13 Things for the Plant Lover

I'm pushing myself to get back to blogging and am going old-school with a schedule, including this new series of posts I'm calling "13 Things Thursday." I'm going to make lists each week that will include everything from mindfulness ideas to finds on the web to resources to things in my curvy girl closet (yes! I'm bringing it back!) to favorite things and so on. 

Today, I'm diving in with 13 Things for the Plant Lover because I have become quite the plant lady over here. Plant-y things are pretty on trend these days, and here are a few fun things I've spotted.

1. This Adopt a Plant t-shirt is so cute! It's by MagnoliaRootsCo and comes in a variety of sizes. (Also partial to this succulent t-shirt and this Let It Grow t-shirt that makes me start singing a plant version of Elsa's song.)

3. Bring on all the monstera leaves! I really want one of these plants in my home soon. Until then, this mug is on my wish list. We have the mama and papa bear mugs from Nokk Valley and I use mine daily. Hoping for this one for my birthday.

5. I love the DIY terrarium kits that are popular right now. They make great gifts and a fun activity with kids. This one is from Bliss Gardens Boutique on Etsy. Most terrariums like these have succulents and/or air plants as their main focus. I have one my brother made me when Ellie was born.  

7. Love this look from Target. The planters are on my wish list. I love the idea of having them out on my back patio in the summer and inside in our rainy seasons. 

9. This eeBoo 1008-piece puzzle is where the cat lady and plant lady come together. Eleanor and I love puzzles, and this on was by far our favorite of 2016. We have several eeBoo puzzles (and other good things) and I highly recommend this awesome company.

11. Eleanor and I LOVE this cactus umbrella. It is THE perfect size to actually keep you dry and it easily fits two people. We found ours at one of our local favorite stores, Stocklist Goods. You can find it online at Nordstrom.

2. Kangaroo pocket + wide neck + comfy sweatshirt + cacti. Yep. Sign me up. Love the not so needy cactus sweatshirt from Nicola and the Newfoundlander. Their whole shop is pretty darn cute.

4. I'm a bit obsessed with thinking about putting this heart-shaped monstera patch on my new favorite denim jacket (that I have yet to find - the search is underway!). There really are so many awesome patches over on Etsy. I've begun a collection and when I finally find that jacket, it will be rad. 

6. Last summer I met Sam of Hemleva at a craft show in Seattle and fell in love with her "plant lady is the new cat lady" pin. She's expanded to all these pins and they are adorbs. Also, she makes gorgeous himmeli, which are air plant holders that are really like artwork for your home. 

8. That adorable Target pillow to the left is out of stock, but you can get this one from Society6 in several sizes and in indoor and outdoor varieties (imagine all the incredible outdoor pillows!).  

10. If you are looking to decorate with plants in your home, The New Bohemians by Justina Blakeney is full of ideas to help you add green goodness to every single room in your home. It has been a huge inspiration to me as is her blog. 

12. This cactus phone case from Sonix is pretty darn cute. Love the flowers and the stars. I have one similar to this one with peonies, and it's been awesome, protecting my phone after many a fall.

13. This cactus necklace from Splendor and Stone on Etsy might just be my favorite item on this list. Gretchen is a local Tacoma artist who I've had the pleasure of meeting. She creates so many fun pieces that you can wear every day or for special occasions. Head over to her shop and explore! (If you've seen the reveal for this month's Talisman of the Month Club box, you know why I have my eye on this one.)

I hope you've enjoyed this first post in my new Thursday series! Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the businesses and makers mentioned.

Check out more of my favorite things posts here.

current favorites {may}

Over here, May is all about being in the midst of moving and choosing paint colors and kitchen cabinets and getting the last of all the things from the old house into the new and putting that house on the market. It's a beautiful and messy time. (And I'm sharing peeks at the new house over on IG using #thehouseofmagicalbluesky.)

As lots of stories are stacking up, waiting to be shared, I thought I'd make a list today of my current favorite things. These are the things that are keeping me going over here - from helping me stay organized to inviting in some deep breaths.

The "hello" welcome mat from Target makes me smile every time I see it at the front door. It's possible this house is going to have just about every shade of blue in it.

I'm rereading the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. I. Love. These. Books. She's an incredible, thoughtful writer who happens to write detective stories. They aren't gory mysteries. They're beautiful stories about what it's like to be human - the setting just happens to be a small town in Canada where murders seem to happen. Highly recommend them.

