DIY & Sustainable Lifestyles

Nowadays, consumers are becoming more and more aware of what goes into the products they consume. With this knowledge there are many who refuse to be a part of a system that endorses sweatshops, child labor, chemical additives, GMOs, out-of-control pollution, etc. Knowledge is power and in the days of instant information just Google that chemical listed as an ingredient in the cereal you like or look up the production for that brand of clothes that's so hip right now.

Besides just the ethical comforts, there is a charm in going back to the way our grandparents and great grandparents used to consume. It seems like the world was completely different back then. There wasn't "fast food" and there were no more than a handful of multinational corporations.

Though it's also key to remember that shifting over to a more sustainable lifestyle won't necessarily save you money. That said, you will get more value from your money, both for yourself, your family and for the planet.

There are a few simple steps you can take to ease into a more sustainable lifestyle:

1. If you can't make it/fix it it yourself, support a locally run business that can, rather than a multinational chain.

2. Learn to pull yourself away from the TV/computer and get outside. It's easy to forget about the importance of the environment's health on the drive from home to work/school in the morning. It's  especially important for us city mice to see what trees, birds and fresh water actually are. Otherwise these things just seem like images from travel websites or nice desktop backgrounds. Take a day trip and hike around in a nature reserve. Breath in the fresh air and just appreciate nature!

3. Make your own health a priority. Once you start doing a little research, you'll find that there are basic habits that most of us have that are ultimately unhealthy - and we're including mental health here as well, because mind and body have to work together. I mean, how many times have you come down with a cold when you're under a lot of stress? The key is to understand what stands behind the strange words that make up the ingredient list of all of the foods that we eat, more or less processed. The movie Food Inc. is a great place to start.

4. Exercise! Jog, run, do yoga, lift weights, pilates, anything Just keep your body active. We are creatures that are meant originally to hunt for our food, not just push buttons and sit comfortably eating it...

5. Step out of your comfort-zone. If you really want to make a change in your lifestyle, it means that you're not only going to have to stop certain habits, but you'll also have to try out some new things that may be uncomfortable at first - it's called building character. Don't be afraid to visit groups, places, forums, anywhere where you don't know anyone, and be willing to do it alone. Your current group of friends and family may not yet be willing to take that step with you, but that's OK. This is your opportunity to meet some new people who can help you. In fact, if you show up at a grow-op on your own, you'll be surprised at the enthusiasm from complete strangers willing to teach and help you learn!

It's often fun to fantasize about living a more sustainable lifestyle. It would be so much fun to be able to re-use, re-purpose and even fix the broken and worn out items that surround us instead of throwing out an buying new.

These are just a few possible ways to move towards this type of lifestyle. It is not something that is possible to simply switch into right away. There are no magical shortcuts, however these are some basic steps and methods that can be used to move your life in a more positive direction. 

<3
Shai & Andrea

Everyday Beauty

We do our best to try and find the beauty and mystery in everyday situations. Just take a look at the little pile of scraps we noticed on the floor the other day:

This silver tulle caught the light so prettily. It's the little things that bring moments of joy and light to our lives.

Ice Queen Cuff

We made this awesome new cuff from re-purposed vintage materials. It's got a super elegant look and just looking at it you get an icy chill...

  Available online:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/102916332/ice-queen-cuff-with-saftey-pins-in-blue

Pink Punk Patchwork Clutch

Check it out, we've got a new clutch-bag we put together!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/102623774/colorful-punk-patchwork-clutch-purse

We covered it in all kinds of pink patchwork pieces, chains, jewelry, studs and other goodies!

Wine Stain Portraits

We found these fantastic portraits created out of wine-stains

There are a whole series of them on Amelia Fais Harnas' website - www.trulyamelia.com/

We love Old Jaffa

We spent last Friday having a lovely brunch with a couple of friends of ours at this great little cafe in old Jaffa. After a great brunch we wandered around the old Jaffa flea market and found all kinds of little curiosities like this glass-preserved flower.

Only on weekends

All week we watch what we eat but on the weekends...

Image by Super Silo

Fashionable eco tote bags

We've been working on a few different styles of eco-friendly tote bags. We've customized them with all kinds of awesome goodies like studs, paint, lace, ribbon. Take a look for yourself!

  

You can see all of them in detail in our shop!

Masses and masses of lovely lace

We love this amazing lace exhibit - too bad it's too far away for us to visit. Take a look at all the beautiful pieces there are here:
http://www.emptykingdom.com/main/featured/manuel-ameztoy/

Sunlight and coffee

When we were out for lunch the other week, our desert was nearly too pretty to eat! The sunlight filtered through the trees so artistically, it was just as sweet as the desert.

Life can be so beautiful sometimes.

We made a cool new Fiber art necklace that we are very proud of. It is completely handmade and upcycled and has a romantic feathery look to it. Check it out on our site.

