Friday Favorites no. 18

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Hello friends, 

This week is all about reflection, and finding what really matters. I took last week off from blogging to clear my head, recharge my writing brain, and figure out what really matters when it comes to this blog. I've been thinking a lot about the content I post, and how I'd like it to really mean something--not just fluffy curated posts. The longer I blog, and as the years pass by; I find my self gravitating towards more serious blogging. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good 'wishlist' or 'favorites' post just as much as the next girl. And, it's not to say that this friday favorites post is going any where...but the rest of the week's posts will be better written and there'll be more thought put into everything that gets posted from now on. I don't want to blog just to blog anymore....man, how many times can a girl write the word blog before it loses all meaning....anyway...

Let's just say it's going to be a different happinessbrand blog around here in the coming months. I've got several 'heavy' topics that are scheduled for this month. But, I like the heavy stuff...it makes you think, makes you pause. There's a lot going on in the world right now that needs to be talked about. And, I'd like to open up the floor for those conversations. 

So, this week's friday's favorites is all about details, and peace. Finding the balance between the two creates a beautiful space that I'm looking to create here on the blog. I aim to bring you guys colorful posts, detail oriented topics, projects, and products. I want to put more work into the things that I bring to you guys this year, whether it is dealing with the shop or the blog. I want to bring you quality pieces that are clearly well made with tons of love and effort, and I want to bring you quality blog content that keeps you coming back and expands your mind. 

If there's any topic that you'd like to know more about, or would like to see a conversation started....let me know down it the comments, tweet me, or leave it on our facebook page! 

Weekly Linkage 

GLITTER BEARDS THAT'LL MAKE YOU RETHINK GENDER

friends do not guilt trip you for being busy 

SPARKLING STRAWBERRY KIWI SANGRIA 

how to move to canada from the u.s. 

7 TALKS ON THE STRUGGLE OF MENTAL HEALTH

ETSY FINDS

 

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//you are beautiful on the inside print//

//cat magic skater dress//

Art Appreciation // no.5 // Food Art

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Hello friends, 

Today, I wanted to bring you one of my favorite sub-sects of the art world; the world of food art! Now, this may be something that really doesn't cross your mind as being a big part of how we view art--but think about all the advertisements at your local grocery store, or all the packaging from your favorite brands! Food art finds itself in people's kitchens, and on the walls of our favorite restaurants. I love, love love food art! I find myself gravitating towards this type of art when I've been trying to stay away from tasty treats, or some of my favorite hella unhealthy junk foods. It satisfies my brain in a weird way and keeps me away from those things that may not always be the best---and it's fucking cute! I tried to gather lots of different variations of food art. Most of what I was finding while researching this subject were illustrations of treats like cakes, and ice creams. I wanted more than that. I like a good illustration of cheeses, or a nice watercolor of a plate of fish! Take notice of all the different colors and textures in the pieces as you view this post. What stands out most to you? Would you hang one of these in your home? What do you guys think?

Anyone else hungry? 

xo. Holly Erinn 

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Weekly Update no.9

Hello friends, 

Hello March! I took this past week off from blogging to gather my thoughts, figure out where I wanted the blog to go, and to do some very much needed cleaning in my office. I've also spent much of this week focused on how Bry and I eat, and how we want to eat better. The Macy's at a local mall is closing, and they're having a huge sale right now. Bry and I got a fancy new clothing rack for our room, a few small items, and a brand new Nutribullet. This thing has certainly changed the game when it comes to getting Bry to eat his fruits and veggies. Over the past few months, he's been complaining about stomach issues, lack of energy, and just a general feeling of ickiness. This fancy little blender is actually getting my big 'ol carnivore to eat some veggies!! What a miracle!! 

In addition to focusing on our eating habits, and cleaning; I have also been drawing a lot more in my sketchbook. It's nice to be drawing just to draw. There's nothing about it that forces my to feel pressure like freelance illustration does, this type of art is just fun. It's also a great way to pass the time when Pittsburgh decides it not quite ready for spring. This yo-yo weather is just destroying people. Everyone is sick, and the others that aren't are just tired and worn out. It's such a crummy time of year in this neck of the woods. The weather switches from full-on winter to spring, back to frozen tundra, and back around to spring in only a matter of a day or two. It's enough to make you head spin! 

I have been doing a lot of reading and a lot of thinking about the race issues we have in this country. I am completely appalled that people still have racism in their hearts. I feel there's a responsibility of mine, as a white woman, to read as much as I can, and educate myself as well as I can before I even begin to speak on race. But, I am trying my best to educate myself so that when the subject of race does come up, either in conversation or over the internet--I am educated. I grew up in a family that was mostly raised in the south, and it's been an uphill battle all my life to fight against those teachings and develop my own thoughts on the subject. If nothing else, start reading more about racism in American, the struggles of our African American brothers and sisters, and open your heart to their struggle. You'll be much better off, and so will our world. Here's a few links that have caught my eye of the past weeks. //link//link//link//link//link//link//

There was a fire last Tuesday night right up the street from my house. It was probably one of the most terrifying events I've experienced in a long time. I had just got off from work, and came back into town to find this. All the streets where blocked off, and I couldn't get to my house to see where the fire was coming from. Thankfully, it wasn't my house, but my neighbors, my sons friends, lost every thing they own. These are people that I saw every day. Kids my son played with every weekend. Now, they've lost their belongings, their homes, their sense of safety. If you are able to, and can find it in your hearts to donate (toys, clothes, money, food, anything) please contact the Swissvale Fire Department.  

Any help is appreciated.

I also wanted to open the floor up for discussion, and comments---I want to hear what you guys would like to see on the blog this month. Do you want to see more art? More crafts? More fashion? More about mental health? Let me know! Leave a comment down below about what you'd like to see on the blog in the coming weeks. No ideas are wrong, and I welcome all suggestions!! Is there something that's really been catching your eye lately, want to see my expand on that idea? Let me know!! 

xo. Holly Erinn 

Sunday Shop Update

Hello friends 

Today, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite painted wooden pieces. I made this cute little wall hanging last summer along with a few others (one that is in the shop, two that have yet to be finished lol!), and it's just darling! I'm rather surprised that it hasn't been snatched up yet. But, she's still available for purchase, and is looking for that special home! Do you love cats or know someone that does?! Check out this one of a kind, hand painted piece now!! 

xo. Holly Erinn