Up to the Highest Height’s
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Take a Hike Recycled T-Shirt! |
Oh the places a shirt will take you! When I saw this eco-friendly shirt I knew it had to be mine. I love to hike, and when I have it on it inspires me to see knew places and find new hikes! Today I found myself in Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii; hiking the “Z” trail to the Queen’s Bath. It is a long and beautiful hike, walking along the edge of a steep mountain side you get higher above the ocean as you reach the first turn of the “Z”. We don’t see anyone else on the hike the entire time and its as if we are in our own magical wonderland, passing fresh fruits and beautiful flowers in full bloom. We stop every so often to take in the beauty that surrounded us and to try to not let it take our breath away.
Hiking makes me really appreciate the world and its magnificent point of view, I am the person I want to be in moments like this. We make our way out of the sun and into the bamboo forest where we can’t help but climb around for a bit and slide down the huge bamboo stalks to the cool forest floor. We finally reach the Queen’s Bath and slide in for a quick dip, the water is freezing; but that doesn’t stop us from pretending to be Hawaiian royalty in our own private Utopia. As the sun starts to set, we start the hike down; its much quicker, but just as beautiful! We even see some wild horses on the way out of the forest to the beach, a mother and her blonde haired baby! Oh the places Taking A Hike can bring you!
Last summer I gushed about the Organic Milkshake Maxi Dress and it’s bike-ability. Truth be told – I’m still wearing that dress. But to mix it up, I rock the Saltwater Seas Organic Maxi Dress. I can get from Uptown to the north loop in three shakes of a lambs tail and I’m racing those shirtless mohawk guys on fixed gears. Last weekend I even had one get out of my way. (HA!)
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Rockin the Drive-in movie with a BBQ and a maxi dress Photo By Cole Koehler |
Last night I wore the organic maxi dress to the drive-in. Three movies for $8? Awesome. Mosquitoes? Ew. Luckily my legs were safe and I hosed my arms down with bug dope.
Check out a video review I did on this dress!
When I’m not mowing down bike boys I’m on set making movies. Last weekend my team participated in the local 48 Hour Film Project. We shot outside on a cloudless Saturday landing us in the direct sun for about 12 hours. I wore Soul Flower’s organic On Horizon Hoody Dress. The light cotton dress breathed with me and air dried quickly.
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SO SWEATY. This dress moved with me, through swamps, horse pens and tennis courts. Photo By Colette Ricci |
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SUNBLOCK: The hood kept the sun off my scalp and neck! |
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Ahem. The on set photog really liked the detail of the dress… Photo By Colette Ricci |
I couldn’t recommend these dresses more. If something can keep up with me, it’s quality. Add in organic and fair trade, and these are must haves!
Have fun out there, buds. Drink water, wear sunblock, be awesome and recycle!
~Bri
Throughout our Summer 2012 Lookbook we quoted several rockin’ songs, and we figured you’d enjoy these tunes even more if we created a free playlist for you! So, here ya go buds, the songs from our summer lookbook, all in one place; flip through & groove!
There are definitely days when I know nothing but a hoodie is on my wardrobe menu. You know those days, right? The days when you don’t have to (or want to) do anything but chillax and enjoy the simple things. That’s my favorite time for a comfy zip up sweatshirt like my newest edition the sustainable slacker! I have a good assortment of hoodies just for these kind of days… yep, I’m a hoodie hoarder in the biggest of ways!
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The Sustainable Slacker Hoody! |
Why the hoodie? What’s the fascination? I’ve thought this through and if I’m being truthful here (and of course I should be), first and foremost it’s just the ease! Yes, one simple teeny tiny itty bitty step makes all the difference. What’s that step? There’s simply no pullin’ over my head!! Oh what a relief! Must be so exhausting! Such a difficult task! Yeah, I know pathetic aye? But on a truest of slacker days, that’s just how it’s gotta be!
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For both guys n gals, cuz we all need to slack off now n then 😉 |
Second, a hoodie lets you can be noncommittal. Maybe I’m going to wear this all day and maybe I’m not. Maybe I’ll wrap it around my waist on a whim I might want to wear it later. Whatever the case, zip up hoodies are the best decision for the undecided! Third, you can be recognizable or go incognito! Maybe I’ll sorta hide out under a tree beneath the brim of my hoodie and work on my poetry. The three ultimate slacker reasons for my ultimate slacker days.
