Swift Fox.

I have been seeing a little Red Fox on my boyfriend's road quite frequently and it's got me on a fox kick. I've been meaning to use him as inspiration for an art project for some time. I commissioned a painting from my friend Gina a few days ago - check out her wonderful work here. But I got impatient and did one myself. So here it is. Materials used: Vintage wallpaper, acrylic paint, ferns, and stain.

Gypsy Life.

I've been "homeless" for a few weeks now as we are trying to save up some more money for an apartment. Not the worst situation to be honest. It has made me reconsider what's actually important in life and it's refreshing not to have so much "stuff" around me all the time. Don't get me wrong....I can't wait to start decorating a new apartment and stocking up on spices in fancy jars and exorbitantly priced bath soaps but for the time being I'm enjoying the gypsy life.  I can't have everything with me so I've been forced to choose just a few vital things to lug around with me in the interim. I guess that says a lot about a person. If you had to fit your most important things in a backpack what would they be? Mine looks like this:
1. Kitty
2.Books  (Currently reading The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway Half the Sky by Nick Kristof and        Sheryl WuDunn)
3 Essential oils
4. Sundresses and bathing suit
5. Journal
6. Deck of yoga cards

I also somehow managed to fit the almost the entire contents of my craft room into the back of my car. Hey.... a girl's gotta  create!
So, although it hasn't been too bad not having a permanent address, I am thinking that one of these lovely wagons would make my plight that much more tolerable. I am planning on owning one of these at some point in my life. Can't you just picture this as a backyard retreat?

Wolf Moon.

Tonight is the first full moon of the new year. It is the Wolf Moon, the biggest and brightest full moon of 2010.

The moon has always held special meaning for me. I guess you could say it's become a personal symbol over the years. My mother always had pet names for my sister and I growing up. April was Sunshine because she was always happy and singing and up at the break of dawn ready to start the day. And I was the darker (ok moodier) child who stayed up playing all night and slept all day... so I was Moonbeam. One of my favorite stories growing up was a book that my Aunt Lee gave me called Little Daylight about a little princess who slept all day and played all night and whose beauty waxed and waned with the moon. I have never outgrown my love of nighttime escapades. I feel like I am on a completely different time schedule from the rest of the world. When everyone else is ready to relax and sleep I'm ready to go out dancing.

As I've gotten older the moon has come to represent a lot more for me. The ever changing moon phases and their power over the tides and earth fascinate me. One of my biggest challenges in life, and something that I work towards every day, has been to accept change and trust in the cycle of life...to know that there is light and dark in everything and that even when the world is at it's darkest point...a sliver of moon will appear the next night and the cycle will continue.

Native Americans called January's full moon The Wolf Moon because of the long, cold winter nights that left hungry wolves howling at the moon. In Native American folklore the wolf symbolized death and reincarnation. The wolf, though portrayed as an aggressive hunter in modern culture, is actually a very shy animal. It is said that if a person has Wolf represented in their totem, they have a natural psychic ability and should listen to their inner wisdom and will feel most at peace when at one with nature and when they learn to trust their intuition.

So it seems to me that while I admire the beautiful silver Wolf Moon tonight and while my New Years Resolutions are still fresh, it would be a perfect time to start over...to reincarnate (so to speak) into a new person....to let go of old habits and begin healthier ones, commit to accepting challenges and changes with grace and to make a pact with myself to always listen to that inner voice that I know is in there. Enjoy the full moon!

Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland.

I haven't anticipated a movie this much in a long time! Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is due in theaters March 5th 2010. Check out these photos of the main characters...so creative!

 

 

New Art!

I finally painted something! My boyfriend Andrew has been asking me since we started dating to paint him something. I finally got around to it. This piece is based on Odilon Redon's painting from my previous post. I used acrylic, pen and gesso on a 12"x16" canvas board. Though the man in the painting was not intended to be Andy, it came out eerily similar to him. I wanted the floral motif on mine to be more comic book-esque so I added pen details instead of leaving raw edges.

