Here’s another Kindness Matters winner, Kimberly, who works with sick, injured, and orphaned animals! (more…)
School Garden Program: Kindness Matters
We’ve been receiving your Kindness Matters Giveaway entries and are enjoying all of your heartwarming volunteer stories. So many of you are making our world a positive place to live in every single day. Below is a letter we received from our bud, Anne, sharing her experience with coordinating a garden program at her sons school:
Hello!
I saw your blog post about volunteer week. I am the volunteer coordinator for my son’s elementary school garden program. Our school garden teaches kids about healthy food, climate change, the eco system, sustainability and of course organic gardening. Each grade Pre-K through 5th grade has a lesson in the garden twice a year.
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First Grade planting lettuce in hoop houses in the Annex Garden, April 4th, 2013
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As the coordinator I act as the liaison between the school and the sponsor Growe Foundation who provides garden support. I organize lessons, work with teachers, work with the administration, coordinate with the PTA, I attend all of the lessons and work with the kids.
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This one is actually me, after a long work day with some Girl Scouts. We painted the flower boxes we are a posing with. (I’m on the left, sitting down & that’s my son in the middle)
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My son posing with my “Volunteer Tea” rose (my reward from the school for volunteering, lol) in front of the Annex Garden where the lettuce is planted. We plant the lettuce on the East side of the school because we have such strong winds here in Colorado. The lettuce is harvested by the 2nd graders and eaten as part of Rainbow Day inMay. Last year we had a record harvest of about 90 lbs!
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This is the garden last fall. As you can see, this path is not even very accessible for kids with disabilities.
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This is where the new path is to be laid. (those yucky tiles are being replaced too)
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Additionally, I help organize fundraisers and garden projects. Most recently I initiated the project to build a ADA accessible path through our main garden. We partnered with Justin’s Nut Butter, PACT Apparel and raised funds through an Indigogo campaign. I’m happy to say we reached our goal, and we will be installing the new path this spring as part of two work days, the first in participation with SeLebration as part of Project Yes, and the second my own Garden Work Day in which we have volunteers from Home Depot assisting alongside parents from the school.
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The garden in bloom!
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Btw, this is what it looked like before I took the reigns as the coordinator. There had been no one in charge before me, and the program was in jeopardy of being dismantled. (That’s not going to happen now! =)
In addition to the garden, I also volunteer as part of the Green Team. Basically I oversee the Waste Station during lunch in the school cafeteria one day a week. I help kids sort their recycling trash, and compost. Since this program was initiated, our school has been honored as a Green Star school.
Parents and teachers often thank me for doing what I do, but why I really do it is because I believe that the way to leave a better planet for our youth, is to teach the youth to treat the planet better. Plus, I love being involved in my son’s education by getting to know the teachers and students that are a part of a major part of his life =)
I hope you enjoyed my story!
Sincerely,
Anne Spear
Thank you, Anne, for making our world a happier place! |
By the way, buds, there are still more $25 coupon codes to be claimed, so feel free to enter our Kindness Matters Giveaway and share your volunteer story and photo with us.
For more information on how to enter, please click here! 🙂
For more information on how to enter, please click here! 🙂
Kindness Matters Giveaway for Volunteers
Hi Buds,
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we want to show our appreciation for volunteers everywhere with a Kindness Matters Giveaway! To enter, simply share your volunteer experience with us, (who, what, when and where) with a photo of you volunteering, and we’ll send you a $25 *coupon code to apply to your next order.
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| 250 buds can WIN! 🙂 |
Tell us your stories, send pics, and receive a reward for making a difference!! There is no catch; we just love to hear how everyone can make a positive impact on their world. ♥
Please send your entry to [email protected].
Your story and pictures may be shared on our social medias, such as the Soul Flower blog, Facebook, Google Plus, (and more!) to raise awareness on volunteer opportunities & how they are making a difference.
Thank you so much, volunteers, for all you do!
