Carrying a Load

We just finished a busy holiday season and the sales are still going everywhere.  But I wanted to share and item that I didn't look to see if it had a discount or a coupon code.

It's the gorgeous and philanthropic Feed bag.  The version I'm showing here is the beaded bag that is available on the Feed site and at Bergdorf Goodmans.   It's $195, which is a lot for a bag no matter who the maker, but what you get with this is something more than just a bag. Sure you get a handcrafted, hand-beaded piece of art but you also are also providing the funds to feed two Kenyan school children for a year.  These bags are made by women in the area as well, so you also help to support the community.

You can see how skilled the craftsmanship is, as if you needed an additional reason to get this versatile and sturdy bag.

The purchase of a beaded Feed bag can have a huge impact but the Feed organization has a huge price range of ways you can give back while getting something unique - from tees to smaller bags to toys - you're sure to find something that is meaningful and works with your budget.  Plus, what a great way to start off the new year!

Inspiration...British Colonial Style

One of my favorite movies of all time is Out of Africa. The sweeping vistas and epic story are great, of course, but I fell in love with it because of the clothes. I love British Colonial style with its equestrian boots, tones of white, brown and khaki in linen and cotton and the great hats.

Picnics optional. Riverside hair washing mandatory. Le sigh!


This is a helplessly, hopelessly romantic movie with poor Denys Finch Hatton dying in the end. But I wasn't really sad about that. It empowered Karen. And Denys' philosophy, which struck a real chord with me, would have felt the sacrifice was worth it. I totally agreed/agree with his: "It's better to want someone, not need someone". Not a popular sentiment in any time period and one that is hard to accept by some. I remember getting in big trouble when I expressed that feeling during a previous relationship.

No, the saddest parts to me are not that she was left alone, its when she has to part from Farah to go back to Denmark. You could tell that there was a real love, partnership and mutual respect and friendship there.

The other is that she never went back to Africa.