Ethical Jewelry Purchases

I made two jewelry purchases recently that I have to tell you about. When it comes to my outfits, I love using jewelry to modernize or make an outfit look a little more current, especially if the clothing is vintage. I am personally a gold jewelry kind of girl and started purchasing dainty gold pieces that I know I will get A LOT of use out of, and the best part?…are ethically made! Both of the pieces I will be sharing today, have made their way into my everyday, don’t ever take off jewelry group. haha

First up, we have this stunning ring from Ana Luisa. I had first heard about Ana Luisa through some fashion bloggers that I have been following and the more I heard the more I was interested. Conscious, luxury jewelry at an affordable price? Sign me up! Ana Luisa uses recycled materials whenever possible, and they are 100% carbon neutral which is SO COOL! I also love how transparent the website is about their commitment to creating sustainable jewelry.

I purchased the CHLOE ring and she is STUNNING! I love how unique but simple the ring is. I wear it every day, through showering, working out, cooking, etc, and it hasn’t tarnished (they say it won’t). I did use a new customer coupon to get it 10% off. I get many compliments on it and I can’t wait to purchase my next Ana Luisa piece. This is definitely a brand that I will continue to support and buy from because I love the company and what they are doing for sustainability in fashion!

If you’d like $15 your first purchase at Ana Luisa, CLICK THIS LINK!

The second amazing piece of ethical jewelry I recently purchased is this beautiful gold necklace from Better Way Designs, through my friend Bekah’s business. Every item they sell is made by a woman who was saved from sex trafficking. By purchase Items through Bekah, you are supporting the companies in countries all over the world that are employing these women, giving them fair wages, and safe environments to work in! It’s such a great cause. While unfortunately, this specific necklace is no longer available, I am linking her business below so you can look at all of the many beautiful products that are sold through Better Way Designs.

I am hosting a party through Bekah’s business until October 30th, so if you’d like to shop and support this cause through my party, CLICK THIS LINK!

Have you been more mindful of where you are buying your jewelry from? Be sure to comment below your favorite businesses you’ve found that allow you to buy ethically made items!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Home Decor Thrift Flips

Fruit Basket (Macrame)

This project took a little while for the idea to come to fruition. I was thrifting one day and came across a simple, wire hanging plant basket that was green. It was a great price and something just told me I shouldn’t pass it up. It sat around for a little while in my studio until I was thinking about how I desperately needed a bigger fruit basket that wouldn’t take up a lot of counter space. I had just seen a video on macrame and decided why not give it a shot! I ordered this set of wooden beads and loops plus a roll of macrame cord from Amazon. While I waited for those to arrive in the mail, I used this flat black spray paint to cover the bright green color. Once it was dried, I cut 16 very long cords of macrame cord, searched how to make a square knot, and made up my own knotting pattern, periodically adding wooden beads. I attached the wooden loops together to make the basket longer and attached it to a hook I already had in my kitchen. The thing I love about this project is that there are a ton of ways you could make this!

Terra Cotta Candles (Spray Paint and candle making)

I always find short, wide, glass, circular vases at the thrift store for super cheap. One day I picked two up for $1 each and decided it was time to try making my own candles. Instead of trying to master candle making, I simply went to the clearance section of Homegoods and purchased 2 candles about the same size as my vases (so that it would fill nicely) that I liked the smell of. The design of the candle doesn’t matter since you will be ‘rehoming’ the wax. The day before repotting my candles, I used this AMAZING terra cotta spray paint and added about 3 thin layers of spray paint on each vase. It’s important to note that before you spray paint anything glossy or glass, it’s important to make sure you clean it off really well with soap or alcohol. If you do thick of a layer it will start clumping or dripping because it is a textured spray paint. You want to make sure everything is covered well. If you are going for a true terra cotta dupe you’ll want to make sure that you do a good amount of coats. As you can see below, I thought it was covered, but it was still a bit transparent when it was dry. I don’t mind this for a candle however because some of the light shines through. After I was done painting, I let them dry overnight.

The next day, I got a big soup pot and filled it about half way with water (making sure it was a couple inches below the top of my candles), let the water come to an almost boil, and put the candles in. I let them melt for about 45 minutes, checking on them every 10 minutes or so. While they were melting, I hot glued the new wicks I purchased onto the bottom of each vessel. Depending on the size of your new vessel, you might have to do multiple (as you can see I did three). Once they are melted you can take them out (I pulled the wicks out to make them easier to pour) and gently using potholders (the candles will be hot), I poured them into the newly wicked candle vases. Once the wax was in, I used some chopsticks to wrap the excess candle wicks around so they would stay standing up as the candle wax hardened.

Coasters (spray paint)

These were easy and left me amazed as always, at how easily a coat of spray paint can change a thrifted item. Using the same flat black spray paint, I sprayed both sides of these wooden coasters and now I have beautiful matte black coasters that match my living room decor so well.

Lamp (Painted base)

Another quick flat matte spray paint save, I found this lamp and actually hated the shade when the base was it’s original, glossy brick red color. I figured I’d spray paint it and get a new shade, but I found that once I sprayed it, I actually liked the shade with the base. When looking for items that are easy to spray paint, try your best to look at textures and shape and NOT the color!