New Beginnings.

Happy New Year! One of my resolutions is to get back to blogging. There are already a lot of changes for the upcoming year in the works. The major change being that I am moving. I've been here in my little cottage about 2 years which doesn't seem like long, but when you've moved as much as I have it seems like an eternity! It's been very bittersweet packing and getting ready for the move home in February. I really left my mark on this place and was finally able to sink my roots in here but the move will allow me to save some cash and possible even head back to school....which has been a long term goal. So as I'm packing I took a few pictures and used some old photos and compiled a little mosaic to remember my first real 'home' by. Here is to new beginnings and fresh starts!

Music of the Soul- Au Revoir SImone

I am posting about Au Revoir Simone today. Their album The Bird of Music has been on repeat in my car and in my head for a few weeks now. There is one song in particular that I am just in love with. Here are the lyrics to Stars:

And since we met I simply cannot forget You are on my mind Yeah since the day we met I think I haven't slept More than an hour at a time You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be I don't know how but there's a power For now, it conveys a subtle mystery And from my house As I look out The stars align You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be The open sky Is mine tonight It gives a sign Of what I'll find The open sky Is mine tonight It gives a sign Of what I'll find You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be

These girls are so talented. The lyrics on the CD remind me of someone who I would probably be best forgetting but it's so hard when you have such good music to remember and cry to. So that is what this CD is great for. Going through a breakup. It's not necessarily a heartbreaking CD or a breakup CD but when you are personally going through this, of course it seems as if the whole world is writing songs specifically for you. The Bird of Music has beautiful emotion laden lyrics and is just filled with sad love songs that leave you with a slight feeling of melancholy hope at the end of each one. I listened to it while painting constellations on my bedroom ceiling with glow in the dark paint...and yes crying.

I <3 Boxborough.

I am so lucky to live where I do. Not only is my apartment super unique and wonderful but I am surrounded by conservation land and horse farms. I took a walk a few days ago and thought I would share the view from down the street. Enjoy!

Bottle Necks.

Hey. Sorry I've been missing. A lot of changes have been taking place in my life right now. Some I have chosen to make....some have been unexpected ....I'm hoping that they are all for the best.

Before I get into all of that, I would like to announce that I am officially registered as a vendor at stART on the Street. This is a great arts and crafts festival in Worcester. This year it will be held on Sunday September 2oth from 11am-5pm. I'm super excited as this will be my first time vending on my own. To tell you the truth I don't have an awful lot of inventory so I am trying to motivate myself to get going on a few key pieces. I'll mainly be selling whimsical home decor and furnishings and a few pieces of wearable art. SO......I hope to see you all there!

For those who aren't able to make it to the festival, I am also creating an Etsy site (to be launched shortly) where you will be able to view and buy some of the items I am creating.
So....there you have it...the next step in my life...laid right out in blog form!

The first items up for sale are Bottle Necks-remember these? I had a few left overs from last year and I improved upon the design a bit. Each unique necklace is made from a vintage soda bottle cap. The cap frames a picture printed on high quality gloss paper and sealed with clear resin and hangs on a gold and black cord. I am selling them for $15 each plus shipping and handling. If you are interested in ordering a Bottle Neck before they are swiped up from the Etsy shop please contact me via email at ajoykennedy@gmail.com and specify: Moon, heart, skull, black cat, palmistry hand or rose. Limited quantities of each are available.

Thanks for being such a patient group of readers and I promise promise to post on a more regular basis!

The Uniform Project.

This is the most amazing idea! Akanksha is an extremely talented and creative girl with a great vision. She started The Uniform Project to fund education for slum children in India. She is blogging about her outfits each day for one year to raise awareness and money for these children. The catch? She is wearing the SAME DRESS for one full year! You have to check this out!

Day at Wingaersheek Beach.

