Lately 06 / Exams

Posted on by missartsycrafty

Alas, I have not disappeared. My radio silence has been due to school becoming pretty all-consuming this year. I know I’ve been quite quiet on the socials too, often only been posting once a week on Instagram to share my weekly project. Safe to say its been slightly manic. As exam season sets in, don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Don’t abandon your wellness. Deep breaths and take each day as it comes. In the June-July holidays, you can expect some cool content, but for now, its going to be a bit quiet around here. Good luck for exam season, lovelies.

Much love

Nabeela x

No comments yet

A Reading List | Jan – April 2018

Posted on by missartsycrafty

“We lose ourselves in books but we find ourselves too…”

I love reading and I adore books. One glance at my banking app would make you quickly realize that I spend most of my money on books, plants and art stuff, in that order. I love seeing what other people are reading so I thought it’d be fun to share what I’ve read so far this year. Here goes.

Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice

I decided it was time to read this classic and although it took me four months to read (!!!) and I’m pretty sure I restarted it at least once because I didn’t know what was going on, I enjoyed the second half immensely. Plus, it’s a classic, so I thought it totally necessary to read.  I plan to work my way through all of Jane Austen’s novels, so this was a good start.

Nancy Tucker – The Time In Between

This book really changed my perspective on eating disorders and I found it highly informative.

John Green – Turtles All The Way Down

John Green is an actual genius, and as all his books always are, this book is amazing. It’s relatable and made me weep. (I can’t be the only person who cries more for books than for movies?)

Corban Addison – A Walk Across The Sun

This book opened my eyes to the huge issue that is human trafficking and how it may be happening under our noses without us even knowing about it. I found it gripping, and it finished me emotionally. Out of all the books I’ve read this year, I’d recommend this one first.

JoJo Moyes – Me Before You

I’ve never cried so much reading a book. It’ll play with your emotions in ways you didn’t think possible. You’ve been warned. (Read it anyway).

JoJo Moyes – After You

And so the emotional journey continues. Some parts were a bit slow compared to the first book. Still made me bawl my eyes out.  Need I say more?

I’m currently reading The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon, and I’m really enjoying it. Plus, I hear they’re making a movie!

What are some of your favourite books?

Nabeela x

 

No comments yet

A Fashion Revolution

Posted on by missartsycrafty

This week marks 5th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh. Over 1000 people were killed, making it one of the biggest garment factory disasters in history. Most of the victims were young girls – a fact that breaks my heart, still. Truth is, no one should die for fashion.

Much has been done since the accident. But if we want brands to become more transparent, we need to press for progress and keep actively asking brands the difficult questions. As consumers, we deserve to know where our clothes come from and who makes them.

This week, I’ll be posting on Instagram to do my part, and ask brands I frequent #whomademyclothes?

Join me?

Nabeela x

No comments yet

On Keeping Your Room Calm and Tidy

Posted on by missartsycrafty

Your environment can have a big effect on your mood without you even knowing. It has been said that a clear room equals a clear mind. Sound far-fetched? Try it. I have definitely found that the state of my room has a direct effect on how calm I feel. I can’t work (or sleep well, for that matter) in an over-cluttered, messy room- I simply find it too distracting and overwhelming. I’d like to think that I’m finally reaching a point where I’ve figured out a few ways to keep my room in a general state of orderliness without it feeling stiff. I’ve also been working towards having a calming space that is easy to unwind in. This can be difficult to achieve as a student, because chances are that you study in your room too, so it is important that you allocate certain spaces for certain activities, no matter how small your room is – but more on that another time.

Here are some things that I find help me in keeping my room clutter-free and calming. It also helps me to ensure that my room doesn’t turn into a complete mess within a few days of life’s general crazy busyness.

01. / Clear daily 

Although this might seem annoying, by doing a quick 5-minute tidy-up daily, you can keep the clutter at bay. I usually just spend a few minutes picking up dirty clothes, packing away anything that belongs in cupboards or drawers and throwing away unwanted papers. I usually do this in the evenings before bed (it can be quite therapeutic actually – or is that just me?! LOL) but pick a time that suits you and run with it.

