It's become a sort of mantra around here. Just eat a mango.

We've had lots of conversations lately about the pursuit of pleasure gone wrong. The reigning metaphor seems to involve eating a particular junky treat that everyone knows doesn't really even taste that good...but sometimes it gets eaten in attempt to satisfy a perceived longing. The indulgence never hits the spot. It always leaves us wanting more...so we eat another one + another...or the taste of the unsatisfying treat leads us to reach for a different junky treat that offers no more promise of satisfaction.

I know the cycle too well. I can get stuck thinking: maybe a shopping spree will help my mood. A new-to-me car would make me feel like a more worthy person. A nicer house would make everything better. But once I get that new thing, it isn't long before I realize that that new thing doesn't offer lasting satisfaction.

Often it is the smallest things that bring the greatest joy. My thoughts lately turn to mangos. This juicy, sweet, vibrant yellow fruit brings me joy every time...when I let it...when I slow down enough to notice it...to truly see what an amazing thing it is...when I taste it + smell it + savor it. Stopping to observe a ladybug. Letting my feet feel the grass. Filling a tiny vase with wildflowers. Feeling the wind in my hair. Laying flat on my back with my eyes closed. Rubbing the back of one that I love. Breathing slow + deep. Looking up at the clouds.

When I allow myself to slow down + really take in these simple moments...these are the moments when I truly grasp the goodness of life.

​Take a moment. Make a list of ten tiny ways that you can catch or have caught a glimpse of the immense goodness this world has to offer. Set out this weekend to collect moments...determine them ahead of time or collect them as they come. Collect them as photos or on a written list. I'm guessing they are the simplest things. 

It's in the smallest of moments that I can see a juicy world dripping with love and goodness that every one can grasp + experience to their very core. It's there. It's there for the taking...the embracing...the holding...the experiencing. Take it. Take it. Take it. And live.

Love
Jane

The glory of gardening:
hands in the dirt,
head in the sun,
heart with nature.
To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body,
but the soul.
~Alfred Austin

I've been on the hunt for some good trainers for over a year now. My old trainers' soles are completely worn through in a number of places, so I feel good about replacing them. I tried a number of different pairs that just didn't work for a number of reasons. Finally, however, I've found my match. This new model from Veja is pretty great...so I thought I'd share.

I tried their previous trainers + they just didn't fit my foot very well. The knit uppers on these hug my feet better. They are comfy + supportive + of course they have all the eco-credentials + innovations Veja keeps coming through on. These shoes are mostly made from plant-based materials + recycled plastic bottles (in Brazil). 

I've replaced my completely worn through socks with these GOTS-certified, organic cotton, Pact socks. My old socks were the old version of these socks + they lasted for years. I really love these.

And...I am really enjoying these organic cotton, made-in-Los Angeles leggings from Mate. I have a pair of the shorts too. The weight of these is great for the warmer months + I've been wearing them happily + often both for exercising + for lounging. They are a great alternative to plastic leggings.  :)

Love,
​Jane

Mistakes are the price of an interesting life.
~Sophia Loren

A while back we did some experiments with less in the kitchen. This post was meant to go along with those, but I love this collection of kitchen photos...so I'll just put it here, k?  :)

There is a reason I didn't put these images up at the beginning of our experiments with less in the kitchen. I really wanted us to focus on what we have...on our own thoughts + feelings. It's easy to get hung up on that wall I've always wanted to demolish or the flooring I dislike, when I look at pictures of other kitchens. But the walls + the flooring I have are "enough".

When we look at particularly inspiring pictures of anything...clothing, haircuts or homes...it's helpful to focus in on what we are drawn to in particular. My hair may not have the texture to pull off what I see in a photo. My budget may not accommodate that wall removal, but I can be drawn to the uncluttered countertops in one photo or the open shelving in another. By noting specific elements, I can take inspiration + make it work with what I have in my space + my budget + in my own way.

When I show my inspiration photos to my partner, I sometimes forget to point out exactly what I'm drawn to. He might ask if I want that sort of table or chair...when I've completely cut those out of my consciousness. I'm solely focused on the size of the window.