Terra Cotta Hurricane Candle Holder

My last spray paint thrift flip, I had this huge clear glass hurricane glass vase laying around for years, not knowing what to use it for. I decided to try the Terra Cotta spray paint, fill it with coffee beans, and use it as a way to turn a candle into a statement piece for fall. I love that when the candle warms, it makes the coffee beans smell stronger. I’m excited to use this piece from season to season, changing up what’s inside for different holidays!

Which thrift flip is your favorite? Have you been inspired to spray paint something?! haha Let me know in the comments below.

Sending you cozy vibes,

Andrea

Intentional Shopping Faves

If you have been following me for a while, you know that I try to shop with intention. Today I’m here to share some amazing products made by meaningful companies. Whether they are small, owned by a BIPOC and/or female owner, sustainably made, etc…these are the companies I try extra hard to seek out and support with my purchases. I try to make it a priority to shop secondhand first, but also intentionally if I can’t find it secondhand. These are some of the favorite items and companies I have purchased from recently.

Juvia’s Place Eyeshadows: I share these eyeshadows all the time but I couldn’t write a blog post about intentional shopping and no include these because they are 1. created by a woman of color and 2. amazing quality products. I would say that 90% of the time they are all I use on my clients because I can trust that they will always perform and be stunning.

megababe Rosy Pits Deodorant: I have been on the natural deodorant train for years now (at least 6, maybe longer) and I have tried a lot. Megababe is owned by an amazing woman, Katie Sturino, and her products are created for REAL women problems. While I still love my Native deodorant as well, I love this megababe one just as much!

Bee Joyful Shop Beeswax Wraps: I am so jealous that Kalamazoo now has an ethical and sustainable zero-waste shop! Bee Joyful opened during quarantine, so I jumped on placing an online order when I could. I am obsessed with their Beeswax Wraps because they are the best brand I have tried (even better than the original). They mold so easily and I feel like they seal better than the other brands I’ve tried because they are a little thicker. I highly recommend buying a set if you are looking to cut down on your plastic wrap usage.

Ceramic Incense Holder: I found Hannah Desch Ceramics after an Etsy browse for an incense holder. I wanted a natural texture like ceramic, a neutral color (Mine is white with black speckles) and this fit the bill perfectly. You’d be surprised how hard it is to find a super minimal and earthy incense holder. I love how it’s round but big enough to catch the little ashes that fall as the incense burns. Definitely check out her Etsy page to get a one of a kind incense holder.

Kalamazoo Candle: This is my favorite candle brand. I love that I can purchase them locally at my local Schuler’s bookstore or Whole Food, but I also order online from time to time. If you’re ever in Kalamazoo, you need to check out the store. You can make your own candles which would be a really fun date night (not sure if this is currently going on with COVID precautions so look into that first FYI). They have some really unique and really classic scents and I love the neutral containers they come in. They designed them so that they are easy to reuse, which you know I love! I try to burn only soy candles and I love that they are all 100% natural soy. I am currently burning the Salted Grapefruit scent right now as I write this post and it is so amazing.

Incense Variety Pack of 60 Sticks - Energy Art and Goods: After I purchased my incense holder, I was really happy to stumble upon this big variety pack of 60 Incense sticks, also from Etsy. While not all of the scents were my favorite, it was great to test out a bunch of different scents. I recommend trying this if you are new to incense and don’t know what scents you like yet. They are great quality and burn slowly which I like.

Nerdy Babies Board Books: If you know anyone with babies or kids, you MUST buy them this series. I am slowly collecting them all for my nephews and we are all obsessed. The thing I love most? They are written and illustrated by a Kalamazoo, MI author, Emmy Kastner. As a science nerd myself, it’s really important to me that I find unique books that teach my nieces and nephews science in a fun way!

Fortress Coffee Brazil Santos Roast: I know I’m probably sounding like a broken record by telling you to try Fortress Coffee Co, but guys…. COME ON! What are you waiting for? It’s the only coffee that Mikey and I really buy, not just because we are good friends with the owners, but because it’s our favorite. I love the Brazil Santos roast best, but every roast I’ve tried is amazing!

“Arches” Good + Well Supply Co. Candle: Another candle…can you tell I burn a lot of candles for my clients in my studio? Haha Everyone knows my love for them and the best part is that my people know to give me ones from small businesses. This small business is new to me, but I am so happy to discover it because 1. I LOVE the smell of this Arches candle and 2. I love the concept behind the scents, matching them to various National Parks. The owner, Megan, started a lot of time camping and taking in the scents of the outdoors and this is what inspired these candles. I love it. If you need a gift for someone, get this Arches candle. There’s no way they won’t love it. Again, the tins are also really beautiful and would be great for re-purposing. They also offer incense which I can’t wait to try as well.

What are your favorite businesses to shop at that promote intentional shopping? Comment below and let me know. Have you tried any of the ones I’ve listed? If so, what’s your favorite product from them?

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea