Latergrams of 2014

While I took photos this past year, a lot of them did not make it onto Instagram...until last week when I uploaded a massive (okay, not that massive - it was only 9 pictures) dump of #latergram pictures. Enjoy!

Follow me on Instagram! @wildflwrchild

my mother's cousin's incredible cabin - Nova Scotia, July 2014

hiking the Green Mountains - Vermont, September 2014

I made it to the top of the mountain! - Vermont, September 2014

eating vegan soft serve ice cream from Like No Udder - Boston VegFest, October 2014

vegan cupcakes by Hippie Chick Bakery - Boston VegFest, October 2014

the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace - Samantabhadra Buddhist Center, November 2014

Holiday cheer! - Boston metro, December 2014

first smoothie with my new Vitamix - my house, December 2014

I made my own wrapping paper for Christmas - my parent's house, December 2014

My Year in Books: 2014

Well, I did it! I exceeded my goal of reading at least 50 books in the year 2014, and I am very excited to be doing this challenge again in 2015. Take a look at my year in books below. You can also view all of the reviews on GoodReads here. [Insert shameless plug to be my friend on GoodReads: goodreads.com/wildflowerchild]

50 Books in 2014: 51-56

So I made it through 56 books in 2014! I'm super stoked that I exceeded my goal. Tomorrow I will be posting all of the books I've read, but here are the reviews for the last 6 books. I am considering a different (and quicker) layout for reviews in 2015, but we will see how that plays out.


1.  The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery, by Miguel Ruiz & Jose Luis Ruiz

GoodReads says: "The Four Agreements provides the foundation for breaking thousands of agreements that create needless suffering and with The Fifth Agreementyou recover all the power of your authenticity, which is who you really are when you are born."
Average Rating: 4.21

I said: 4/5 stars, "While a lot of people might suggest skipping reading The Four Agreements and heading straight to this book, I disagree. I think a lot of valuable insight can be gained from relearning the four agreements. Part II of the book, which focused on the fifth agreement, confused me at first. It wasn't until the end of the book that I started to grasp the point the authors were trying to get across, so after I finished, I went back and reread the first half of Part II. Doing so helped me understand the message immensely."


2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs

GoodReads says: "Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive."
Average Rating: 3.79

I said: 5/5 stars, "This book was a fascinating, fast-paced fantasy story that I could not put down. The plot of the story is so unique and really draws the reader in. It is considered a YA book, but I would argue that even adults would love it. As soon as I finished, I ran out to find the second book in the series at the library right away."


3. The Girls' Book of Success: Winning Wisdom, Stars' Secrets, Tales of Triumph, and More, by Catherine Dee & Ali Douglass

GoodReads says: "A collection of true stories, quotations, poems, and personal advice on how to set and achieve goals, divided into such categories as "Self-Confidence," "Perseverance," "Leadership," and "A Winning Image"."
Average Rating: 3.50

I said: 4./5 stars, "This was a really cute book providing inspiration to teen girls on growing towards success. I liked how each chapter was set up with a main topic and quotes and true stories related to the topic. This would be a great book for teen or tween girls."


4. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle

GoodReads says: "Ekhart Tolle's message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice and enthusiasm make this an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means. Foremost, Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container--more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness."
Average Rating: 4.06

I said: 3/5 stars, "It wasn't until towards the end of the book that I really started to pick up the message. The book is great, but bound to go over the heads of the casual reader. I am looking forward to reading it again for a more in-depth insight that I may have missed the first time around."


5. Bargain Junkie: Living the Good Life on the Cheap, by Annie Korzen

GoodReads says: "In Bargain Junkie, Korzen shares her hilarious tales from the trenches--the garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, rummage sales, and online auctions. Korzen haggles, scrimps, saves, and stretches her dollars and her imagination so she can afford to travel, dress well, and eat out whenever possible."
Average Rating: 2.55

I said: 2/5 stars, "While this book did have some good tips to point out on thrifting and finding a bargain, I found a lot of the "humor" offensive and/or not funny."