02. /  Keep your surfaces clear

This is just about the easiest way to instantly make your room look and feel clearer. Cut back on the excess (be flexible though. Your room doesn’t always have to look Pinterest-perfect. You live there, remember?). Best advice I’ve ever been given. Best advice I can give.

03. / Give it a home

You might find that there’s always that one object that kind of just floats around because you don’t really know where it goes. To avoid having any of your things just floating around, ensure that everything, no matter how small, has a home. This way,  when the time comes to pack it away, there is an actual place to put it.

Here are some things you can do to create calm vibes in your room.

IMG_8602

01. / Candles

Candles don’t only create a calm mood, but they also leave your room smelling positively delicious. I currently only burn candles that don’t have any whack ingredients – don’t want any nasties floating around in the air. My current faavourite is this lemongrass one from Wellness Warehouse. It’s made from soybean wax, so it can be used as massage oil when it melts – double whammy. My other favourite candle is from Rain, but it’s quite old (as in, I found it in a chest somewhere in our house), so I don’t think it can be bought anymore.

02. / Colours

I’m the kind of person who actually really adores colour, but chooses not to show it in my dress or decor choices all that often. The only place in my room that is really colourful is my workspace, but that’s just what I like. Find a colour story that works for you, and try and stick with it. It’ll make your space feel less crazy. I find that having a more cohesive colour palette in my room makes for a more relaxing space, and is easier on the eye.

03. / Plants

Anyone who knows me well enough in real life (or even online) will know that I adore plants. Not going to lie, if I could, I’d pack up my room and move into someone’s greenhouse in a heartbeat. But seeing as that’s not exactly realistic (yet – some day maybe), I bring greenery into my space by keeping houseplants. They’re air-purifying, beautiful and quite literally add life to the space. Not a very good plant parent? Don’t despair. Just pick up a cactus. The only way I’ve ever killed one is by drowning the poor thing from too much water. (Oops).

IMG_8609

So there you have it, folks. My best zen room tips and tricks. (How am I not a Hygge spokesperson yet?) Hope you found this helpful. Until next time x

Nabeela x

No comments yet

Mountain Musings

Posted on by missartsycrafty

There’s nothing that changes one’s perspective quite like spending a few days in the mountains sans cellphone signal and civilization. It’s a breathe of fresh air – literally. Drinking river water and falling asleep to the under the watchful eyes of shooting stars can be more beneficial than one might think going into it.

I learned a few things on my trip to the mountains. The first thing being, after a day of hiking, anything tastes good. And white flip flops and dust? Not a good idea.

But more than that, I learnt that once we lose connection with our phones (which seem to be an appendage nowadays), we gain connection with people. With nature. With ourselves. Without the constant distraction of push notifications and Instagram feeds, I found myself lost in long, deep, meaningful conversation with people, something that’s hard to come by in the busy city.

I learned that simply just spending time in nature is meditation in itself. It’s so healing and relaxing to live in harmony with the natural world for once, and not try to fight against it.

Lastly, I learned to appreciate the comforts of home. I certainly take basic things like toilets and my bed for granted far too often.

DSC02167

DSC02134

 

DSC02128

It’s true what they say. Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get lost. Preferably in nature.

Nabeela x

No comments yet

Well Woven / CarryAnn

Posted on by missartsycrafty

Anyone who’s done research into the fashion industry will know that it’s pretty easy to uncover the atrocities of fast fashion if only one looks in the right places. Exploitation, unethical labour and wastage are major issues that are associated with the fashion industry, to name a few.

_DSC2551

I was simply delighted to discover CarryAnn recently, a local brand that aims to empower communities, follow sustainable business practice and provide a quality product.

The bags are woven from indigenous grasses using traditional techniques, and are then supplied to CarryAnn. They are then embellished to make them more current, whilst still maintaining their authenticity and quality.

“One of the business goals of the CarryAnn is to help keep this traditional skill alive and valued.” 

_DSC2552

“For us, in our business, meeting the weavers who make our bags, knowing who they are, and knowing a little bit about their lives as well as what a difference this work makes to their lives, makes it all worth while. This is not just manufacturing, it’s community support.” – Inge and Jenny, from CarryAnn

 

So next time you think that you can’t contribute to a more sustainable, ethical fashion industry, think again. You don’t have to spend thousands. Remember, your money is your vote, and businesses like CarryAnn remind us of that.

Nabeela x

Photography: Imán Cassiem | Aesthete’s Perception

Art Direction: Nabeela Parkar | Miss Artsy-Crafty

GIVEAWAY

We’re giving someone an opportunity to own a CarryAnn bag too…

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Leave a comment below with your favourite thing about supporting local business
  2. Follow CarryAnn and Miss Artsy-Crafty on Instagram
  3. Like the giveaway post
  4. Tag 2 friends in the comments on Instagram (you all need to be following both accounts for your entry to be valid)

Open to South African residents only | Closes on Friday, 30th March 2018

No comments yet

Viva La Femme

Posted on by missartsycrafty

From a young age, we’ve always been taught that girls and boys are different. And that makes perfect sense, of course. Physically, males and females are different. But how far does it go? To the point where in some countries, our teenage sons are sent to school to grow their minds and get an education and our daughters are married off as children and made to do housework?

Unfortunately, sexism is not a thing of the past. We live in a society where gender roles are prevalent, and there are expectations attached to being male or female. But how do we still live in a world where a girl, who gets good marks and works hard at school, learns, that no matter how hard she works, she still won’t earn as much as her male counterparts?

We need feminism because females earn less than men for doing the same job. We need feminism because only 32 CEOs on the 2017 list of Fortune 500 companies are female. We need feminism because the world’s top athletes who are female, are referred to as “top female athletes” and not just “top athletes”. We need feminism because a woman with a brilliant mind will still be judged by the length of her skirt.

The world isn’t going to change overnight. But, by making people aware of the issues that exist, we can build a world where a woman president or CEO isn’t a rare phenomenon and girls and boys all the around the world have rights that protect them and allow them an education. I’m not sure what the biggest issue that sexism brings is. There are too many to pinpoint just one. What I do know is that I don’t want to have to raise a daughter in a world that’s constantly telling her she’s not good enough, just because she was born a girl…

Happy Women’s Day to all the incredible, powerful and amazing women of the world. Together, we are shaping the future and things are looking up for a more gender-equal tomorrow. Together, we are stronger. Viva la femme.

Nabeela x

 

P.S. Amazing movements 

International Women’s Day

He For She

No comments yet

On Being Organised

Posted on by missartsycrafty

Although those who know me now would never say, I was an extremely untidy child. Upon entering senior primary, I made a complete three-sixty turn. I guess you could say that I went from zero to one hundred real quick. As I grew older, I quickly saw the immense value in being organised and planning my days out properly. It made my life a hundred times easier, and still does.

IMG_8314

I often get asked how I stay organised, so I thought I’d share a few of my favourite methods for organizing my life, and keeping it that way.

01. / Write it down

Although I love the digital world (I am a blogger after all), I find immense value in analogue tasks such as writing my to-do lists down on paper. It may seem like extra effort, but by writing down lists instead of typing them, you’re also calming yourself down by making your tasks seem finite and not just a pool of thoughts floating around your head and phone. The very act of writing a physical list is useful. Everyday, when I get in from school, I take ten minutes or so to write a list and prioritize my tasks for the afternoon and evening ahead. This helps me to feel less overwhelmed too, and makes everything feel a bit more doable.

IMG_8272

02. / Sort daily 

It may sound laborious, but by spending a few minutes each day sorting through papers I have and filing them or tossing them, I never end up with piles of filing or papers I no longer need. I have honestly found it the most streamlined way to keep up to date with filing my school notes and other papers.

