five favourites on a tuesday: for japan

As you guys know, I've mentioned the need to do something to help people in need in times like this. The more I listen to the news, the more troubled I feel about my inability to help in a big way. So, I've decided to make sure that I'm helping in a small way.

For the rest of March 30% of Sadie sales will be donated to the Red Cross to assist with relief in Japan. Although I try to keep things light on my blog, I find it impossible to not talk about something of this scale, so I'm also providing a little round-up of beautiful things from other independent sellers who are doing something similar. I hope you find something among these objects that you like and that you'll help the handmade community with its collective effort to contribute to the relief effort underway in Japan. Thanks for taking the time to read this post!

Japanese sulfur spa soap by Morning Calm

spring memory by Abby Trys Again

handsome buck cross stitch kit by LoveForJapan

dainty bow by amarilo

chevron forest pendant by OhMyAmpersand

a day in the life...

Dear readers, welcome to the first post in the series I've been talking about these past couple of weeks! I'm so excited to get it started and can't believe how quickly the middle of March has arrived. The first post in this series is a day in my own life, and I offer it up as a glimpse into my busy school world, which I am in the process of wrapping up. After nearly three years in the Master of Landscape Architecture program I am very close to finishing. Here's an average day in my life these past months. 

It always begins with Lola. Look at that face, how could I resist taking her on a walk? Then coffee, then this view down towards the ocean on my way to the bus. Probably my favourite part of my journey to school is walking past this amazing blue whale skeleton at the Beatty Biodiversity Museum at UBC. 

My school days are sometimes also work days, because I'm a teaching assistant in a first year design studio, too. I'll often spend the morning drawing and designing (I'm re-designing a suburban neighbourhood to be pedestrian and child-friendly), rush somewhere, five or ten minutes late no doubt, (as was the case on this particular day when I didn't realize the class I had to get to was actually in a different building that day) and then I'll return to my computer and work later in the afternoon. Pretty boring, really, but that's what I do. 

When I come home it is inevitably dark already, one of the problems with Northern winters and long work and school days. Sometimes I stop at the store on the way home to buy Jeff and myself treats or swing by the post office to send Sadie packages off, but mostly I just get home as quickly as I can to devour dinner and spend some quality time with the couch. I usually read every night, too, in my quest to make it through fifty books a year and tackle everything I want to read. I've been really slow on this goal this year, and I'm sure you can imagine some of the reasons why. I did just start this Joan Didion book though, at the recommendation of my good friend Camilla, and I'm loving it so far. Anything that channels California in the '60s is good with me.

So, that's it friends, my day. I promise to post a much more eventful day as part of this series later on. Next week Danielle from the wonderful Dinosaur Toes will be sharing a day in her life with us all. I can't wait! 

generosity

I got something wonderful in the mail last week and I wanted to share it with you all. My friend Micaela, who I've met through the blog world, sent me a beautiful handmade postcard that I will most certainly be putting up above my desk. It was so thoughtful of her to write to me and send me well wishes for my final weeks of school. Isn't this postcard so adorable?

Speaking of generosity, in light of the recent earthquake in Japan I just wanted to take a few seconds to encourage everyone to consider supporting the relief efforts of organizations like MSF and the Red Cross. I know sometimes it's hard to donate when you don't get to be involved in the results of your contribution directly, but giving is good for everyone. In fact, it's been proven. Have a great weekend, everyone!

five friday favourites

rocky top soap shop

the world traveler by happymine

vintage matroyshka kittens by ethanollie

I wanted to start by sharing a few of my recent Etsy favourites with you. First of all, I ordered some soap from the Rocky Top Soap Shop and I love it! Quick shipping, lovely packaging and beautiful soap. I ordered the activated charcoal soap and a sample of cucumber yogurt. (Yes, Jacqui! I found the charcoal soap I was looking for and I've got one for you, too!) I think next time I think I might try the tea soaps. Do you order handmade beauty products from Etsy? Which shops are your favourite?

Next, my friend Jasmine just opened her own Etsy shop, happymine. Check out her fun illustrations and show her some love! There's nothing like a good adorable animal-themed card to make someone's day.

And then (I always seem to find the cat-themed objects) aren't these nesting dolls kind of amazing?

I recently ordered a necklace from one of my favourite shops ever, Dinosaur Toes. Kind of a thesis-motivation present for myself. This chalcedony bullet necklace was tough to resist...next time! I'm super excited for the piece I picked to arrive. I have a great pair of earrings that Danielle made and got my sister a bullet and amethyst necklace for Christmas last year. My favourite thing about Dinosaur Toes bullet necklaces is that Danielle gets the shell casings from her own target practice. Definitely check out her shop and blog!

chalcedony bullet necklace by dinosaur toes

Shall we end with a video to start the weekend off a little early? I think so:

Chad's from Calgary, my adopted hometown. He makes all the music and draws the animations. Awesome. Happy weekend, everyone! News: I'm updating the Sadie shop on Saturday and a day in the life starts on Monday!

meet the new gilded cave explorers

I just wanted to share a little something that I've been working on for the Sadie shop: the gilded cave explorers. I've just discovered these new agate geodes which are fabulously light and still encrusted with beautiful crystals of all sizes and shapes. These three new gilded cave explorers have been treated to a ring of gold or silver, and nestled within you'll find animals and variety of cave exploring humans. I hope you like them. They'll be in the Sadie shop this coming Saturday!