Propah Prosperity Project Day 31

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

I'm barely getting this entry in under the wire. I wanted to make sure that each and every recipient got the love they deserve and that means in blog form too but alas boy did life get in the way today ie WORK OUT MY BUTT... so I am very sorry Jane, my dear friend, that this update is heading out late. I wanted her to know that I admire her as an intelligent woman, a fantastic mother and when she ran that 5k with me last year and totally slowed her pace to stay with me, well, that was something special. I'm so happy that I met her (another friend through my husband's co-workers!) and I love that we have gotten to know each other over the years. For Jane's bracelet, I used all tiger jasper. Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort and security, strength and healing. Its presence balances the aura to a level of wholeness and peace.

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 30

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Hi there, Amanda here, with Day 30 of the Propah Prosperity Project. Geesh, it's been 30 days already?! I'm so excited that #1 I've been able to keep it going but more importantly #2 people have been super responsive to it! Today's recipient is another gal I met through blogging but I now would like to just call a friend. For any of you that know what it's like to meet people through blogging and the "influencer" world, it can be an odd transition from seeing each other at events to actually being like no, dude this person is just my legit friend now. Kate of Domestikated Life is one of those people. Totally crushworthy on her own, she's a creative force and certainly makes the best fancy apple cheese bread with sage that I've ever eaten. But if you were to meet Kate in person, she is sweet, thoughtful and funny, all the things I super appreciate in people that I like to hang out with. She's just plain lovely and I thought she should know it! For Kate's bracelet, I used a combination of light teal Czech glass beads, a vintage Austrian pressed glass bead and faceted red malachite (a banded jasper). Red Malachite is associated with courage and energy. Known as a gemstone that celebrates life, it encourages the bearer to enjoy life and celebrate being alive. When used with spiritual intention, Red Malachite dispels fear and increase stamina.

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 29

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Sara DiVello is one inspirational gal. I met her, like a lot of my favorite people, at last year's W.E.L.L. Summit. She's a yoga instructor, an author and now speaks her truth and story to inspire others. She's a good and supportive friend to those around her and she's super cute to boot! I love seeing her create amazing opportunities for herself and for those opportunities to bring joy and peace to others. That's rad, kids. For Sara's bracelet, I used two different types of jasper and a vintage bead that I've been saving for something special. This was it's chance to shine! Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort and security, strength and healing. Its presence balances the aura to a level of wholeness and peace, and acts as a reminder that one is not here on the physical plane simply for oneself, but to bring joy and substance to others. Perfect for Sara, right?

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Easy Apple Cinnamon and Banana Bread- Sponsored by 222 Fifth

Are you looking for an easy and reliable banana bread recipe that allows for a little bit of tweaking? This apple cinnamon banana bread recipe has become one of my favorites no matter what time of year it is. The whole family loves this bread because it's delicious but also because it's really very simple to make with ingredients that are pantry staples. Whether your family leaves bananas or apples stranded, or you purchase them especially to whip up a batch, this recipe will surely make it's way into your baking rotation! Plus, I love a good reason to break out my very pretty 222 Fifth dishes. Swoon! Can you tell the baking bug has been strong this pregnancy? All I want is cake, bread, scones etc and so on! 

Easy Apple Cinnamon and Banana Bread

Serves 6-8 generously
Beginner Skills


Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ripened bananas, mashed (or about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cooking apples, cored and chopped (we recommend macintosh, granny smith or honey crisp)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugars. Beat in eggs until well combined

Stir in bananas and vanilla until your mixture is nice and creamy.

In separate bowl, combine all of your dry ingredients- flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

Gradually add your dry ingredients to butter, sugar and eggs ingredient mixture. Make sure to work out any lumps.

Gently stir in apples. These will add a nice texture to your bread.

