Bento bags have their origins in Japan (like so many useful, beautiful, simple designs). I love their possibilities in relation to a zero-waste lifestyle. Although a bandana tucked into my bag works well for impromptu bulk buys, a bento's bag shape is a bit more spill proof. In this season of giving, I am really looking forward to using these bento bags for reusable, zero-waste gift wrap!

SweetKM's bento bag pattern came out just in time for Christmas giving +/or wrapping! I scooped it up the moment it was offered, because I've been wanting a pattern like this for years. The pattern offers a variety of sizes to make, and works up beautifully. I love that all of the edges are enclosed, so it will wash well. While this bento is the smallest size, I look forward to making a few in larger sizes too. Putting together PDF patterns is not always my favorite activity, so I really like this one. I didn't actually print out the pattern, but instead simply used the provided measurements to mark + cut the fabric.

For gift wrap, I like to use truly opaque fabrics...which often means darker fabrics, but heavier linen or quilting cotton would also work well. (This fabric is from an old favorite shirt.) The pieces needed for each bento are on the larger side, so many of my scraps are not quite large enough. Instead of buying fabric especially for these bentos, I plan to use what I have + to piece together the bits that are too small. I love using every bit of these gorgeous fabrics, + I think that pieced bentos will feel quite special.

These bags would make lovely gifts as well as wrapping. Bentos could be used as project bags for individual craft projects, lunch sacks, bulk grocery shopping bags, travel sacks to separate laundry, toiletries or shoes, or even as a purse. Of course one could be used for all of the above!  :)

I'm in love with these bentos for gift wrap + finally think that I've found a wrapping to love (and reuse) for years to come! 

A few other ideas for wrapping zero-waste:  
​-reuse packaging collected thoughout the year (my favorite is brown paper...tied up with string)
-calendar pages
-children's artwork
-baggu bags
-last year someone's birthday inspired a magic gift box (a nice sturdy box that once opened acquired a new gift + was tied with its bow once more) (my laziness sometimes = laughs)
​-furoshiki
-bandana 
-newspaper
-accent with greenery, cinnamon sticks, tags made from last year's Christmas cards...
​
Love,
Jane

For the last few Black Fridays, I've adhered to the buy nothing prescription. I deleted all of the sale emails + moved on. The thing was that in the days to follow, I was buying gifts + realizing that some of those gifts had probably been on sale over the weekend. My budget could have benefited from a little selective Black Friday shopping (as little as I like to admit that).

So...this year, I selectively looked through the emails (+ unsubscribed from the majority). There were a few things that I had listed out ahead of time + I considered looking for deals on those pieces. Even with all of the sales, I couldn't realistically buy everything on my list. Here's what I didn't buy: (along with the thought process that led to that triumph)  :)

-Steele grocery bags :: I can not quite settle on the color or size to buy...so I take that as a sign that they may not be the ultimate solution for me. The sale was hard to pass up, but paying full price would not be the end of the world (in comparison). I decided to make my bags work with just a little more testing + tweaking of the new system. Steele bags would take up more space + not be as washable (but would probably last at least my lifetime).
-Cydwoq boots :: The sale here was so good...but I just could not decide between three styles. Again, I took this indecisiveness as a sign. I decided to save the money + make my thrifted boots work for at least one year, even though they are not my ideal. (Thrifted boots in my size that are comfortable + cost only $24...that is a gift worthy of a bit more attention.)
-Pants :: My list is holding up. I'm considering one more pair of pants, because I have found that my sarouelles are a bit too light weight for winter (and one may shift into the role of shorts instead). I'm considering Ijji, Everlane, + making. Making is winning!!
-A new sweater coat :: I found my dream coat in a bit more affordable version (both made in Peru)...but I am allergic to this alpaca (I tried it on)...and my mended sweater coat is so good (+ I don't need two).

What I did buy:
-Mr. Tribe's (December) birthday gift. 
-Two wooden combs. Julia + I were recently laughing about how many teeth our combs are missing, so this will be a good stocking stuffer (plus one for me).

As with most things that find their way into this space...this is all personal. What I hope to share is that using sales is obviously not the problem. The problem comes when the sales use us. I don't like to feel manipulated, but I can be easily manipulated. I want to look cool...to give my girls the biggest smiles...to appear generous... But I also want to be in control of my budget, my desires, my values. I'm working on it.  :)

Love,
Jane

P.S. All of these things are good things made with care by companies I would love to support...someday. I just don't need all of the good things...at once.  :)

Black Friday has come + gone, but the sales + promotions will continue in relentless succession in the weeks to come. It may already feel too late, but I'd argue that we can still decide what we want from this holiday season...and what attempts we will make to get it.

Personally, I want the holiday season to be about our faith. We celebrate Jesus' birth at Christmas. We believe that God gave us the most precious gift...a piece of Himself...born as a baby in the most puzzling combination of humility (delivered in a stable) and splendor (announced with a chorus of angels + a signaling star). This God/man experienced human emotion, shared wisdom + compassion, and sacrificed His life so that we can be in relationship with Him. This gift is our life.

