Give the gift of travel.

Travel near.
Travel far.
To new places.
To favorite places.
By car.
By bike.
By plane.
By foot.
By boat.
See.
Hear.
Smell.
Taste.
Explore.

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. It is important to me to give gifts that are meaningful, useful and a bit unexpected. Babies and toddlers are always a challenge for me because they don't necessarily know when they are getting something and they seem to have a ton of books, toys and clothes. 

Last year as my nephew's and niece's 1st birthdays approached, I decided that I would give them the gift of travel. This gift of travel wasn't a plane ticket or frequent flyer miles, but a travel account (aka. savings account) for them to use once they turn 18. My family is aware of the account, so if they feel compelled to add to it, they certainly can! Traveling has made such an impact on my life and is a source of inspiration for me - I wanted to give this gift to them.
 

Bon voyage, Tate & Olive!

[via: reading my tea leaves; (oh, hello friend) you are loved; design*sponge; stephane massa-bidal]

Mottainai.

Go now, and live.

That is all.

[via: loveology: when we wake up...]

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Look out for that...

 

  

 

pothole! I mean garden. Pete Dungey drives around Britain searching for potholes to fill with loveliness. I'd smile if I drove by one of those.

[via: Cup of Jo]

Mottainai.

Recycled Fabric.

 

  

  

  

Art around your neck. Lovely! I'll take one of each, plus more for my friends.

[foulard threads (via: modish)]

Mottainai.

Love.

Spread some love this weekend.

I need a silent true-way to admire.
Like you as a sunset, and I as a wildfire.
And I can let the day go...

I've locked up these words, in fear that I'd say them wrong.
Is it love as a mountain, or love as a simple song?
And the moment that the two meet
has now laid itself at your feet.

And love is not convenient; it does not cease at your command.
You might take and leave it, but love is all I am.
Love is all I am.

I need a boundless, soft way to commend
Like you as a temper, and I as it's tender end.
And however long your fits last
I will live within your shadow cast.

And love is still your stranger; it does not respect how much you'll stand
You might be love's reminder, but love is all I am.
Love is all am.

I need a graceful, proud way to let go
To smile and accept the things that you don't know
The losses and the gains blurred
The weight of these as last words

And love is not excitement; it's not kissing, or holding hands
I'm not some assignment; no, love is all I am
Love is all I am.
Love is all I am.  

-Dawes, Love Is All I Am

[Love Candy]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

And to think, I loved school lunch. This article gives a little insight into what is really in a school cafeteria lunch.

Ordinary guys brewing extraordinary beer. A great interview with the founders/brewers at Minneapolis-based Fulton Beer.

On a beer kick today. New Belgium Brewery has recently announced the largest privately owned solar array in Colorado has gone live at their plant.

Are you looking for a compost bucket that isn't white or metal? Look no further. Don't compost yet? Why not? Here's a list of 75+ things that you can compost.

My family rocks. Love you all...this one is for you.

New eco-business ideas:

+ This one involves the transformation of cast-iron radiators

+ This one combines a board game and sustainable thinking

+ And this one converts steps into energy

Loving this company's concept of "focusing on slow design and sustainability." They sew their garments by hand in Northern Alabama. [via]

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has updated its seafood recommendations. Take a look.

Kind of want to be friends with this husband and wife combo who own and operate Quince and Apple, a small batch preserves company.

Usable goods made from repurposed items. Aprons, clutches and pillows, oh my.

[Alabama Chanin Fabrics]

Mottainai.