6. Skinny Bitch Book of Vegan Swaps, by Kim Barnouin

GoodReads says: "A vegan lifestyle is the newest hot health trend—thanks in no small part to the smart, fearless, and number one New York Times bestselling Skinny Bitch books. But with so much conflicting information out there, it's not always easy to make the best choices. Now Skinny Bitch coauthor Kim Barnouin is back with a book that makes making the right vegan choice easy. In Skinny Bitch Book of Vegan Swaps, Kim Barnouin takes the mystery out of following a plant-based diet. It's a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that tells you what foods look healthy, but actually aren't, and explains how to avoid the stuff you don't want. And because Kim knows that the concerns of today's savvy eaters run the gamut from calories to carbon footprints, she explains it all."
Average Rating: 3.69

I said: 2/5 stars, "This book focused primarily on showcasing brands that sell vegan 'cheat' food, such as faux chicken nuggets, pizza, ice cream, and more. While these foods are fun to eat every once in a while, the author seems to forget that whole foods (fruits, veggies, etc.) are the healthiest way to live vegan. Not to mention, a lot of the swaps are not readily available in all supermarkets and can be quite expensive. It is a good resource for an occasional indulgence, though."

14 in 2014: Wrap Up

Now that we have welcomed in the year 2015, I want to revisit the goals I set for myself in 2014. Looking back, I think I did pretty well overall. I am hoping to become even healthier and happier in 2015, and I wish the same for you all! I will have a few more 2014 posts to wrap up this week, and then I will begin next with with my 15 in 2015 goals. Wishing the best to you all.

 

1. Write more blog posts - This goal was pretty hit or miss through the year. I can't say I did the best I could do, but I plan on continuing to go forward transforming this blog into my dream creative space.
2. Do more yoga - I went through a phase of intense yoga, but then that fizzled out. Yoga is a goal that I want to continue working towards into the future.
3. Get back into dancing -I started working at a dance studio back in September, and it has been a dream. I have been welcomed into the community with such enthusiasm, and I am excited to continue dancing with them this year.
4. Land a job that I enjoy - As I just mentioned, I love working at the dance studio, but that is only part-time. I also work at a vegan cafe still, but I am not getting enough hours and need to look into another income source.
5. Move into a new apartment - I moved both in July (for a 2-month sublet) and in September. I love where I currently live. This apartment is always alive and filled with friends, music, and art. It's really a dream come true.
6. Cook more - David, my partner, and I started cooking a lot more recently. He even got me a Vitamix blender for Christmas, which has been absolutely incredible.
7. Read 50 books - boom. done! I  read 56 books in 2014! Tomorrow and Sunday I will post reviews of the last six books I read, as well as an overview of all 56 books. Follow me on GoodReads! @wildflowerchild//goodreads.com/wildflowerchild
8. Get rid of all my extra clothes - I've posted a ton of clothes up for sale on Vinted. I'm currently at about 120 items for sale, but I still have so much more to put up for sale. I only have a few items up on Storenvy at the moment, but I have had better luck selling on Vinted anyway. Check out my items for sale at http://www.vinted.com/members/1705095-melissalynnamaral & http://wildflowerchild.storenvy.com/. If you're interested in buying anything, let me know that you came from my blog, and I will lower any price for you.
9. Spend more time outside - This goal was also a bit touch and go. When I was working full-time, I would spend every lunch break outdoors, and I went on a few hikes over the summer, but I still did not get outside as much as I would have liked.
10. Get on a regular sleep schedule - I would say that this goal went well. I'm going to bed a bit later than I would like, but it has been pretty consistent in terms of the same time every night. I would like to start to get up earlier in the mornings, though.
11. Become more organized - I think I have more mental clarity and organization, but I certainly do not on the outside. I have a long way to go with this goal, but I'm pretty sure this is a life-long goal for just about everyone.
12. Find an outlet for playing clarinet - Sadly, no. I miss playing. :/
13. Bike all over Boston -I have only biked a few times after getting my bike back, but I received a super heavy-duty lock for Christmas, as well as a rear-view mirror, which will be a huge help biking in the city. Now to get in good enough shape to ride my single speed.....
14. Appreciate all the little things - I would definitely say I am in a better place mentally & emotionally than I was at this time last year. Of course, this is another life-long goal. 

