The Laughing Medusa - a lifestyle blog by sarah lambert.

May 17, 2013

Because Every Pixie Needs a Flower Crown

I’m not sure how old I was in the photo on the left – 5 or 6, maybe. It was taken at the cottage we used to rent every summer when my parents were still together. My mom had collected wildflowers and fastened them together with twist-ties into a pixie-perfect crown. It’s one of my favourite photos from when I was little. Seeing magic came easily to me then, especially when we were at the cottage. I knew where all of the faeries lived and used to wander through the forest daydreaming about making friends with the deer.

The photo on the right was taken yesterday. Perhaps I was inspired by seeing this photo at my dad’s over the weekend or maybe it was the intoxicating smell of lilacs wafting through our window, but I felt compelled to pluck a few blooms from my mom’s garden and string them into a whimsical circlet. It was fun to make and wear and made me feel in touch with my inner child. Perhaps you’d like to make one too…

You’ll need: flowers, twist-ties or floral wire, a pair of scissors.

Daisies or forget-me-nots work well for the main structure of the crown, because they have long, sturdy stems. Create a chain of these flowers by attaching two stems together with an inch or so of wire (simply curl/twist it around the two overlapping stems). Continue adding to the chain by fastening additional stems to the end of the chain until it’s long enough to wrap around your head. Create a circle by fastening the two end stems together.

You can fill in the crown with additional blooms – be sure to leave an inch or two of stem to wrap the wire around and fasten them to the stems of the crown.

These flower crowns are a fleeting pleasure as they’ll start to wilt quite quickly. But they’re the perfect accessory for a pixieish photo shoot and they’d be fun to make at a child’s summer birthday party. I wore mine to plant sunflowers in my friend’s backyard and I think I made all of the little girls on my street a bit jealous.

Did you ever make flower crowns as a kid? Will you try it out as an adult?

Lately // Sunshine, & beach days, & Internet sabbaticals

It’s hard to believe that I haven’t posted in over a week. In fact, other than being chained to my laptop during working hours, I haven’t been online much at all and I haven’t been watching a lot of TV either. This Internet sabbatical wasn’t planned, but I think I really needed it. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and a little bit lost lately…or really for most of this year, if I’m being honest. I can’t say I’ve emerged from 10 days offline “a new woman,” but I am feeling more energized and inspired and genuinely excited to face the challenges ahead.

During my time away I did manage to keep my Instagram feed up to date – I can never resist the urge to stop and take a pretty photo or document a wonderful moment. Looking through all of them made me so grateful for all of the adventures I’ve been having – the laughter, the sunshine, the new books, the delicious treats, the fun outfits, the time spent with friend and family. I’ll definitely be reviving my LML series but for now I just wanted to share a peek at how I spent my time away from the computer…

1 // My mom gifted me this amazing purple dress that she used to wear when she was my age. It’s kind of perfect – bright, comfortable, pockets!!, and a slit that shows off my leg tattoo – the trim even perfectly matches my hair.
2 // The shoes I ordered from ModCloth after winning Emma’s birthday giveaway came in the mail. I was inspired to buy them after seeing Kaylah wear them in one of her outfit posts and they are just as adorable in person…although breaking them in is proving rather painful.
3 // We went out for my friend Tash’a birthday. It was such a treat to actually go out and I loved spending a night with such amazing ladies. It was my first time wearing this leather dress that I’d had on layaway forever. I paired it with a sequin-sleeved shrug and my favourite Jeffrey Campbells. There wasn’t as much dancing as we’d hoped for (this city is a bit of a ghost down when the students leave for the summer), but we loved taking photos in front of this creepy skull wall.

4 // I haven’t stopped snapping photos of every pretty flower I see. I’m just instantly happier when the world is colourful and now that the lilacs are blooming, things sure do smell heavenly around here.
5 // I won this amazing patch from Three Inch Stitch in Emma Deer’s giveaway. I can’t wait to sew it onto my jean jacket!
6 // I got the second issue of Things and Ink and I’ve been devouring it ever since. I’d definitely recommend it to any tattoo lover. Their third issue was released this week and I’m really looking forward to it showing up in my mailbox.
7 // I insisted on pulling over to snap this photo of fog hanging over the fields during a sunset drive.

8 // Spending an afternoon at the beach with three of my favourite ladies and Ernie the puppy was absolutely heavenly. It was warm, the water was clear, and we collected so many pretty beach stones for various DIY projects.

9 // Things got a bit messy while we were making tissue paper bowls.
10 // This delicious berry-flavoured kombucha matched my nail polish.
11 // I got dressed up to go see a band play and hang out with friends. There’s nothing like a full-length purple velour number to feel like a total 90s rockstar.
12 // Henry follows me down the street when I go out to the store – isn’t he the cutest?!
13 // They don’t look like much but I made Meghan Telpner’s cinnamon rolls for Mother’s Day brunch and they were such a treat!
14 // I spent Saturday night tie dying so I got to unveil my creations when I got home from dinner on Friday night. Pretty psychedelic, eh?