03. / Prioritize

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when six tasks are handed out on the same day, even if the due dates are staggered (I’m looking at you, Grade 11). I find that working back from the due date is the easiest way to make sure everything is done on time, without feeling as if everything has to be done at once. Break down each task into smaller, daily tasks you can do so you don’t have to slave away for hours the night before its due. Chances are it’ll also be done more thoroughly if you don’t feel rushed.

IMG_8308

04. / Don’t hoard

I mentioned something about this in point two, but just by having too many papers, one’s head and space can feel cluttered and unorganised. If there’s one thing I’ve seen people do often, it’s hoard old papers they don’t need. As soon as I no longer need a paper from school or anywhere else, I put it in recycling immediately. Again, it keeps things so much more streamlined. If you think you may need to information at some point, scanning it in or taking a photo of it and putting it in your Drive or Cloud also works well.

Something else I’ve found that helps me generally to get tasks done in a productive manner is by setting a timer for 25 minutes and working flat out and then taking a break. I find that when I know exactly how long I’m going to be working for before my next rest, I get a lot more done in a short space of time. Having a tidy, clutter-free space to work in makes me feel a lot calmer and more focused too.

Lastly, some wise words on organizing…

“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” – Anonymous

I hope you find these tips helpful! I’ve created a fun printable to-do list for you here.

(Enjoy it, and tag me in your pictures on Instagram if you use it! I’d love to see x It is my own creation, and to be used for personal use only, please). 

Nabeela x

2 Comments

A Greener Face / Skin Creamery

Posted on by missartsycrafty

I first began slowly making the transition to an (almost) entirely natural skincare routine, as a part of my efforts to gradually start living a more natural, eco-friendly and human-friendly life (i.e. cut back on any products that contain nasty chemicals) almost a year ago.  I did my fair share of research, and eventually started switching out my products at the time with natural ones as they ran out.

IMG_8220

Skin Creamery products were among the first natural ones I used in my skincare routine, and I haven’t looked back. Their packaging is a aesthete’s delight, and it’s mostly all glass or ceramic so its kinder to our Earth too. Believe me when I tell you that what’s inside is even better (I didn’t think it was possible either).

IMG_8028

Hannah Rubin, who started Skin Creamery back in 2014 has crafted a luxurious skincare brand that makes effective, natural skincare accessible and affordable. Here’s what Hannah had to say about the brand.

What inspired you to start Skin Creamery? Could you tell us a bit about how you got started?  I wanted to combine my passion for natural living with my experience in the beauty industry. I was looking to create something that simplified skincare without compromising on the quality. Getting back to basics with skin care was my vision for the brand.

Skin Creamery products are natural and cruelty-free, which is something very close to my heart, and obviously yours too. What do you think makes this so important, and is this something you thought about right from the beginning of Skin Creamery? Yes, it was always my intention to create products from natural raw ingredients without any harmful effects to the skin. Being cruelty-free was obviously a given, as who in this day and age would really test beauty products on animals? (Ed note: My sentiments exactly!) It just seems like madness to me! As the products are made from certified organic oils – there is no need to test them on anything other than human skin (: 

Less is more is fast becoming the golden phrase when it comes to skincare. What do you think is essential in a natural skincare routine?  Getting back to basics and simplicity is my philosophy in skin care. A hydrating nourishing moisturizer (the Everyday Cream) and a great cleanser (the Oil-Milk Cleanser) are my staples that I cannot live without. Your skin is an amazing organ that is self-regulating and self-healing. If you are healthy on the inside your skin will be healthy on the outside. It is important to maintain moisture levels and cleanse thoroughly. Simplicity is key.

IMG_8219

My thoughts about the products…

Everyday Cream

This rich cream is wonderfully nourishing and moisturizing. Although its not currently part of my routine (although I have ordered some), it is a favourite of mine, and the smell is lovely. (I did find it slightly too rich at times, but great for my skin’s drier days).

Oil-Milk Cleanser

I use this gentle cleanser to wash my face in the mornings. It leaves my skin feeling cleansed, but not dried out, which is what I love for the mornings. It also smells divine (noticing a trend here?)