Eco-Friendly Gifts 2014

Two years ago, I made an Etsy treasury list featuring some really neat eco-friendly gifts, and to this day, it has been my most-viewed blog post. Since this feature was so popular, I decided to bring it back again this year. Below is the image of the treasury. You can click the picture or follow this link to view the treasury on Etsy and view each item: https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTc0MDkyODl8MjcyNzA3Nzg4OA/eco-friendly-christmas-gifts-2014

I hope you like it! I'm definitely going to be trying to make a lot of the gifts and cards I am making this year. Anything that I purchase will most certainly be eco-friendly! How has your shopping been?

50 Books in 2014: 46-50

I did it!! I am so excited to be able to say that I have completed my goal of reading 50 books this year, with over an entire month to spare! Of course, I am going to keep reading and reviewing books, both here and on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/wildflowerchild).
Here are the reviews for the last five books I have read.


1. The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature, by David George Haskell

GoodReads says: "In this wholly original book, biologist David Haskell uses a one- square-meter patch of old-growth Tennessee forest as a window onto the entire natural world. Visiting it almost daily for one year to trace nature's path through the seasons, he brings the forest and its inhabitants to vivid life.Each of this book's short chapters begins with a simple observation: a salamander scuttling across the leaf litter; the first blossom of spring wildflowers. From these, Haskell spins a brilliant web of biology and ecology, explaining the science that binds together the tiniest microbes and the largest mammals and describing the ecosystems that have cycled for thousands- sometimes millions-of years. Each visit to the forest presents a nature story in miniature as Haskell elegantly teases out the intricate relationships that order the creatures and plants that call it home."
Average Rating: 4.25/5

I said: 4/5 stars, "This book is an incredible reflection on nature. Each chapter/entry focuses on a new ecological concept that is brought up in the author's meditative focus while studying the same area of forest over the course of a year. It is very in-depth and focused on each topic covered."


2. Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas. Advice & Projects from 50 Successful Artists, by Danielle Krysa

GoodReads says: "Creative block presents the most crippling—and unfortunately universal—challenge for artists. No longer! This chunky blockbuster of a book is chock-full of solutions for overcoming all manner of artistic impediment. The blogger behind The Jealous Curator interviews 50 successful international artists working in different mediums and mines their insights on how to conquer self-doubt, stay motivated, and get new ideas to flow. Each artist offers a tried-and-true exercise—from road trips to 30-day challenges to cataloging the medicine cabinet— that will kick-start the creative process. Abundantly visual with more than 300 images showcasing these artists' resulting work, Creative Block is a vital ally to students, artists, and creative professionals."
Average Rating: 4.29/5 stars

I said: 5/5 stars, "I really loved this book - the author interviewed fifty artists of varied craft and mediums about their creative processes, included their original artwork, and then each artist can up with an 'unblocking' project to help the reader work on their own creative process. I found it fascinating and incredibly inspiring."


3. Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods: The Best Way to Eat for Maximum Health, Energy, and Weight Loss, by Lauri Boone

GoodReads says: "Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods features 50 top superfoods and discusses their unique benefits and how they can be integrated into your diet for incredible health and amazing taste.  From local superfoods—like greens, berries, and garlic—to more exotic superfoods—like maca, cacao, and yacon—Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods also includes 50 nutrient-rich recipes that are all naturally vegan and gluten free."
Average Rating: 3.67/5

I said: 4/5 stars, "This book was split into sections based on type of foods, and then each superfood in these sections was described. Each superfood also included a recipe. All the superfoods were plant-based and the recipes were all vegan. This is a great resource, and it introduced me to several foods I have not heard of."


