Shop local, buy local.

I've been making it a point to shop at privately owned boutiques.  These are hidden treasures my friends and Seattle is chock full!  I don't know if it comes from my own desire to start my own someday or just from my love of entrepreneurship.  I really respect and value the women and men who either create their own products or who help make a medium where said products can be enjoyed en masse.


One of my favorite examples here in Seattle is Horseshoe Boutique on Ballard Ave owned by Jill Andersen.  The entrance to the store is a vintage barn door.  You are greeted by one of the fabulous fashionistas that work there and they will proceed to wait on you hand and foot as you uncover treat after treat.  The decor is Farmer Americana and every detail from the vintage cowboy boots to the rich patterned dresses has been thought out.  They feature local artists as well as some homegrown (LA) favorites and I feel like I always uncover a new designer that I love.

I paired a dress I got there, which is on SALE right now with my eggplant Bella tights and mustard yellow heels that I've been wanting to wear.  Let's just say I'm ready to shake my groove thing.


http://www.horseshoeseattle.com/product_p/31158.htm



Definitely check out Horseshoe if you're in the Ballard neighborhood.  Ballard is a huge proponent of shopping local.  Make sure to check out their Farmer's Market every Sunday.  Make a day of it!

New Year, New Me?

 

I mean where the heck has so much time gone?  Suddenly it's 2012 and it has me thinking about change.  So much has changed in my life in the past 2 years and every year I feel that I am becoming a better version of myself.  Live, learn, you know the saying.

As I sit down in front of the TV with some wine from Christmas, I have to wonder, what makes bad habits so hard to break?  We know that negative emotions are harmful to the body so why do I choose to watch a bunch of women argue on any one of the reality shows available?  If negative emotions are so harmful to us, why is it that humans feel the need to thrive on them?  Doesn't it feel so much better to come together with encouragement and love?  

I am making the pledge this year to banish my mind of negative emotions, not just of myself, but of other people.  It's not to say that I won't be faced with times when people will probably piss me off  but I hope to remind myself that it's in my control and to refuse to let other's negative energy alter my frame of mind.

Judging other people is really judging yourself and what you give will be what you receive.  Here's to a happy and healthy NEW YEAR and the pledge to live a life of purpose and health, both physical and emotional!  

Owl you need is love,

Heather