Your buds at Soul Flower
P.S. Here are some volunteer opportunities & ideas, if you would like to get involved. 🙂
*Please allow 2 business days for submission processing to receive coupon code. One coupon per person. Giveaway closes 5/31/13. Coupon must be used by 6/15/13.
Tapestries You Can Wear!
This Spring Soul Flower has quite a few pieces that were inspired by and created from tapestries. And we are in L.O.V.E! Tapestries have some of the most amazing prints out there, and to see them transform into a wearable work of art is pretty amazing!
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| Shiva Tapestry Dress |
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| Has a beautiful elephant print! |
| Utopia Tapestry Pants |
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| Or you could just go with the Be Striped Tree Tapestry to decorate your home! 🙂 |
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| Rani Harem Pants |
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| Great vine & elephant print! Which tapestry outfit would you like to rock the most? 🙂 |
❤ JacQ
Warm Ways to Style a Strapless Dress
It’s that time of year again…
Soul-Flower has put up lots of new amazing dresses for spring and summer, and I’m sure there will be many more to come! They sent me the beautiful Mystified Hi-Lo Dress. It’s tribal pattern and eye-catching yet subtle colors make a statement. It’s also fully lined, which is unexpected and awesome!
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| The Mystified Hi-Lo Skirt-Dress all layered up Stevie Nicks style! |
However, there’s one dilemma; where I live, as well as a lot of other parts of the country, it’s still chilly outside! BUT don’t panic…there is a way to get some use out of those awesome strapless and sleeveless dresses before the temperature goes up.
There are 3 things every girl should have in her wardrobe to assure that she will get lots of use out of her clothes all year round:
1) Leggings
2) Shrugs/Boleros
3) Great boots
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I like to have each of those things in brown and black; that way, I will be able to wear any sleeveless dress at any time of the year I want! I suggest buying soul-flower’s leggings because they are made with organic cotton. Other good things to have are cardigans, scarves, and arm/leg warmers. They can turn any summer dress into a fall, winter, or early spring outfit. And there you have it. Simple ways to get the most bang for your buck with soul-flower’s cool threads!
And here’s a happy song to warm your soul – Hope you like it! 🙂
Volunteer: Kindness Matters!
After the long and lazy hibernation of winter, there’s a lot to be done! It’s time for some major spring cleaning to revitalize our communities. Our cities (OUR WORLD!) need a helping hand.
With National Volunteer Week fast approaching (April 21-27), we wanted to brainstorm the numerous ways we can help out and volunteer year round.
Many of the links below are for opportunities in Minnesota, but please don’t hesitate to research your own home town if one of these volunteer positions interest you! 🙂
Volunteer Opportunities:
– Humane Society: help our furry and feathered friends find comfort
– Plant trees, shrubs and flowers in your area: with Earth Day & Arbor Day fast approaching, your community will have plenty of opportunities open! Arbor Day Foundation
– Habitat for Humanity: help create affordable, green shelters for low income families
–Homeless shelter: help sort donations, make/serve food, answer emails & calls, or assist with educational programs
– Protect our waters: help keep our waters clean and free of invasive species. Locals for Lakes
-If you live in Minnesota you could become a Master Naturalist Volunteer!
-Support your local zoo! Minnesota Zoo Volunteer Opportunities
– Foster Care: you don’t need to foster a child to help a child – check in with your local foster care to see what services they might need.
– Library: help out at an event, book drive or read-a-loud. Hennepin County Library Opportunities
– Be a mentor or tutor at your local school and help a struggling student feel more confident
– Nursing home: craft, play games, read, and just chit-chat to bring cheer to someone’s day
– Thrift shop: help sort & shelve items to aid them in a second chance
– Hospital: numerous organizations exist to help ease someone’s pain. Such as Open Arms Minnesota which grows, cooks and delivers food to people struggling with illnesses
– Local farms: so much work to be done, you’re sure to be needed!
