Shop Stalking

As I have previously mentioned I am a big fan of Emily from North St Flowers  design work. So of course I was excited to hear of the opening of her new shop in Thornbury and very eager to get a look in! Earlier in the year a couple of my flower school pals who are also fans, and I, headed out for coffee, chit chats and some 'North St' stickybeaking. The shop is just as I expected - stunning and bursting with all the super cool character and signature style of the 'North St' kind. Pop by and see it in the flesh if you get the chance, it's a swooner. 

776 High St Thornbury

The only prerequisite for this date is perhaps owning a Magnifying Glass

I have been swept away by an unexpected vintage delight... my heart flutters at it's appearance. To view it's finer details and to truly admire it's dainty beauty, a magnifying glass may suffice. Isn't this the cutest novelty pencil sharpener slash desk calender you have ever seen or what? Well to me it is, and it is all mine thanks to a lovely friend - this find is a keeper!

Oh I do like this one!

 Oh I do like this one. Life is a puzzling conundrum at times and ones character can be rattled and tested by many a things. But some values are ingrained and cannot be unsettled at heart, that I am thankful for! Image via Pinterest

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Stickwork

The child in me was bursting with enchantment when I saw the 'Stickwork' piece (aka 'Ballroom') that was installed at Fed. Square, Melbourne late last year. It remained there on display until earlier this year and has now sadly served it's time and been removed. Boo! Patrick Dougherty created the awe inspiring artwork out of Willow trees, and with just a pair of gloves and secateurs. What a marvel! The 'Baby Beatniks' and I swanned around in it's beauty and imagined living in a such a super cool pad! Click on Patrick's name above to be directed to his website for more crazily amazing stick sculptures. I heart 'Stickwork'!



March Against Monsanto

'Monsanto' is corporate evil at it's worst. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are harmful to  the earth and to our health. I was introduced to the horrific goings on within our food system, GMO's and 'Monsanto' some time ago when I watched the film FOOD INC.

Since that rude awakening I am trying to be more aware of, and looking to educate myself more about GMO's. It seems like a lot to get your head around although worth it, as I now have learned, it's an ugly subject that can afford no ignorance. Trust me, I am no expert but this GMO stuff is risky business on so many levels. 

The 'David Suzuki' Youtube below, I find, explains the subject clearly, bringing to light the MANY aspects and effects that are involved within this pertinent issue. 

I am enraged by the actions of 'Monsanto' and was inspired to attend the recent March Against Monsanto, and with the 'Baby Beatniks' in tow, joined many other concerned people who disagree with GMO and 'Monsanto's' actions and motives. Here also - I Say NO to GMO!

The Sustainable Living Festival

A little while back the 'Baby Beatniks' and I took a train ride to visit Fed Square which was where The Sustainable Living Festival was being held. It was a fun filled day with lots of eye opening and helpful insights into leading a more sustainable and eco way of life. The 'Baby Beats' really got into it as there were lots of fun things to do! Highlights were the utterly delish organic coconut ice cream, the Bike 'n' Blend experience and meeting Costa Georgiadis. Who I have to add, was super busy yet kind enough to take the time to meet and chat with us. He was very interested to hear all about our veggie patch, worm farming and the goings on of our newly acquired hens 'Florence, Ethel & Glady'. 'Mr Beatnik' the gardener is a big fan, and the little people were bursting with excitement to tell him all about their chat with the famous 'Costa' upon coming home.

At the end of the day we walked away inspired by all the passionate people involved with the festival as well as lots of new ideas to do with sustainable living.  We also had some realisations and revelations about the systems of the world we live in today and how we as individuals can make a difference. 

A lovely lady who had a stall in the 'Green Market' section explained to us how harmful plastic toothbrushes are to the environment, and how sustainable and affordable Bamboo is the way to go. I've never really thought about it, but zillions of toothbrushes made out of plastic are going into landfill taking forever to breakdown. So off we went with some new bamboo toothbrushes, along with some of my fave natural soaps and a few other cool eco knick knacky bits. Best of all though, the 'Baby Beatniks' absorbed some really invaluable knowledge on ways we can live sustainably. 

Super cute 'POP UP PATCH'



Planting veggies in biodegradable pots with Permaculture Out West




Bike 'n' Blend



'Costa Georgiadis'