Thoughtfully handmade items by Miss Bojambo

Confession: I stare at people, mostly women. I think people are so interesting and beautiful. Whereever I am, I catch myself staring. I also love sifting through old photographs while thrifting. I usually unearth some wildly humorous photos perfect for personal letters or cards, interesting compositions, or unforgettable faces that inspire untold stories and pictures.

It never occurred to me that my interest in people was odd. More so, that many people aren't entirely comfortable hanging a picture, drawn, painted, or photographed, of a stranger in their collection of artwork and prints. I've been told by someone, " Your work looks like they are actual people to me but I don't know them so it makes it weird to hang on my wall." Having heard many people comment similarly to this, I wonder, aren't all human subjects used for artwork "actual people"? Why are my actual people any different from the actual people that grace so many other portraits?

There are countless portraits of famous actors and actresses, iconic artists, historic figures, and mysterious lads and lasses captured by artists throughout history. For the most part, most of us do not personally know the subject or the artist, but they are certainly actual people. Yet we welcome the imagery into our homes, onto out walls, on cards, cups, and all things in between and it's not considered weird.

Must we know about the person in the portrait to like it? Do they have to be an icon? Does the person have to be someone we idealize? Could it be the mystery of not knowing the person in the portrait what intrigues us? Am I the only person who collects portraits of strangers where the subject and artist are unknown. Are the portraits I create different because I myself am an unknown artist (in comparison to the big wigs) with unknown subjects. It's a possibility, but I really have no idea.

It seems that for most people an iconic figure must in some way feel familiar, as though the subject were a friend or acquaintance, since we are so frequently exposed to them. I could see that making it much easier to welcome the imagery into your own intimate space. Would you prefer to hang a Marilyn or a Norma Jeane on your wall?

♥ Miss Bojambo

I am equipped with the following Lonely Planet guide books: Peru, Provence, and Tanzania because they are all places that I dream of visiting!

I began playing the flute in the 4th grade and went through a pan flute phase. When I think of Peru, I hear a pan flute playing music from the Andes. I never ended up with a pan flute, but would be more than delighted to hear live local music in Peru! I dream of exploring the Inca trail, soaking in the vibrant culture, and finding me some pan flute action!

I'll be honest, ever since my first French class in the 7th grade I have been madly in love with France and terrible at French. I imagine visiting Provence and eating exceptional food, drinking rich wines, and swimming in seas of lavender. I can't imagine a more romantic and moving place. I dream of indulging myself in the same vistas that inspired so many great artists, too many to name.

When I was a little girl I dreamed of living in Africa with the animals. I wanted to wake up one day and be a big, beautiful wild cat. I know that I am never going to magically transform into a wild cat, but going on safari in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania could pay tribute to my childhood desires and be my greatest adventure!

Where do you dream of traveling to?

♥ Miss Bojambo

While in Portland, Oregon this past weekend, I stopped in a little shop by the name of relish. Although they primarily deal with interior design, the store has a wealth of home decor items and gifts within its colorful walls. That's where I found this gem of a terrarium by Space Design Botanicals.

♥ Miss Bojambo

My waistline is growing and the root of the problem is my resolution to eat healthier. After being influenced by movies and books revealing the truth about where our food is really coming from, my bf and I found ourselves wanting to learn more about the food we were choosing to eat, in addition to actually changing how and what we eat.

Since we used to eat out or order in, it was a quite a change of pace to begin cooking daily from scratch. Our shopping experience at the grocery store completely changed... I can't even remember what we used to buy before our food reform. Was it food? Now we only buy fresh produce and grass fed meats from the right sources. We stick to the outer aisles of the grocery store - what do they keep in the middle anyway?

With our new found passion for eating healthier and cooking from home we've become quite the pair of chefs! We love to explore and treat ourselves to wonderfully rich flavors from all around the world - and boy do we ever treat ourselves. Why shouldn't we - we are cooking from scratch at home. That's supposed to be healthier, right? Right, but what we overlooked while eating healthier with out expanding tummies, is that we like the food we prepare better than what we used to eat when we ate out or ordered in. And to top it off we always make more than enough, so seconds became part of the routine.

We were baffled at our growing waistlines. We never considered that while we were making healthier choices with what we were eating, it was possible for us to be eating more and harming ourselves. Luckily we've seen the error in our ways - finally read the fine print! We have made a point to make less food, serve smaller portions, not go back for seconds ... most of the time, and run every other day. Yes, we started the Couch to 5K training! We set out to change the way we are living our lives and we did!

Many of you probably figured all of this out ages ago, but if you haven't already acquainted or reacquainted yourself with your kitchen, here are some of the sources that inspired us to change the way we eat and more importantly the way we live.

♥ Miss Bojambo

I just stumbled upon my cat , Roux, passed out in a pool of sun. It's a beautiful day here in Seattle.

Spring is here and with it comes the insane urge to tidy and organize. I've noticed many of my fellow Etsians are re-doing their studios and trying to get their space organized. I, of course, am doing this as well, however, I'll save that update for another time. Today I want to share with you some of the treasures I unearthed while sifting through the thousands of listings on Etsy looking specifically for items perfect for a home office & studio. Ready, set, go:

(From left to right)

A vinyl wall calendar sticker by SimpleShapes: You can write on this vinyl wall sticker with a dry erase marker. I think this is a unique item because it cuts down on the bulk of the typical dry erase board and you don't have to punch holes in your wall. Any they can make it any size that your heart desires.