After visiting Lori Portka last month and drinking her delicious coffee, I bought a milk frother. (It's possible I can't stop myself from sharing photos of foam and froth on IG. It's crazy how happy it makes me.)

I'm using my Trust Yourself perfume oil from Anna Wingfield daily. Always. It is my favorite scent to wear (photo from Anna's shop).

I've been eying the "OK" vase from the Oh Joy collection for a while now and finally bought it. Those of you on my newsletter list know that our golden Millie died the day before we got the keys to our new home. These letters are helping me just remember that all is okay, even when it feels upside down, like it has without her.

My favorite go-to inspiration deck from Kris Carr with illustrations by my friend Lori Portka. I'm choosing one every day. Lori's illustrations are like balm for my heart.

Love using Staedtler pens in my planner and my journals. Whenever I share them on social media, someone asks about them. They are awesome for coloring too! And because I (mostly) keep them in their case, I can usually find them amidst the chaos.

My Get To Work Book is helping me hold it all together. From ideas for articles I'm writing to paint colors to notes for future ecourses to just noting the days I do my practice - I'm finally getting into a groove with using a planner. I'm so glad I didn't give up. I'm a person who holds my to-do list in my head, which really is never the way to go. And it's taken me months to finally use it (almost) regularly. The new school year planner is out and I'm loving the black covers! (In the next few weeks, I'll share a post about how I'm using the GTWB and what I love about it.

The beanbag pouf from Pier1 (shown above) is my new favorite chair. It's possible my mom bought one for Ellie's new room and then when it was our only chair in the new house, I couldn't stop myself from buying one for me. It's my current go-to perch for working.

And pictured in the photo at the top, my vintage suitcases are acting as tables and desks right now in my studio. I've found several at flea markets and antique stores, but Etsy has some awesome options too.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the businesses and makers mentioned.

To check out other posts where I share my favorites including the "I heart makers" series, click here.

adventure is out there {i heart makers}

to be brave print

Another edition of {i heart makers} for you today! As the days warm up here in the Pacific Northwest, I can't help but start dreaming about little adventures to take with my family. While looking for a collection of goodies to celebrate getting outside, I was struck by how many awesome handmade designs there are the directly celebrate the adventures we experience in our lives. So I focused on that word and discovered all these goodies.

One thing I love about almost all of these is that they'd also make really thoughtful gifts for grads, new parents, and some would even be sweet wedding gifts.

First, the print at the top of this post is from Mae Chevrette, and I love how it celebrates the way we have that deep desire to connect with our bravery and make our way in the world. From big decisions, like moving across the country after college or starting a new business, to smaller ones that feel big ones, like simply moving into a new house, we all know this feeling. 

The Adventure Moleskine from The Wild Creatives would be a sweet way to keep track of the adventures you want to take and what you find when you get out in the world.

I'm also a little obsessed with their Breathe Adventure Drink Coffee mug. 

The Adventure Awaits globe from Everthine Designs is simply gorgeous. Hand lettering makes me happy and I'm pretty excited that this is a trend that is sticking around. You can customize a globe with your own wording too, which is so much fun!

The "adventure is a family value" sweatshirt from elSage designs delights me. I had the chance to connect with these makers at Urban Craft Uprising and this couple is the real deal. Awesome customer service and just a very sweet, genuine vibe to them.

This "Blessed are the curious" watercolor print from Winsome Easel is breathtaking. 

And while curating over on Pinterest, I've seen quite a few prints and other good things that celebrate this idea that "you are our greatest adventure" but I think this one, also from Winsome Easel, might be my favorite. A gorgeous gift for new parents.

You can never have too many bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, and these Adventure Awaits pencils from Earmark Social Goods make me smile.

Here are two products that celebrate the adventure captured in the movie Up (which is one of my favorites ever...that first 10 minutes or so...hashtag I can't even). First, this sweet print from Wanderlust25 Paper Co.

And then this handmade "Our Adventure Book" journal by Akeidah is the sweetest!

The "life was meant for good friends and grand adventures" t-shirt by ShopAugustInk takes me back to the summer in college that I spent in Jackson, WY with dear friends from the boarding school I went to. Wish we'd had these for the iconic photo we took by the Welcome to Wyoming sign we stopped at during our cross-country drive. Also love their not all who wander are lost tee.

An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the makers mentioned.