The photos above may do nothing for others, but most of us will come across photos that do inspire us. There are times when I'm scrolling along + one photo stops me in my tracks. It might take me a moment to figure out exactly what I'm feeling drawn to, but then it dawns on me...it's the colors...or the clean lines...or the way the shapes play off of one another. I like to take notice + take note. This practice can help us to create spaces that feel just right for us.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

Lots of changes + uncertainty here right now. There is so much to think about + to be honest the last thing I'm thinking about is my wardrobe. But why not have a diversion for a minute, right? :) Stress, jobs, weight changes, body image, budget concerns, the weather...they are all impacting my wardrobe. Maybe gaining some perspective over something that seems a little bit more in my control will be good for me. 

We can all go through some of these changes at some point...hopefully they happen a little bit more one-at-a-time...but maybe we can come up with some perspective on keeping these changes manageable + sustainable at least in the closet.

Job ::

• Whether my job requires a uniform or not, I think the idea of a uniform can be helpful. It's mostly about perspective + numbers for me. A uniform allows me to be ok with wearing a few pieces over + over again.
• Looking through my closet for anything that fits the dress code is my first step. Wearing my own clothes makes me feel the most like myself + I will take any comfort I can get in those first days on a new job. 

Weight changes ::

• Wearing what I have is the priority as my body shifts. I know don't need a whole lot, so I will try to make what I have work for as long as possible.
• Pants don't fit pretty quick with weight shifts. I'm considering trying to alter one pair of pants + embracing the slouchy look in a couple of others at the moment.
• Thrift stores are probably the best option here. I don't know how long I will wear a pair of pants, so I can drop them off to be resold when I need a different pair.
• Elastic waistbands, dresses + jumpsuits can have great flexibility.

Body image ::

• I am no expert on this or anything else, but I did choose (and let myself keep) a pretty dress for my birthday. I actually had a moment the first day that I wore it when I walked past a mirror, stopped + the thought came to my mind, "You are actually really pretty." I don't want to advocate for things giving us value...but this soft, beautiful dress allowed me to see myself a little bit differently in that moment. Choosing pieces with an eye toward softness + beauty is in my thoughts now.

Budget concerns ::

• Wearing what I already have...refashioning or altering things already in our house...and generally making-do...are my go-to thoughts when our budget is tight. These are also great for the planet.  :)
• Thrifting is also a great option...in-person thrifting is often the cheapest, in my experience. Flea markets sound just dreamy right now.

Weather ::

• This refers to that quarter-yearly shuffle that involves digging out the shorts one day + retreating into the wool jacket the next. I'm trying to find an organized way for it all to be out at once...and considering alternative systems.
• These days make a case for having access to everything all the time + just putting things into cloth zip bags right in their designated, accessible drawers when they become "out-of-season". Maybe accessible under-the-bed storage would accomplish this. (Still need a bed frame.)

Hope you are enjoying a sunshine + warm breezes mindset today. 

Love,
​Jane

The sun has been shining + the rain has been falling + the seeds are starting to turn into food in our little spring garden. I can't tell you how excited I was to add this extremely local, zero-waste color + flavor to the quick meal we ate last night.

The radishes + chives were the perfect addition to this what's-left-in-the-cupboard meal. Our go-to parmesan pasta got a little upgrade from a packet of miso + it was delicious. Sitting in the sun on the back step was the perfect compliment. 

Miso Pasta ::

box of your favorite pasta
packet of miso
parmesan cheese
pepper flakes
whatever extras are on hand, we used radishes + chives from the garden this time

Boil pasta + drain all but a little of the pasta water (maybe 1/4 cup). Mix miso packet into the pasta until well coated. Top with other ingredients + enjoy.

Love,
​Jane

This belt was presented to me in three pieces. The glue that held the buckle + loop in place had given way. The belt has served its wearer well for a good long time, but there is still a bit more life in it...given a little time + attention. 

I wanted to use what I had on hand, so with an awl, a hammer, an old cutting board + some strong waxed thread (used to attach ballet shoe ribbons years ago)...I did a few minutes of stitching. It may not be the prettiest of mending, but it makes the belt functional. I even conditioned the leather a bit with my homemade lip balm. No belt shopping today.  :)

Love,
Jane