I’ve got a million post ideas swimming around in my head – recipes and DIYs and outfits and travel stories and tips to share. Like all of us I guess I just struggle with that elusive thing called balance, but I’ll be back to regular posting again, promise. Is there anything in particular you’d like me to post about? Any burning questions you’d like to ask?

What have you been up to lately? Have you been soaking up the sun? Going on any summer adventures? I’d love to hear!

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Tagged as LML

May 4, 2013

Smitten Kitten Saturday // 11

I’m not sure what it was this week but I stumbled upon so many beautiful treasures online. So get cozy with a cup tea and a cute fur baby, and check out what I’m smitten with this week…These beautiful street photography shots were discovered undeveloped at auction 50 years after they were snapped by a children’s nanny in the 1950s.

I love the idea of making a few of these heart patterned friendship bracelets.

I think these photos of young hitchhikers and freight train hoppers are so beautiful. Just as a warning, there are one or two that might be considered graphic.

This Parisian apartment was found just as it had been left after being untouched for 70 years. Isn’t that amazing!? The photos are so haunting.

Doesn’t making your own pop sound fun? This healthy cream soda recipe looks delicious.

These fantasy inspired photos by Kirsty Mitchell are a stunning tribute to the imaginative power of her late mother, who Kirsty lost to cancer in 2008. Aren’t they breathtaking?

Dawn and dusk are often called the golden hours. These 25 twilight photos are eerie and beautiful.

Not a morning person? Me neither! These dogs know how we feel.

I’ve been doing Gabrielle Bernstein’s ego eradicator before I meditate in the morning and yes, breathing like that will make you feel like a total weirdo. But it sure seems to switch things around in your brain. It leaves me so calm and centered to do my meditation and that really sticks with me throughout the day. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

What lovely things have you discovered online this week? If you post your own roundups, share a link in the comments.

Happy Saturday!

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May 2, 2013

Photo an Hour // May

I always love when bloggers share “photo an hour” posts – it’s so fun to see a slice of someone’s day. But whenever I’ve set my mind to do the same, I always forget to take enough photos – d’oh! Luckily yesterday was different and what a wonderful day to capture. I gave myself most of the day off work, so it’s a lot more interesting then a series of laptop photos and food porn…

9am // I’m trying to get into a better morning routine, like I used to have. So I pulled out my meditation pillow and spent 20 minutes quieting my mind in front of my little altar.

10am // I enjoyed my morning coffee in our sunny backyard with my journal and this book by Gabrielle Bernstein.

11am // I made my usual green smoothie for breakfast, set up a little office on my bed, and got to work – a little later than usual but it was nice to have the luxury of easing into my day.

12pm // The mailman brought my beautiful prize from East 80, that I won in Emma Deer‘s birthday giveaway.

1pm // I made a delicious salad with quinoa, sunflower seeds, the dregs of our crisper, and a spicy sesame miso dressing.

2pm // I went for a little walk to look at the beautiful greenery and flowers that seem to have popped up overnight. I also stopped to pick up a few groceries for dinner and treated myself to a bag of crystal beads.

3pm // Inspired by my prize, I made a bracelet with embroidery floss and these crystal beads, which are supposed to balance your chakras.

4pm // I was having serious chocolate cravings, so I whipped up this batch of raw vegan fudge. It didn’t turn out as well as it normally does, so I’m going to have to play around with the tempering process (YouTube tutorials here I come!)

5pm // Stricken with awful cramps, I took to the bed for an hour and cuddled with this cutie while I watched an episode of Homeland.

6pm // This strange piece of concrete graffiti is on a telephone pole on the way to Jessi’s house. I’m glad I finally stopped to snap a picture.

7pm // I got to take Jessi’s brother’s e-bike out for a spin. It was a lot of fun and actually went a lot faster than I was expecting.

8pm // Our friend brought her two beautiful daughters over and we had a blast tearing up Jessi’s backyard with them.

9pm // I’m always so happy and have so much fun hanging out with kids. They had a great time drawing with chalk and then erasing the pictures the other one had drawn.

10pm // We made a late dinner of vegan “sushi” rolls. My friend Ethan is a chef and created this beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.

11pm // This enormous fire was the perfect celebration of Beltane and Jessi’s recent completion of university.

Midnight // We braved the heat to roast marshmallows and veggie dogs to perfection.

At this point, I feared the combination of beer, an open flame, and my precious camera could be a dangerous one so I put it away. But I’m so glad someone captured the end of the night, when we lay on the trampoline for a little star gazing…

What a perfect day! Did you do anything to celebrate Beltane? If you’ve ever done your own photo an hour post, be sure to share a link in the comments.

