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Fixing torn sleeves

I discovered that the sleeve of this adorable Disney jacket had torn, and I felt really sad about it. It’s such a cute piece that I didn’t want to let it go just yet. So, I decided to try and repair it myself. I cut out the torn part first. Then sew that sleeve together. I took a moment to work on the other side, which was in good condition, ensuring that it matched the exact length of the…

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Neighborhood CA Native Plants Give away 2025

I have been a volunteer for Monarch Fellowship for a while now. I am happy to see that more and more people are eager to add native plants in their yard. This year I got a lots of seed and grew quite a few seedlings and gave them away. I grew close to 100 seedlings and lots of people showed enthusiasm and eagerness especially for the Milkweeds. Early-stage – Black sage Early stage – purple…

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Beyond food: The ethics of Veganism

It’s heartening to see more people embracing vegan foods, but it’s important to remember that being vegan encompasses much more than just our diets. Vegans strive to minimize animal suffering across various areas, including experimentation, clothing, and entertainment. On average, a single vegan can save nearly 200 animals each year simply by not consuming them.  I encourage you to not only…

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My New Yarns

I have been planning to knit for a while now because of many other projects I have been postponing it but I think I should make time to knit. I always try to go for cotton 🧶 yarn. Honestly, it feels really calming! Knitting has some awesome benefits similar to meditation. It can be a great way to relax, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress, all while giving your mind a chance to refocus. While…

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Swapping Paper towels

About three years ago, I made a decision to stop using paper towels for everyday tasks, and I wanted to share my journey with you. Like many, I used to rely on paper towels for almost everything, but I gradually realized just how quickly they added up and contributed to waste. It was a slow awakening, but I felt a strong urge to make a change. I started to swap out paper towels for cloth towels,…

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Aloe vera’s floral delight

I had this aloe vera plant for a while now, and it really has taken time to grow into the beautiful, big plant it has become. I can relate to the excitement of nurturing something and watching it thrive. I’ve found that using aloe vera on my face and hair can be quite beneficial. But, I learned an important lesson the hard way: when applying aloe vera gel, I experienced some itchiness. After…

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Avoiding ultraprocessed and hidden non-vegan foods

In industrialized societies, people face a tough challenge: avoiding ultra-processed foods altogether. These foods are popular with consumers for several reasons, including their convenience (consider frozen pizza and pre-packaged meal kits), their taste (how do you say no to a chocolate chip cookie?), and their long shelf life (I’m looking at you, sandwich bread). On top of these factors, the…

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Tailoring shoulder fit

I totally understand how frustrating it can be when you buy something on sale and then discover it doesn’t fit quite right. I recently purchased a jacket at a reduced price, but when I tried it on, I was surprised by how broad the shoulders were. It can be disheartening! However, I explored several tutorials on altering it, and I found some really interesting techniques that might help. It’s…

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Reflections deceive birds!

I’ve observed several heartbreaking incidents at my sliding doors, where birds have flown directly into the glass, appearing disoriented and unable to locate their way. One morning, I found a dead bird by my sliding door, and it really struck me. It was a Female Common Yellow Throated Warbler, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. It’s so distressing to see such beautiful creatures…

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Repair, Reuse, Sew: A Sustainable Lifestyle

When you embrace sewing, you’re making a meaningful choice that stands against the throwaway culture we often find ourselves in. It’s a powerful way to create your own garments and household items, ensuring they are made to last. Sustainable sewing empowers you to select eco-friendly fabrics. It lets you support fair labor practices. It also plays a crucial role in reducing the textile waste that…

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Vegan Dining Strategies: Savoring Meals with Friends

Sometimes, it can feel really overwhelming to eat at a friend’s place or at a restaurant when you’re vegan. Still, with a little planning and a proactive approach, it can seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle. Before you know it, your friends will start to make arrangements that accommodate your choices when dining out together. Dining at friends’ home Sharing a meal at a friend’s home can…

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Transforming Fabric Scraps: My Versatile Yoga Bolster

I sewed this square bolster at least 3 years ago. I have been utilizing it as a yoga bolster, foot rest, seat, and more. Over time, I noticed how versatile it had become in my daily routines, contributing significantly to my comfort during meditation sessions and while reading. A few years ago, I wanted to upcycle the scraps that accumulated from my various sewing projects. I had some excess…

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Vegan red curry noodle soup

This is the delightful curry that I often prepare in my kitchen, a dish that combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors. The aromatic spices meld beautifully with fresh ingredients, creating a comforting and mouthwatering meal that never fails to please. Each time I make it, I am reminded of its deliciousness and the warmth it brings to my home! Vegan red curry noodle soup Ingredients 1…

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Reusable Fabric Toilet Paper

I fully support using toilet towels, as they are comfortable, soft, and a sustainable alternative to paper towels, which harm the environment. They dry effectively after using a bidet and help reduce paper waste in sewer systems. Switching to toilet towels not only benefits the environment but also saves money over time by cutting down on disposable product usage. Embracing them encourages a…

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Sponge gourd/Loofah

It’s taken a long time for my sponge gourds to mature. The final two of this season are at last ready to be harvested. It can now be turned into a loofah. It was a lot of work getting here, starting with a search for seeds online. I liked a few, so I bought them. It’s easy to forget, but getting those seeds in the ground was only the first step. I ended up planting many more than I ended up…

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How to start a zero-waste lifestyle

How to Get Started If you’re thinking about adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, I completely understand that it can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that there are some simple and manageable steps you can take to get started. One helpful approach is to take a moment to look at the single-use items you rely on daily. By identifying these items, you may find alternatives that work just as…

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Basic Knitting

i took knitting classes last year and did learn some new techniques but haven’t been able to knit on a regular basis. The only knitting I have done so far is Washcloth. The very basic and easy-to-knit category. This was the very first washcloth I sew and didn’t turn out that well but I learned the basics. The basic ribbing stitch The Garter stitch I will try to knit more often as it seems to…