I love that the holidays point many of us, with or without this faith, toward drawing close to family...reveling with friends...sharing love...celebrating light in the darkness. And yet, we often spend more time focused on preparing decorations, food and gifts...than on what we truly desire from the holidays.

So once we've figured out where we want our focus to be...here are a few ways that we can put all the rest of it in proper perspective. Here are a few ideas for an alternative holiday:

-Buy Nothing Christmas :: This doesn't have to mean that there is nothing to give or receive. Maybe gifts are handmade, experience related, from the kitchen, personalized playlists, a story read-aloud, or...
-Hundred Dollar Holiday :: I check this little book out from the library (+ read it) every year.  I haven't quite gotten there, but it gives me a bit of perspective. This could probably be a more honest name for the above...because it allows for a little additional expense for quite a lot of festive fun.  :)
-Advent Conspiracy :: A version of the first two...but the money that usually would have been spent on Christmas gets donated toward building clean water wells in communities that still lack access to clean water. This access changes people's lives in so many ways...increased education, health, and well-being. This concept could of course be adapted to serve any chosen project, but clean water is the most basic of human needs. This option could be especially great for extended family.
-Christmas is for giving, not getting :: This is the one that I wish I would have come to sooner, because...it keeps Christmas in true perspective...and think of all the fun there is to be had as a family! 

And here are a few more...alternative-light...ways to get some perspective:
-Something they want, something they need, + an experience to share :: Great guideline for parents thinking about gifts for their children. The budget is versatile. That experience could be a swapped board game, movie tickets, an afternoon at an indoor pool, or...
-Set a (smallish) dollar limit/(small) gift number limit for each child
-Experiences + consumables only :: Experiences can get pricey, but they don't have to be. Get creative. 

The pictured print (by Jordan Grace Owens) sits in the spot where I spend time reading my Bible, praying, and being quiet + open to what God has for me each morning. It reminds me of my focus then...and it seemed fitting here to remind me of what I want to bow to...consumerism, stress, debt, busyness, + stuff...or love, compassion, reverence, gratitude, + joy.

What are some of the ways you keep Christmas in perspective? I would truly love to hear!

Love,
Jane

First of all I want to let you know how grateful I am for you. I am grateful to know that I am not alone in this exploration of + journey toward more compassionate + just habits. Thanksgiving is a lovely reminder to pause + revel in enough, abundance, and the opportunity to be generous.

And then...Black Friday. I think that most of us are aware of its ironic calendar placement. It mirrors the cycle of my unfortunate default mindset...recognition of enough, a short attempt at gratitude, + then a free-fall into wantiness + greed (even if it is only wantiness in regard to having the best gifts to give). I'm making an attempt to keep my spirit firmly planted in the spirit of gratitude + compassion today. 

"I think about more than clothes these days. I think about what is sustainable. I think about impact. I think about responsibility. I think about what is too much."
"Instead of trying to change everybody, we start with ourselves."
The lives behind the label.
"We don't have to continue holiday traditions that leave us broke, overwhelmed, or tired."
Restful + gorgeous...and how little is necessary.
​For a ride that's a little less sweaty...when you want it.
Every purchase communicates our values in so many ways.

Love, 
Jane

P.S. It's 100% off, if you don't buy it. Whatever you bought...you can usually return it.  ;)

Every breath's a battle between drudgery and gratitude and we must keep thanks on the lips so we can sip from the holy grail of joy.  ~Ann Voskamp

I try to imagine a future vastly different from the present, one where people consume much less and restrain themselves much more. I hesitate to admit my hope, for the word has been debased- as "hope" is used in the context of the environment, people always seem to hope that the scientists are wrong, hope that their warnings are just 'doom and gloom,' hope that we'll "muddle through." Such is the message of the currently fashionable crop of "environmental optimists." But that's not hope- that's wishing.

Real hope implies real willingness to change.

​~Bill McKibben :: Hope, Human and Wild

This autumn as I looked through Julia's clothing to see if she had enough + what would be needed to fill in the blanks, I started to get a little overwhelmed. Outfits were sketched, + a long list of items to look for formed. My budget did not seem up to the task, + I was getting stressed. Then it hit me...what if I tried to make Julia "a list". 

My list of 25 or so everyday/all year pieces has worked out quite well, + Julia does not like having too many things in her closet either. I decided to just use the skeleton of my list... plug her existing pieces in...+ see what was lacking from that point. Wow...what a calming effect that decision had! Very quickly the shopping list became much smaller, + I felt that I knew just how to shape her wardrobe. It's also funny to me that when the list comes into play, the ability to let some things go (with less anxiety over whether they are helpful/necessary) gets easier. So not only did my shopping list shrink, some pieces were packed off to donate.

While making the list, I considered how Julia feels most comfortable, what she dresses for, special events, + weather. Julia is an individual + more into comfort than fashion...but I want her to fit in to some extent + do take "cool" into consideration (as far as she will wear it). We talked a little about all of it, + then I implemented my plans.

