the law of attraction (isn't everything?) and my handmade pieces currently are created as the inspiration comes; i usually find inspiration in reworking materials that have already lived a previous life. i am a california girl by birth and blood, and currently live in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. my days are filled with golden grasses and heartbreaking sunsets and it is here, i think, where the heart of summer sleeps."  ~Sadie Rose

This is a reconstructed fringed and feathered purse with pyramid studs on one side of the strap. the strap also has a silver buckle and can adjust shorter. the fringe is super soft tri-color lambskin fringe. on the front flap of the purse is attached a sterling silver and chalcedony oval pendant. a lot going on in this one bag, but it is a bohemian beauty! all materials are reclaimed and the fringe is from factory remnants. 

<<< TO ENTER>>>

follow Lost Boys & Lovers via facebook

tell me where you would love to wear these beauties to

<<< EXTRA ENTRIES >>>

 follow Sadie Rose's blog

share this giveaway on twitter + facebook + your blog

Threads - Beating The Blues >>>

This girl has not been out of her pj's in a week.  And most days, she didnt even brush her teeth until the afternoon.  Yep.  That was me this week.  Finally today, I decided to come out of my cocoon.  Were just going over to some friend's house, but I felt like putting on some makeup and jewelry and my lovely new Blowfish sandals, and breaking out my camera.  Ive come to realize, that although outfit posts are really just silly ol' things, that sometimes, they really can make a girl feel better.  Sometimes dressing up and feeling your self worth in front of the camera, is good for your soul.  And I definitely feel that the clothes we wrap around our bodies each day have an affect on us, as dumb as that may seem.  It is yet another way of self expression, an artform if you will.  Just another extension of saying how we feel about ourselves.  And when we feel good about ourselves, we tend to do better, feel better, and in turn, treat people better, not to mention treat ourselves better.  I can say, that just by getting myself dressed today, I already feel better.  This can be one of the downfalls of working at home.  You can go days without caring if you are so inclined.  And after a long period, it starts to wear on you everytime you look in the mirror.  So, here is my little pick me up.  To remind myself after a week of feeling really blah, that Im not. 

 <<< outfit details >>>

feather earring // sea of wild

bracelets // moorea seal + spiral drift + flourish leather

tee // F21

shorts // gifted

sandals // blowfish shoes

 Today is the LAST day to enter the blowfish giveaway.  Ill announce the winner tomorrow, along with an amazing giveaway from Lost Boys and Lovers.  You wont want to miss it!!!

Gypsy Moth Sol >>>

Hello Sunday.  I was quiet over here yesterday b/c I was working on lots of blog html.  You know the stuff that makes your eyes cross and feel like your going batty, but in the end you realize it was all worth it b/c of the prettyness in front of your eyes?  Yep, that stuff.  As a gift, I designed this blog above for my friend Katelyn.  She is going through a beautiful life metamorphosis right now and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for her to start over, and feel excited about her blogging experience, so she can record this process of her journey with an open heart.  I know how a stiffling blog can hinder you from that.  It was so fun b/c I know her so well, I was able to just flow with the design.  Even though there are not many posts yet, I recommend following her.  I know she will be blogging about so many awesome things.  And for her post last night, she is giving away a henna drawing she did during her blessingway with her most recent birth.  Its beautiful.  Go visit Gypsy Moth Sol!!!

Speaking of blog design, I also spent the better part of yesterday transferring my own blog over to a whole new template.  Just for a few reasons.  Now, my side bars go all the way down to the bottom, yay!  That has been bugging me since I first started my blog!  And, now I can have threaded comments, so I can actually respond to you guys individually when you have questions and such.  I know I wasnt good at responding the way it was, so this should help!  But do know, I read every single comment and take each one to heart with all the love you send.  I do.  Oh, and one more fun thing, my little teepees that I made for my 'shops' page, are now also at the very bottom of the blog.  They are just so cute I cant stand it!

FYI - I dont do blog design, sorry.  I do my own, and I did this for a friend as a gift.  I honestly feel like I dont really know enough to do real blog design, AND most importantly, I dont have the time.  But I know lots of rad folks who do that I can point you to if you are in need of some blog love.

Pieces of Home >>>

1. tattered flowerchild wall hanging

2. tomatoes from my garden

3. my patchwork gypsy flag

4. james playing guitar

5. alyssum flowers

6. flycatcher (i think)

7. studio curtains

8. flowers from my bestie

9. the road home

10. bella

I think I say this everytime, but these Pieces of Home series that I post are my favorites.  All of these images of things around me, all feel like extensions of myself.  Home, pieces of my heart.  Things that make me smile, or tick.  All of these images are from the past few weeks.  Sadly, my vegetable garden is starting to come to an end.  I think the heat just really got to everything again this year, despite this amazing rain we have been getting the past few days.  My porch plants and non veggie things are doing great!  And my cherry tomatoes are still producing some... But my squash and zuchinni never took off, and I only got two bell peppers.  With my large tomatoes, its been a battle with the squirrels of who gets it first once they are ripe enough to pick.  Little rascals.  I do enjoy the process of learning though when it comes to gardening.  I daydream of having a backyard just full to the brim with flowers and vegetables...  

Balance >>>

*These beautiful clay art pieces above were made by Haydn Larson.  He used to be at several art fairs my parents did when I was growing up, and they became friends.  I now have several of his pieces that belonged to my parents.  These two are my favorites.  One day I would love to be the proud owner of his buddha statue.  He is a fine artist.*

Im in a period right now of being very off balance.  But its a journey I know I need to take, to find greater balance than I had before.  For several months now, I have sort of pushed aside going within, to any great depths.  Ive been fearful, to be honest, to do so.  It's been one year now since I lost my dad, to suicide, and 4 1/2 years since I lost my mom, to cancer.  There are days it still seems very surreal... like one day Im still going to wake up and see them.  But the more time goes on, the more the reality of that sets in.  Before I lost my dad, I felt like I was at a good place in my heart with losing my mom... but this event brought it all back in a new way.  And now we are going through the process of getting closer and closer to selling their home, the home I grew up in, and it feels like Im losing them all over again.

Im also beginning to dig deeper into all of the emotional effects it has really brought on me, among other things that have happened in these past 5 years.  I have alot of built up fears and anxieties that have come into my life during this time.  Ive acknowledged them for a long time now, and thus far Ive been really good at acknowledging them and then ignoring them by delving into my business, or other things.  This time, Im allowing myself to actually begin to work through them, with the help of lots of loving individuals who have come into my life.  Im realizing its not something I can go at alone.  Im a good runner (metaphorically, I suck at running in real life!)...

We are about to step into another mercury retrograde, so I have a feeling my going within is about to get really deep.  And I need to be okay with that.  I think I fight healing sometimes, b/c it hurts.  It hurts to think about these things, and to really see yourself.  And b/c real change takes time.  Sometimes lots of time.

Im also learning to be okay with my own disappointments.  I was so excited to begin my 30 day challenge, and my first 365 photo challenge this month, and I have failed miserably with them both.  And that is okay.  It might disappoint some, but Im realizing I cant do it all.  Facing these inner parts of myself can be draining, and there are some days where all I can do is get together the few orders I might have.  So, Ill just pick back up my goals as I can, one day at a time.  

I can only hope that this dark place underground, where my brown roots are all twisted up, is only a humble dwelling for what is to grow, and push up out of this ground once all the right nurturing is in place.  This is where life begins.

Summer Of Love Giveaway Winner >>>

To see if you were the winner of the Summer Of Love journaling class giveaway, visit here.