Spoon into greased loaf pan, dust with cinnamon and sugar then bake 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Sometimes I really do love a good baking challenge but other times I just want a tried and true recipe that I can count on to be the perfect last minute preparation! This is such a versatile recipe. You can serve this bread for guests with coffee or to your family for breakfast. I love using the 222 Fifth Gabrielle in Cream since it's a very versatile print, perfect for any time of day or anytime of the year, really! Let me know if you try whipping up a batch of this bread; I'd love to hear about how much you love it, since I know you will!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (for 8 servings)

Per serving: Calories: 362; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 77mg; Sodium: 474mg; Potassium: 99mg; Total Carbohydrates: 57g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugars: 30g; Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 9%; Vitamin C: 7%; Calcium: 9%; Iron: 5%

*This recipe was created in partnership with 222 Fifth. All opinions are my own.

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 28

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

I love the girl that I'm honoring with positivity today. She and I are like totally similar soul sistahs and I hope she feels the same way. I can't remember when I first met Julie (of Posh and Prep/ Sip and Script fame) but I know that every time I see her, I feel comfortable either chatting about life or complaining about something that I know she would appreciate; she wouldn't judge me. She's creative and encouraging, she's a badass Mom and she's super funny. I love being around her and her energy and I can't wait to continue on being super friends! For Julie's bracelet, I used Earth jasper and white quartz. For some reason, I just felt like black and white fit with her calligraphy! Quartz is super versatile; for ongoing personal energy, quartz acts as a touchstone for an instant lift. It increases awareness and clarity in thinking which any Mom of a toddler knows is necessary! 

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 27

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Today, I'm welcoming a new member to our family... no the baby isn't here already (thank the Good Lord!) but my cousin recently married a lovely gal who has some similar sensibilities as I do. We are only just really getting to know each other but she's now with child (congrats Ali and Joel!) but what I know of Ali, I know I really like. She is sweet and smart. She's got a great and sensible head on her shoulders but also has a saucy sense of humor. I hope that we have many more lovely encounters, like this past Thanksgiving's and that our kids (who will only be 5-6 months apart) will be best buds! Welcome to the family, cous, I hope you feel some positive vibes! For Ali's bracelet I used a healthy combination of jade and earth jasper! Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort, security, strength and healing. Jade is an awesome one too! Jade is said to bless whatever it touches so I hope Ali feels blessed this holiday season!

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 26

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Many of you may have heard of Josh Rosebrook before. He has an amazing hair and skincare line that uses natural ingredients that you know you can trust. Read a little bit about him and you'll already be like, "wow, what a cool guy!". After meeting him at last year's W.E.L.L. Summit, I will admit, I was immediately like, this is the energy that I can really respond to and appreciate in a person. He isn't just an inspiration in that he is living his dream authentically but he is an inspiring person to be around, even if you're simply talking about an every day kind of matter. He is positive and friendly and warm and simply a delight. Rather than making Josh a mala, I made a couple of bracelets that I thought would be a little something special (and would fit!). For Josh's bracelets, I used a combination fancy jasper and yellow turquoise (which is a jasper/serpentine stone). Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort, security, strength and healing. 

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Cranberry Apple Butter - Easy Add for a Holiday Dinner

Guys, I'm pregnant and therefore my ability to really put in a full 100% is really kind of lacking. I wanted to contribute to the Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt's house but I didn't want to over extend myself and then stress about my part of the meal. I was looking for recipes that I could tinker with and make my own, and this Apple Cranberry butter (that was originally inspired by the recipe in Yankee Magazine last month) is something I worked on that was most certainly a hit! Super simple, just a few inexpensive ingredients and seriously so yummy!

What I Used: 

6 -7 cooking apples
1⁄2 lb fresh cranberries
1 cup  cranberry juice (1 cup cider or 1 cup water)
1⁄2  cup maple syrup
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg

• Core and chop apple; do not peel.
• Combine apples, cranberries and juice/water in a slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on high for five hours.
• Puree in food processor. I used the "soup" option which worked perfectly. You may have residual peel which will need to be strained.
• Return pureed mixture to crock pot, after pouring through a strainer and add maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Cover and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours.