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April 30, 2013

Meet the Lovely Ladies of April

Crocuses are one of my favourite flowers (there’s a purple one tattooed on my arm). They’re not the most majestic or impressive flower, but they represent a reassuring sign that spring is here. They’re tenacious really, pushing their colourful heads out of the cold, dark Earth and fighting their way through the debris left behind from last year to open their pretty petals, even though there’s still a frosty nip in the air. I’ve felt a little like that myself this past month – pushing through the funk I’ve buried myself in over the winter and raising my head to the sky. I’m feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, so bring it on, May!

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but this whole month my side bar has been jam packed with links to the shops and blogs of some really stellar ladies. If you haven’t been paying attention, never fear, because you’re going to meet a few of them today. And thanks so much to all of you for supporting The Laughing Medusa!

aprilsponsors1 Kym from Deafies in the Kitchen. Follow her on Facebook.

Hello! My name is Kym and I run the blog ‘Deaf in the Kitchen’. I am Deaf and Vegetarian/Vegan Home Cook and also do small cater at Deaf events. I am South New Jersey Representative for Deaf Women United and Cater Chairperson for New Jersey Deaf Association. In my spare time I love to cross stitch, attend Deaf socials, garden and spend time with my awesome family.

Favourite Posts: Pomegranate Cake | Interview with Deaf Chef Paul Hansen | Vegan Banana Pudding

Jennifer of Red Parka Diaries and Red Parka Designs. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Hello! I’m Jen, an artist and blogger from Tasmania! I run a little store called Red Parka Designs where I sell my original illustrations and I write a blog called Red Parka Diaries about illustration, design and living a creative, adventurous, sustainable, independent and remarkable life. Look forward to meeting you! x

Favourite Posts: 50 Ways to Feel Better Right Now | My Journey to Self-Employment and Illustration | Why I Invented My Own Job and How You Can Too!

Brooke from You’re in Brookelynn. Follow her on BlogLovin’, Facebook, and Instagram.

Hello! My name is Brooke and I blog over You’re In Brookelynn. I’m an awkward college girl living in the midwest blogging about photography, style, and life. Come on over and say Hi!

Favourite Posts: What I Wore: Kodachrome | DIY Studded Shorts | 52 Weeks Project

Lauren from In Between Idols. Follow her on Twitter.

Hello, humans. Most call me Lauren, some call me odd, my mother calls me ‘Wee.’ I am a native Spanish speaker, pineapple topped pizza enthusiast, full-time undergraduate student, and wearer of many hats. I blog over at In Between Idols, where I write about pretty much whatever catches my eye that day.

Favourite Posts: I’d Rather Be Watching RuPaul’s Drag Race | Four Tips for Buying Cruelty-Free | Date Night Ideas

Midge from Modern Girl Blitz. Follow her on Facebook, Tumblr, and Etsy.

Hello, I’m Midge and I love sharing my own spin on retro style with my readers, as well as my love for crafts, zines, and snail mail. I love putting my own quirky voice in how I present myself, so I hope you find it inspiring!

Favourite Posts: Rock Beach | Orange Crush | Jewelry Hanger DIY

Sabrina from Cattails + Cardigans. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

hi! I’m Sabrina. I’m a 20 year old paraplegic living in TN. cattails + cardigans is a place where I come to tell stories. Rather it be about my cat, my daily life or sharing things that I love, this blog is my home. Stop on by and say hello!

Favourite Posts: Life Update | Why I view my accident as a “blessing” | Honest To Blog: Keeping Things Personal

Alex from Typical ’90s Child. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and BlogLovin’.

Hi, my name is Alex, and I blog over on Typical 90′s child!

I love sharing anything from vintage finds (1st photo above) to the vintage inspired clothing I make myself (2nd pic above, Etsy shop coming soon!) as well as my sweet little family, my favorite music and other everyday things that inspire me!

Favourite Posts: About | Love You So | Ruffles and Lace

Ashley from Modernette. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Hello! My name is Ashley, and I can generally be found A) writing, B) behind a camera, or C) both A&B. I love road trips, classic rock, pop-punk, and finding new patios to have fancy drinks on.

Favourite Posts: The 8 Stages of Television Addiction | An Icebreaker for People Who Hate Icebreakers | Bohemian Snapsody: West Coast Fish Tacos

Amber from The Whale and Wasp. Follow her on Blogger, Facebook, and Instagram.

My name is Amber and I run The Whale & Wasp: a small Etsy shop based on accessories for gals. I love to sew, bake, cook, watch movies, go to concerts, take pictures and collect records. I’m clearly not to be taking very seriously and I have a pretty unhealthy obsession with music, Lush Cosmetics and Saturday Night Live.

Favourite Posts: Nursery Inspiration | Neon Coral Hearts | Lil Rock n Rolla

I hope you enjoy exploring their blogs and shops as much as I do. Leave a comment and let me know if you found a new fave!

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