A white metal vintage numbered drawer from Hindsvik: This drawer is perfect for organizing/indexing receipts, recipes, or tools. It would also add more character to your space than your average plain plastic bin.
 
A set of 4 vintage coffee/tea mugs from TastyVintage: Everybody needs a special work mug! These unique cups could double as a votive since the brass handle is removable. I thought these mugs had a lot of style and they may be especially attractive to painters because they are clear.  I thought if you could see that there is coffee in your cup then you wouldn't mistake it for your dirty painting water, as I all too often do! They are monogrammed with the letter "B," but that could easily stand for Boss, Busy, Bojambo?

A vintage Russian mechanical alarm clock from ClockworkUniverse: How could you miss a deadline with this handsome clock keeping track of time for you. I love the aqua/seafoam green color. This clock will serve you both functionally and decoratively - it's a win, win.

A vintage map pencil cup holder by CarolinaCottage: This quart paint can has been decoupaged in a vintage map of New York City. If a pencil cup isn't your shtick, this fine container could also serve as a supply holder or vase, the lid has even been decked out and could be a coaster for your drink of choice!

A vintage American Family Scale from vintageavacado: In this day and age, I think it's fair to say that nearly everyone has done a bit of mailing. That said, why wait in the possible long lines at the post office. With your own scale at home, not only are you enhancing your home environment with the added character of your vintage scale, but you can prepare your mail at home ensuring that your trip to the post office will be super quick!

A giant succulent terrarium kit by monkeysalwayslook: If you can't be outside while your working, why not bring a touch of the great outdoors inside. A terrarium is an easy way to add color and freshness to your space. You don't need a green thumb to take care of these plants because terrariums are pretty low maintenance, but just in case you are worried detailed instructions are included.

A vintage book bundle from lostandfawnedhome: The topics of these books may not pertain to your line of work, but I think people overlook the simple pleasure of enjoying a beautiful book cover. It's nice to mix books with attractive covers with the other books on your shelves to enhance the visual appeal. This vintage set is great example of the style and personality you could add to your collection of books.

A vintage Mirro Lux timer from blackscottietreasure: This little 60 minute will look excellent on your desk or on a shelf because of its minimal design. It will also ensure that you don't spend too much on one any one project with it's loud "ding!"

♥ Miss Bojambo

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's about time to start brainstorming new and special ways to say, "I love you" and "Thank you for being awesome, Mom."

Lucky for you, I've already been brainstorming and boy do I have something special for you! I am offering one of a kind, custom pendants that are a wonderful way to express yourself as the pendant lends itself as a host to your creativity. With both gold and silver frames to choose from, your mama will be stylishly wearing wonderful photographic memories for years to come! This truly is a custom pendant.

For more information about having a custom pendant made please contact me or visit me on Etsy!

♥ Miss Bojambo

This Saturday, the BF and I vacated the fine city of San Francisco to drive up North and taste some wine with his parents in wine country- just for an afternoon. We specifically wanted to taste whites because we've been conducting our own tastings as of late with ... you guessed it - white wines!

We went to two different wineries: Ferrari-Carano Vineyard and Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard, both of which had beautiful gardens and yummy wines. While at Dry Creek Vineyard, the BF and I were split in our taste preference between two Sauvignon Blancs, a 2008 Fumé Blanc and whatever it was that he liked, neither of us can remember! In any case, we ended up leaving with a deliciously rich 2006 Chardonnay that we both liked. That said, my Sauvignon Blanc recommendation is the $12.00 2008 Fumé Blanc from Dry Creek Vineyard. It was delicious - give it a try!

We had a lovely time tasting wines, enjoying the beautiful vistas, and gardens. I was very impressed by how well manicured the gardens were and feel inspired to shape up my own little slice of earth. Oh, and I loved seeing the allium and wisteria in the garden at the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard and Winery. I would like to incorporate these into my garden somehow. On that note, I will leave you with wishes for a wonderful week and a few lovely little floral photos taken during my adventure.

♥ Miss Bojambo

I have been finding so much inspiration from light, airy, and feminine things as of late. The most recent pair of earrings that I created were inspired by the Sandro Botticelli painting The Birth of Venus.

As stated in my Etsy listing, The gemstone is representative of the ocean and the gold chain is meant to symbolize the long golden locks of hair on the ever beautiful woman, Venus. It is my hope that these earrings empower the wearer to feel pride in her own natural beauty as a woman.

There is so much to be inspired by in the spring!

♥ Miss Bojambo

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends. On this fine day, I wanted to share with you a few lovely floral arrangements, however, I temporarily do not have access to the photo's. But what I do have to share are a few snaps I've captured while in Italy, this past fall. All Valentine's Day approved!

Though this wasn't the romantic gondola ride that I shared with my shweetheart, I captured this gondolier and his boat while in Venice on the Grand Canal. The city of Venice is like a museum and is definitely worth seeing at least once! Make sure you have a friend or special someone to share a gondola ride with!

While in the quaint town of Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, In Southern Italy, My Bf and I walked through though the vender filled streets and happened across this stand of hot peppers. Hot red peppers to spice up your life!

Lastly, I will leave you with the lovely photo taken in the romantic gardens in Ravello; A sleepy town atop the rolling hills of the Amalfi Coast.  DH Lawrence, Truman Capote, and Virginia Woolf have all spent time in Ravello; finding inspirations from its beauty no doubt. Italy is such a wonder. Enjoy your Valentine's Day, my friends!

- Miss Bojambo