A Perfect Day (Bike Riding In Kyoto)

Have you ever had a day that was just so perfect, you know that you'll remember it forever? The photos  in this post are from one of the best days of my life. Nothing particularly spectacular happened, unless you count riding a bicycle down the river in Kyoto under a soft rain of cherry blossoms spectacular? Which I do, obviously. Routine for some, memorable for me. I should note at this point that C thoroughly concurs, if not leads the march on this one.

If you've been following our Japan journey, you might have noticed that we had a lot of drizzly, cold weather. This day stood out as an unusually warm, sunny day, and we decided to rent a couple of bicycles from our hostel and meet Gerard for a little bike ride. It was the first time I'd been on a bicycle since I was about 12-13 years old, so I was a little... concerned.

You know the saying, that one about riding a bike, but I wasn't sure it applied to me. Add my cycling inexperience to a foreign city, little laneways, cars, bikes and many pedestrians. I was a bit scared at first! I followed Gerard and C, who were much more confident than I, and was worried I'd fall behind. Soon, though, we took a little ramp off the side of the road and emerged onto the paved walk/bikeway that ran alongside the river.

We rode for miles along that river. The wind whipped my hair, I tinkled my little bell to warn pedestrians of my wobbly approach and we took in the sights and smells of this beautiful day. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and on every soft breeze, their petals drifted down like snowflakes.

We stopped by a canal for a rest and decided it was high time we created magic with the mountains of petals on the ground. Not very graceful, but oh well. Sometimes excitement and joy overtakes grace! I have some of these precious petals in my notebook, they fade so quickly but I'll always think of this day when I look at their fragile faded wisps.

(a perfect little house in the middle of the city)

C and I rode home alone, it was dark along the river and we gasped with delight every time the huge-bodied bugs buzzed down toward our heads as we flew down that river in the cool night air. It was impossible to wipe the grins off our faces and we vowed to do it again the next day. Of course the next day brought with it flooding thunderstorms, and the perfect day was made even more perfect in it's rarity and goodness.

Kitty
xo

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Wordless Weekend #33 - Koyasan Cemetery

This is the beautiful Koyasan. We stayed on the border of the cemetery in a buddhist temple. The giant cedar trees were breathtaking, the canopy let little light in, creating a mossy, deep place of rest. Some memorials had been swallowed up the the enormous trees, and when you peered into the cavity of a tree, you could see the old carved stones. The gravestones wearing bibs and the comfort the souls of small children and babies. Captured by C.

Kitty
xo

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Found #69

I love me a good handmade dress! This one is from Perth, Australia and is just one of many amazing dresses available in the Kissyface store. If sailboats aren't your thing (huh?), you can find all manner of wonder prints from polka dots, cats and even some lobsters! I want one of everything please.

via: Kissyface

Indoor plants are so wonderful. They make your space feel more bright, they clean the air and add a nice, natural piece of outside to the interior of your home. Then why don't I have more? I just need to get out that drill and start installing my hanging system! These tiny pots are so cute, and perfectly sized for some air plants.

via: Ship And Shape

This crazy cat lady will always be sucked in by a cat gimmick. I've seen a few versions of these cat-ear rings around, I like the simplicity of this one. This one is made to order in Canada, especially for you :)

via: Kat Studio

Cute photo idea, making the most of what you in your immediate vicinity, with these 'Bedscapes' by Skott Chandler. This one is the Atlantic Ocean.

via: Skott Chandler

Is anyone out there more skilled at knitting than me? I'll clarify, anyone who can knit something more complicated than a scarf? I'd love to try these socks, though I need to polish my skills a teensy bit more I think... It'll be winter in the northern hemisphere before you know it, and imagine sporting these lovely fellows by the fire?

via: Present & Correct (originally via Frankie)

via: The Alison Show

Once again, these posts are a little older than the past week, but I'm sure some of you out there will appreciate them (a lot). Over at The Alison Show, Yao is sharing her watercolour skills in a series of tutorials. There are two right now, an introduction covering basics and supplies, and a blending tutorial. I can't wait to try these out!

What's happening this weekend? I'm going to try and relax, myself. I have so much to do, it's slightly overwhelming, so I find the best tactic is to stop thinking about it and my body will just start doing it. Do you know what I mean? Sometimes I think I am appositionally defiant to my own to-do list, so ignoring it tricks my brain into getting it done ;)

I hope you have a great weekend, whether you're playing tricks on yourself or just having a good time.

Kitty
xo

July Giveaway - Advertise your blog, shop or small business!