4. The Last Animal, by Abby Geni

GoodReads says: "The Last Animal by Abby Geni is that rare literary find — a remarkable series of stories unified around one theme: people who use the interface between the human and the natural world to contend with their modern challenges in love, loss, and family life. These are vibrant, weighty stories that herald the arrival of a young writer of surprising feeling and depth."
Average Rating: 3.79/5

I said: 4/5 stars, "Although a few of the short stories in this book did not contain as much as a link to animals and nature as I had hoped, they were all incredibly well-written and intersting. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. I can't even pick a favorite because I loved so many of them. I couldn't put this book down."


5. Playing with Books: The Art of Upcycling, Deconstructing, and Reimagining the Book, by Jason Thompson

GoodReads says: "In these pages, Jason Thompson has curated an extensive and artistic range of both achievable upcycled crafts made from books and book pages and an amazing gallery that contains thought-provoking and beautiful works that transform books into art. The content encompasses a wide range of techniques and step-by-step projects that deconstruct and rebuild books and their parts into unique, upcycled objects. The book combines in equal measure bookbinding, woodworking, paper crafting, origami, and textile and decorative arts techniques, along with a healthy dose of experimentation and fun.The beautiful high-end presentation and stunning photography make this book a delightful, must-have volume for any book-loving artist or art-loving book collector."
Average Rating: 3.98-5

I said: 3/5 stars, "This book contained some great information about paper crafts, including techniques and tools to use. It also included some family-friendly craft ideas, as well as information about artists that use books as their medium."

50 Books in 2014: 41-45

I'm so excited that I only have five more books to finish to reach my goal of reading 50 books in 2014! I'm already in the middle of a few books, so this goal should be met soon. If you want to keep up with what I am reading, feel free to add me as a friend on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/wildflowerchild



1. Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi

 GoodReads says: "Creativity is about capturing those moments that make life worth living. The author's objective is to offer an understanding of what leads to these moments, be it the excitement of the artist at the easel or the scientist in the lab, so that knowledge can be used to enrich people's lives. Drawing on 100 interviews with exceptional people, from biologists and physicists to politicians and business leaders, poets and artists, as well as his 30 years of research on the subject, Csikszentmihalyi uses his famous theory to explore the creative process. He discusses such ideas as why creative individuals are often seen as selfish and arrogant, and why the tortured genius is largely a myth. Most important, he clearly explains why creativity needs to be cultivated and is necessary for the future of our country, if not the world."
Average Rating: 4.07/5

I said: 3/5 stars, " This book read like an extremely in-depth research paper. It provided fascinating information of the lives of people who are known as some of the greatest creative geniuses of the 20th century. If anything, I would recommend reading part 3. I found it very interesting."


2.  Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living, by Tsh Oxenreider

 GoodReads says: "Remove the Mess, Add Meaning. Simplicity isn't about what you give up. It's about what you gain. When you remove the things that don't matter to you, you are free to focus on only the things that are meaningful to you. Imagine your home, your time, your finances, and your belongings all filling you with positive energy and helping you achieve your dreams. It can happen, and "Organized Simplicity" can show you how."
Average Rating: 3.73/5

I said: 2/5 stars, "This book was very focused on supporting the stay-at-home mom with children and a working husband, which is not everyone's situation. A lot of the projects required a time line much greater than the author suggested. Also, the book seemed to focus primarily on living simply by getting rid of possessions (which is a good start, but not all there is)."


