I hate my to-do list

I know a lot of bloggers and no matter how big or small their readership, I have heard all of them say at one point that they sometimes wonder if anyone is reading their blog. For the sake of this post, I'm going to pretend that there are thousands of you out there reading this right now and excited to finally see a post!

So, my dear readers, you may be wondering where I've been lately and why I haven't posted in so long. I hate that I'm about to say this but....I've been so busy!

someecards.com

Writing a post is on my daily "To Do" list. And at the end of everyday, during that just about to fall asleep point when my eyes are closed and my body is relaxed, my brain decides to remind me of all the things I forgot to do and what I have left to get done. My brain loves making me feel like a loser.

And that's the problem. I'm not a loser! I have already crossed off a ton of items off my list today! So why am I feeling so horrible and why am I being so hard on myself?

Because I want it all.

I do and I can't help it. Maybe it's the Capricorn in me or the fact that I sometimes feel like I'm sitting next to one of those little board game sand timers and it's running out of sand. Whatever the reason, I feel that you just have this one life and not enough time to get it all in.

How do you juggle it all? And do you ever feel overwhelmed by your looming "to do list"?

Happiness is a moral obligation?

We've all been around those who seem to always have a dark cloud over them. They find things to complain about regularly and it doesn't take much for something small to set them off.

Aside from ruining my day by stomping on my sunshine, those dark cloud types give off an everlasting energy that seems to somehow attach itself like velcro to my body. I find their negativity overwhelming and often hard to shake. If, like me, you subscribe to the notion that our thoughts create our reality, then it's clear that negative thoughts breed negative results. Those negative Nellies are manifesting their life through the power of attraction and unless they jump off the hate train by themself, there are no stops.

So here's the question: is being happy a moral obligation? Do we owe it to others to be happy no matter how we feel on the inside?


 

Earth Day Sale!

New Arrival: Pleated "City" Skirt

There's a lot to be said about the way a simple piece of clothing can elevate your whole look. The SPUN Pleated City Skirt takes the term "effortlessness" to the next level. An easy skirt to wear, slightly minimal and complimentary to your innate style. Pick one up at SPUN.

Happy That the Holidays Are Coming!

Cyber Weekend Sale!

Add caption

The Trouble Starts: I Am Black Waves

This week I was introduced to Daniel from a local Seattle band "The Trouble Starts". I fell in love with this song immediately. They remind me of the Lemonheads with a dash of Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Follow Daniel on Twitter because that's how we met. Who says you can't make friends on Twitter? NO ONE! Go follow Daniel and support them!

Shop Local: Velouria

If you're in Seattle, you're already a fan of Velouria boutique in Ballard. This lady owned business is chock full of beautiful pieces that you won't want to leave without. They offer a selection of local clothing and jewelry as well as accessories and gifts from other US labels. Don't just talk about #ShopLocal... prove you mean it!

We're super excited to be hanging on the racks. Please pay them a visit and ask for SPUN!

2205 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107

Cancer Sucks!

In case you haven't heard, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Unfortunately, most of us know at least one person who has battled cancer in their life. I've personally lost a couple of close friends and family members due to this terrible disease.

Think of this as a reminder to have yourself checked, especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. Take a minute to visit the National Breast Cancer website and learn more about what you can do to help.

They love me...they REALLY love me!

It took a lot of self talks and encouragement from friends but I decided to send in my portfolio and compete for this year's "Seamless in Seattle" competition. And guess what.... I WON!!! *insert weird over joyous laugh here*

In it's 6th year, Seattle Magazine's "Seamless in Seattle" competition highlights some of our city's independent fashion and accessory designers. I was selected in the "Best Established Designer" category and I can't tell you how good it feels! Being featured (it's a full page spread people!) gave me the confidence I've been lacking since I went on hiatus last year. I find myself filled with tons of positive joo joos and the inspiration to get back to doing what I love! Thanks Seattle Magazine!

The competition is still open for the "Reader's Choice" portion, so take look at the entries and place your votes HERE

I love Adam Carolla

What?!? Yeah, it's true! I really love Adam Carolla!

So why? Well, why not?!?

