Darlybird & Flor de Luz Collaboration + 15% Off Flor de Luz!

We love Flor de Luz and the beautiful handmade goods that Nassari brings back with her from of Mexico. Just look at the vibrant colors in Rachel's blouse! The color is what attracted us to Flor de Luz, and why we wanted so badly to collaborate with them. It's the perfect springtime blouse!

We paired the blouse with some Darlybird earrings (two different pairs, as seen in the photos above and below-- both are coming soon to the shop!)

Nassari is generously offering Darlyblog readers 15% off of her entire shop with the code darly15. Jump on it, friends! (Side note, they just added little kids' rompers to the shop, and we're dying. So cute!)

2015: Be Gentle

I have not always been kind to myself. With a natural disposition toward depression and the scars from times when my spirit could not bear the grief it felt—rational or not—it's taken time to learn to love and nurture my body, mind, and spirit. The habits associated with loving and nurturing, though, could be more consistent. And that's where my 2015 mantra comes in: in 2015, I will be gentle to myself and others in all that I do.

^ earrings by darlybird

2015 will be a year of more vegetables and less sugar, of yoga teacher training and following through with my desire to gain knowledge, of working out and of working hard. It's a year to consciously banish black-and-white thinking (because everything is not just all great or all terrible). It's the year of loving myself, and showing myself that love.

As a dear friend once told me, I need to strengthen myself in order to strengthen others. This is my intention.

I came back home after a sugar-heavy holiday vacation and was ecstatic to get back to a regular schedule. I have been exercising and pushing myself harder. Last year my neighbor introduced me to Blogilates and I've been doing her 30 Days to Flat Abs challenge. I've been spending way too much money at Mend Juicery, but my gosh, it's delicious (my favorites include F1, F2, F3, C1, G4, and G6). On a more creative side, I've also been continuing studying The Artist's Way with a book club, and I'm looking forward to continuing that program. I don't think any of these things are necessarily new for me—I've been pretty active for a while, and particularly over the past year or so—but I am approaching them with a new mindset and greater resolve.

I should note that I've also begun enjoying detox baths. I heard about Dr. Singha's Mustard Bath a couple years back while reading the Lil Blue Boo blog, as it was part of her detox routine while undergoing chemotherapy, and I have since read many other very positive reviews on it. Let me tell you, this product is a dream. It is "a gentle herbal formula with powdered mustard seed, eucalyptus, rosemary, wintergreen, and thyme." You put a scoop of the powder in a hot bath and sit in it for at least 20 minutes. If you don't do it for the physical benefits, do it for the calming effect. If this isn't being gentle to myself, I don't know what is!

2015 is going to be a beautiful year.

- Allie

What are your goals and intentions for 2015? We'd love to hear about them! Comment below! 

Our Creative Home: the Hoilands

Today we will be hearing from artist and writer Ashley Mae Hoiland (Ashmae). I own her picture book The Lost Party (pictured above) and I love it. She is talented, inspiring, and will be sharing with us how she encourages creativity in her home!

Tell us about your family!

I have two kids, Remy (3.5 years) and Thea (1.5 years).  We have lived in Palo Alto for the last four years while my husband is pursuing his PhD in Geology here at Stanford.  Before that, we both attended BYU where I got a BFA in painting and an MFA in creative writing.  We are all pretty easy to please, and mostly love adventures close to home.  Our life right now is so simple, but we love it that way.  I have written and illustrated several children's books and I work mostly from home during naps and bedtimes to keep my work going.  I have art and writing at ashmae.com and I've also started documenting my creative trail at makerstrail.blogspot.com.

How have you encouraged creativity in your home?

For me, as a mom, I've learned to play to my strengths and not worry so much about the things I'm not as good at.  One thing I know I'm good at is letting my kids make a mess, and get messy, without me intervening too much.  It's important for me to create a space and feeling in our (tiny) home, that there is room for experimenting, getting a little wild and figuring things out on your own.  I teach a little joy school for my son and his friends, and I think best day was when I took a bunch of cardboard boxes out of the recycling and let them build forts in the backyard.  I helped with my roll of tape when they needed it, but this little group of kids pulled together to figure things out and take ownership of the project.  They colored it, brought toys into the rooms, build pretend fires and stayed in it for hours.  Also, because our house is so small, we don't have very many toys, but the compensation has been that all the kids in the neighborhood know that I don't mind if they take all the cushions off the couch.  It's been amazing to me what they can do with a few giant cushions and an empty couch.  Sometimes the space is an alligator infested river, sometimes they are climbing mountains and sometimes they are just jumping from one couch to the other like crazy people.  I'm certainly not on my creative game everyday, but I've had to learn that more often than not, it's a change of my own attitude rather than me providing awesome projects and activities.

How do you get your kids involved?

