Throwback Thursday: Pretty Polaroids

While doing some cleaning and reorganizing this past weekend, I came across some great memories: a few photos from my first trip to France when I was 17. 

I was an au pair in Chablis, and it was my first time ever leaving the States. I caught the travel bug, and have had great difficult keeping my feet in the same place for too long since. 

So, here are some of my favorites from the bunch... Enjoy! I know I did.

                                     

                                      

                                    

I'm halfway there in my mind, right now... 

Rosy Cosy Rosewater

If you follow me on instagram, you'll know that I spoiled myself last week by bringing home 2 dozen roses for absolutely no reason. Sometimes, a smile is reason enough. 

Well, after a few days, a couple of my roses began to wilt. I didn't want my beauties to go to waste, so I decided to make some rosewater using 6-8 of the roses. Rosewater has so many properties and uses. It contains the essential rose oils, as well as being a light and refreshing floral scent. Supposedly, Cleopatra bathed in rosewater to seduce her lover Anthony. It is also a lovely facial astringent, which is mainly what I use it for . You can use any type of roses, but I prefer something pink or red, because it gives the rosewater a really pretty pink hue.

I began by filling a pot (or you can use a bowl with a tight lid) with rose petals. 

Handy dandy electric kettle to the rescue! I poured boiling water over the petals until the water barely reached the top layer of the petals.

The lid on tight, I left the petals to steam and steep until the water had cooled. This took several hours.... so I got some much-needed laundry time in. 

Strain and bottle your magic potion! Voila!

Natural Beauty

It's no secret that I love to wander. New cities, new countries, new neighborhoods... If I haven't explored it yet, I soon will. On Wednesday, I happened upon another justification for my wanderings...

On a side street bordering Little Italy and Chinatown, I passed a shop window full of stunning beads, stones, statues, and trinkets. I doubled back and stepped inside Sun Wind, Inc. 

The woman standing behind the counter wasn't simply selling jewelry. She spent a good 45 minutes explaining all of the stones I inquired about, and even reading my energies and knowing my own preferences and needs. It was enlightening and exciting. 

I've always been interested in the powers and energies (not to mention the appearance) of natural stones and natural stone jewelry. In *many* previous posts and photos, you may have noticed the jade bangle and rings I permanently wear. As the most protective stone of physical health, jade is a key component and reminder of my years of battles against various health issues, all of which have more or less been overcome. 

I can't wait to return to her shop when I have more time to spend, but below are a few beautiful things I picked up to add to my existing collection.

These natural, uncut quarts earrings pictured below were irresistible to me. 

I was immediately drawn to this ring. As the woman who owns the shop explained, it is Botswana Agate, and it believed to be a sort of Evil Eye. It protects not only against spiritual evil, but also against natural disaster. As a lover of survival, and its beautiful vintage setting and look, I just had to have it.

So many gorgeous rings. It was hard to pick just one.... (for now)

I've acquired a lot of natural stone jewelry over the years. In fact, I gravitate towards it. I love the lack of "perfection" and symmetry, and the idea that every single piece is natural and unique. 

My cat, of course, wanted to be in this photo. 

My three favorite natural stone neckaces. From left to right: 

Pyrite (fools gold): Helps the wearer tap into their creativity

Lapis Lazuli: Healing and protecting the mind, & a stone native to my sign, Sagittarius

Agate: Balances yin and yang, good for artists and students

I could rant on and on about this topic all day, but I'll exercise a shred of self control.

Do you have any favorite stones that you are drawn to? 

Out of Focus

I am so relieved that the infernal heat wave has broken. 

What better way to celebrate than by sneakily frolicking in the ivy of Bryant Park? 

Most of the photos, unfortunately, came out blurry, but then I just decided, 

'Hey, screw it! It looks kind of fairytale-y.' 

Vintage dress, "Phoebe", going on sale  tonight, I promise, I'll list it, finally. Had to take some photos first!

Treasures

When I was a young Girl Scout I heard the phrase, "take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints". 

Well, I still have carry the picture-taking part with me, but I don't think it's too bad to have snatched up a few pretty shells from the beach. 

These are just a few of the treasures I brought home with me from this past weekend (seaweed excluded) and I really want to think of a fun crafty project use for them. 

Insta-Recap

A little wrap-up of my weekend via Instagram...

Follow me!! @disownedclothing 

Can't Get Enough

I know I've posted photos from the beach quite a few times already this summer, but I just can't get enough of the sand and sun this year. 

Today, my weekend in Atlantic City wound down with a day on (you guess it) the beach! I instantly turn into an overgrown child at the prospect of jumping in some waves and collecting seashells. 

Perfect ending to my little weekend getaway :)

Sand and Sun

I love sand dunes. I don't know why, I just do. The grasses gently swaying, the ripples in the sand made by the wind... It's just so peaceful and beautiful to me. 

Little hidden treasures between the beach and boardwalk that just brighten my day. 

Light White Bright

It's a bit of an overcast day here in Atlantic City, but it's still so hot and humid. Right now I'm just lounging in bed, catching up on emails and planning the day ahead. 

Mini getaways just make me feel so free! 

<3

Fresh.

I've posted before about the Broadway French Market, where I stop by each Tuesday and Friday on my lunch break to pick up amazing local produce and eats. 

This Tuesday's haul brought Romanesco cauliflower, fresh onions, a beautiful bunch of radishes, and a stunning head of purple cabbage. 

Thanks to a few of my favorite spices and seasonings, they all came together into a wonderful meal. 

Knowing that I've made something delicious from fresh, local, organic produce makes me feel great before I even eat it. 

Find a farmers market! Go local! Go fresh!!

Word of the Week

Curiosity. 

I was such a curious child. Always exploring, always roaming, always wondering. 

Spending time with my family this weekend really made me stop and really appreciate the curiosity that children have for the world and everything in it. 

I want to try to embody that word this week; I want to be curious again. Abandon doubt. Chase a butterfly. 

Live for now. 

Take a Hike

You never know what you might find.