Alice Inspired Dress

I've always been a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so I guess it makes sense that we'd eventually create something inspired by her.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101582617/pretty-blue-ruffle-lace-dress-with

 I know it's a little abstract, but then, so's Alice in Wonderland.

<3
Andrea

8 Steps to Discovering Your Own Sense of Style

Whether it's Lady Gaga or Audrey Hepburn, we all have our fashion icons. People we look up to for their confidence, style and unbelievable ability to look fabulous no matter what. As different as they may seem, there's one thing they all have in common - their own unique sense of style.

And here most of us are, wearing the same pair of jeans to work/school everyday, without the slightest sense of inspiration. So what can you do to develop our own sense of style and bring out your inner fashionista? While it's not something that's easily developed overnight, we have a few pointers to help you cultivate your own garden of fashionable delights.

Of course, it's important to consider a few things that you won't be needing. For starters, style isn't something that can simply be bought. To be honest, if you've had trouble discovering your fashion-identity, you've probably fallen into the most common trap out there - the trend-aholic.

So with this in mind, let's take a look at some of the simple things that will help you cultivate that inner fashionista who's dying to step into the spotlight.

1. Make an analysis of your wardrobe - pull out all of your favorite pieces of clothing. Toss aside anything that's less than 6 months old. What is left are your go-to favorites. Anything that has stood the test of time and you are still happy to wear (even if it is only for that special occasion) is an item that bears in it the essence of what your own personal style is.

2. Pull out the old fashion magazines - Not the new ones with this season's hottest trends. You're looking at developing your own style, so avoiding trends is going to be important. Pull out an old Vogue or Style magazine from at least two years ago and flip through it and find the cuts, prints and colors that still excite you. Keep in mind that trends in fashion come and go and go round in never ending circles, so even though something is currently "out", it doesn't mean that it's not cool, fun or stylish and definitely does not mean that it won't make a comeback next season.

 3. Make a list - Of things that you feel are missing from your wardrobe. Separate the list to types of items, cuts, colors. Here's where this is going to get tricky. We all feel like sometimes there's this must-have item that's so hot this season and we can't live without it. Our wardrobe is just dying for it! Then 6 months later - you're stuck wondering what the heck were you thinking? So when you're making this list, be sure that the items you're adding here are really something that you've been missing for a long time. A really beautiful statement necklace, a hat for sunny days, a blazer that fits properly, etc.

4.  Clear out the junk - Anything you haven't worn for 6 months or longer needs to go. The only exception should be very seasonal items (If it's July and you haven't worn a wool coat for 6 months, we'll understand) and event-wardrobe pieces - evening dresses, tiaras, etc. Everything else must go!

5. Mix it up - Take items you haven't worn for a long time and try styling them in an unusual way. Turn your old cardigan upside-down or backwards. Pull up that maxi-skirt into a strapless dress. This is the perfect way to bring new life to some of the items that you never wear, but can't bear to part with either. Another important point to keep in mind - don't be afraid of getting creative here. No one is going to notice that dress is really a skirt; and if they do, they'll probably be in awe of your innovation!

6. Swap with friends - Always a good way to clear out something you no longer feel attached to and gain a sparkly new addition to your wardrobe. As they say "One man's trash is another man's treasure". So before you drag those old items to the Goodwill, get your friends together for a wardrobe-swap. It's a cheap way to inject some new life in your wardrobe and pair that with a few cocktails and a camera - you'll have a night to remember for years!

7. Accessorize - This is the biggest fashionista secret that there is. We all have days when you just can't be bothered to wear anything more than that black t-shirt and jeans. There's nothing wrong with that, just be sure to add a little flare. Whether it's a scarf, earrings, or FABULOUS pair of shoes, a little accessorizing will bring you from blah to BLING - effortlessly.

8. DIY - There are many awesome blogs out there that can give you short and easy to use tutorials to spice up that old faded denim jacket that you can't part with or turn that colorful scarf your Mom gave you into a purse, skirt, necklace, you name it! Here are a few of our favorites:

http://www.outsapop.com/
http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com
http://psimadethis.com/
http://www.ispydiy.com/
http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/

Developing your own sense of style is something that takes time, confidence, experimentation and most of all, patience. When you're experimenting and testing, remember that there are going to be great failures as well as spectacular successes. This process is meant to bring you out of your comfort zone, and at times it's going to be, well - uncomfortable. Being stylish is an adventure, so be brave, dress accordingly and most importantly - have fun!

Good luck and stay stylish!

<3
Shai & Andrea

Grimes - Oblivion

We put together a little video inspired by Grimes' song "Oblivion"

All the credit goes to Shai though - he did all the editing.

Punk cuff!

Check out this new punk cuff we made. It's orange, gold and pink and is decorated with various sized studs, safety pinks and chain!

Available online:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101295114/punk-cuff-with-studs-saftey-pins-in-pink