One of my favorite seasons with my kids was right after I'd finished my first children's books and I was doing an elementary school classroom tour. Remy loved to help (Thea was still little).  He would be at the front of the class (sometimes in front of very large groups) handing out props, telling kids to sit down and handing out stickers at the end.  It was over a year ago, but he still talks about how he dressed up in his fox costume to do his work with the kids.  More than anything I want my kids to have ownership and recognize that they have the ability to do good for others.  Honestly, it's a daily struggle to keep them involved because more often than not, it's easier to just do things myself, but sometimes I have to consciously slow down and remember that I'm not in a hurry and the time I invest with my kids now is just as valuable as the end goal I'm working towards.

Do you have any creative traditions in your home? If so, what are they? How did they begin, and how do you keep the momentum going?

Our family still feels like such a young family to me, but I am always surprised by how quickly simple consistencies makes them feel special and a part of something.  We do things like go to the live nativity every Christmas, wrap toys for kids in need, homemade marshmallows at Christmas and books and a prayer before bed every night.  I have to remind myself of two things, first, traditions do not have to be elaborate to be meaningful, and secondly, if I want things to happen, I have to make them happen.  My mom was so good at making things happen for us that I just assumed that traditions would simply come to me or somehow would just happen, but it does take a little effort, determination and sometimes a little preparation for things to come together.

What advice would you give to families hoping to live a more creative lifestyle?

Don't compare your creative efforts to a pinterest board, blog or instagram feed.  Your kids are not judging or comparing your efforts to online presences, so you probably shouldn't either.  Be kind to your efforts.  Let your kids make a mess once in a while.  Let yourself make a mess.  Put your phone down and go outside (that is a number one fixer for me).  Put end goals and products on the shelf for a time (especially when kids are involved) and let yourself find joy in exploration and experimenting.

Any final thoughts?

Love yourself!  Love your kids for what they are trying to be!

Thanks so much, Ashley! Read more from Ashley on her blog, and see more of her artwork and purchase books and digital prints at ashmae.com.

2015: Abundance

Around the time that I (Allie) was thinking about my intention for the year, Rachel, the creator behind Darlybird, posted this on Instagram. She says:

"This is my word for 2015. I have been pretty public about some aspects of my current situation, for better or for worse. For me, vulnerability and transparency are the only way to live life. If it looks like I'm handling heartbreak and divorce with flying colors, let me assure you: this has rocked/wrecked my world. I have been laid low again and again to the point that I am now literally almost like a newborn in a very strange world. I am reassembling myself, and this time around, choosing everything deliberately, and with abundance. Love and abundance are the opposites of fear and scarcity. And it is easy for me to slide into those negative states. But I've seen time and time again, when I choose abundance and love, I am filled to the tippy top and even overflowing. There is always enough. And God or the Universe, or whatever you want to call it, is waiting to bless you with peace. It has been shown to me in the most simple and beautiful ways."

Rachel is one of the most creative, passionate, and resilient women I know. I'm so glad she chose to share her intention for the coming year!

What are your goals and intentions for 2015? We'd love to hear about them! Comment below! 

I'll be back in a couple days to share about my own intention for 2015, and hopefully to share a few of yours as well!

Darlybird & JUNIEblake Collaboration + 10% Off JUNIEblake

Welcome to the most flattering dress I've ever worn in my life. It accents the best (notice the elastic waist in just the right spot), covers the necessities (goes down to the knee, perfect neckline, and sleeves that are not too long but not too short), and—AND—has pockets. And, icing on the cake, it doesn't wrinkle. This is now my go-to dress for trips. I have literally kept it sloppily folded up in my carry on suitcase for a whole week and I could still pull it out and wear it right away, without steaming or ironing it. The Corrine dress is basically everything I've ever wanted in a dress. 

We paired JUNIEblake's Corrine with Darlybird earrings (coming soon!). The sky blue earrings fantastically accent the bold ikat print. I have also worn this dress with black gem earrings for a more professional look. This dress is surprisingly versatile. Day or night, party or dinner, Darlybird and JUNIEblake have you covered!

JUNIEblake is generously offering Darlybird readers 10% off of all JUNIEblake orders for the next week. Just go to junieblake.com and enter the code DARLYBIRD9 at checkout.

Our Creative Home: the Vincents

Today we're featuring illustrator Sabrina Vincent (of SLOVLY) to hear how her family learns and creates together (and separately!) 

Tell us about your family!

I am an illustrator, I love to read and I take a ballet classes. Mr. Vincent is a computer programmer. He loves to read and golf. We have four children. Luke, 14, loves video games, video game history, plays video game scores on the piano and is learning computer programming. He is a dreamer. Isabel, 12, loves learning Mandarin Chinese and is an amazing pianist and athlete. She is determined. Sylvia, 9, is a natural at her aerial silks class and loves to ride horses. Everyone laughs when she laughs. Hazel, 5, loves puzzles. With her confidence and leadership skills, I think she is going to lead a country some day. We are a homeschooling family. Although I don’t like that term because we don’t really do “school” at “home.” Maybe we do more of a child-lead learning approach or unschooling. But those terms don’t sum it all up either. Basically we all live our lives and try to follow our passions along the way. With six very different people living in the same house it gets very interesting.

How have you encouraged creativity in your home?

