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
Today is World Water Day. Are you familiar?
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
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been trying to phase out all my personal care products that have synthetic fragrance, preservatives and scary chemicals. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had skin problems associated with fragranced and “extra care” body lotions. And, the more I got thinking (and researching), I began to realize that some of my facial ailments might actually be caused by the products I was using to treat them.
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
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
Over the years I’ve been on a quest to find the best eco-friendly laundry detergent that does a great job cleaning and leaves a pleasant scent on my clothing and towels. I don’t want anything too perfumey, but I do like my towels to have some type of scent.
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.
Left to Right; Top to Bottom: (In)patiently waiting for summer bounty | Happy early birthday to me | Warm or not, I’m ready for frozen yogurt | A client making me feel special | Spring is almost here | Saturday nightmare
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