If you are a blogger, small business owner or seller, we have a great giveaway this month! Maria from Little Tree Vintage is offering up a Medium ad space on her blog. Laura and John from Side Street Style have a 3 month Large ad up for grabs, and I'll be giving away a Large ad spot too! One lucky reader will win this package, all you need to do to enter is leave a comment letting us know the site you'd advertise if you win. Make sure you enter using the rafflecopter widget, and after commenting, you have the option for some bonus entries as well. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Meet My Beautiful July Sponsor Team

Want to learn a little more about July's sponsors? Including my favourite post/product, exclusive discount codes, and ☞ this month I asked my sponsors to share a great piece of advice that they've received. Get ready to take some notes!

website // twitter // facebook

In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat?

To answer that question, Meg Noonan unravels the story of the coat’s provenance. Her journey takes readers to the Sydney studio of John Cutler, a fourth-generation tailor who works magic with scissors and thread; to the remote mountains of Peru, where villagers shear vicunas (a rare animal known for its soft fleece); to the fabulous Florence headquarters of Stefano Ricci, the world’s greatest silk designer; to the esteemed French textile company Dormeuil; to the English button factory that makes products out of Indian buffalo horn; and to the workshop of the engraver who made the 18-carat gold plaque that sits inside the collar.

Kitty & Buck readers can get 20% off the book by buying it here with the discount code: KB-CR-0713

blog // facebook // twitter // instagram

Hello, my name is Tera and I am the weirdo crafty horror lover behind Tera Sue. I spend most of my time trying to make people laugh, trying to create interesting things and trying to inspire and be inspired by other crafters and artists out there. 

☞ The best advice I've ever heard is be yourself. If you spend too much time trying to be someone else you'll wear yourself out and annoy everyone with your phoniness.

My favourite post // Out Of Town Gift Bags

blog // instagram // bloglovin' // twitter

We are a creative couple who are also parents to a very active toddler. We love to travel, between the two of us we have been to 26 different countries and we love to experience new cultures, eat good food, enjoy the outdoors and indulge in our passion for fashion, vintage finds and crafty creations. We also include our little man in all our adventures and belive in a modern and natural parenting approach as living in an eco friendly way is also important to us.

☞ Be true to yourself and don't pretend to be something you are not, it's your uniqueness that will attract readers.

My favourite post // France On Film -- Travel Tuesday

Side Street Style is offering 20% off ad space with the code SIDE20

shop // facebook // instagram

Hello, I'm Aubin! I'm the owner and artist behind Unrehearsed Kickline, a new online vintage and handmade accessories store. At Unrehearsed Kickline you'll find pop culture inspired accessories celebrating everything from Twin Peaks to The Monkees as well as a fabulous collection of vintage clothing that's 15% off from now until the beginning of September. So click the shop link, stop on by, and join the Unrehearsed Kickline!

☞ The best advice I've ever heard is from Ms. Judy Garland: "Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else." There are always people who have similar skills, but there's no one (yes, no one!) who can do exactly what you can do so don't be afraid to embrace your personality and creativity!

My favourite product // Twin Peaks Log Lady Brooch (!!!)

You can currently score 15% off all vintage clothing in the Unrehearsed Kickline store.

shop // twitter // facebook // pinterest // instagram

HANDMADE LOVING! UNIQUELY COLORFUL PATTERNS FOR YOUR LEGS!
Yep that's Uptights for you! Limited edition quirkily elegant leggings, bike shorts and skirts, designed and individually handmade in Australia (with love) in my Sydney based studio.
Uptights focuses on designing uniquely inspiring prints which extend the realms of reality into kaleidoscope birds, pac- man grandpa pajamas and floating green eyed cats, to name a few. Be sure, when you wear a pair of Uptights fashionable, yet immensely comfortable leggings you'll stand out!
☞ Life is too short, try something new everyday...(from a wise friend)
My favourite product // Tutti Frutti Leggings
You can currently score an amazing 20% off Uptights using the code MIDSEASONSALE

blog // twitter // pinterest // portfolio

Hi, my name is Kelly Rae and I'm a blogger over at Foxes in the Graveyard.  I blog about my illustrative artwork, our little family and things I love.  

☞ There is so much advice out there and the only thing that I can think of is this: be kind to yourself. In a time when kindness isn't always the first reaction in our day it is good to slow down and enjoy the present.

My favourite post // Baby Photos of My Mother, 1953

blog // twitter // bloglovin' // pinterest

Hola!! I am the girl behind Princes Corner, a little place that i love. I am living in Costa Rica, so you can know more about this part of the world, you can follow me.  The things i share are mostly photography, beauty and personal style, music, recomendations, art and more.

☞ If you are a blogger, please have fun with the blog world, and if you feel pressure to be better or have a great place it's better to have a pause.

My favourite post // Decorative Plates of Fornasetti

blog // twitter // facebook // bloglovin'

My blog is based around fashion and personal style. I just graduated from fashion school in new york city, so come follow my adventures!

☞ Never let anyone control your happiness

My favourite post // A Blogging Manifesto -- Why Did I Start Blogging?

shop // facebook // twitter // instagram

Love supporting small Australian businesses? Show your true colours by shopping with a small family run Australian business! Jessica T has fun and innovative new designs each month perfect for gifts or to simply treat yourself. 

☞ “ Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. ” - Norman Vincent Peale

My favourite product // Bulletproof Crystal Necklace

blog // facebook // pinterest // instagram

Hi I'm Jenny, also known as Jenny Holiday. I adore all things vintage holiday, birthday, bakery, and cute! Together with (my man) Aaron, we paint, art journal, decorate, collect, cook, bake, blog, and teach at fabulous art retreats all over the country. We are super excited about our very first craft instruction book set to hit shelves this fall! So so nice to meet you! Pop over to the blog to say hi anytime! :) xo
☞ Be Kind, For Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle

My favourite post // 10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

blog // shop // instagram // pinterest

29 year-old self-proclaimed hippie living on the Canadian Pacific Coast. Expect lots of writing, crafting and self-discovery as I learn to live well and breathe.

☞ Just breathe!

My favourite product // Woodland Dream Catcher

blog // facebook // bloglovin' // twitter

Hi everyone! My name is Violet Short and I am a photographer, artist and blogger from the Indianapolis area. I am also a full time blogger and love sharing sweet things from life, crafts, recipes, and photography.

☞ I would say some of the best advice was this, "Don't allow the world to decide who you are what you're going to be." I am constantly reminded to continue being myself, regardless of what's cool or socially acceptable. ALWAYS be yourself!

My favourite post // My Little Plants

Thanks so much for sponsoring Kitty & Buck in July!

I hope you enjoyed finding out more about this month's sponsors, and their great advice! If you'd like to sponsor next month, simply visit my sponsor page, or email me, I'd love to share your blog, shop or business.

Kitty
xo

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Advertise on Kitty & Buck in August

Just a quick reminder that it's already closing in on August! If you're looking to advertise your blog, shop or small business, I'd love to have you! You can see stats, advertising options and prices on my Advertise page. I use Passionfruit to manage my ads, and they've just had an update, so things look a little different. You can now purchase multiple items with the new cart system. If you're wondering about the new checkout, or other advertising bits and pieces, let me know, I'm happy to answer any questions, or help you out with a design if you need.

Kitty
xo

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Kitty's Book Nook - Wildwood

One of my goals for 2013 was to read at least 12 books. I thought it would be nice to share at least some of them with you here, and I wanted to revive my "Book Nook" series anyway. My first book though, I read very late last year. I thought I'd include it as I have it's sequel on my to-read list and will most likely include that on in a future post.

Wildwood is set in Portland, Oregon, and the woods which lie on it's border, the Impassable Wilderness. Nobody knows what lies inside the Impassable Wilderness, it's impassable, after all. Our leading lady Prue, is taking care of her baby brother in the park, when he is abducted by a huge flock of crows. Prue takes chase on her bicycle, following the flock of crows high above her in the sky. She follows them until they retreat with her baby brother, into the Impassable Wilderness. What follows is the adventures of Prue and her tagalong friend Curtis, through the Impassable Wilderness, known as Wildwood to it's inhabitants, tracking down her baby brother. Filled with wonderful creatures and exciting adventures, I really enjoyed this story! It's well written and paced, and the darling illustrations just add to the fun. I generally read pretty serious books, so it was nice to enjoy some escapism into this mysterious wooded wonderland.

There's some controversy about this book being classified as "Young Adult", as the vocabulary is seen as a little too challenging and not age-appropriate. All I can say is, thank you. Finally something that is not dumbed-down for an audience, instead expecting them to learn along the way. I wish there were more books, TV shows and movies that took that line of thinking. We'd all be smarter. So yes, it's a young adult book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a fully grown-adult too ;)

Have you read Wildwood? I just started up a Goodreads account this week (I've been meaning to do that FOR-EVER). So I'll be keeping track of my reads, and hopefully finding some new books I didn't know about. I'd love to know what you thought about Wildwood, or if you have any recommendations  I'll add them to my "to read" shelf!

Kitty
xo

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