Jennifer Andrew

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Jennifer

better world shopper app

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Purchasing the Better World Shopper app for my iPhone has changed my life in a few different ways. On the one hand, I have become extremely conscientious about what I eat, where I shop, etc. At the same time, I’m on the brink of losing friends, as I often yell out, “Don’t eat that Toblerone! It’s rated an F!“

I learned about this app from my roommate who owns the book from which it stems called The Better World Shopping Guide. It is about “voting with your wallet.” 
The app rates brands and corporations based on five main issues:
Human Rights
The Environment
Animal Protection
Community Involvement
Social Justice


I highly recommend the app, and I’m sure the book is full of even more information (I still need to buy it). You won’t necessarily become a brand snob.
One thing about the Better World Shopper is that it doesn’t specify why each company has its given grade. Sometimes I wonder whether it is because of human rights, social justice, all of the above, etc. So, that means a little detective work is required.

Anyway, it is a super fun app. If you have two dollars to spare, you should look it up :) 

wheel throwing: third time’s a charm? not so much

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Now presenting…


my temporary pottery studio, owned by a nice lady named Zora! 

How exciting is this? She has an electric wheel and three kilns (one of which she said she would someday sell to me). The problem is, wheel throwing isn’t so easy without an instructor and a bunch of ten year olds. Was there some secret in the clay he had us use? For some reason, I couldn’t get the clay to center at all today, so I ended up with nothing thrown at all. My mom was luckier and also had more patience. I’ll have to try again in a couple of days. 


Zora is letting us use her studio mainly on Saturdays, which is perfect since I will be living at school all year. My mom and I will meet up every now and then and make things. We bought some beautiful glazes at a place in Sacramento called Alpha Fired Arts. When I actually create a few pieces, they’ll look lovely in the colors we picked out. 

I was thinking it would be so fun to make little necklaces, like these peace necklaces from the Whole Earth Festival:



I love these. My favorite is my little blue one with “peace” written in braille. That thing needs to be photographed :) 

These can’t be so hard to make, right? Just carve something nice into a flat circle, poke a whole in it, throw it in the kiln, glaze, etc. I have ideas! I know I’ve been spending a lot of time talking about ideas rather than finished projects. Oooh, but I have finished the cute cowl I was working on. I’ll have to take a picture of myself wearing it a) when it’s light outside and b) when it isn’t 100 degrees. 

(note to self: blog in the morning)

morningsun herb farm

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Earlier this week, my mom and I visited a beautiful flower nursery called Morningsun Herb Farm, which happens to be ten minutes away from my house. I had no idea! I love walking around these places (with my camera).

Someday, I am going to have to learn to garden. I know my mom has a green thumb so perhaps it’s genetic? I can’t imagine ever living somewhere flowerless.

I recently learned to love butterflies. Or “like” them at least. I’ve been kind of afraid of them ever since my days at Butterfly World as a little kid. I ran through that place shaking, every time. But whatever, they are pretty. Maybe someday one will even land on me! (eeek)

There was an adorable gift shop at the farm with seeds, soaps, tea leaves, herbs, earrings… everything. 

And they had these little teacup and saucer plant holders with holes at the bottom of each teacup. 

If I ever need some floral therapy, I now know where to go :) 

color wheel wednesday: red

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Today, I am appreciating the color red which, is something I have just learned to do this summer. I love how it represents so many emotions and it always adds a little spark to everything. It is a good, good color. On my summer wish list are red sandals, red nail polish, and red shorts. Mostly the shorts. I have wanted them all summer, but I am trying not to go shopping for clothes. Yay for self-control!

from the Farmer’s Market in Davis earlier this summer
(source)

these colors are sooo good together! (source)
LOVE this. too bad it’s $300. (source)

found on ModCloth

There are so many pictures I want to share from the past few days. However, my internet is being crazy. So, hopefully tomorrow :)

PS. Thanks so much for all of the nice comments about my pottery! Being a complete beginner at something is always interesting, and a little awkward.

favorite things of the week

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Grapefruit Juice

via El jardin rojo

Okay honestly, I have a serious addiction to grapefruit juice. Near the beginning of the summer, I drank some white grapefruit juice from Trader Joe’s. No big deal, I’ve had it before, I mean it’s just juice. I guess something crazy happened and now grapefruit juice is as necessary to me as water and air. Just kidding. I love it though! And I drink it every single day. I could create a whole blog all about grapefruit juice (but I won’t).

The Invisible Join


This is old news, but I always thought the invisible join was only for the very end of a crochet project, not for individual rounds. Now that I have looked at the tutorial more closely, I’ve realized it is the solution to all of my crochet problems! I don’t know if I have the patience to use it all of the time, but at least now, I have no excuse for being grumpy and taking out almost-finished crochet projects

seemless + symmetrical = problem solved.

Avocado

via joy the baker

Umm yes, always. I prefer it on toast or by itself. Maybe in salads. In Picante’s guacamole. Mmm. I know there are a thousand fancy ways to eat avocados…perhaps I’ll start a checklist.

Etsy Blog Team

I love being a part of this. Spending more time on Etsy and looking at more than just the blogs I have on Bloglovin’ is inspiring. I love finding new blogs. :)

Bee Stamp Numero Dos
Well, I bought a second bee stamp. It was so perfect. Note to self: never settle for less. Something better will always come along. The same thing recently happened concerning my duvet cover dilemma.
Anyway, this stamp came from the lovely shop, BlossomStamps. They are currently on vacation, which is probably a good thing because I will have to think before I impulsively buy more stamps. 
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