Street Cred

*Drumroll Please*

It's the big day. I didn't really think I was ready yet, but I guess now is as good a time as any. I'm launching my food blog, y'all!

I know I've always mentioned and posted about food, recipes, restaurants, and eating on here; if you haven't noticed, food is sort of an obsession of mine. Cooking is my absolute favorite hobby, and I really want to share that passion with everyone. So, please head on over to check out Street Cred! I know it's just a baby at the moment, but trust me, there will be LOTS of great eats coming your way.

And never fear, I'll still be here at Disowned, all day every day. Because I just can't sit still :)

<3 dani

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a big announcement - and it's not about my excitement over the newest batch of photos from our wedding, but I've included a few of them anyway because I want to share two things at once.

Decisions have been decided, things have been taken into consideration, sacrifices have been made, tears have been cried, plans have been put into action, and flights have been booked.
Steve and I are moving to England at the end of July.

It wasn't an easy decision, and it certainly isn't an easy process, but we finally bit the bullet and need to do what is best for the two of us - both now and in our future. As hard as it is going to be to pack up and leave, this is also the most exciting journey of our lives, and I am so so so thankful that we can be embarking on it together. We know that some people will be shocked, and some will be upset, and some will be sad, but right now we need the support of our close family & friends more than ever. Trust me, this is hard. But not going would be harder for us, both in the short and long run. We're going to do our best to see as much of our family & friends as possible before we leave, so please don't hesitate to call/text/email if we can squeeze in a visit before the end of next month.

And once we get our own place across the pond, eventually, one and all will be welcome.



Other notable mentions: I am excited to announce that in August I will be launching a new blog. I'm using this opportunity to really pursue my love of writing and cooking, and the official announcement will follow once the website itself is somewhat finished/up & running.

Notable mention number 2: Did someone say SALE?? I'm going to be having a massive moving clearance in the shop, to minimize the amount of inventory that I will have to move. On top of that, I'll be having a closet sale! I'm not sure if it'll be on eBay or some other site yet, but I'm going to be cleaning out closets and getting rid of a lot! So stay tuned for that, because I have loads of cute stuff (mostly XS/size 0 things that I don't fit into anymore but couldn't bear to part with) that will be up for grabs. Fo CHEAP, yo.

Notable mention number 3: It is with the saddest of sad faces that I am looking for a new forever home for sweet little old Buggy. My dear kitty is not in good enough health to fly with us to our new home, and she would do best in a single-cat household. If anyone has or knows of a wonderful, calm, quiet, loving environment she could be a part of, please let me know! I want the absolute best for her, and my heart is breaking over the thought of saying goodbye to my sweet girl.

More updates to follow as the story develops. That's all for now, folks!

Photography by Naomi Huober

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?