Why has this particular sweatshirt become a bestie? What’s not to love? It’s got the most rockin’ vibe! The banded wrists and waistline – shall we say circa 78? I like the sweet color mix, a fierce mustardy yellow sun against a heather gray blue sky! Might I also add that the kangaroo pockets are excellent for carrying my ipod, phone, snacks and especially my Soul-Flower lip balm. 🙂 BTW the sustainable slacker is super duper soft, too! Guessing that’s because of the oh so sustainable fibers – partly recycled polyester (eco-fleece) and organic cotton! So, while I may feel like a complete slacker on my hoodie days, I’m actually making a difference. See! Now we can feel better slackin’ on our slacker day!!
Live long and slack well!
Woo
Here at Soul Flower we try our very best to keep Mother Earth in mind…not just for Earth Day, but Every day. We keep the Kenyan proverb, “Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.” close to heart. After all, what we make of our world today, is the world we must live in tomorrow.
I was born with a gypsy soul. For as long as I can remember my dad has called me his little gypsy girl. I think I’ve done well by that nickname. I’ve seen the sun rise over the Atlantic and set over the Pacific, and the gorgeous land that stretches in between. You know, I really love a good road trip, I think it’s my absolute favorite thing to do. In November 2010, I took the most epic road trip via Route 66. Just me and my friend Steph in a white convertible taking in some of the most amazingly weird sights our country has to offer. Everyone should take that trip once in their lifetime. Just take my word for it…
In true gypsy spirit, I’m gonna share with you my top ten favorite places/sites to see. I’m always up for suggestions myself, so feel free to share some of your favorite places to gypsy off to. Before you go, be sure to get yourself a Gypsy Soul Tee from Soul Flower to wear on your travels. When Soul Flower added this item, I couldn’t believe it. If ever a tee was so apropos for me, it’s surely this one.
1. Savannah, Georgia— an eclectic mixture of characters in a truly beautiful & historical setting. Pirates, Spanish Moss, & River Street, oh my! Added bonus: it’s home of the ‘Go Cup’, where else can you walk around downtown with a good adult beverage in your hand? The simply isn’t any other place like it.
2. Nashville, Tennessee— the bouncers downtown wear cowboy hats. True Story. Grab your cowboy boots & guitar and head down to Music Row.
3. San Francisco— standing on the corner of Haight & Ashbury felt like an amazing psychic connection to a time I wish I could have been around to see.
4. The Grand Canyon— a place to just go and be small and take it all in. We are a part of something beautiful here on earth.
5. Las Vegas— because if you’ve been, you know why…for better or worse. And, if you haven’t…there is no way I can properly explain it to you. I saw The Beatles Love Show by Cirque, and it was almost a religious experience.
6. Live Oak, Florida— come for Wanee at the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park, it’s the Allman Brothers Music Festival held annually in April. Last year, we saw the Bros, Widespread Panic, Robert Plant, Steve Miller Band, Stephen Marley, Ween, …and, so many more talented musicians. This year, the Bros will be back headlining with Further, also among many others are Government Mule and Ray Manzarek of The Doors. As a lifelong Doors fan (credit to my dad), I am beyond psyched to see Ray. You can find me down front when he takes the stage…
7. Yasgur’s Farm— the only place on the list I haven’t been to yet, but it’s on my short list for upcoming road trips. I’m gonna go soak up some hippie vibes, who’s with me?
8. Big Sur, California— where the mountains meet the sea. Watching the sun set into the Pacific ocean was a moment I took in in complete solitude & silence…just blessed to have been a witness.
9. Seligman, Az— my favorite Route 66 destination. A small map dot (but, you’re gonna love the scenery on the way there!) serving as a lasting tribute to the Mother Road. Be sure to stay at the Route 66 Motel, eat at the Road Kill Cafe, and pop in at the Snow Cap for a real treat. On the menu? Dead Chicken. That’s what it says 🙂
10. The Rockies & The Appalachian Mountains…for compare & contrast. Okay, I definitely cheated a little on that. But, you really do have to see both.
I haven’t spent much time in the northeast, but my gypsy husband, Berg has and he says NYC is another place to check out. Also, someday I’d like to see the Mall in Washington DC.
Don’t forget to share your travels with me in the comments, buds. And, grab your Gypsy Soul Tee from Soul Flower before you take some trips this summer. Maybe we’ll see you on the road 🙂
Last night I came across Caine’s Arcade video. This little 9 year-old “businessman” created an arcade out of cardboard, tape and odds & ends. His creativity, commitment and smarts completely won me over. I just want to hug him and play all of his arcade games. I want a game pass!
With Earth Day right around the corner, it’s awesome to see a child using their imagination to turn what they have into something fun (something incredibly fun!). Caine has inspired other children and adults to step away from their TVs & video games and make something amazing.