Two ways…

1. By following my own interests. I read an article about a study (yes, all very vague) about how the biggest factor of what determined how a child eats as an adult, is how their parents ate. That really rang true to me and I’ve applied it to everything. Several years ago when my children were very young, it was so difficult to find time to draw or paint. What kept me at it was that I knew I was being a good example. It’s important for them to see that I put my creativity, art, passions as a priority. After I painted a mural, Sylvia wanted to paint one too, so we got out all of the paints and all four kids painted an amazing mural in our chicken coop.

2. By holding my tongue. We now have two teenagers in our home - we are learning the art of silent encouragement. For some strange reason my two oldest act like my brilliant suggestions are, let’s just say, not so brilliant...go figure! Even with young children, I feel that the second you give them one of your “brilliant creative ideas” such as, Maybe the monster you drew could have sharp teeth! or even Maybe this yellow block could go on the top of your tower, you are immediately making it not their own authentic creation. As parents we always want to be teaching, but where creativity is concerned I think it’s important to be a supporter and let our children be inspired naturally. Around the home we have art supplies and tools handy, along with making books and opportunities readily available for when any such inspiration strikes.

How do you get your kids involved?

My two youngest are up for anything. If Mr. Vincent or I are working on a project, I know we need to have enough supplies for our little helpers. It’s not so simple for our older two. They have figured out more of who they are and know what they are interested in and what they are not. Sometimes they do not want to be involved in what we are doing and that’s okay. My 12 year old, Isabel wanted to sew. Since neither Joey or I sew, we got her a sewing machine and put her in a sewing class. We let our children know that we want to try to facilitate what they are interested in.

Do you have any creative traditions in your home? If so, what are they?

Late Night Up with Dad! Four children, four nights a week. I don’t know how Mr. Vincent does it or how he keeps the momentum going, but I love that he spends an evening a week with one child doing what they want. It makes them feel so special and it’s amazing how much different that child is when away from their siblings.

What advice would you give to families hoping to live a more creative lifestyle?

It’s great to get creative ideas from other people but at the same time, never think about what is in style. Do what feels right for you and your family. Don’t be afraid of change...or paint.

Thanks, Sabrina, for your thoughts on fostering creativity within your home! I, for one, am inspired. Readers, how do you live a creative life, and how do you encourage creativity within your homes?

Our Creative Home: the Thomas'

I met Morgan at an event last autumn, and have since seen her name nearly everywhere! You may know her better as Miss Morgan, founder of Brilliant Beginnings Preschool in Provo, Utah. Today she'll be sharing her thoughts on fostering creativity and learning in the home through providing opportunities for self-discovery, and through play.

Tell us about your family!

Hello! My name is Morgan, most people call me Miss Morgan. I run a preschool in Provo called Brilliant Beginnings, and absolutely love my job. Working with preschoolers is the best gig on the planet! I was born and raised here in Provo, Utah. I love creating, chocolate and peanut butter, and hiking in the mountains. I am married to an Electronics Engineer named Ryan from Riverside, California who loves to wear bright socks and moved to Utah for the snowboarding.  Together he and I are raising three children. Our oldest daughter Ellie is ten years old and loves horses, sewing, and fashion. Our son Jonas is seven and he loves skateboarding, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and spends hours building with Legos. Our baby girl Piper is two years old. She loves doughnuts, dancing, and everything Mickey Mouse (her favorite character is Pluto). Our family loves the outdoors, hiking, picnicking, fishing and bike rides on the river trail. We also love movie night every now and then, and sometimes camp out in our backyard.  

How have you encouraged creativity in your home?

One way that I facilitate creativity in my home, with my children, is by encouraging self-expression. I feel that self-expression is the freest form of creativity! I mean, nothing is more satisfying or fulfilling for humans, specifically children, than being able to express themselves openly without fear of judgment. 

How do you get your kids involved?

I work to give my children opportunities for self-discovery and ownership, whether it be through art (supplying my children with basic tools like blank paper, crayons, paint, or clay), imagination (providing them with books, hanging artwork on their walls), writing (providing them with their own journals), or through things like letting them assist me in decorating their bedroom, allowing them the freedom to choose their clothing each day (this one is a challenge for me), or cranking up the tunes and dancing in the kitchen. I think that the freedom to express can really nurture their emotional health, and these experiences will enhance the development of their creativity.

Another way that I facilitate creativity in my home is through play. I love the old saying, “Play is the Great Work of Childhood.” Play is so great for creative development! It fosters mental development and encourages new ways of thinking and problem solving. The trick to creative play is that it can’t be forced, and it should be spontaneous and self-directed. Kids need the time and space to play. Sometimes I worry about the effects of our modern, fast paced society. It seems to be picking up speed, and it can be overwhelming for kids when they are constantly moving from one task or event to the next without time to just think, and be. I work hard to not overbook my children with activities outside of our home. They have school, and one extracurricular activity each, and the rest of their time during the week is intentionally spent at home, sometimes with a friend or two over to play. By providing my children with ample time to play freely, I am providing them with vital opportunities for healthy development of creativity.

Thanks so much, Miss Morgan! Find more about her preschool adventures on her blog and on Instagram (@miss_morgan_).