travel bug

okay so i am experiencing the travel bug again. i know i just moved, but really..... just look at these photos...

all images via my pinterest

thailand is on my heart lately and not just because of the beautiful sights and beaches.

some of you may know that i studied social justice in college and it is a major passion in my life.

unfortunately human trafficking is on the rise and thailand is a major hub for it. here is a stat that is shocking and the norm for this area of the world:

Trafficking

Around 80,000 women and children have been sold into Thailand's sex idustry since 1990, with most coming from Burma, China's Yunan province and Laos. Trafficked children were also found on construction sites and in sweatshops. In 1996, almost 200,000 foreign children, mostly boys from Burma, Laos and Cambodia, were thought to be working in Thailand. (Mahidol University's Institute of Population and Social Research, "Trafficking of children on the rise," Bangkok Post, 22 July 1998)

i know that we can get overwhelmed by what is happening in the world. i know that its hard to think that the little efforts we do by buying local, handmade, fair trade items can make a difference, but it does. every time you buy something you are voting. voting for equal fair rights that every human deserves. voting to stop injustice and child labour. voting to make a better world. yes it cost more, but isn't that what these woman and children deserve?

yes this was a "heavy" post but awareness is the first step in educating ourselves and making small changes that make a big difference.

etsy love

here is a collection of things i love on etsy this week

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xox

Rhythms Of Grace

life has a funny way showing and teaching us stuff. i used to live in sydney australia and attended one of the most amazing and genuine churches... you may have heard of it. they have a real anointing to write music that helps heal your heart and bring you closer to God. it's the moments of listening to a song that captures everything your heart and soul have been trying to say... those moments are priceless and sacred to me. what do i miss most about australia?? my church. this is one of the new songs off the youth album.

what has life taught me lately? that no matter what happens im caught in the rhythms of God's grace. that there is no one like him. that he cares about every aspect of my life and wants to be apart of it.

-p.s im uber proud of an acquaintance that co-wrote this song! it brings a smile to my face every time i listen to it.

Hello Etsy!

here's what's new in the shop this week! just in time for valentine's day is the LOVER'S scarf!

it is a knot named after two famous lovers. it only seemed fitting to use it for this holiday about love.

another new member to the shop is the Bekah cowl!

she's a cozy cowl that is warm, soft and beautiful just like the lady she's named after.

well im busy knitting up new additions and i surly have some wonderful friends to keep naming them after!!! love you all!

recent etsy purchase

well hello there!

i have been a busy bee knitting, sewing and brainstorming away.

in between all the christmas, birthday and mess of yarn fun i managed to do some shopping for myself (isn't that the best kind?)

here are a few of them :)

these cherry tree buttons...

and these oak buttons from The Hickory Tree

and this absolutely lovely ring from Kevin's shop on etsy

i have received so many compliments on this ring it's already paid for itself!

well theres a sneak peak of what i've been up to! check out the shops and you will be sure to find something for your crafting or accessory needs!

xoxo

23 before 24

as some of you know today is my birthday!!! in honour of the glorious day that i entered this world i thought i would share with you my list...

this is a list of things that i would love to do before i turn 24!

23 before 24

1. Eat more fruit

2. Move to B.C

3. Read the Narnia series

4. Run more

5. Visit a winery

6. Take a road trip

7. Praise more!

8. Learn to tie a tie

9. Take more bubble baths

10. Blog more

11. Knit a hat

12. Discover a new band

13. Read my Jane Austen books

14. Buy more handmade

15. Colour a picture

16. Learn to French braid

17. Go camping

18. Sing more

19. Sit under the stars again

20. Skype more frequently

21. Visit Seattle

22. Open an Etsy store!

23. Dance more

i got this idea from another blog and loved it so much i made my list in november. haha

what about you guys? any plans for the new year you are excited about??

thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone! i am blessed with amazing friends and family!!

xox

drool

this is a drool worthy kitchen if i've even seen one!

i love the clean modern lines and the earthy warm feeling you get from the hits of wood. that island is what i am currently coveting.

excuse me while i wipe the drool off my chin.....

xox

knit & purl

remember this post? im now just getting around to #1 taking a picture of it and #2 posting about it.

drumroll please............

yup! there it is! i altered it a bit to make it my own. i made it a bit smaller and went with a wood/coconut button to make it more natural and unique. ive since taken the lace idea and applied it to another project im working on and to designing my own patterns.

well i have a lot of knitting to do to get ready for my shop! woohoo :)

xox

whats been keeping me busy...

here are a few sneak peeks at what's ive been doing the past few days! i figure in about 12 years i will be all done ;)

this is my version of a 70's granny square blanket. im loving the colours! the pictures don't do them justice.

my grandma taught me how to crochet over the holidays! i have about 10 done so far and only need about say.....90 more? haha.

i'll be back tomorrow with another glimpse of what i've been up to!

here's a little teaser till then!

(name that movie!)

xox

the year of amanda

good morning!

i hope that everyone enjoyed the holidays like i did! we had family come up from ontario, ate lots of turkey and opened some amazing gifts!

being that it is now a fresh new year i thought i would let you in on a couple of my plans for the new year!

- move to B.C asap! im still shooting for april! woohoo! i cant wait for this one to happen! this not only gets me closer to my loves but is a new adventure! im a sucker for adventures.

- open up an etsy shop/have a stall at local markets! i am uber pumped for this to happen! not only does it allow my to have an excuse for being creative but it is something that i can do to keep me busy and calm all at the same time. what a lovely oxymoron.

- and just for fun id like to buy a camera to document my life and year. im not normally the girl with the camera, but after all the places ive lived, i wish i took a few more and not relied on friends pics.

as you can see i have a lot to look forward to this year! what about you? id love to hear some new years resolutions/goals/dreams that ya'll have! (that ya'll was for all my american lovelies! i miss ya!)

best of luck in the new year!

xox