Thank you, Caine, for reminding us all what hard work, dedication and imagination can accomplish!
The last few days have been AMAZING outside! I’m talking sunshine, birds chirpin’, windows down kinda wonderful. Since I’m inside at a desk, and chances are you are too, I patched together some Soul Flower inspired Spring for us to enjoy while indoors! <3
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SPRING! |
I’m done with socks! I can finally be barefoot
Valentine’s Day is ONE week away! So if you want to show your buds some love, now’s the time to start some thoughtful planning. Whether you plan on baking a strawberry bunt cake, serenading them outside their apartment window, or sending a simple love trinket, we’ve created a few lovely ideas to help inspire you. 🙂
Spread the Love by jackyleev featuring:
The Spread the Love collage items are perfect for the sentimental heart – that friend of yours who gets all worked up over romantic movies, keeps every little keepsake and doodles hearts anytime she has a pen in hand. The Love Thyself Pendant, Heart Peace Earrings, and Love (Spread the Word) T-Shirt are particular favorites this Valentines.
Strawberry “Doughnut: Cake” (YUM!) what friend or lover wouldn’t want a gigantic doughnut? IT HAS SPRINKLES!! and just looking at the picture makes you want to hug and kiss people; can you imagine the real deal? Man. Watch out.
On Valentine’s Day, instead of buying flowers that will sadly die in a week, you could instead buy lasting floral pretties, like these! Then write something corny (yet grand) about how this flower is lasting, like your love. There aren’t too many girls out there who don’t appreciate a soulful flower. The Flower Hats and Marigold Cuff Bracelet also make great best friend forever gifts.
Or a great idea (for him or her) would be to make a “52 Reasons Why I Love You” book. It’s real easy to make if you have an old deck of cards lying around, and 52 things you like about the one you love. You could even do your own spin on it and create a love list of 52 – whatever! Making 52 redeemable coupons would be pretty cute… as long as your willing to do 52 things. 😉
And ladies, don’t forget to show the guys some love! Men enjoy a bit of attention, too. Your best bet is picking something comfortable, funky or fun.. Also, homemade dessert, cocktail concoctions or dinner are always super successful game plans as well!
Now get out there and SPREAD the LOVE!
Jacqueline Lee
Pin It
Hey Buds!
This love song playlist has been deleted but you can check out our latest lists on Spotify ~ spread the love!
Hey Buds!
Guess what? We’ve finally joined the Pinterest craze! If you have a Pinterest account (or will be making one today) be sure to come follow us. We’ll be pinning our latest fashions, craft interests, quotes and overall inspiration.
On Pinterest you can “pin” photos in order to save ideas and links that you love. It’s much like creating your own personal online magazine. To keep your pins organized you are able to create as many boards as you like, such as “Style Inspiration” or “Words of Wisdom.” They will look like this:
And the real fun part is that you can follow your friends, (like us!) to see what they’re diggin’ these days.
For example, here are some of our latest pins:
Want more? We’ll be sharing all of our Soul Flower favorites, such as Karma Krewe reviews, Fresh Picks and videos, along with random beauty and inspiration from a variety of outside sources, (like the painted rocks and wall graffiti pictured above). Anytime you like what you see, all you need to do is click “Repin,” and BOOM! it’s on your board. With the pin button, you can also go on all of your favorite websites and start a pinning craze all your own.
And that’s one thing about Pinterest:
IT IS ADDICTING! But I’ve placed it in the category of “good addictions,” you know, like coffee. Some addictive insanity is needed to stay sane…at least, that’s the saying I made up to make this ALL okay for ALL of us. 😉 So, if you pin once and find you’ve pinned a thousand times by tomorrow, you can’t say I didn’t warn you!
If you do plan on “Following” us, Thanks in advance! We appreciate all your kindhearted support. You buds rock! Pin It
When decorating for the holidays, it takes just a few simple touches to pull everything together. A touch of lights and some homemade décor can really pull a room together. These projects (all of which we used in our Lookbook setting) are great not only for the winter solstice, but for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations in general!
It’s already here. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. And we just want you to know that we’re incredibly thankful for you buds! We appreciate you not only as customers, but as friends. We all have so much to be thankful for here at Soul Flower, which is why we wanted to put pen to paper and take a moment to acknowledge the things that fill our hearts with gratitude.
Congratulations are in order as our Sculptor of Shadow & Light, Jennifer, married her best friend Bill, this past weekend! Jenn, you made one insanely beautiful bride with a gorgeous (eco-friendly) wedding to match! We’re so happy for you!!
