Are you familiar with Bon Iver? I truthfully don’t know any of his music. I know, I’m late to the game.

But, while I was tooling around on the Internet last night, I came across this great cover. I love how he made it his own and now I want to discover more. Any album or song suggestions?

If you’re engaged or work in the bridal industry I have a fun event to add to your calendar! BFM client, Erin Grey Couture, is presenting their debut runway collection of bridal separates and accessories and I must say, it’s gorgeous!

Yesterday I received a sneak peek at a few finished separates, saw lace swatches of pieces currently in the work room and patterns being cut. It was so fun to see the creative process! I love that everything is designed and handmade here in Charlotte and you’re able to fully customize everything to exactly how you’d like it.

This will definitely be a fun evening you don’t want to miss!

Often, I find great things around the web that I just love or alternately, blow my mind. And unless you follow me on Twitter, you won’t see them. I was in the habit of sharing these links on my weekly ‘Be Good’ post, but truthfully, life has been a bit crazy and I haven’t been able to commit to posting every Friday. Or really, any day for that matter.

Before, I had blog posts lined up for certain days of the week and it was stressing me out trying to get them ready to post on that specific day. So, I’ve decided a ‘Loving…’ post will be whenever I’ve compiled enough to have an interesting post. And ‘Sustainable Thursday’ will be any day of the week that I have something sustainably focused to share.

Same goes for the awesome things I find around the web. This new series is called ‘Online Wandering’ and it will be posted whenever I have compiled enough interesting links that it’s getting a bit full and seems it’s time to start another.

I hope you don’t mind the lack of structure on the BFM blog. I’m sure you can all relate to being busy!
I hope you enjoy these finds!

- Touch museum tours  - I had no idea these existed! 
- 365 Grateful - What a great reminder.
- A small towns library love goes viral – I adore this!
- Survey finds mainstream acceptance of green behaviors -  Finally! Now if we could get the vast majority of people to embrace them!
- A fascinating infographic about how social media is replacing journalism.

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Happy May Day! Whoa, it’s May. Where did that come from?!

What fun are you up to? This month I’m looking forward to:

-A West coast swing visiting family and friends, attending a nieces high school graduation and playing with my sweet God daughter.
-Attending the Charlotte Clean and Green Festival. It’s going to be a great day along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway with eco-seminars, local food carts, a beer garden, children’s activities and more! I hope you’ll join me!*
-Participating in the Elizabeth Community Progressive Dinner. It’s my first year and I’m excited to meet more of my neighbors. If you’re in the ‘hood, join us!
-Cooking a celebratory dinner for our friends since they won our March Madness bet. Any menu suggestions?
-Seeing Dave Matthews Band in concert; it’s going to be a great time and to me, always announces summer.

Whew! Cheers to a wonderful May everyone!

*Full Disclosure: Charlotte Clean and Green is a BFM client, however, I would definitely be attending regardless of my professional involvement.

Image: Public art along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. By: Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media.

Now that it’s warming up- the last few days not withstanding- I’m in the mood for beaches and vacations. I have the perfect carryon but really, I don’t have a great bag to carry around town with purchases, take to the beach with a towel, sunscreen, adult beverages, books- you know the usual and just generally be a solid bag. Enter this Longchamp. I saw my neighbor carrying it to the pool over the weekend and it’s perfect. Added to the wish list.

Could these be the perfect Chanel inspired flats? Quite possibly. And of course, a heck of a lot less expensive.

Sometimes an outfit needs a little more oomph but not quite a heel. Enter the wedge heel I plan to add to my wardrobe.

My favorite new letter tray, complete with slide out compartments.

Happy Monday to you! How was your weekend?

I don’t know what happened, but I blinked and it was Monday! Good times were spent with friends, there was the perfect amount of time outside, sprinkled with some gardening and even several hours hudled under a blanket listening to the rain. It seems Mother Nature decided to give us a last hurrah as this morning it was downright chilly!

I have an exciting week filled with my monthly dinner out with girlfriends, book club (we’re discussing The Marriage Plot) and trying to wrap my head around some big personal projects.

Cheers to a wonderful week friends!

xo- Sarah

Image: Pretty flowers at the nursery. Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media

I’m so excited to finally share our new bedside lamps! For a long time, I’ve been trying to figure out what I wanted in the room and finally settled upon swing arm sconces. I’ve been waiting to invest until after taxes were complete and until after my birthday since I had a hunch my family would come through. And low-and-behold, they did! It’s great to have lamps that are finally the correct height and a design I adore.

Next, I need to find fabric to skirt the side tables, a mirror for over the dresser and fabric for the bed pillow. Then, I’m done with the room!