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Volunteer your talents, time and joy to make our world a better place!
For more volunteer opportunities & dates check out Spring into Volunteering Hands On Twin Cities, and find what fits right for you. 🙂
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If you know of any other great opportunities, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Aiko Boxy Top
Hey out there, buds! Just stopping in the say hi and tell you about my latest SF threads! I received the Aiko Recycled Boxy Top and believe it or not I was actually a little apprehensive when taking it out of the package. Its rectangular, box-like shape had me wondering if I could pull off the style. I haven’t bought anything like it yet, (although I have seen this style a lot, and how cute it looks on others). I gotta admit trying it on made a big difference! It is wonderful and fun to wear as you can see! 🙂 Slip it over your head and it flows and lays in all kinds of neat and funky ways.
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| With a fun boxy fit & hand-drawn design this is my new fav! |
The Aiko, a Soul Flower Original, is one size fits all and made here in the USA with low impact dyes! It’s easy, soft and relaxed to wear due to its ingredients: 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled plastic! 🙂 Like your favorite night shirt it’s soft on da skin and feels about like you’re not wearing anything. No confinement here and I dig the way it drapes the body! Great color too – a slightly faded/heather royal blue hue. Cool fitted ¾ style sleeve so you can push them up a bit or leave them just below the elbows. This top has been fun to wear during this last bit of winter lounging. From yoga to watching a great movie, to baking! Free flowing, light, airy and perfect for anywhere you want to move about with ease, like today when I’m home making something yummy – a peanut butter, marshmallow and cereal treat! If you don’t have this easy one already, here you go!
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PB & Mallows Cereal Recipe:
3Tbs. butter or substitute
½ cup organic creamy peanut butter or substitute
5 cups of non sweetened cereal – toasted oats are my fav for this!
6 cups marshmallows
Pan 13×9
Large mixing bowl and spatula
Melt butter in bowl, add marshmallows and toss to coat. Microwave 1:30, stir until smooth then add peanut butter. Immediately stir in cereal until coated. Press mixture into greased pan or waxed paper using greased hands or spatula. Let cool!
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And while my treat is cooling, I’m dreaming about the weather warming! When it does I’ll be throwing a tank on under the Aiko, slipping it off to one shoulder and rockin’ out with some 80’s sunglasses, skinny jeans & high heels! The eco-friendly Aiko is one versatile vixen!
Have a sweet day, buds! Woo
Organic Baby Clothing & Sets
As if babies weren’t cute enough already, Soul Flower has created a new line of organic baby clothing that is super adorbs on the little ones!
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| Believe Baby Bodysuit with Believe Knot Hat |
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| Born to Shine Playtime Set with Knot Hat |
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| Start Small Playtime Set |
Playtime Sets include one made in the USA organic baby lap tee and a matching pair of organic baby pants. Available in infant sizes 6-24 months.
These sets make the perfect BABY SHOWER GIFT and come in a cute lil bundle tied with hemp string.
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| Makes for the most precious mail ever! |
You can also play mix & match by buying a Baby Bodysuit, Lolli Tie-Dye Pants and a Baby Knot Hat of your choice to achieve the rockin’ baby look below.
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| Not Too Young For Peace Baby Bodysuit |
It winds up being a super funky-fun outfit for your lil bud!
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| Old Soul Baby Knot Hat, Lolli Girl Tie-Dye Pants |
To view more hand-drawn Soul Flower design options for eco-friendly Baby Bodysuits, Playtime Sets & More CLICK HERE! 🙂
❤ JacQ
Three Little Branches to Spring
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| The neon/ pastel colors on a basic grey shirt, is so brilliant |
So all the snow has finally melted, I’m not sure if it is officially spring yet, but it feels like it. For me when all the snow is melted, and the weather is tolerable, then it is officially spring. And once I got my 3 Little Branches Eco T- Shirt in the mail, then I knew I really needed to get out and celebrate this warm weather, and the happiness the sun brings. I love this top, the second I saw it I about died, the neon/ pastel colors on a basic grey shirt, is so brilliant, along with the Henna-like design, it is just so bright and happy. The swirls of the leaves reminded me a bit of Native American dream catchers. After pairing the eco-friendly top with mint green jeans, I knew I had the perfect shoes to wear. I got these striped tribal moccasins thrifted and they finished the look. With my camera in hand and my sunglasses on I knew just where I wanted to spend the afternoon.