Congratulations to you both! We wish you all the peace, love and happiness your hearts can handle!
Love,
Your Soul Flower Buds!
Photography by Stephan Hoglund Photography
Hey Buds, here’s a thought:
Be yourself.
Easy enough to read and remind ourselves, but how many of us actually live it?
New school year, new apartment, new classes, all opportunities to reinvent myself; who will I be this year? Do I even want to create a new persona? Everyone at some point in their lives has used different circumstances to create a new version of themselves, yet, do any of us truly have a grasp on who we are?
Let’s take my love affair with fashion, for example. Since middle school I’ve been flipping through pages of Vogue getting ideas for the next day’s outfit. I wore some crazy-wild-things trying to translate what I saw on the runway to my school’s hallway. Sure, I got some stares and snickers but most of the time I got compliments, some for the outfit and some for the guts to where it when anyone who wasn’t wearing jeans and a tee was fair game to poke fun at. I even saw some girls wearing the same outfit I had worn the day before. I used each day as an opportunity to experiment and reinvent the way people saw me through bold attire. Through the years, I’ve kept the boldness and tried to translate it into every aspect of my life.
In high school, it was very…hmm, how should I say this…interesting going to a private school in South Orange County, California. I pride myself on being Latina and of Native American descent, and I never expected to be in an environment where diversity was at an all-time low. My freshman year some seniors decided it would be funny to yell across the PE field that all I would ever amount to was a maid, given my background, and that their rooms had better be clean before they got home. I didn’t care that these “young men” (who had a lot of growing up to do) were at the top of the social ladder, I gave them a piece of my mind and confronted the Dean of Students. “Is this really the perspective you’re allowing your students to graduate with?” Apologies and conferences ensued, but all I wanted to do is show my peers that I wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed of who I am or where I came from.
It wasn’t until college that I learned that I didn’t have to create a new persona every day, like in middle school, and that being myself – an insane mix of qualities – could be attractive. I owned up to my craziness, or as I like to call it eccentricity, and the more I acknowledged my little quirks the more confident I became.
Now, I take pride in my Latina curves and my insatiable appetite for clothes. I know that I learn through creative processes and doodling next to my notes, making songs, and listening to classical music help me do better on my tests. I know that I love learning and I’ll never satisfy my need to ask Why. I know that I love Elvis and John Lennon, even though those two did not see eye to eye. I know my values include peace, respect, and an overall love for our small fragile planet and those living on it. I believe that individually we can make a huge impact and together we can change the world.
And I know that having the strength to “be yourself” gives you strength to stand up for what you believe.
This shirt is a little reminder that there are a lot of phonies out there and if everyone’s acting fake the real one’s are the individuals. So put on those colorful tights, wear your “Save Japan Dolphins” tee, write that controversial article, and sign that petition. Yeah, people will smirk and snicker but more importantly people will see you as an example, strong and confident, and no one can take that away from you.
Mahalo,
“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~Karen Ravn
If you’re a vivid dreamer, you probably have a fascination with the visions that visit you each night. Dreams can linger with us throughout the day and captivate us for hours, days, even years. Sometimes they’re so convincing we need to ask ourselves, did that happen? Did I do that, say that, live that? If you’ve ever possessed a dreamcatcher, you might even believe it’s possible to control the dreams that come to you.
Tie-Dye Sun Tapestry |
Earth holds our dreams within her all-embracing hoop
Air carries our dreams to us (the feathers on a dreamcatcher are also symbolic of air).
Water is believed to wash and separate our wanted dreams from the unwanted.
Fire burns away nightmares with its powerful blaze.
Commonly made of willow and sinew strands, the dreamcatcher is woven in a web-like manner that is much like the method used for snowshoe webbing. Sometimes a dreamcatcher can have one or more beads: One bead is symbolic of the spider who wove your protective web, while several beads can represent the many sweet dreams that have been brought to you.
Soul Flower’s all about good vibes; we appreciate everything the dreamcatcher stands for. We have a few cool dreamcatchers to choose from. jewelry wise, we have the Sweet Dream Earrings and the gorgeous Dreamcatcher Necklace, and to match, there’s our Dreamcatcher Organic Tank or Longsleeve Tee. We figure it couldn’t hurt to wear a dreamcatcher all the time, perhaps it will guard against negative daytime thoughts – work as a reminder to catch yourself and think positive!
I take my role as Hippie Mama Clothing Tester quite seriously. When I got the Nouveau Soulflower Eco Tee I put it through the paces. I didn’t just wear it, I have been living in it. Here’s what happened. I put it on and fell in love. It was one of those shirts that made me say “ahhhhhhh” when I put it on. It’s so soft and fit just right on my mama of two kids frame.