3. An Apple a Day: A Memoir of Love and Recovery From Anorexia, by Emma Woolf

 GoodReads says: "At the age of 32, after ten years of hiding from the truth, Emma Woolf finally decided it was time to face the biggest challenge of her life. Addicted to hunger, exercise and control, she was juggling a full-blown eating disorder with a successful career, functioning on an apple a day. Having met the man of her dreams (and wanting a future and a baby together), she decided it was time to stop starving and start living. And as if that wasn’t enough pressure, Emma also agreed to chart her progress in a weekly column for The Times. Honest, hard-hitting and yet romantic, An Apple a Day is a manifesto for the modern generation to stop starving and start living. This compelling, life-affirming true story is essential reading for anyone affected by eating disorders (whether as a sufferer or ally), anyone interested in health and social issues – and for medical and health professionals."
Average Rating: 3.62/5

I said: 3/5 stars, "This book was a very upfront and honest confrontation of a battle against anorexia that had lasted over a decade. I was not personally a fan of how it was written in chapters that were written as it was happening. They seemed to lack the proper editing or point of view for my taste. I felt that the author could have provided more insight by writing it all afterwards. On the other hand, this book inspired me to start writing more, in hopes of helping myself cope with and recover from my own issues with depression and anxiety."


4. Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes, by Tom Roth

 

 GoodReads says: "From the author of StrengthsFinder 2.0, How Full Is Your Bucket?, Strengths Based Leadership, and Wellbeing comes a transformative book and online application that will improve your health for years to come. While Tom's bestsellers on strengths and well-being have inspired more than 5 million people in the last decade, Eat Move Sleep reveals his greatest passion and expertise. Quietly managing a serious illness for more than 20 years, Tom has assembled a wide range of information on the impact of eating, moving, and sleeping. Written in his classic conversational style, Eat Move Sleep features the most proven and practical ideas from his research. This remarkably quick read offers advice that is comprehensive yet simple and often counterintuitive but always credible. Eat Move Sleep will help you make good decisions automatic -- in all three of these interconnected areas. With every bite you take, you will make better choices. You will move a lot more than you do today. And you will sleep better than you have in years. More than a book, Eat Move Sleep is a new way to live."
Average Rating: 3.53/5

I said: 3/5 stars, " This book was loaded with information from studies, journals, etc. regarding exactly what the title says: eating, moving, and sleeping. In under 200 pages, there were 30 chapters, each with 3 tips. It read more like a collection of snippets from magazines. I did gain quite a bit of tips to use in my daily life, though."


5. The Nest Home Design Handbook, by Carley Roney

 

 GoodReads says: "Decorating for the first time can be completely overwhelming. How do you find your style? How do you keep expenses under control? What essential pieces does every home need for maximum functionality and flair? How will you merge tastes—and stuff—to create a space that feels like home to you both? Here to take the guesswork out of decorating is The Nest Home Design Handbook, a practical, gorgeous, room-by-room guide to giving your place unique and affordable style."
Average Rating: 3.64/5

I said: 3/5 stars, "This book was extremely in-depth, and looked at room-by-room design solutions for creating a sophisticated home." 

My Month in Instagram: October 2014

Hello my dear friends - I apologize for disappearing for quite some time. Life has been hectic as usual, and the upper respiratory viral infection that I had early in the month has come back. I am on my way to recovering now though.
Just to prove how busy I was during October, I only posted two pictures on Instagram, and one of them you have already seen! (It was the apple pie picture from the recipe I posted here).
I plan to try harder on all aspects of my blog (and life) this month. I felt overwhelmed constantly, and I am in the process of making some changes in my life to relieve myself of that.
Anyway, here is the single other picture that I posted on Instagram in October. It is of Donny, the adorably special cat who lives in the apartment I'm in. He has a cleft palette, along with some other issues, but I love him so much (even though I'm a bit allergic).

