Crystal Madrilejos

Design & Creative

I’m pretty sure I want to own some chickens in the near future.

Yesterday I started reading Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich. I actually first learned about this book when I read an excerpt from it in one of the Mother Earth News: Wiser Living Issues awhile back. Then Cole over at Pacing the Panic Room mentioned it on their blog and I saw there was a digital version that I could read on the iPad and figured I should check it out since I really enjoyed the small portion that I initially read.

Sustainability and self-sufficiency are two things that Andrew and I are constantly striving for in our lives. For Andrew, I think it’s the logical aspects of sustainability that appeal to him. I’m not going to speak for him, but I know him well enough to assume this. To Andrew it makes sense to build a life that is sustainable, simple as that :)

As for me, the decisions I make in life weigh very heavy on me. I’m emotional like that. So this, amongst other things, motivates me to want to create a life for our family that we can feel good about. Also, it helps that both Andrew and I are very hands on. We have no problem putting the extra effort into things we think are important to us.

So this bring me back to the chickens. The first chapter of the book is all about raising chickens and the benefits of having them. I’ve been contemplated chickens for awhile, so this book was already preaching to the choir. But it did help me feel like it is something we could do. I need a chicken mentor, anyone have any advice?

P.S. I took these pictures when we went to visit Earth Song Discovery Farm a couple years back. This place is amazing!

-c.



[Photos by Estelle Hanania]

My dear friend Marion designed the shoes for the Dévastée Spring/Summer 2010 collection. I am in love with them all! Not only is she a beautiful person but she is an amazingly talented fashion designer and makes incredible illustrations too! If only I could find a pair of her shoes stateside… le sigh.

–c.

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Perfect


[Image via Le Bouton]

My dream would be to dress like this every single day. Every piece of clothing on this site is perfect.

–c.

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If only…

Rainy Opening Day at Jacobs Field

Rainy Opening Day at Jacobs Field

Thanks to Stephanie over at even*cleveland, I have a new obsession. I’d never heard of Polyvore before and I can’t get enough. If you haven’t played with it before, now is the time. Register and start creating outfits. And if you want to check out some really sweet ensembles you should check out even*cleveland‘s “imaginary outfits” here. Some people can get really crazy with their layouts, but personally I enjoy Stephanie’s more pared down look. If only I had so many things to choose from…
–c.