Craft Hope

Please check out Craft Hope, founded by a mother of two in Austin, Texas. The goal of the projects is to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. The completion date for Project 3 is fast approaching (July 25), but take a look at the stories for Projects 1 and 2.

I feel refreshed, in some small way, for remembering there are always ways to make a difference. This is not a new idea, of course, but I think the pace of life can cause one to forget that caring for those who need it and passing on the love and blessings in our lives is an important part of what makes a good life...

A much-needed vacation!

DH, Brother K, Little Cheese (DH's kid bro), the doggies and I all went down to the Cape Lookout National Seashore for a couple of days of relative peace and quiet.

For anyone unfamiliar, the Outer Banks of North Carolina consists of a string of (mostly) uninhabited barrier islands which separate the Sounds (brackish water) from the Atlantic Ocean. There's a rich history of America's first settlement, pirate hideouts, shipwrecks, and wild ponies.

The Outer Banks have always been special to me... my grandfather was a large animal veterinarian who was involved in the genetic research to save the Banks ponies and I spent my childhood on his houseboat in the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. He instilled a true love in me for the natural beauty of my home state, and an appreciation for how fleeting these things can be if not properly cared for.

When DH and I moved (back) to NC after college we added ocean side camping to our list of favorite things to do, then decided to be married on the beach in 2003. This particular stretch of beach was a new adventure for us, but I think we've found our new favorite place!

There is nothing quite as spectacular as waking at sunrise on the beach or watching the sun set over the sound. We saw the most amazing display of stars, with a clear view of the Milky Way and the constellations, even if we couldn't remember many of them! It was a great break, with nothing (and no one) else in sight for days! We also found lots of great seashells, a rarity (in my experience) on the NC coast since the surf is so rough.

A Give-Away (and how many links in one post!?!)

My good friend has posted a give-away on her blog for one of her lovely rings for sale in our etsy shop. Stop by and post a comment for a chance to choose your favorite!

Loving...

This cute little demitasse cup I found at Goodwill. Proving that bigger isn't always better (and it coordinates with my fave mug!)...

Raleigh Street Fashion - a new adventure

So it needs some work and will take some time to populate it with photos of cool personal fashion & style in Raleigh, but I'm pretty excited about the possibilities!