TOMS got me

I've never really like TOMS shoes...and then I found these at Nordstroms.

PETA Is Doing What?!

Joey and I joke all the time about the I Can't Believe its Not Butter commercial that uses sexuality to sell butter, but this is just bonkers.

PETA is now launching a pornography site (don't worry, the link is for the news article, not the site)

--- umm, say whaaa?!

From PETA and the article:

"We're hoping to reach a whole new audience of people, some of whom will be shocked by graphic images that maybe they didn't anticipate seeing when they went to the PETA triple-X site," Lindsay Rajt, PETA's associate director of campaigns, told Reuters

The X-rated site will show pornographic content and images from PETA's more risque ads, Rajt said. Those images will be interspersed with pictures and videos showing animals being mistreated—and (we're not making this up) links to vegan and vegetarian "starter kits" and recipes.

"When people first visit the site, it will be very enticing and once they go just a little bit deeper, that's when they'll be confronted with images that we hope will make them stop and think and get them talking and hopefully encourage them to make a lifestyle change to a plant-based diet," Rajt said.

Since this is my blog, I'm not even gonna try to be unbiased---this is just slimy. Besides the obvious problems with pornography in general, I think its laziness on PETA's part--I mean can they really not think of any other way to promote their goals than sex? Do they not have anything better to say?

What do you think about it?

Camera Trap Study

As an artist and a bit of a tree hugger, I LOVED this study done by Conservation International.

Basically, researchers placed camouflaged cameras in seven areas around the world to document in particular, mammals, and see how things like habitat loss are threatening species population and diversity. The cameras didn't have flashes (rule #1 for awesome photographs) and were heat sensitive, so they snapped a shot when something warm was nearby.

"The first global camera trap mammal study, announced today by a group of international scientists, has documented 105 species in nearly 52,000 images, from seven protected areas across the Americas, Africa and Asia. The photographs reveal an amazing variety of animals in their most candid moments — from a minute mouse to the enormous African elephant, plus gorillas, cougars, giant anteaters and — surprisingly — even tourists and poachers."

42 of the 52,000 photographs collected are posted here, and they are simply stunning. The photos of the elephants are my favorite, but there are so many amazing shots--like a monkey staring right into the camera (curious about the object he spotted, no doubt), endangered Tapirs, and even the poachers (a little ironic I suppose, considering they are contributing to the very concern--dwindling populations--that the scientists are researching).

"Analysis of the photographic data has helped scientists confirm a key conclusion that until now, was understood through uncoordinated local study: habitat loss and smaller reserves have a direct and detrimental impact on the diversity and survival of mammal populations. Impacts are seen in the form of less diversity of species and less variety of body sizes and diets (smaller animals and insectivores are the first to disappear), among others. This information replicated over time and space is crucial to understand the effects of global and regional threats on forest mammals and anticipate extinctions before it is too late."

To read the full article on the study, click here.

Flutter in Pinhole

I found this several months ago, and my love for it hasn't faded. I love that its a step away from the digital and technological, and speaks to the sincerity and genuine quality of old fashioned postcards with hand written messages.

From Yanko Design:

Flutter In Pinhole is a zero-fuss cardboard pinhole camera. It works like a Polaroid camera e.g. instant pictures. The idea behind the project is radically different from its kitsch appeal. It’s aimed at the traveler who’d like to stay in touch via postcards. The photographs are captured into a pre-drawn frame, which you can then add a message to and post.

COOL.

Wedding Gawkers

While i was perusing one of the wedding blogs i follow (a habit that has substantially increased in the past four weeks...), i came across this photo, and i think it is one of my favorite wedding photos of all time. The two women on the right are personal favorites.

Phillip Hendrickson

I can hardly believe these are prints! Never seen prints like these before.

Props.

Wedding Graffiti

What a neat idea, huh?

props.

Psssssst: I Wear an 8

After perusing Ruche, I realized I forgot just how much I love shoes. I guess shelling out almost $1,000 in the past 6 months for art supplies can do that to a girl.