I was able to find three pre-owned, heavyweight, striped tops in brand names (Madewell + Everlane) I know quality-wise on eBay for good prices. I was also able to find a pair of pre-owned pants in just the size + style (Everlane) I was looking for on eBay. In the spring, we found a Patagonia jacket + a Madewell dress, both in great pre-owned condition, while thrifting. A pair of pants were sewn out of my jumpsuit. Julia's leggings (Pact) were replaced...and we are finished! For this cold season, Julia will be wearing:

4 striped shirts
sweatshirt
3 pairs of pants (olive, denim, black)
2 dresses
2 pairs of leggings
boots
flats
trainers

Strategy ::
-Budgetwise, these pieces were collected over time and are of a quality that will last.
-Heavier weight tops don't require extra layers, since I've learned that Julia doesn't like bulky sweaters.
-All of the tops can be worn with all of the bottoms (mostly including leggings for supreme comfort).
-Pay attention to measurements on eBay more than sizing. Sizing shifts even within brands + we don't know how a piece has been washed (shrinkage). Ask, if none are listed.
-Three of the pieces on eBay were found during the weekend, when it seemed more were listed. I snapped them up right away, since I knew just what I was looking for by then.

Not every teen is into "less"...I wasn't.  :) I do think that the list could still be useful, however, with any teen. Maybe the list pieces are the ones that a parent will buy...and the teen can buy what they like outside of those pieces with their own money. Just a thought.  ;)

Love,
Jane

Japanese sewing pattern books are a wonderful source of simple patterns + inspiration. When I mentioned using one for Julia's pajama pants, I was asked if I might share some of my favorite books...so here are my two current favorites. Happy Homemade :: Sew Chic contains a few shapes that I might like to try at some point. My favorite pattern is for the pants on the cover.

In order to trace the patterns, I use compostable parchment paper or tissue paper as I usually have some on hand. Don't forget to check if seam allowances are included on the pattern sheets or not (often they are not with these patterns, because smaller pieces fit better on the sheets).

I think this jacket would be a perfect summer layer to throw into my bag + could be worn over just about anything.

I've written about Japanese sewing pattern books a few times before. This is maybe the most comprehensive past post. They are one of my most favorite sources for little girl's clothing patterns in particular.

The jumper on the right is just the sort of easy, simple shape that I like...and the tunic on the left could make a lovely top as well.

Since I don't have everyday access to brick + mortar shop where I can browse through these books, my library is the most accessible place to look. Our library system has a small selection, but both of these were requested through interlibrary loan.

Stylish Dress Book also contains a few patterns that I'm intrigued by.

Amazon can be a good source of both the books + peeks inside the books. Another good source is Etsy. This shop + this one in particular offer a lot of books + peeks...but there are others as well. Search "Japanese pattern book".

This dress looks put together while having the most comfortable looking shape.

The shape of this top is appealing as well...simple + comfortable.

These two books have been translated into English, while some of the others are in Japanese. All of the diagrams + numbers are simple enough to follow in either language (in my opinion).

Love, 
​Jane

We've been going to yoga lately, and the littlest things will bring me to the edge of tears. When we are nearing the end of our practice, our teacher often says that we may want to say "thank you". A thank you that I realize I almost never say...to my own capable body. When we take the stance called five star, we stretch our hands up wide + spread our legs...and our teacher says, "Take up all the space you need. You belong here. You are enough." My usual tendency is to try to take up as little space as possible when I am in a group. I want to be small, to attract no attention, to get in no one's way. 

I think that "stuff" can be a way that we try to pile identity onto our small selves in order to matter...even if only to ourselves. We can use "stuff" like stickers or hashtags to label ourselves. Wear a leather jacket...put on the laid-back badass sticker. Pile up the intellectual books that I mean to read...put on the smart sticker. Cover the walls with concert posters, collect 1000 vintage records, + fill the closet with band tees...put on the cool, music lover sticker. 

Am I still a badass if I show up to the protest without the leather jacket? Am I still thoughtful + curious if I simply check out a couple books at a time from the library (+ read them)? Am I still a music lover if my music simply streams through my headphones? These questions just sound silly...of course.

But I also know that we can get hung up somewhere between the last two paragraphs. And by all means, if the leather jacket or the record collection makes you happy... and there is enough room for it...and caring for it is a joy...keep it (or the best parts of it). If it has become a burden or a source of frustration...you are enough. Our things don't make us who we are. Two band t-shirts that get rotated every Saturday could be just right. A collection of the 12 books that really made an impact on how we think might be treasured rather than buried.

At some point we just might realize that that there isn't a "thing" that adds to who we are.

I am enough. You are enough. We get to take up all the space...not our stuff.

Love,
​Jane

A part of our obligation to our own being and to our descendants is to study life and our conditions, searching always for the authentic underpinnings of hope. ~Wendell Berry