Here I am, back into blogging. All it took was a global pandemic, having a child, and a reduction in my free time. Not in that exact order. Pardon the typos and less-than-refined writing---these posts will be unedited and unplanned (and uncensored...*gasp*). Right now, I could be doing the dishes that my toddler won't let … Continue reading Life during the pandemic, plus local resources
I'd like to say that my love of thrift shopping stems entirely from eco-friendly, frugal, and charitable intentions, but I have to admit: it's also just really fun to hunt for treasures in places where every individual piece feels one-of-a-kind. My home region, the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, is rich with thrift shops, antique … Continue reading Buying second-hand in the Pioneer Valley: a review of local shops
I've always loved little notebooks. I used to love buying just the "right" one and filling the first five pages with whatever that notebook was supposed to hold---to-do lists, journal entries, craft patterns, or doodles. I did not, however, love my embarrassing stash of pretty, abandoned notebooks that didn't serve their intended purpose for very long. … Continue reading Two years of using the “Bullet Journal”: my favorite thing about a trend that actually worked for me
Are you expecting a new baby, and hoping to jump-start her learning when it comes to relevant social issues like climate change? It’s never too early to start acquainting your child with the garbage fire of a planet that her parents’ and grandparents’ generations have left for her—you just have to use gentle, age-appropriate methods. … Continue reading How to educate your unborn child about climate change
To those familiar with the craft—and those who can at least spot a doily on grandma’s loveseat—crochet doesn’t typically evoke visions of immodesty, subversion, or the struggles of women in the workplace. There was a time in history, however, when the act of crocheting became bound up with the entrepreneurial dreams of impoverished women, as … Continue reading The “wanton-eyed” crocheter: from Irish lace to pussy hats
It’s mid-morning on the first day of the new year. I’m sitting in my living room, which is still scattered with gift wrapping, almost-stale cookies, and boxes of holiday decorations. My life hasn’t changed much since yesterday, aside from the vaguely shameful memory of going to bed at 10:30 after a night of card games … Continue reading Why we need the “clean slate” rituals of the New Year
Upcycling is fun, en vogue, and arguably a good practice for the planet. The popularity of this form of creative reuse has exploded over the past decade, even making its way into luxury brands. It's got a little problem, though—we can't seem to agree on what it actually is, and which items qualify as "upcycled" … Continue reading Upcycling vs. creative reuse: what’s the difference?
Before you launch into the rest of this blog post, I want you to sit back, take a deep breath, and say these words to yourself: I won't let plastic pollution drag me down or overwhelm me. No, you don't need to fit all of your trash for the year into a mason jar. You … Continue reading One thing you can do to reduce plastic pollution right now
String bags and mesh shopping bags are popping up everywhere, which probably feels like déjà vu for people who grew up in a time or place where they were the norm. For those who enjoy the occasional nugget of history, you might be surprised to know that Wikipedia actually has an entire (albeit brief) page … Continue reading Color Block Market Bag Pattern
Every year, I see a new way of turning simple seasonal decor from something that looks beautiful on its own—and could be composted—into something that will end up in the trash by November and won't break down for a really long time. Metallic painted pumpkins come to mind: Yes, they look pretty fab, and I … Continue reading 13 Natural Autumn Decor Ideas
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