Total cooking time 6-7 hours, easy peasy! This will thicken up once cooled and once it's smothered on your favorite biscuits or rolls, it's pretty much the best. My Mom loves to put a little dairy butter then add the apple cranberry butter like a jam. It's pretty dang tasty that way too. See? I've also been told that this is a great baking substitute when you might use apple sauce because the cranberry adds a little tang... see, so versatile!

Honestly, I really think that this is one of those recipes that can't be screwed up. I did it to taste (and I like a little tart from the cranberries) but you can add and subtract sweeteners and all those apple pie and seasonal spices you have in your pantry (cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, cloves etc). Prep is easy, cooking in the slow cooker is obvi easy and the most time consuming part is the end where you're just getting the lumps out. Overall, this is a great and handy holiday recipe to have around!

What's your favorite Easy Peasy recipe?

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 25

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Mom is in town so I thought no better time to be thankful for her than to offer up today's PPP positivity to the woman who birthed me and on Thanksgiving day, it worked out perfectly! I was telling her just yesterday that for all the tiffs we may have had over the years, she raised three women who are caring, are open minded and love other people. She should be proud of herself for raising these three women who while all very different, at their core, have a common thread of moral energy that makes them good citizens of the world. Isn't that what every parent can hope for? She knows how much I appreciate her even though I give her lip, even in my 30's. She's the best Mom and she should know it. For Mom's bracelet, I was drawn to her "colors". Always a gal for blues, teals and gold, I used some wooden beads as well as some milky quartz to build her bracelet. Milky quartz. Quartz is the most versatile and multidimensional stone in the mineral kingdom for healing, meditation, expansion of consciousness, and attracting love or prosperity.

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Propah Prosperity Project, Day 24

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Today is an instance of wanting to celebrate a new friendship with someone that I only met just last year and have only seen a few times since but when I do see Sanae, (Where the Blue Boots Go) I really do appreciate her more and more. Something I envy in others, or rather I should say that I admire because I often am lacking, is the ability to be calm, and soft spoken not in a shy way but in a way that is commanding but comforting. It's hard to explain but when I speak with Sanae, she is very intelligent, down to Earth and respectful of the conversation while also being super friendly and lovely. Sorry, Sanae, this is like one big run on sentence. What I'm trying to say is that I have really loved getting to know you better this year and hope that we continue down the path of building a friendship. Phew! For Sanae's bracelet, I used a little bit of yellow marble, because I think the color is killer and I used a lot of peridot jasper. It is a stone for healingas well as protection. It can be uplifting , giving the wearer a sense of well-being and happiness. It has a gentle energy that helps to soothe the body's energy.

 

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 23

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Elizabeth pretty much knows how I feel about her. I tell her all the time that she's one of the loveliest and most stylish people that I've ever come to know. She is a woman committed to her children but she hasn't sacrificed her crafty, creative and sassy side. She's totally the type of woman that I strive to be, because as I am sure she has her own struggles, you would never know when you talk to her. She's classy, put together, well rounded and she's raised a gaggle of thoughtful, and equally lovely children... that's the Mom Dream, am I right? To have your brood represent you in the most positive light? Well, I can tell Elizabeth right now, that she has her best face forward through her actions and positive attitude and through her kids representin' out in the world. I made a bracelet for Elizabeth and her two girls, Lulu and Abby, so that when they're all together for Thanksgiving, they can have a lil' something from me! I used almost all jade and yellow jasper or tiger jasper for the trio. Copy and Paste Alert: Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort and security, strength and healing. Its presence balances the aura to a level of wholeness and peace, and acts as a reminder that one is not here on the physical plane simply for oneself, but to bring joy and substance to others... kinda perfect, right?