Adam Carolla is hilarious, smart and he spits out life lessons and advice worth taking. I can't tell you how many times a day I either quote something he has said or have giggle aftershocks from a joke he made earlier. His beliefs aren't always in line with mine but I do agree 100% with him on one thing: people will work harder if they don't have a safety net. Think about it. If you knew that there was no one to help you at the end of the month when rent is due and no one to take you in, wouldn't you work hard and make sure that you pay your rent? Of course he's talking about the welfare system and most of the other hand-outs that people feel entitled to. But to me, his message is clear. Work your ass off and only count on yourself.

Unfortunately, his sarcasm is sometimes mistaken as racism, bigotry, misogynistic or homophobic. As a daily listener to his podcast and a fan since 1995 (Loveline days), I assure you that he is none of those things.

What he is is a man who was fired from a radio job three years ago. He decided that rather than trying to get a new gig and work for "the man", he would build his own empire (his pirate ship). After working his ass off and building his own studio, he's got the #1 podcast in the US. And I admire that!

Adam Carolla Show

He has an iPhone app which allows you to listen to his daily (5 days a week plus bonuses) podcasts plus the podcasts of others in his network (ACE Broadcasting). Very few podcasters record as many as he does. This man is dedicated! Yes it's a business and yes he makes money in ad sales but he sincerely wants his friends and others in the business to succeed. His supportive attitude is another plus!

He's also madly in love with his kids and wife, Lynette. He makes mistakes (listen to his wife's podcast for examples) but his comedy and love wins me over every time. And she's hilarious too! Is it weird that I want to be her friend?

how cute are they?!?

If you haven't given Adam a listen yet, please do it! Download the app or just listen online. Give it two listens and if your day isn't just a little brighter, leave me a comment here to discuss. Actually, leave me a comment anyway because I like comments! :)

Go To: Poshmark's Winter Essentials Posh Party

Poshmark and a few of your favorite local style bloggers are hosting a Winter Essentials Posh Party, online and in real life! Join us 1/31 6-9pm PST at HOTEL 1000 or online.

Join Poshmark w/code HUWKM to get $5 shopping credit

Go To: Sugar Plum Spa Grand Re-Opening

Sugar Plum Spa is moving to a new location and I'll be there to help celebrate!

A fun evening of complimentary mini spa services and an opportunity to meet the creator of OHA BioActive Skincare, Martha Buldain. Ask all your skin related questions and learn more about the OHA signature facial at Sugar Plum!

Treats will also be provided while you sip on a special sugarplum cocktail! First 25 guests in line will receive a swag bag filled with goodies and free services!

At the night of the event, Save 20% off all products (including OHA) and if you book your next spa service appointment, you will also save 20% off that too!

Known for it's renowned facials and sugaring services, Sugar Plum is the first spa in the Seattle area to offer organic facial treatments using OHA BioActive Skincare. Sugaring is a least painless method for removing unwanted hair without the irritation that waxing or shaving can leave behind.

OHA BioActive Skincare is made locally in Bellevue using organic and vegan ingredients which help promote healthy skin and natural beauty.

Grab a friend and celebrate with us!

Follow on Twitter:
@OHAskin
@SugarPlumSpa

#SugarPlum

My Kid's Art: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King - By Sadie

Go To: glassybaby Seconds Sale

glassybaby.com

Mark your calendars! The glassybaby Seconds Sale is coming next Saturday, January 26th at 8am.

Twice a year, the folks over at glassybaby dig up all their semi-perfect products and make them available at a fraction of the price. Don't miss your chance to purchase these beauties and even find some one-of-a-kind color combinations.

Known for their commitment to non-profits and cancer related causes, glassybaby spreads hope, love and light through their beautiful glass vessels. Read the full glassybaby story and the journey of founder Lee Rhodes HERE

Be sure to get there early because this event is known for having a line out the door!


madrona hot shop & studio
3406 east union st.
seattle, wa 98122

doors open at 8am

More than $15,000 from sales will be donated to provide
scholarships to oncology nurses and to support the
early detection of ovarian cancer

Go To: Holiday CRAVE-ings

Holiday shopping can be stressful! But what if going through your list was a party?

