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ECO GUIDE TO BARCELONA | STAY | @jamhostelbarcelona In Barcelona’s bohemian neighbourhood of Gracia is an eco-friendly hostel setting standards for the future of sustainable and responsible tourism. It features the usual hostel amenities I remember from my backpacking days nearly 10 years ago (or more): a private room for two and mixed dormitories of 4, 6, 8 and 9 people, rooms for groups of 2, a kitchen, common areas, a terrace, wifi, and free coffee and tea. But in the aesthetics and the details, all is not as it used to be. They embody what they call a “social, collective and proximity-based economy” with services and products provided sourced from organizations which are both socially responsible, ecological, and local. Protecting the city in which they dwell and ensuring the profit from tourist visits supports their community as well. (con't on the blog, link in the profile) 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Barcelona, Spain)

Today's accomplishments (apart from working distractedly) included waxing my own legs (only took 2 hrs 🌳 ), a tiny bit of French, and finishing this beautiful book. I can't believe it took me til my 30s to discover Paulo Coelho's wise words but grateful to my sis-in-law for the intro, starting with 'Brida' and now 'The Alchemist'. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of a read who hasn't already devoured both books. (P.S these socks are from eco + ethical brand @thoughtclothing who just relaunched with a fresh new name in time for spring (formally braintree clothing) they sent these sweet sustainable socks in announcement of their re-naming along with a promising lookbook of lovely things which I'll share in my stories in a minute). 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Paris, France)

I've got two more spots up on the blog for the Eco Guide To Barcelona series @flaco_d_oro and I have been working on (travel vlog to be posted Sunday). The first one is in the SHOP section, a vintage shop in El Raval called Flamingo Vintage and in the EAT / SEE section a gallery come vegan / vegetarian / raw food spot in El Born called @bluerojectf • you'll find both stories (super quick reads) via the link in the profile 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Barcelona, Spain)

An ode to @veja 'a Vegan / Eco-Friendly / Ethically made sneakers is up on the blog (via the link on the profile) "Since @veja launched in 2004, it has put ecology at the forefront of its creations with care for the planet and her inhabitants considered before profits and popularity. They were the first, and are still amongst the few, who have put unbiased research into ecology and ethics for a product which has gained popularity for its goodness as much as its greatness. They’re an exemplary brand in terms of transparency, uniting people, planet, and profit in a way most companies don’t dare to try. The positive social and economic impact, as well as the environmental and ethical considerations of their production, tell a tale which far outweighs its potential competitors tenfold, and whether it’s good Karma or just good business they’re making a name for themselves all over the world..." (More on the blog, link on the profile) 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Paris, France)

Slow Sunday hatching plans and dreaming dreams 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Paris, France)

Hidden in the hillsides just outside San Antonio, Texas, is a set of winding trails that whisk you away from the city's snakes and ladder freeways which mimic the circular and at times confusing layouts dictated by nature's course. Each path is shadowed and shaded by wise old cedars sporadically opening into clearings of collected cacti, offering unexpected views and splendid rays of springtime sun. Its angled ascents ignite the soul's sense of adventure while it's jangled descents casually challenge the ego, distracting the mind from the corruptions of city life while nurturing all with the simplicity of nature's call. It makes sense to me to enjoy nature in nature's natural fibers which adapt to your body's temperatures offering airways to your pores. Texas can have cold winters but this trip was blessed with a spring season's temperatures allowing us to frolic outdoors as if summer was in sight. Alpaca offers us humans an animal fiber free of harm, and these Peruvian pieces shared a story of adventure, intrigue, and intent which mimicked soulful stories of other past places my husfriend and I explored in our youthful years. PAKA was founded by the warm and charming Kris Cody, who finished high school then searched for adventure as those young and curious often do. His exploration lead him to a place which ignited his heart and embraced him in return, teaching him the wisdoms of a culture which moves at a different pace than ours. A sweater he had purchased told a story, one he was inspired by and one which he continued to tell, and like most discovering the depths of slow fashion, he felt himself called to the conscious realm. With soulful spontaneity, he returned to where his calling had whispered and with a bit of credence driven by curiosity, found a circular story he wanted to share. He created PAKA sweaters with the help of an indigenous artisan family which extends through every step of production, from the family’s alpaca farm which harvests the fleece the ways it has always been done, to their cousins who naturally dye the yarns using colours native to their land. (Con't on the blog, link in the profile) 📷 @dwchica84 (at San Antonio, Texas)

Just put the first of a series of computer sleeves on my webshop, which are both eco-friendly and ethically made (£39). Each one will be custom made for your computer and you can choose your own interior lining and zipper colour to fit your fancy. I have enough material to make a limited edition run of 7 computer sleeves with the repurposed vintage exterior fabric pictured. They'll be lined with two layers of Eco-fi Kunin felt (made from 100% post-consumer recycled and BPA-free plastic bottles), and each zipper is repurposed or YYK organic. If you're interested in grabbing one, I've temporarily changed the link in my profile to bring you to my eco shop page. 💻 (at Paris, France)

I sometimes wonder how gender equality is even a struggle humanity needed and continues to fight. That equality overall, equality for all is something questioned in anybody’s mind. We’re all here on this earth - regardless of skin colour, status, religion, gender, location or ability - because of the power women hold to give life. A power bestowed by whatever or whoever made the nature of things as they are, so our species might continue spinning and (hopefully) evolving. Women, of all colours and religions, are granted the ability to give life, and if you believe that power to be a God, which is who those their bid to control women and their bodies seem to site, then one would have to admit that it’s not just their God oranother’s God overseeing things, because the power that is, whatever it may be, wishes to give life, just as it takes it away, equally. If there was a superior race, or sex, nationality, or religion, one loved more than another by the powers that be, then diversity would not exist. It is us that makes it the opposite of how it is so clearly intended to be. Perhaps more men and women should be present during a child’s delivery, to be privy to the pain, promise, and power which is displayed with such soul soaring strength from within. Perhaps universal Love should be preached rather than religious faith, and the fight for equality, for all people and all living things, practiced with more passion than the bid for power, popularity, and fame. Today is International Women’s Day, a day to commemorates the movement for women's rights. I wanted to celebrate this day with a worthy and inspiring brand, one called ROUND + SQUARE, which aesthetically unites substance, style, and sustainability in support of gender equality. (Cont on the blog, link in the profile) 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Paris, France)

Home again 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Paris, France)

Last day in London til the end of the month when my mama arrives -after over six weeks vagabonding around I'm ready for some France-y pants home time. 📷 my papa (at London, United Kingdom)

When I lived in London this was my sanctuary, the fields and hills of Kent, these quiet countryside walks with my papa. Away from the noise and pollution and speed of city life. Here you can watch every detail of change as the seasons turn, day to day, week to week, month to month. The changes can be seen. Budding crocuses and pregnant sheep along the path reminded me it's nearly Spring, a quarter year has flown by in a flash and I don't feel I've 'accomplished' anything. Months of traveling, the excitement of my nieces arrival, planning for the future, all these things, however inspiring have kept me from the present til today, when surrounded by the garden's of England, a place left almost untouched by time, I found myself present and pleased, just watching my wellies sludge through the mud and feeling the cool spring breeze. 📷 my papa (at Edenbridge)