To check out other posts in this ongoing series where I celebrate makers and the good things they create and design, head over here.

makers gonna make {i heart makers}

downloadable print from Inspire Empire

When you're a maker, sometimes you need a little bit of encouragement to keep going. You need to be reminded that all the hours are worth it. That you can learn new things. That people really are going to love (and hopefully even buy) that thing that you're creating that is really an extension of your heart. And I love that makers realize that they can create things that become a pep talk for other makers. 

Here are a few of these "pep talks" that have caught my eye lately:

This print from Bubby and Bean just makes me happy. I want to put it right above my desk in my studio.

This maker life tee from Small Glow delights me. So sweet. Also love the long-sleeve version + this mug + this shopkeeper tee. Yep. Love this whole shop.

Love this reminder from Signs with Soul for those moments of doubt.

These pencils from Harvest Paper Co. make me smile. Pink! 

This journal is hand lettered by Sarah Cason Designs with one of my favorite quotes that reminds you to stop waiting for it all to align and just get started right where you are. 

This wall hanging would make me sing my own version of "Shake It Off" every time I see it. And the best part? There's also a listing for a pattern so you can make your own.

I turn to this Ira Glass quote again and again (print from Pink Milkshake Designs). It is a really good one to have on your wall.

And this notepad from The Hipster Housewife is perfect for your daily to-do list or, my favorite, your "what I did today" list.

Also love this mug and this necklace and this sweatshirt.

An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the makers mentioned.

To check out other posts in this ongoing series where I celebrate makers and the good things they create and design, head over here.

because coffee makes me happy {i heart makers}

This print from LetterSpeak says it all really, yes?

I'm having a bit of a love affair with coffee these days. About a year ago, we had to break up because we simply did not get along. Then I was able to switch over to cold brew, which I still love and drink most mornings. It's lower in acidity, which is a very good thing for my body. After my long break from regularly brewed hot coffee, we seem to be getting back together. Thank goodness. So I thought I'd do an I Heart Makers post that simply celebrates coffee.

I think "but first coffee" started out as a hashtag on Instagram. (This is something I need to Google.) Wherever it began, it makes me happy every time I see it. This t-shirt from MoodCatz delights me. I love the neckline and the bat sleeves. Also love this mug and this print.

Love the colors on this print from Benton Park Prints. I want to hang it in the coffee cart in my imaginery loft meets studio meets place where I hold workshops.

This ceramic pourover cone from Jennifer Creighton is gorgeous and comes in several colors.

I've probably mentioned a few times that this print of a quote from Johnny Cash by Hey There Design is one of my all-time favorite finds.

This Madagascar vanilla cold brew coffee syrup from Dave's Coffee sounds so good.

And this mug by small glow is on my wish list because I think my coffee would be very happy inside it. (It's also possible that this brilliant Dolly Parton meets coffee print is also on my wish list.)

An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the makers mentioned.

To check out other posts in this ongoing series where I celebrate makers and the good things they make and design, head over here.

eight delightful things

Ellie and I stopped by Target during our girls' evening, and they were kind of hitting it out of the park with the on trend goodness. While driving home, it made me think about how I want to start a series here about some of the delightful finds I see when I'm out in the world or curating over on Pinterest.

Here are a few good things that have caught my eye lately.

 

I hadn't seen these Chapters Moleskines in person until today. I have a little project in mind for this one, and I'll keep you posted on how I like using it. (Oh and the meeting of Compulsive Journal Buying Club will meet at my house next week.)

Ellie could not resist this owl sweatshirt. And neither could I. The best part? The head opening is comfortable for her. Super soft and cute. (Also this unicorn shirt! And this kitty dress.)

This floral embroidery kit from Hand Made Modern came very very close to making it into my cart. But I must finish my latch hook project first. And my crochet project. Then I want to play with something like this. I'm loving handmade projects that keep me off of my phone or laptop in the evenings and this would be a great one.

And the ampersand trend continues. Am thinking I might want to wrap this one in yarn. Because why not? Ellie also really wants to get her name in these letters and "do a project Mama." I think I've created a crafter. Yep.

I'm obsessed with this hat from Old Navy. I bought the camel (aka burnt ochre) color but a couple more colors and styles are available. It is super comfortable on my not small head.

This Eileen Fisher poncho is very similar to the poncho I wear just about every day over it's cool enough over here. (It's an investment for sure. But you'll be wearing it for years.) I have a couple from Eileen Fisher, and then I have a couple my mom has made me. I'm obsessed with this asymmetrical design and how flattering it is. A whole post about ponchos is on the horizon as soon as my mom sends the new one she made me. 