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There is this little historical monument I have been to a few times, and have always been inspired by the old western feel and look of things. The spring makes me feel like taking a road trip to Texas or Arizona, I want to go to an old ghost town, or visit a amazing gift shop with beaded necklaces and dream catchers. The texture and color of this little building is amazing, ranging from the old log house with its grainy, weather-worn stained wood, the canvas embellished tee-pees to the adobe house with its curved clay shingles. So much history around us, so much history uncovered in the spring, and so much history awaiting us.
| 3 Little Branches Eco T-Shirt – A Soul Flower Original |
Remember back in the winter, when I talked about snow, and how it blankets and conceals everything? You can easily forget what is buried underneath, like buried treasure or historical relics, it may take time, or a bit of digging to discover what happened in the past, and what was buried there. But eventually spring will come, the leaves with sprout, and things will get better. I am so happy for this weather, this time of year. Be sure to get outside and enjoy it, you waited all winter for today, at least I did!
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Peace,
Heather
Check out more style ideas over at my blog Latter Day Style
Happy International Women’s Day
Happy International Women’s Day! A day to honor women everywhere!
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| MAKE HISTORY AND SUPPORT POSITIVITY ! |
Be sure to tell the inspirational women in your life how much you respect and admire them today, and every day!
Peace,
Your Buds
The Best BFF Bracelets
My best friend’s name is Audrey Louise, my name is Hannah Louise; this was our first bonding experience. We have been best friends for five years, and she is a beautiful light in my life. Since she is so special, I wanted to get her something really special. I had gotten her a few cool things, but nothing that meant anything to our relationship. I wanted it to be something from my heart, that she could look at daily and think about us. That’s what I found in these beautifully handmade Funky Friendship Bracelets. She LOVED hers!
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| Besties for LIFE! |
Each of the bracelets were colored right to our personalities; vibrant and beautiful! We couldn’t get enough of holding each others hands to put them together. They are comfortable to wear and we each wear ours every day; it bonds us together and reminds us that we each have a best friend that is there for the other one no matter what. Even though we may live far apart now, I know that she still has my back; and I can feel her constant love, even hundreds of miles away.
If I am ever feeling lonely, or like I have no where to turn; I just hold up my wrist and realize that I have a best friend, forever. I will never be alone, I will always have someplace to turn. She is a part of my family, and I love her like no other. Miles can’t destroy what we have, and our bracelets are there as a reminder if we are ever in doubt.
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| Funky friends forever! |
Even though we are miles apart, these BFF Bracelets will always connect our hearts I love you Audrey Louise.
Peace & Happiness Buds,
Give your BFF a good squeeze; whenever you get the opportunity.
xo, Hannah Louise
Tree Houses for “Grown-ups”
Tree House
A tree house, a free house,
A secret you and me house,
A high up in the leafy branches
Cozy as can be house.
A street house, a neat house,
Be sure and wipe your feet house
Is not my kind of house at all–
Let’s go live in a tree house.
-Shel Silverstein
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Dedicated to our photographer, Jenn, whose daydreams are kept in high up leafy branches
To making tree houses happen!
JacQ
JacQ
Wear the Good Vibes Tie-Dye Skirt As a Dress
Soul Flower knows their tie dye! Who can resist bright, bold colors like pink and green? Add in the earthy brown and you’ve got yourself one fun piece of clothing that gives off good vibes. I picked out this skirt because I needed to brighten up my winter!