]]> http://www.bluefeathermedia.com/our-abode-new-bedside-lamps/feed 0 http://www.bluefeathermedia.com/favorite-things-biking?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=favorite-things-biking http://www.bluefeathermedia.com/favorite-things-biking#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:34 +0000 Sarah Bradley http://www.bluefeathermedia.com/?p=12276

We live in an urban area that’s walking distance to many restaurants, coffee shops, parks and an independent movie theater. It’s really fantastic. But, once I get on my bike, the neighborhood gets even bigger and better. Last spring, I finally replaced the bike that had been stolen and I was reminded of how much I love crusin’ around town. Now, I bike to some meetings and Stephen and I make it a point to bike to dinners out in our neighborhood and ride around checking out the real estate and dream of our ‘one day’ home.

What about you, are you a city biker? I love how you’re able to get closer and more intimate with your community when you’re out of a car and slowing down.

Image: s_plus_d

Hello! How was your weekend?

I haven’t shared Instagram images in awhile but that’s not to say I haven’t been doing things! In fact, Charlotte has been so beautiful this spring that I’ve been trying to spend as much time outside as possible. (And that means being away from the computer!) I’m loving the flowers, both inside and out, and am trying to dine and hold meetings outside as much as possible. It’s wonderful!

Over the past few weekends, we’ve been making big breakfasts, dining with friends and doing home projects. They’re all taking a lot longer than we anticipated so I don’t have anything fun to share or report. Yet.

Even the decorating I’ve been trying to do is taking forever. Backordered fabric samples, delay in shipping of lamps, items damaged in shipping. Seriously, it’s taking all the fun out of it! Oh well…

I hope you’re having glorious weather where ever you are and are off to a great week!

Cheers!
xo- Sarah

Images: Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media

This Saturday is Earth Hour from 8:30-9:30PM. Are you familiar?

In an effort to gain global exposure to a growing climate change problem, last year 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide participated by switched off their lights.

This year, some of the amazing landmarks around the world are going dark include the Empire State Building, Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and amazingly, the International Space Station.

What about you, are you participating? I think it’s fantastic and really is a great way to not only bring attention to this problem, but unplug from our connected world. How about a little stargazing or reading by candle light? Sounds great to me.

You can learn more here.

Image: Getty Images

Happy weekend to you! What fun do you have planned?

I’m having dinner with friends, hopefully spending some time outside if the rain stays away and brainstorming some decorating options for my bedroom. Lately, I’ve been really busy with meetings and it hasn’t allowed a whole lot of time to be creative. I’m itching to finish the pillows and skirted side tables in my bedroom so am hopeful inspiration kicks it into high gear soon!

In case you missed them, here’s so fun links from around the web:

- What a fun red ball art installation!
- The best thing to happen to Ikea furniture.
- Beautiful & heartbreaking.

Cheers to a great weekend friends!

xo- Sarah

Image: Irene Suchocki

Here in the United States, most of us don’t need to worry about clean water but it’a a rampant problem. Check out these stats:

Curious to learn how you can do something? Visit water.org to learn about digging wells, delivering water and sanitation solutions that are sustainable and help support communities.

My new elephant bush succulent has found a home on my desk.

Happy Tuesday to you! How was your weekend?

Truth be told, I started this week tired. Stephen and I were weekend warriors and did a lot of plantting, hanging bird feeders, laundry, re-screening and painting the front screen, deep cleaning the bathroom and just generally spring cleaning. It was exhausting.

But, it wasn’t all work and no play, my dear friend Tonya and I had a delightful brunch and a fun day shopping. I love my girl time! And… Stephen and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary! I can’t believe how time flies!

I hope you’re feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready for a straight week.

Cheers!

xo- Sarah

So, after reading about Boscia on Kate’s blog where she described herself as having very similar skin to me (oily, blackhead prone, occasional breakouts), I decided to go talk to the skincare experts at Sephora where each and every one of them raved about the products.

They’re made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Triclosan- all ingredients found in both professional and over-the-counter make-up and personal care products. If you’re unfamiliar about what these things do to your body, I highly recommend you educate yourself. The majority of the chemicals in these products are outlawed in the EU and it’s an insult that we are still allowed to use these products. Educate yourself, please.

Moving on…

I picked up a Clear Complexion Starter Kit, really loved three of the treatments and went from there building on additional products. They have literally transformed my skin and I highly, highly recommend. Here’s my favorites:

1- Clear Complexion Cleanser - My absolute favorite cleanser; I will never use another again. My oily skin never feels tight but the shine and slickness is gone. I use morning and night.

2- BB Cream – If you don’t like heavy foundation but want to even out your skin tone, this beauty balm is it! A broad spectrum SPF 27, moisturizer, primer, skin tint, concealer and pore minimizer, this replaces so many products. Perfect for all skin types, I put this on after my No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment and am set for the day!

3- Clear Complexion Treatment - Because I have a tendency toward breakouts, I use this at night to help control oil, get rid of breakouts and maintain clear, glowy skin.

4- No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment – A new favorite; this goes on in the morning after cleansing. I’m always shiny about 2-hours after applying my BB Cream and don’t look or feel fresh. This changes that. Seriously, it controls my oil and shine all day.

Not pictured: Clear Complexion Tonic – This is a standard astringent that provides a deeper clean. I tend to use more in the summer after cleansing, both morning and night.