50 Books in 2014: 36-40

I have recently realized that I do most of my reading outside of my house, rather than when I am at home. I love reading on the bus, after I've put the girls to sleep, when the studio is quiet, etc. Perhaps this is because once I get home, I am exhausted and about ready for bed. I know that I should read before bed (rather than scroll through tumblr on my phone), but it's a habit I haven't managed to break. I'm sure I would get a much better night's sleep if I fell asleep to a book rather than my phone. I'll have to start to try doing this more and see if I notice any difference.
I have another update of books that I have read towards my 50 in 2014 goal. According to GoodReads, I am ahead of schedule for this goal. I'm really excited by the thought of reaching this goal. Only ten more books from now until December 31? That sounds so easy!
Here are reviews of my five most recent reads.


1. Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice by Thea Sabin

GoodReads says: "Due to the sheer number of Wicca 101 books on the market, many newcomers to the Craft find themselves piecing together their Wiccan education by reading a chapter from one book, a few pages from another. Rather than depending on snippets of wisdom to build a new faith, Wicca for Beginners provides a solid foundation to Wicca without limiting the reader to one tradition or path. Embracing both the spiritual and the practical, Wicca for Beginners is a primer on the philosophies, culture, and beliefs behind the religion, without losing the mystery that draws many students to want to learn. Detailing practices such as grounding, raising energy, visualization, and meditation, this book offers exercises for core techniques before launching into more complicated rituals and spellwork."

Average Rating: 4.09

I said: 4/5 stars, " This book is a great introduction to Wicca (which I knew very little about prior to reading). I would highly suggest this book to anyone who is interesting in learning about Wicca."

2. Design Bloggers at Home: Fresh Interiors Inspiration from Leading Online Trend Setters by Ellie Tennant

 GoodReads says: "A digital revolution is underway. A global network of creative, interior design bloggers has emerged, publishing fresh and inspiring content online every day. With diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, these individual bloggers combine to create a thriving online community of trend-setters and style gurus. In her first book, interiors journalist and stylist Ellie Tennant meets the characters and creative forces behind leading design blogs, exploring their online realms, their beautiful homes and their clever styling ideas."

Average Rating: 3.63

I said: 5/5 stars, "This book contained so many inspiring photos of homes, as well as great interviews and blogging tips. I really enjoyed reading it."

3. Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activism by Betsy Greer

 

GoodReads says: "Craftivism is a worldwide movement that operates at the intersection where craft and activism meet; Craftivism the book is full of inspiration for crafters who want to create works that add to the greater good. With interviews and profiles of craftivists who are changing the world with their art, and through examples that range from community embroidery projects, stitching in prisons, revolutionary ceramics, AIDS activism, yarn bombing, and crafts that facilitate personal growth, Craftivism provides imaginative examples of how crafters can be creative and altruistic at the same time."

Average Rating: 4.12

I said: 4/5 stars, "This book opened me up to an entirely different view of what it means to be an activist. It also provided some very inspiring interviews and artist bios that drive the meaning of craftivism deeper. I do wish it had provided concrete ideas for how to incorporate craftivism into one's daily life rather than expecting one to use the inspiration of what has already been done from the essays in the book."

4.   Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

 

 GoodReads says: "Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars. Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back? She begins to realise that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find. Who did massacre the Day family?"

Average Rating: 3.89 

I said: 4/5 stars, "This book was so hard to put down (although I'll admit that I did put it down for a few weeks because it was a bit scary for me). The book is dark, but certainly worth reading. It has many unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite some explicit dark content. "

5. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz

 

GoodReads says: "In The Four Agreements shamanic teacher and healer Don Miguel Ruiz exposes self-limiting beliefs and presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors. Full of grace and simple truth, this handsomely designed book makes a lovely gift for anyone making an elementary change in life, and it reads in a voice that you would expect from an indigenous shaman."

Average Rating: 4.07

I said: 5/5 stars, "This book was short, but filled with vast wisdom. I am incredibly grateful that I have read this book. I really think that everyone should read it, and be inspired to live a life full of love and intent."