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 22

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Today's recipient, well, I've not technically met her in person... and yes, I know that it seems a little creepy that I would reach out and ask her if I could mail her something. Wellp, I guess you can call me a creep because that's exactly what I did. After this year's W.E.L,L. Summit, I was so happy to have heard Siobhan O'Connor speak on the green beauty panel. She's one of those women who you just simply can't not have a crush on. You may know her from No More Dirty Looks or from being the Health Director on Time.com, but what I thought was most impressive about her was the intelligence and class that she exuded when helping people understand that they could take their health and beauty into their own hands by educating themselves. She is just the type of woman I look up to and I wanted her to know that! For Siobhan's bracelet, I used almost entirely jade. Jade is a dream stone that releases negative thoughts, irritability, and soothes the mind. It can also assist in cherishing one's ideals and desires which I think is such a neat aspect. Side note: I've really enjoyed researching the stones that I'm using as well. I'll take (and give) all the positive energy I can these days!

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

Three Easy Ways to Reduce Your Personal Textile Waste

I was reading this artcile on Huffington Post the other day and was really inspired to share some of the ways that I personally try to reduce my home's textile waste. It still surprises me when I talk to people and they really have no idea that the fashion industry is one that is insanely bad for our planet, as a rule... but then again, a couple years ago, I had no idea either. Not only does the fashion industry create loads of pollution but the amount of fast fashion on the market encourages people to throw away their clothes with less consideration because the cost was low. The cost may have been low for this particular consumer but what was saved was paid for in pollution and low wage workers in a lot of cases. I know, I know, I'm sort of being a Debbie Downer but seriously guys, even being thoughtful of your purchases and somewhat informed is totally the first step in being mindful and reducing your personal textile waste.

Some of these are my favorite ways to reduce my family's personal textile waste and reuse the items that we currently have. Don't get me wrong, I love something new, but it's going to be super important to show my kids that we don't have to always buy new, especially not to be happy. (Shopping is fun but shouldn't be done out of boredom)

Mend and Repair your Current Clothes: This may seem like a no brainer but it's sometimes a nuisance to fix a hole, sew on a new button or repair a ripped seam. Maybe you don't "know how" or have the time but I like to put my stuff into a repair pile and do it all at once. If you don't know how to sew, I'm here to tell you that anyone can do it, seriously. Invest in a little sewing kit or make one yourself with needles, thread of different colors, safety pins and a thimble. You're good to go. Check out this post, this post and this post for some easy beginner tips on mending your own clothes. If you really don't want to repair your own, bring your clothes to your local tailor or cleaners. You're repairing your clothes and supporting a business in your community.

Upcycle or Rather Create Something New: Just like these pillows or even this sweet little cotton flower, there are so many things you can create with your old clothes, sheets, curtains and more. Obviously, this take a little more skill if you're looking to create something wearable but if sewing/crafting/creating isn't your thing, don't even hesitate to use old textiles as rags, changing table pads (baby poop is a struggle), drop clothes and very functional things like that... anything you can do to keep from throwing them out is a great bonus, go you!

Breathe New Life with a Dye Bath: If you've followed me the past couple of years, you know that I love to toss stuff in a dye bath. It's the perfect way to breathe new life into old garments. As a lover of white tees, it's always a disappointment when you can't get a stain out but seriously, toss it in a $3 dye bath and viola! new shirt. I've tossed some faded black pants and tees into a black bath and again, seriously, they're crisp and looking new for awhile longer. It's simple enough that anyone can do it. I'm dying (pun intended) to try using Natural Dyes, for the environment's sake obvi, so may take on this endeavor when I'm feeling like the time is right, like not the cold weather.

Do you have any simple tips on reducing your personal textile waste? I would love to integrate more into my world!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 21

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Rebecca Casciano is a bright and positive light in this world! I know it seems like I've been saying that a lot about people these days but when someone is doing good work, to make people more thoughtful and loving, well, it's worth mentioning. Rebecca is a makeup artist but moreover, she's created her Sacred Beauty Salon, which is Part hands-on makeup lesson, part inner-beauty reflection, Sacred Beauty Salon Series offers a unique opportunity for women to not only learn practical makeup tips, but to explore the relationship between how they look and feel about themselves. She's making women feel good about themselves, inside and out. Swoon. I mean, if that doesn't make her crush-worthy, then I don't know what does. Sending love and positive vibes to Rebecca today, because she's totally worth it! For Rebecca, I used a combination of jade and tiger jasper. She's a redhead, and at 6am in the morning, this combination seemed fitting but now I'm not so sure haha but at least Rebecca knows that it was made with love and sent with love! 