Several of my friends use the products for normal, dry and aging skin with the same raving reviews. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Images: Boscia

Last week we had book club and discussed State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Are you familiar? Here’s the gist:

Synopsis: Among the tangled waterways and giant anacondas of the Brazilian Rio Negro, an enigmatic scientist is developing a drug that could alter the lives of women for ever. Dr Annick Swenson’s work is shrouded in mystery; she refuses to report on her progress, especially to her investors, whose patience is fast running out. Anders Eckman, a mild-mannered lab researcher, is sent to investigate.

A curt letter reporting his untimely death is all that returns.

Now Marina Singh, Anders’ colleague and once a student of the mighty Dr Swenson, is their last hope. Compelled by the pleas of Anders’s wife, who refuses to accept that her husband is not coming home, Marina leaves the snowy plains of Minnesota and retraces her friend’s steps into the heart of the South American darkness, determined to track down Dr. Swenson and uncover the secrets being jealously guarded among the remotest tribes of the rainforest.

What Marina does not yet know is that, in this ancient corner of the jungle, where the muddy waters and susurrating grasses hide countless unknown perils and temptations, she will face challenges beyond her wildest imagination.

Marina is no longer the student, but only time will tell if she has learnt enough.

Review: Loved it! I wasn’t able to get through Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, but after reading State of Wonder I will pick it up again. The book is beautifully written and the story was compelling. There were a few sections that dragged just a bit but were essential to the story. I loved the story line and how there was much more to the story than what it originally appeared to be about. If you’re searching for your next book, I definitely recommend you pick this one up.

***** of 5 stars

Virtual Book Club: Please leave your thoughts in the comment section. I’ll address and comment back. Thanks for reading with me! [Next Book: The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides; Discussion: March 24]

Birthday flowers | Hoping to have a resident | Tasting during girls night | Awesome handmade chandelier 

Hello! Wow. I stepped away to celebrate my 30th birthday and a week passed!

How have you been? Are you starting to having glorious spring weather in your neck of the woods?

I lived it up this past week. I was wined, dined and spent time with my favorite guy. I think I managed to see all my friends (thanks in part to book club and girls night) and am still feeling the love.

Here in Charlotte, daylight saving time started and really messed with me. Sunday I woke up way late and of course was up super late too. So much for starting today off bright eyed and bushy tailed! This week I have a few meetings for work, but mostly, I’m excited about dinner plans with two couples I adore. Isn’t there something so great about a night out with another couple where you can chat about life and love and the evening disappears in the blink of an eye?!

I hope you’re feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to start the week. Cheers to Monday, friends!

xo- Sarah

Images: Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media

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Happy Friday to you! How was your week?

Here in Charlotte, the weather was up and down so I seized the moment and spent as much time outside as possible. I took the laptop to the front porch and Stephen and I spent a morning getting our spring flowers ready, which was quite soothing and therapeutic.

Work has been busy ramping up with the plans for Charlotte Clean and Green and getting situated with my new board position within the Elizabeth Community. I love to be busy!

Oh, I meant to mention this yesterday– for everyone on Instagram, I’m participating in the March photo a day challenge so you can see my pictures by following me at sarahbradleyclt on your phone or online here.

This weekend my inlaws are visiting for a last minute trip (they had a layover Friday night and will stay until Sunday morning) and we’ll be doing a ‘birthday weekend’ since my big 3-0 is on Monday! I hope the weather is sunshiny!

In case you missed them, here’s some great links from around the web:

- The raddest business cards!
- A great relationship tip.
- Amazing snow art.

Have a great weekend friends! Be good!

xo- Sarah

Image: Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media

I’m pretty sure I’ve tried every eco-detergent on the market. The Arm & Hammer eco-line, Purex eco-line, Seventh Generation, Costco Kirkland eco-line and Trader’s Joe’s too. But, it’s always Method that comes out on top. Seriously, you only need 4 little squirts from the tiny bottle and a whole load come out clean and fresh.

Definitely a brand that I’m 100% loyal to and will continue to be so.

P.S. I adore the Fresh Air scent and use this scent of the fabric softener in my homemade wrinkle reducer too.

Happy Monday to you! How was your weekend?!

Mine was really delightful. It was a tad chilly (for me) but thankfully, it was sunny so I was able to go on my walks and check out the buds that are on the brink of blooming. Tick-tock, tick-tock I’m more than ready for you Spring.

Saturday was reserved for errands and Sunday was reserved for fun with the finale being a few hours watching the Oscars. Did you spend some time watching the red carpet and award show? I thought the red carpet coverage was so blah and the show pretty boring. Even Billy Crystal, whom I love, couldn’t salvage it. How about next year we have Tina Fey host?! Also, an 8:30PM start time, seriously have some mercy on us East Coasters!

Anyway, I hope you’re feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to start the week.

Cheers to Monday friends!

xo- Sarah

Images: Sarah Bradley for Blue Feather Media