Ben and I both had a rare day off together today. Even though it was chilly this morning we decided to take a trip to the beach. Our first adventure of the day was rescuing this pretty painted turtle from getting crushed by passing cars. This is the third turtle that we have rescued so far this summer. Mr. Turtle didn't appreciate the rescue mission. He hissed at Ben an then peed on him. Then we headed off to Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester MA. It was a great, quiet beach in a little cove with plenty of rocks and tide pools to explore. It warmed up and ended up being a beautiful day. We had lunch at the beach and napped and read and then stopped at a few antique stores on the way home. All in all it was a nice, relaxing day. Here are a few pics.

Beauty product 'Must Have List'.

My Makeup Bag by Ajoi on Polyvore.com

Beauty products by Ajoi on Polyvore.com

Though it is no longer my profession, I am a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. I still thoroughly enjoy playing with makeup and will take the occasional wedding makeup or photo shoot makeup gig. I am a self-confessed 'product junkie' and am extremely particular when it comes to my favorite products. I try to use the most eco-friendly and natural products while still focusing on great results.

As soon as people find out that I am an esthetician they inevitably ask me to recommend products to them. It has occured to me that there are so many women out there in need of some real advice on beauty products. Because of this, as well as my LOVE of reading about celebrities 'Must Have' beauty essentials, I decided to compile and share with you my own list. I am a dedicated student of the 'less is more' and 'beauty is only skin deep' schools. However, these are my favorite products in case I flunk out.

Skin Care~
Cleanser: Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser- $21
I pre-wash my face with this creamy cleanser (that's right, my skin care routine is like a car wash). It has no irritating fragrance and doesn't leave a residue or dry skin.

Acne: Glymed Serious Action Pac- price varies
A kit for acne prone skin that comes in different stages for different levels of acne. More intensive but I find most people have better results with this kit than with Proactiv. Includes cleanser, toner, and medicating lotion.

Exfoliant: Cosmedix Pure Enzymes-$50
This brand is amazing but very pricey. I love this exfoliating gel mask. You can feel it dissolving dead skin cells and it leaves your skin so smooth and fresh feeling.

Blemish Control: Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil- $8.99
Just a drop on a damp Q-tip helps to dry up blemishes naturally.

Eye Makeup Remover: Aveda Pure Comfort Eye M/U Remover- $16
Very gentle. Works great. That's all you need to know!

Moisturizer: Bio-elements Beyond Hydration-$33
I have very oily skin so this light-weight, lavender scented, gel moisturizer is great to smooth on under makeup. It doesn't make my skin look like an oil slick.

Moisturizer with sunscreen: Glymed Photo-Age Environmental Protection Gel- $35
Not really a gel at all. Creamier lotion with an SPF of 15. Great for if you need a little extra moisture. And it smells like the beach!

Eye Cream: Cosmedix Eye Believe- $90
Anti-Aging eye serum. The tiniest dab firms skin around eyes...thank goodness because at $90 it needs to last a year!

Makeup~
Concealer: Jane Iredale Disappear Concealer in Medium Light- $24
Thick, creamy concealer and a little goes a long way. I tend to thin it out with a bit of moisturizer and blend over problem areas. A tube lasts forever!

Foundation: Bare Minerals Foundation in Medium Beige- $25
I will never go back to liquid foundation. I recommend trying to Get Started Kit ($60) to find your shade and to test out the products. Works well with other brands.

Blush: Nars blush in Orgasm- $25
I know, I know- everyone loves this blush. The most amazing peachy gold color, it works on so many skin types from fair to African-American.

Lip Balm: Jane Iredale Lip Drink- $12
Addicting. Silky smooth and very moistuizing. Plus it doesn't leave that gross film on your lips that so many balms an chapsticks do. Light citrusy flavor.

Lip color: Stila Lip Rouge in Baci- $20
I can't seem to find this at Sephora anymore and it was my favorite. I'm not super into lipsticks as they wear off so quickly and even use lip stains on brides. This one was like a felt tip pen in a great natural flushed peach color. Let me know if you can find it!