Facial Cleansing Powder

I can never seem to use it properly with water as it always runs out of my hands, so I prefer to mix it with some raw honey, apply it and leave it for ten minutes or so, and then wash it off. It works well as an exfoliator as its not too harsh and my skin doesn’t feel stingy or too tingly after, which is lovely.

Facial Hydrating Oil

I love this product. I’d say it’s the most value for money out of all the Skin Creamery products. (Many similar products on the market go for the same price, but only half the quantity).  It can be used with water by applying it into wet hands and then massaging it into your face, but I prefer to use it on its own. A little really goes a long way, and I find that one drop (!) is usually enough for the dry skin around my eye area and mouth. Its nourishing and I can still feel some of it the next morning, so I don’t wake up with a dry face. And the smell? Well, need I say more?

Skin Tonic

I’ve only been using the tonic for a few days, so I haven’t formed an opinion yet. It does feel soothing to my face and helps my skin to absorb my moisturizer better. (Once I’ve been using it for a little while, I’ll share my thoughts on Instagram).

IMG_8137

IMG_8033

Here’s to making small changes to a happier body and earth.

Nabeela x

PS. Keen to try out the range, but don’t want to commit to the full-sized products? Try out their adorable travel set, available here or here. 

No comments yet

On Building A Kinder Closet

Posted on by missartsycrafty

g4496

Over the past year or two, as I’ve continued to do reading and learning about living more mindfully, simply and sustainably, one of the topics I came across was the important and ongoing conversation around fast fashion and the out-of-control mass consumerism that is closely associated with the fashion industry. It left me feeling helpless, confused, and guilty amongst other things. With a bout of extreme guilt about what I was wearing and buying,  it felt like a problem that was too big and out of my hands.

However, after doing more research, I slowly developed small actions I can take to eventually achieve my goal of only buying clothes from ethical sources (and preferably, local ones too). I’ve been slowly implementing them as I add new things to my wardrobe. Its a slow journey, and you need to practice a little patience. Do the research, save some money, purge your closet and you’ll be on the right track.

Some things to think about…

  • Your money is your vote. By choosing to buy ethical, sustainable clothing (or anything) you are supporting the ethical product scene.
  • Knowledge is power. The more research you do, the more strongly you will feel about the cause, and the more informed your decisions will be.

Here are the small steps I’ve been taking…

Be aware. Knowing that there’s an issue is a good place to start. It’ll make the process worthwhile and important to you.

Start small. Its unrealistic for many of us to switch to an all-ethical, all-local wardrobe in the space of a season. In reality, many top fast fashion brands don’t have  ethical business practices. However, there are some that just top it all when it comes to unethical business practice. After doing some reading and watching the news, I made a list of repeat-offenders that I no longer shop at. Baby steps.

Buy less. Choose well. These words by Vivienne Westwood are my motto when it comes to curating a wardrobe. The best thing you can do is choose quality over quantity. Choose the pieces that have been made to last.

I’ve started seeing that fast fashion chains and ethical brands’ pricing can be pretty on par nowadays. If you can get it locally and ethically for roughly the same price, then do it.

Have a list. Going into a sale where everything is 70% off, it can be pretty easy to walk out with bags full of clothing that’ll ultimately end up shoved in the back of your closet. I do an audit of my wardrobe every season and make a concise list of what I need. I have also started using Pinterest and making reference boards of items I need in styles I love. That way, when you go into the sale, you know exactly what you’re looking for.

Don’t just toss it. Getting into a mindset of valuing our clothes and looking after them so that they last is key. Just because you wore it in all your Instagrams last season doesn’t mean it needs to get the boot.

Another tip I’d give is to stick to natural fibres as much as possible. They’re better for the environment, they wash well and your skin will thank you. I generally find that my clothing pieces made from natural fibres last longer too.

Here are some of my favourite South African clothing and accessory labels that produce quality, locally made pieces.

Selfi

Jane Sews

Famke

Bamboo Revolution

Like I said before, knowledge is power. Some of my favourite places to learn more about ethical fashion:

Fashion Revolution

Tolly Dolly Posh

Nabeela x

 

1 Comment