 

My Month In Instagram: September 2014

It really seems to be a bit of a miracle when my laptop works well enough to let me copy and paste pictures...Today I managed to luck out, so I was able to put together a post of pictures from my instagram last month. Follow me on instagram @wildflwrchild for more of my photos!

sitting by the river in Medford, MA

hiking in the Green Mountains, Vermont

berry picking at Lanni Orchards in Lunenburg, MA

Apple Picking at Lanni Orchards in Lunenburg, MA

14 in 2014: The year is 3/4 over!

So I meant to get this post done early in September, but (as usual) time have been flying by. I'm still in shock that it is September, and that winter is rapidly approaching. Last year's winter was the most brutal winter of my 23 years in New England, and I have not recovered from it! I'm really hoping to escape from New England sometime next year!

1. Write more blog posts - I am definitely getting back on track with this goal. I would not say that I am 100% where I would like to be yet, but I am getting there.
2. Do more yoga - I was doing wonderfully with this goal for about a month, but then things unraveled a bit. I finally have access to free yoga after working for three months at the vegan cafe attached to a yoga studio, so I really have no reason to not go.
3. Get back into dancing - I'm finally on the way with this one! At the beginning of September, I got a job working at a dance studio, where I do office work and some teaching in exchange for classes (and some pay). My body has a lot of catching up to do in order to get back to where it was a few years ago.
4. Land a job that I enjoy - I am currently working three jobs, which is overwhelming, but they are all doing things I love. I am not involved in my field, but I'm happy and that is what matters. 
5. Move into a new apartment - Yes! Yes! Yes! I moved into a wonderful apartment with four people who have quickly become my good friends. We have basement shows, game nights, dinners, and more - I couldn't be happier.
6. Cook more - This is a work in progress. I struggle adjusting to new spaces (kitchens in particular), but I am making a point of eating out less and spending more time in the kitchen cooking.
7. Read 50 books - I'm right on schedule with this goal! As always, you can follow what I'm reading on GoodReads (goodreads.com/wildflowerchild)
8. Get rid of all my extra clothes - This is definitely in progress. I have both my storenvy and vinted where you can buy my slightly worn clothing (http://www.vinted.com/members/1705095-melissalynnamaral & http://wildflowerchild.storenvy.com/)
9. Spend more time outside - I have been hiking a few times this year, but I would still like to be outdoors more before it starts to snow.
10. Get on a regular sleep schedule - I have a fairly regular sleep schedule, but I have lately fallen into the bad habit of waking up every day around 7 am and then falling back asleep from 8-9 or 10....
11. Become more organized - The room in my new place is currently an unpacked disaster. I need to work on this.
12. Find an outlet for playing clarinet - Still not done. I have been doing a lot lately, though, in my defense.
13. Bike all over Boston - My old bike was stolen last month while the bike I got for my birthday was being fixed. I now have my new bike with me, but I still haven't replaced the lock and lights.
14. Appreciate all the little things - This will forever be a work in progress, but I'm working on it.

My Month in Instagrams: August 2014

Wow, I truly can't believe that it is already September! I'm still dreading the coming of winter, even though enjoying autumn in New England is spectacular. Time sure does fly. Here are some pictures I posted to Instagram in August that showed just a little bit of what I have been up to! (p.s. follow me on Instagram @wildflwrchild)

I went to Six Flags New England and FINALLY rode Bizarro

these delicious vegan candy bars were on sale at Whole Foods

the golden snitch! (in Salem, MA)

hanging out at the Summer Street Market in Boston

50 Books in 2014: 31-35

I am finally ahead of schedule (by 2 books) of my goal of reading 50 books in 2014. I am up to 35 books now! I really enjoy reading this much - it feels great to be reading as much as I used to. It was really hard to keep up reading for pleasure while I was in college, so now it feels so great to get to read whatever I want. Here are my reviews of my most recent five reads (p.s. become my friend on GoodReads!: goodreads.com/wildflowerchild)