Lip Gloss: Jane Iredale Pure Gloss in Apricot Fizz and Cotton Candy- $15
Just the right amount of shine. Not sticky. Great sheer colors with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Liner: Ecco Bella Soft Eye Liner Pencil in Seal and Velvet- $15.95
I really like how soft and blendable this pencil is. Made with natural flower waxes.

Mascara: Maybelline Define-a-Lash Mascara- $8
Maybelline knows lashes man! This really does define and doesn't clump at all. Also comes in water-proof.

Bronzer: Bronzy Babe Fake Bake- $18
I'm not an advocate of bronzer, I'd rather use a swipe of a shade darker foundation followed by a shimmer powder. However, this one is actually natural looking and not orangey.

Shimmer Powder: Bare Escentuals Clear Radiance- $18
Natural, dewey shimmer that doesn't overpower.

Nail Polish: Essie Nail Laquer in Mademoiselle and Canteloupe- $8 each
Essie has great, formaldehyde-free colors that stay on really well. These are my two favorite shades. A delicate, french pink and a fun, coral that's great for summer. They also have a nail strengthener that works wonders.

Eyeshadow and other: M.A.C.- prices vary
I use M.A.C. pigments for eyeshadows, colored mascaras and liners, lipsticks and anything else. Their colors are superior to anything I've tried and though I love the colors that mineral makeup brands have out there, they don't tend to stay put as well.

Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer-$20

Makeup Brushes: The Body Shop Makeup Brushes- prices vary
These brushes are all vegan and still work wonderfully. I always use brushes to apply makeup and sometimes even skincare products.

Hair Care~
Shampoo and Conditioner: Pureology Hydrate duo- about $55
I can't afford this stuff but ohhh how I love it. Has a minty tingle on the scalp and makes my hair feel like silk. The greatest thing is that it is completely vegan. Little do you know but I really only chopped my hair off because I couldn't afford Pureology anymore ;)

Runner Up: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner- $7.95 each

Styling Product: Giovanni Wicked Wax- $9.99
I don't like a lot in my hair but this pomade has just the right amount of soft hold when I want to have fun with my hair. This and a spritz of their hairspray and I'm good to go.

Body~
Body Lotion: Giovanni Body Lotion in Grapefruit Sky- $9.95
I don't use body lotion too often because I hate feeling greasy. This one is great though. I bought it because the smell is amazing but it's actually absorbs very well and is non-greasy and all natural.

Exfoliant: Sea Salt- price varies
Yup. Plain old sea salt. Just scoop a handful and rub over damp skin. Works great, it's cheap and it doesn't have any unnecessary ingredients. Add a drop of essential oil if you'd like.

Body Wash: EO Shower Gel in Rose Chamomile- $6.99
Great soothing smell. Rinses clean. Wonderful ingredients.

Fragrance: Aura Cacia Essential Oils- price varies
These are all natural and pure. Great fragrances. I put a drop or two in the shower for a spa experience and use them in homemade face masks and moisturizers.

Dior Miss Cherie Perfume-$56-$92
My current summer time favorite. Light and feminine.

Aveda Balancing Body Mist (Chakra 5)- $30
This herbal infused body mist comes in 7 fragrances to represent the 7 chakras. I like Chakra 5 which represents self-expression and creativity. Use after a warm shower, before and after yoga or spritz on a warmed towel and drape around your neck before meditating.

So there you go. Those are my absolute favorites. I'd love to know if you have tried any of these products and what you think. I'd also love to hear reviews of your top beauty product picks!

Hobbit House.

Check out this adorable little hobbit house! I want to live here! Simon Dale and his family built this eco-friendly home in the Wales countryside with natural, recycled and repurposed materials. This family is just adorable...I want to squeeze them! Learn how to build your own and check out their inspirational story here.

Bilbo Baggins' House in Bag End from the film trilogy Lord of the Rings.