So I have been wearing it. And wearing it. And wearing it. And truth be told I don’t always wash it between wearing again and again. It’s my go-to tee these days and it’s takes a licking and keeps on looking fabulous. I have had baby spit on it, dead crab bits brought to me by my 7-year old son, I have spilled my kombucha all over it, I have been doused in sea spray, and I have sweat my fair share in this crazy summer heat. But this shirt still looks like new!
Then for grins I went and read about how it was made. The shirt is 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled p.e.t. Seriously, how cool is that? I am wearing old plastic bottles that might have otherwise ended up in the landfill. No wonder it’s looking so good! And now I feel good too knowing it’s made of all kinds of good things, especially since I have a little one right next to me and the tee all the time.
Living in the small confines of a sailboat we cannot keep a lot of anything, especially clothes. But this little baby will make the cut and go around the world with us!
Hey Buds! Making the best of this wonderful sunshine?
So I got a little piece of the islands with me for the past couple weeks. My friend from school decided to fly out all the way from Dallas, Texas to hang out with me in Southern California.
I have to admit, it’s a little exciting to be a tourist in your hometown. If you haven’t tried it, you really should! We tried heading out to the beach but it was so cold and the clouds were so thick we ended up turning around and heading straight for the pool. Not before getting an acai bowl, though! ;]
We went to Disneyland for a few days and normally I’ll go a little later, hop on a few rides, catch a bite to eat, and head out.
Not this time.
We woke up early and were one of the first people in the park! We spent all day there, only taking a small break for lunch and a quick nap at the hotel room then back to the Disney magic ‘til well after midnight. Needless to say I brought all my Soul-flower goodies with me so I was comfy and cool but still looking like the artist I like to call myself.
Those of you in California know all about our beautiful missions. Most have somewhat dark histories and as a Native American I pride myself on learning the stories of my tribes as well as those around them. Any trip to Southern California is just not complete without a trip to the San Juan Capistrano Mission. All you flower and garden enthusiasts out there will have a ball!
To match this dazzling backdrop I decided to wear something captivating as well, my new Cutting Floor Hippie Dress. Just added a cute little sun hat and I was ready.
I think it goes without saying that I love airy and flow-y clothes because they’re lightweight and easy to move around in. I always want to be comfy! (I’ve been putting my pj’s on at three in the afternoon since I was in second grade.)
As you know from my last posts, my legs are short. So when I put on the dress I was surprised to see that it hit about two inches above my ankle. Normally, I like when the length of my clothes are longer than the length of my legs but after I started moving around in the dress I realized it was a lot easier to move at this length. The colors are very bold and they don’t fade a bit in the wash (trust me I wear this dress once a week!). There are two loops at the back of the dress so you can tie it like a tank top, zig-zag, or even a halter. I suggest tying the straps in a bow before it goes in the wash, they’re a bit thin and very delicate. Each one is unique and I love that mine has a red and yellow border at the top even though the dress is very blue. The versatility is awesome; I can tie my hair back and wear it on a casual and laid back day or wear my hair down throw on some dressy shoes and go somewhere fancy!
Well, buds, have fun wherever the universe is taking you! Next time I post I’ll be back in Hawaii!
‘Til then,
Lauren ☮
In Minneapolis we’ve got some record breaking heat going on this week! And, to top it all off, this very moment we have some mad storm clouds filling the sky; pitch black out there, with a drum-like rain coming down. So, until we can make it to a sunny beach with cool waters, we’ll be chillin’ to this playlist of summer sunshine right here!
We love the songs you chose for the summertime playlist – thanks buds!
PEACE, LOVE & HAPPINESS
Your Buds at Soul Flower =)
My love for these little onesies runs deep. Of course the messages on them are right up my peacenik alley. As a dyed-in-the-wool pacifist who wants her kiddos to spread love not war, I am proud to have my baby wear her “Pick Flowers, Not Fights” message. And that’s saying a lot for me because in general I am not a fan of clothing with words, but this is an exception indeed. And the “Let It Grow” onesie is just too sweet. If there is one thing babies do like crazy (aside from poop) it’s GROW!
Sometime baby onesies are paper thin or rough and poorly sewn. I guess people figure because your kiddo will grow out of it so quickly, why bother? Not these though! The fabric is thick and soft and it’s very well made overall. It’s the sort of onesie that will take a lot of abuse as my baby scooches around the floor and will still have plenty of life left to pass the love on to the next little bud.
~Cindy