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| It can also be worn as a dress! 🙂 |
If you’ve got the winter blues, prepare to have them chased away. I wore this in the snow and I was still comfy. This organic tie-dye skirt is long enough to keep your legs warm this season and will transition well into the summer. The large band at the waist even makes it possible to pull up and turn into a dress! You will be wearing this one all year long. It’s great whether you want to lounge around or go out and have some fun.
This skirt is a Soul Flower original, and as you know, soul-flower is awesome about supporting a healthy environment. This skirt was made with organic cotton and low-impact dyes, and it’s Fair Trade!
My Slightly Stoopid – Officer cover! 🙂
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| Thank you for this amazing skirt, soul-flower! |
Peace & Love,
Kirbie
8 Days a Week : Almost Spring Lookbook
Our almost spring lookbook has been released! Give it a flip through and let us know what you think of our latest looks.
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| Click here to shop our latest lookbook |
Head on over to our Facebook page to join in on our giveaway and try to win one of your favorite items from the 8 Days a Week Lookbook. Giveaway ends 2/21/2013 and the winner will be announced on Facebook. Have fun, and we sure hope you like it!
Peace,
your buds at Soul Flower
Eco Mushrooms T-Shirt – My Hidden Summer
It has been cold, so cold. I am not used to this bitter, take the breath right out of your lungs cold. I should be I guess, but I am not. A few things have been dancing around in my head, being outside seems to always get my mind going. (more…)
We’re Moving!
Hey buds-
We’re moving!! After 8 years at this location it’s almost hard to believe. As we say farewell to our good ol’ warehouse in St. Paul, MN and make the move to Golden Valley, MN we’re excited to bring our good vibes with us and make some new memories!
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| We will miss you St. Paul! |
This Wednesday-Friday (1/30-2/1) will be the major hustle & bustle days. Our site will still be up and running. Just know that an order placed on these days will not be processed and shipped out until Monday 2/4/13. Sorry for any inconvenience and thanks so much for your understanding.
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| Movin’ right along! |
Peace,
your buds at Soul Flower
Road Warrior Eco Bike T-Shirt
So today I got thinking about my old bike. I got the Road Warrior tee and wore it with my Happy Pants, and the illustration on the front reminds me of my bicycle.
Hoop Dancing
Check out these amazing hoop dancing moves from Kirbie.
Tie-Dye Leggings – Workout or Not!
These awesome Tie-Dye Leggings are as much fun to look at as they are to wear! They were perfect for winter in South Carolina! The weather was warm and sunny, but there was quite a chilly breeze coming off the Atlantic, & I was happy to have these! (more…)
Mushroomy Inspiration
Did you know there’s such a thing as glowing mushrooms?
There are more than 70 known species of bioluminescent fungi growing all around the world. They produce light through chemical reactions, lighting up the forest floor like a starry sky.
How awesome is that?!
How could you not want glowing mushrooms on a t-shirt?! 🙂
Men’s Organic Mushrooms Pocket T-Shirt
Our first print run of this Mushrooms design really looked like those glowing mushrooms. Since then, we’ve translated it to a few other shirt styles so everyone can get a taste of mushroomy goodness.
Another inspiration for this hand-drawn mushroom design was these amazing 19th century mushroom and fungi illustrations, drawn by French pharmacist Guilliame Sicard.
I just love their simplicity, and how they show off all the different mushroom types in a clean, non-muddy way.
When creating this design, I first sketched out a bunch of different styles of mushrooms. Then after digitizing the sketches, I added texture with little bitmapping dots that would be sure to show up on a screen print.
Sweet!
You can also snag some glowing mushrooms on an organic cotton scarf or on a bright purple tank dress. (Note: these dresses are part of a limited print run, so get ’em while you can!)
Mushrooms may seem like lowly plants (literally– they grow low to the ground!), but a second look may be all it takes to realize that pretty much everything in nature is awesome. Especially if they glow!
