Homesteading: Sewing like a Pioneer

I (like every other well-adjusted individual) often think about ways that I can improve my homesteading skills in preparation for my inevitable departure to live year round on a distant island. I've given a lot of things the good ole college try, but in terms of my actual success, sewing certainly sticks out. I am willing to publicly declare myself a really, really proficient hand sewer. 

Decorating the Nest: Tick Tocking (without Mick Jagger...)

The one decor item in your home that is actually intended to be functional (err.. except maybe a decorative, yet useful shower curtain?) is the good old time-teller! An alien visitor would conclude that clocks hold a place of honor in most Western homes, and maybe someday we'll get lucky and they'll think we worship a 12 marked God!

Architecture: The Versatility of a Mini House or Garden Shed

Home? Or watermelon confectionary? So hard to tell... 

These days it's very hard to tell the difference between a garden shed, a guest house and a tiny house. Note, I'm certainly not complaining or anything, but Millenials are re-writing the rules left and right, and I do feel like this topic needs to be addressed in a much larger forum. 

In my Fantasy Life #3 (that one where I chill out in my brick/stone manor house in a clearing in the woods), I absolutely have a guest house in the back for long term guests. I love the idea of family and friends being able to stay with us for more than a few days at a time without falling over the tipping point to overcrowding. No one wants to be on your futon for 3 weeks, but your guest house? That's a come and linger all Summer or from Thanksgiving to Christmas kind of set up. 

Littles: National Parks Nursery

National Parks Nursery by buildingcamelot featuring a wood lamp

As you've probably realized by now, graphic design is not exactly my strong point. I love finding images to share, but I'm really crap at arranging them! Enter Polyvore. I'd used it a bit ages ago to try making wardrobe sets, but been discouraged when I couldn't really control the sets or make them half as attractive as anyone else's.

Celebrations: HP & the Cursed Child Costume Party

Welcome to our 7/31 Cursed Child Re-Cap! We simply had to have a party, and we had to get dressed up, and we had to theme all.the.things.  

Fashion Crush Friday: The Expanse's Chrisjen Avasarala

Oh boy! We have a badass shrouded in shadow and sumptuous fabrics for you today (feel free to praise that Ssss work btw!).

Chrisjen is the Deputy Undersecretary to the Secretary of the United Nations and is a major player in inter-Solar System politics. For our purposes, just know that she's a total Hawk representing Earth's interests against the militaristic Martians and a terrorist faction of the oppressed miners in the Asteroid Belt past Mars. 

SyFy Shout Out

As you've probably realized by now, I have a massive soft spot for the SyFy network. As in, I watch like 80% or more of their programming. Every now and again there's a show that's so bad that it isn't even fun to watch, but most of the time SyFy is a blast. My Dad has legitimately seen at least one episode of everything they air. Like... everything. He works from home and is basically retired, so don't judge!

Biblio: The Power of a Book Coven

If you want more engaging women in your social circle and you're a little ashamed of how long you go without reading a book these days, boy do I have an idea for you!

Fashion Crush Friday: Keira Knightley

When you think English Rose, isn't it the romantic, soft Keira Knightley that comes to mind?

#GivingTuesday: Charity Shopping

It's time to navigate the non-profit world!  I've decided to run the posts on Tuesdays under the title #GivingTuesday because I love the Giving Tuesday Campaign that encourages people to donate to their favorite charities the Tuesday after Black Friday. This tour of the non-profit world will include posts covering charity shopping, national vs. local initiatives, current trends in philanthropy, and a societal look at who gives what and when.