The lovely team over at CRAVE Seattle would love to have you at their party! The Holiday CRAVE-ings Shopping Party will be an exclusive, glamorous evening of fun, filled with shopping and entertainment for both women and men. A variety of clothing, jewelry, handbags, treats, décor, gourmet food and much more will be featured by many local Seattle female-owned businesses and boutiques. Party goers get to mingle with friends (and make new ones) while getting the latest trends and completing their holiday shopping lists.

Tickets may be purchased at http://thecravecompany.com/seattle/events/holiday-craveings-2012/ $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Swag to be given to the first 100 guests at each pop up shop. Look for your CRAVINGS SAVINGS of the night, each pop up shop is giving one item or more away for half the price.

Grab your friends and join me on Wednesday, December 5th, 5:00pm – 9:00pm at Seattle Design Center 5701 6th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108

Back in the Saddle Again...

Since we closed the Collective back in August, I've been lucky to hear from so many of our lovely customers who miss us. First of all, thank you for taking the time to reach out via email, Twitter and Facebook. You have no idea how great it feels to hear your kind words!

So what's been going on since we closed?

Many of the designers that we featured at SPUN Sustainable Collective are doing great things and moving along on their own fashion path. Here's what a few of our favorite designers are up to:

* Cameron Levin  is the super talented designer who joined the Collective the minute we launched. Cameron was also there to man the register when I needed an extra set of hands. We're so excited to watch her grow as a designer and we're so proud to announce that she just released her much anticipated Ruby collection! Inspired by the art of flamenco dance, the rich red color palette is perfect for all the Holiday parties you have planned this Winter.

 * Bri Seeley has been busy too! A woman with a fashion dream and surrounded by love and support of her family, friends and fans, she is definitely going places! Fresh off the runways of Phoenix and LA Style Fashion Weeks, Bri was approached by Zappos who will be carrying her line next Spring! Way to go Bri!!!

* Marian Built is the talented line of lighting and furniture that designed the Collective. They recently re-launched their furniture line with a brand new website and online store! MB fans can now find their popular mason jar lights as well as lots of reclaimed and vintage MB pieces online. As an added bonus, if you use the code "SPUN" you save 20% off your order of $75 or more!

* OHA Skincare is my skin's saving grace all year and especially now that it's getting colder. I use OHA moisturizers and can't live without their Cleansing Milk. The OHA team is working away on a new website so stay tuned on that launch very soon. Rumor has it that they are releasing a new Perfume this Winter too! It's no surprise as I know first hand how truly amazing their products smell. Even better is that they are Organic and BioActive, meaning that they don't offer a million products for different skin types. Just use one product and know that the ingredients are working away on your skin, making it healthy and balanced. Way to go OHA!

Oh and I've been busy designing a new collection and am re-designing the SPUN website as well. It's due for a face lift! I hope to release an all new SPUN Organic Spring/Summer 2013 collection very soon! So be sure to follow SPUN on Facebook and stay in the loop!

xo, Sara

Thanks for the memories....

Dear Friends and Customers,

Well, you may have already heard but the lovely site of the collective is going to be re-developed later this year. So we have accepted the upcoming change and are packing it up! But not before one last goodbye and an exciting sale which will help us personally say thanks to all of you. Don't worry, SPUN will still be available online as well as select retailers. All of the other artists and designers that have been featured here at the collective are also still doing what they do....it's just the store that is closing up.

Please join us for the SPUN Sample Sale on August 11th. This is also our last day open so we're just going to call it a Closing/Sample Sale! Doors will open at 11am and we'll be here until 7pm. Please come by and see us and more importantly, save up to 90% off on old stock, one-offs, samples and a bunch of other goodies in the store. 

Thank you again for your love and support of all of us here at SPUN Sustainable Collective. The experience has been truly invaluable and we appreciate every single one of you. Please continue to support SPUN and other independent designers because without you, we can't continue. Here's to the next chapter! xo, Sara

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for Our Annual Sample Sale Event, Saturday August 11th! More details including all the designers and products being offered will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Fourth of July Holiday Boutique Hours