If you liked this shroomy inspiration, you’ll probably like our Nature Inspiration Pinterest board. Check it out!
Blue Jean Baby, L.A. Lady
Because I am always altering old t-shirts, and sewing knits, I have been wanting a serger for some time. So after saving, and after some Christmas money, I got an early present. I must say I have been sewing on it daily, and feel a bit like that tiny dancer girl, you know “seamstress for the band”? I figured a day of sewing and embroidery would be a perfect occasion to wear the L.A. Lady Blue Jean Shirt. It is relaxed, comfy, made in the USA, and I love the lyrical reference, love the song, and just love the clever blue jean button up.
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| Love dressing up this blue jean button up |
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| Dig the tie-dyed jean |
I have been thinking in strings of lights lately, my thoughts scrambled in between colorful lights. I want to cover everything in glitter, and cover every inch of my house in lights. I have been working on embellishing this grey t-shirt I have, with rows and rows of colorful thread, it reminds me of colorful rays of light.
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| Looks great layered or on its own |
The other week my husband tells me he has a surprise, and to get my coat. I figure we are just looking at something outside, but we proceed to get in the car, drive a while, and we pull up to a house covered, I mean COVERED in lights, it was beautiful I don’t think I have ever seen anything so colorful! He changes the station, and the lights are perfectly orchestrated to the music, blinking in and out with the song, changing colors, and pulsing out the rhythm and bringing each song to life. It was so inspiring, made me want to go home and create, be inspired, and finish up my rainbow tee so I could wear it with my jean top, as they would be perfect together.
Hope everyone had a colorful & bright holiday season & a happy new year!
❤ Heather
Tiny Dancer
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you’ll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she’s in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand
Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad
Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows, the tune she hums
But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you, and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly
Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
you had a busy day today
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you’ll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she’s in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand
But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you, and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly
– Elton John
New Year, New Vibe Playlist
Hey buds,
Here’s the playlist you helped us build for 2013, including Phish, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead and more!
Rock on & thanks for all the sweet suggestions, you picked some great ones!
☮ your buds at Soul Flower
Triple Totem Organic Scarf Review
I’ve always had scarves made out of wool or other heavy fabrics, so when I wear them, I immediately take them off when I get to my destination. Not with this scarf! I find the cotton so soft and cozy that it’s great to wear inside as well as outside. I even find myself planning my outfits around the scarf so that I can showcase the art everywhere I go.
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| The Triple Totem Organic Scarf kept me warm & peaceful |
I was a little skeptical about it’s ability to keep me warm, however, so I decided to go for a hike on a cold, windy day and see how well it did. Well, it was a little colder and windier than I had anticipated, and I found myself up on the mountaintop without enough layers, so I really got to put this scarf to the test! I was really glad that I had the scarf with me because it was the saving grace that kept me warm that day. I wrapped it around my arms sometimes as well as wearing it traditionally around my neck. I am no longer skeptical about its warming abilities!
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| Triple Totem Organic Scarf |
This made-in-the-USA scarf is not only amazingly soft and cozy; it’s a beautiful Soulflower original piece of art as well. The material is 100% organic cotton and low impact dyed to a beautiful red wine color. The artwork on the scarf is amazing and thought provoking, as is the usual with Soulflower. It brings in elements of art from different cultures such as Indian and Native American to give it a worldly feel and message. The scarf begs to be worn to art and wine parties, to yoga class, on a mountaintop for meditation, and really anywhere you feel like wearing it; because it’s not only beautiful, it’s functional and durable.
Peace,
Andria
Soul Flower on Instagram
Hey buds, if you want to get a behind the scene glimpse of what goes down at Soul Flower on a day-to-day basis, Instagram is the place to do it. Check out images of our team rockin’ out at the warehouse, staging photo shoots and just being our goofy, fun selves out ‘n’ about in MN and more! 🙂