Also, if anyone is wondering why I didn't post a Tumblr Tuesday today, it is because my computer is hardly working anymore and wouldn't let me copy the pictures...so if I randomly disappear, you can assume that my laptop has finally crashed entirely on me. :(


1. Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Become an Organization Junkie by Laura Wittman

GoodReads says: "With 101 quick-and-easy projects for organizing your bathroom, kitchen, closet and more, Clutter Rehab takes the stress out of home organizing. As you painlessly tackle piles of toys, stacks of paper and over-spilling drawers, you’ll discover how to make de-cluttering your home an addictive pleasure."
Average Rating: 3.36/5

I said: 4/5 stars, "It was nothing extraordinary, but this book shared plenty of great ideas to simplify the home and reduce clutter."






2. Bhakti: The Art of Eternal Love by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

 

GoodReads says: "Hare Krishna shows love."

Average Rating: 3.36/5

I said: 2/5 stars, " As someone who is new to learning about Hinduism, this book was far too complicated and intense for me to understand. It also seems to be excerpts from a book, and is trying to sell you that other book. Perhaps this would be a resource better for someone who has a greater understanding of Hinduism than I do."

 

3.  The Cove by Ron Rash

 GoodReads says: "Deep in the rugged Appalachians of North Carolina lies the cove, a dark, forbidding place where spirits and fetches wander, and even the light fears to travel. Or so the townsfolk of Mars Hill believe–just as they know that Laurel Shelton, the lonely young woman who lives within its shadows, is a witch. Alone except for her brother, Hank, newly returned from the trenches of France, she aches for her life to begin..."

Average Rating: 3.63/5

I said: 4/5 stars, "This book started off a bit confusing to me because each chapter switches between characters, and it took me a while to catch on. Once I caught on, I became fully immersed in the story. The last half of the book was mesmerizing - I couldn't put it down until I had finished."

4. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

 

GoodReads says: "This is a story for people who follow their hearts and make their own rules...people who get special pleasure out of doing something well, even if only for themselves...people who know there's more to this living than meets the eye: they'll be right there with Jonathan, flying higher and faster than ever they dreamed."

Average Rating: 3.74/5

I said: 4/5 stars, " I was quite thrown off by this book at first (it's about a seagull), but as I continued to read it, I was able to get past it and enjoy the story for the many messages it contained."

5. Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

 

 GoodReads says: "Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She's overwhelmed and burned out, and in today's unrelenting society, her kids are, too. When her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series promoting simple living, and needs another family to join her, it seems like the perfect opportunity. The location is an idyllic farm outside an Amish community in Tennessee. Julie, with her two children, joins Susan and her teenage daughter for a summer adventure. Susan needs to succeed in order to become self-sufficient after an ugly divorce, Julie needs to slow down long enough to remember what her priorities are and regain a sense of purpose and meaning. It becomes clear from the start that "living simple" is no simple matter. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. With each new challenge, their season of "going Amish" gets more and more complicated, as each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family."

Average Rating: 3.72/5

I said: 3/5 stars, " This book had a very interesting premise, but I was often overwhelmed at the drama that was created (as it is in real life) due to the reality tv aspect. I would have loved less of that reality show drama and more acknowledgement of simplicity. This book definitely explored simple living and included some important realizations about that lifestyle, but I would have liked to see more of it."

My Month in Instagrams: June/July 2014

As you have probably noticed, I fell pretty far behind when it came to blogging in June and July, so I never shared my favorite Instagram pictures that I took during those months. I figured late is better than never (even though I will be posting my August pictures next week), so enjoy!
For more pictures, follow me on Instagram!: instagram.com/wildflwrchild

a cool garage I saw in Brighton (Boston), MA

the John Hancock building in downtown Boston on a beautiful day

a view of Boston's skyline from the Fells, where I went hiking

checking out the sculptures at the sand castle competition at Revere Beach

wind farm in Nova Scotia, Canada

picking daisies along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

it was extremely windy at one stop on the Cabot Trail

the beautiful Cabot Trail