Elizabeth Taylor

When I was ten, my favorite movie was Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor (I was an odd-ball kid, I know). I always wanted to be as beautiful as her...

....Especially if it meant I got Paul Newman.

eShakti

I don't think I need to say how difficult it can be to find modest dresses---the neck line is too low, there are sleeves but the skirt is too short, the skirt is long enough but there are no sleeves...the combination of problems is seemingly endless. Mormon girls, you know how it goes.

But I have great news!

eShakti is a clothing company that designs cute dresses, blouses, and skirts--most of which can be custom designed to fit modesty standards.

Take this dress for example:

A cute little party dress, but obviously there are no sleeves, and it would most likely be too short.

But wait!

They give you options for different sleeves, necklines, and skirt lengths, so the dress can be completely customizable based on your modesty preferences.

As Shown	Capsleeve	Elbow length
Inset cap	Short length

How cool is that?!

Again, this dress can be made with cap sleeves--ta da! modest!

And see, they aren't ugly, frumpy dresses like some modest dresses, they are cute and fun! I haven't bought one myself yet (its on the list..) but the reviews are pretty great.

They range in price with many starting at $35-40, plus $7.50 for the custom alterations, which I think isn't too shabby considering you are getting a modest dress you can wear without having to buy extra pieces like cardigans and camisoles, and for once, you actually like it!

Garden in a Light Bulb

Carving Your Love on a Tree

Am I a terrible person if I say that I've always wanted to do this?

I suppose getting one of these charming jewelry pieces from Uncommon Goods is a better alternative...

Foxy Blunt Greeting Cards

I stumbled upon a card company called Foxy Blunt this morning and think they are just the funnest cards I have seen. they match up a courteous, stereotypical greeting card with a quick punch. Love them! wish they weren't so expensive though...

Book Sculpture

For my sculpture class i've been researching book sculpture, and have come across some amazing things. Su Blackwell in the UK creates mind blowing pieces that are just too beautiful. One of my favorites of hers (though not from a book) is this installation piece:

Two in one Day??

yes, i am in fact blogging twice today. but i found this vase and thought it was just too cool to keep to myself!

how cool is that?! i absolutely love it. i hope target or ikea or something makes a cheaper version....

Almond Milk

last week i decided to finally try almond milk--i have always had good ol' fashioned cows milk, but i really wanted to try something new, especially after learning about all the health benefits of almond milk. So i brought my new purchase home, took a deep breath and took a sip.

And I LOVED it!!

it was so delicious. i got the vanilla flavor so it was a little sweeter--it almost tasted like melted amaretto ice cream. It was too sweet to drink a full glass, but i put it in cereal and i honestly think i like it better than regular milk in my cereal.

So, i whole heartedly recommend you buy a carton next time you're out at the grocery store and feeling a little adventurous, you won't regret it!

Hamsa

First of all, i decided that every tuesday, i want to start posting a favorite item of mine, or photograph, new blog, recipe, etc., and i'm going to call it 'The M List'--you know, how Oprah has 'The O List' for her favorite things!

plus, an old friend did tell me a few years ago that i was like the white Oprah...

One of my favorite things is my Hamsa necklace. The pendant is also called the Hand of Fatima, after the daughter of Muhammed. As I understand it, it has Muslim and Jewish significance, and is worn to defend against the powers of the evil eye. In Judaism, its a physical reminder to use all five senses to worship God.

I don't know why, but it just fascinates me. i absolutely love my necklace, and i love looking at the different pendants and images of them. i've seen some amazing tattoos--and i detest tattoos, so you know it must be pretty beautiful for me to like it!

I love grocery shopping

i went grocery shopping the other day and found this extraordinary fruit! i had always liked dragon fruit juice but never knew what the fruit looked like--now i know!

i am just in love with the color. isn't it amazing that something so vibrant and saturated could be naturally produced?! who needs artificial coloring!

if you've never tried one, i definitely recommend it. it has a texture kind of similar to watermelon, and the seeds are soft and don't get stuck in your teeth. i just cut it in half and ate it with a spoon right out of the skin like a kiwi. yum!