This week my warrior youngest sister gave birth to her second child, and for the forth time in my life, I felt the awe that comes with witnessing the birth of a life, and of the true strength all women hold inside them whether they become mothers or not. I can vividly remember my mother giving birth to both my sisters, I was 4 and then 8 when they arrived, and they are amongst the few memories from childhood that I can remember every detail of. The layout of the living room, my mom’s vintage moss green couch, her long dark hair, the midwife, the candles which lit the room on my sister @emleotieyogi 's arrival, and the rainbow that spread across the sky outside our window the moment @mayarrose92 arrived. I also remember watching my baby sister give birth to my nephew Leo, in a hospital room overlooked by a stone lion on the banks of the River Thames outside London’s Saint Thomas’ hospital. It is one of the few moments in this modern life that magic reigns down in all its force and with all its might so what was once stardust may burst into new life. And now here she is, Orla Rose, the first Rose girl of 'The Rose Girls' (all my Rose cousins are boys), and I wonder what kind of world she'll inherit as a woman, if she'll even need to fight the same redundent fights which seem so obvious to solve yet continue to churn their way into daily lives. If she does I hope she will have her mother's fortitude and heart, her aunt Emma's intelligence and independence, and her grandmother's strength and spirit. May she always know her worth, and know right from wrong, feel empathy over apathy, use her intelligence over her beauty, and find love and laughter each day even in the darkest of storms. I pray to all the gods and goddesses of every religion new and old that before this child becomes a woman the world will change its tone. It is for Orla, for Viv, for Leo and all the children born and unborn that I wish to to dedicate my life to aid as many positive changes as I can to this wacky trumpy earth. My heart just grew tenfold for this new soul and given me the drive I needed to continue pushing forward. 💫 (at London, United Kingdom)

I was lucky enough to have a piece of my writing featured in @fash_rev 's first ever fanzine, alongside a rather grotesque (but brilliant) illustration by the talented @alexgamsujenkins - The zine features 72-pages of poetry, illustration, photography, graphic design, and editorial, exploring the hidden stories behind your clothing, what the price you pay for fashion means, and how your purchasing power can make a positive difference. If you're interested in learning more about the future of fashion, you can download or buy a copy via @fash_rev 'a site: www.fashionrevolution.org/fanzine (at London, United Kingdom)

In London basking in family love as we await the arrival of our newest member 👶🏻 (at London, United Kingdom)

Over the miles and years, I've taken my fair share of long haul flights, and since embarking on my journey into eco and ethical living, I've discovered how unsustainable and wasteful most of the products I relied on are. On my most recent trip to Costa Rica and Texas, I noticed while packing that I've finally reached a point on my gallop towards greener living where the products I use and habits I've developed for travelling have nearly morphed to match my morals of mindfulness.I put together a post with 22 Eco + Ethical items I find essential for long haul flights, you'll find my recommendations and rambles via the link in the profile. Most of these items are simple sustainable switches which allow you (and me) to adjust items we all eagerly engage with to kinder, greener options which are better for you, me, and we, so we might enjoy our journey guilt free and with glee. 📷 @flaco_d_oro

A feeling of deep disconnect with nature led me here and past whispers of wise ones reminded me to remove my shoes so I might feel that ancient rock beneath my feet. Its warmth, despite the chill as dusk fell around us, filled me with a serene sense of stimulus - which sent me sprinting and skipping across the rocks like some wild ageless child - freeing me from some subconscious chains so I might celebrate with uncharacteristic carefree confidence. The whipping winds unwrapped the midnight dream scarf and sent it flying as if to indicate it belonged and continues to belong to all the elements which made its very existence possible. As I watched the gracious and green gift offered to me by the brand @parivara_tu lift above me, I thought about the stories which had passed to bring this item to me. Woven and printed by hand in machineless production, it began its journey from bud to bloom in the pesticide-free fields of an Indian organic cotton farm. From there, it was greeted by ginners who whipped it from its flora phase into a full fabric, then passed it to the hands of an artisan, empowered by opportunity and ancient techniques to turn the ordinary to extraordinary. The technique for this transformation is Bagru printing, which uses wooden blocks hand carved by the artisan and made to last decades, to print patterns on textile by hand - aided by the colours offered by nature’s natural dyes, made from herbs, fruits, teas, clays and other earthbound materials. As I climbed bare foot towards the summit of the rock, letting this scarf’s story play pictures through my mind, the most spectacular set of colours lit up the sky above and around me as if to celebrate the tale with me, and also bid goodnight. (Con't on the blog, link in the profile) 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife)

The clearest way into the universe is through the wilderness ... 📷 @flaco_d_oro (at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife)

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