Over the weekend when I was on Bainbridge Island and had a little bit of time to shop, I found the most delightful journals. Love this one.

And I found a unicorn 7 year pen! (Of course I did. It makes me so happy. There's even a rainbow!)

Check out more items to add to your fall wardrobe over here and here are some of my favorite journals. 

Note: Some of these links are affiliate, which means I receive a small commission if you choose to buy something via these links. Thank you for supporting this space and my little business. 

because books. always books. {i heart makers}

"I like to party" print by Bookworkboutique

I've been gathering a few of my favorite book-related goodies to share with you as the next installment of the {i heart makers} series. Books have always been among my dearest friends. I've gone through times in my life where I honestly felt like authors and characters in books got me and helped me feel seen in ways I couldn't ask others to do in my life. Books take me on adventures, get me to think about life in new ways, and give me a sense of place. If you're someone who loves books like me or you need the perfect gift for a book lover in your life, here are some awesome made/designed by makers creations:

The "I read past my bedtime" pillow by Bookwormboutique makes me smile and has me nodding yes yes yes. The 10-year-old me would have loved seeing this on her bed every day (it goes without saying the 39-year-old me feels the same way). And because this is over on Society6 it comes in other designs too. (And I'm a bit obsessed with all the designs by Bookworkboutique. Like this phone case and this t-shirt and this mug.)

When I signed the contract for my book, my friend Jen gave me one of these gorgeous tiny book journal necklaces from Peg and Awl. It remains one of my favorite most thoughtful gifts of all time. (And Peg and Awl has become one of my favorite maker made businesses to support. I have several of their items in my studio and home. They probably deserve their own blog post soon.)

I've started spotting really unique book planters more and more on Pinterest. I recognize that they might be blasphemous for some book lovers because a book has to be altered but in my mind I love that books that might just be sitting on shelves unread in thrift stores are getting a new life. Over on Scoutmob, Paperdame has some awesome ones.

If you know me well, you know I'm not so much into humor that plays off of body parts. It just isn't my thing. At all. But this tote from She Sells Fairhope and other Etsy items out there with this quote make me crack up every single time I see them. I start singing and grooving and can't stop smiling. The. Best.

When I started my retreats years ago, I couldn't find book plates that I liked to put inside the books I'd be taking with me to retreats (and loaning to friends). Back in 2009, Etsy rescued me and I fell in love with the shop boygirlparty. We've been customers ever since. These whale book plates are my favorite but Susie has several others. You'll be seeing boygirlparty appear in future "I heart makers" posts. I'm a fan.

Love this "Reading is my super power" mug from LennyMud. There are other styles too.

And the Bookworm phone case from Cassia Beck makes me smile. I want to step into that photo and read all those books!

An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link.

in case you need some encouragement {i heart makers}

Love this quote print from Parada Creations

One of my favorite things to pin is quotes (and products with words) because they are like little whispered truths (or loud reminders when needed) that invite us to think about the ways we really want to live. At least once a month, my {i heart makers} series is going to feature items with quotes and words that I hope will shake things up a bit for you and invite you to pay attention or, like this week, remind you that you're not alone.

A few people in my life are going through "stuff" in the way that happens from time to time. Maybe you have some people in your world having a hard time too or maybe that person is you. Here's a handful of my current favorite items that are handmade or designed by makers that fall in the "words of encouragement" category.

This "you are loved" mug from pinkoliveinc has been a favorite of mine for years. So sweet. And would make a beautiful gift.

Love this reminder that "you are part of something beautiful." Such an awesome t-shirt from Perusha People.

Because sometimes we just need to be reminded to keep believing (and to sing Journey). Love this print from Virginia Kraljevic

The Instant Comfort Pocket Boxes by Kim Welling are one of my favorite things on Etsy. Simple. Delightful. Heartfelt. Yes.

I don't think we can hear "you are enough" too often in our lives. When I first started hammering versions of "i am enough" and "you are enough" into lockets years ago, there was just one other shop using that phrase on Etsy. Now you can find these words on so many products, and I think that is so awesome. These two caught my eye this week.

Love the happy colors in this print by pen and paint (and you can choose a colorful version when you order).

And this mug from LilyAndVal is really lovely. 

And finally, this print from Read Between the Lines just makes me happy. I can just imagine seeing it every day in my home knowing that someone in the world feels that way about me. Would be pretty awesome.

An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.

Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link.