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 20

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

I can't even remember when it was that I met Emily (of Shell Chic'd) on the blogging scene but I do know that I am so happy to have run into her that one time... As I've gotten to know her, it is apparent that she is one of the sweetest ladies that I think I know and don't even get me started on how cute she is (as a button, people!). As a blogger, especially one that attends events and such, it's easy to meet people and follow them on the 'nets but Emily is one that I not only follow (because duh, she's amazing) but I also consider her a friend, like Christmas card list and brunch friend! I've loved getting to know her better and I just wanted to send her all the good vibes on this Saturday! For Emily's bracelet, I used a mixture of lavender Czech glass beads, pink quartz and vintage cream bead from a necklace I deconstructed awhile back. Pink quartz is not only pretty, it's the stone of heart, unconditional love. It carries peace, compassion, tenderness and healing

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 19

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Quiana (you may know her from Harlem Lovebirds) is a great gal. She is fabulously unapologetic in her opinions and is always fighting for what she believe is right and just, not just for her beautiful children but because she genuinely wants to see the world become a better place for us all to live in. I am always looking to her to keep me in touch with important issues even if they make me uncomfortable because it's way too easy to resort to what makes us comfortable. I love Quiana's spirit and I support her in all of her worthy endeavors as a wife, Mama and activist. For Quiana's bracelet, I wanted to convey "Strength" and for some reason I was feeling the dark when putting it together. I used feldspar and Earth jasper for her. Jasper enables one to be more present in the physical body and conscious of Nature and one’s surroundings. It encourages one to celebrate moments of isolation to absorb, reflect, and connect with these energies and kindles an awareness of the spiritual connection we hold with all living things. (<-- I totally copied and pasted that blurb, obvi)

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!

PROPAH PROSPERITY PROJECT, DAY 18

For 40 days, I will make it a priority to wake up early or make the time at lunch to meditate and create with positive vibes. Taking the inspiration from my mala making session, I will meditate on my purpose for the day while also focusing on positive energy and the things that I am grateful for (which isn't always easy for me). Since I love the energy of "good vibes", I obviously want to share them with others, so for the 40 days of this practice, I will create a mala bracelet a day, focusing on what I love about them/how I appreciate them and send a note of positivity on to that specific person (and also literally using the USPS). I will also share with my readers about that person and in short what it is about them that I admire. My goal is to bring Prosperity, as in the state of good fortune, comfort and well-being to both myself and my people. I ordered some special beads that had meaning and also decided to incorporate ones that I have been collecting over the years from vintage vendors, flea markets and the like. I wanted these to be special and personal, so that if the recipient did want to use them as prayer beads or worry beads (more likely my use), they'd have something special to hold.

Today, I'm honoring Jessica Diaz, whom I met at a Barre-less Barre event way earlier in the year, maybe February? She was the instructor, all gorgeous and fit, leading such an amazingly effective workout... but what really, really inspired me about her was her willingness to share her story with us all. Rather than explain it all here, you can read this article, How a Stroke at 36 Changed My View on Health.  Whoa, just typing the sentence, I'm like "WHOA". She's sharing her story to raise awareness of your healthy and being mindful to take care of yourself. She's not just a beautiful barre instructor, she's a beautiful woman on the inside, friendly and kind, exactly the type of person you want to surround yourself with. Please stop by to read her piece and her blog Ms. Fit for Society! For Jessica's bracelet, I combined a lot of grey, I don't know why I felt compelled to but it soothed me and I hope it does for her as well. Grey Marble and Feldspar, which helps us find unique and unconventional ways to achieve our goals as well as find self-love.

Be sure to keep up with the entire series, all 40 days worth!