When Life Comes Full Circle

Today was pretty nostalgic for me. In January 2009 Kit and I opened a dance studio/creative arts center here on Kauai, and we even lived in an apartment we built in the back of it. 

2 weeks later we unexpectedly found out we were pregnant. It was the hardest year of my life, being pregnant with 7 months of severe morning sickness, laying flooring, renovating, teaching dance 6 days a week, etc. 

Ironically, about a dozen friends and acquaintances also had babies (mostly girls) that year on Kauai. When Ivy was born in October 2009, I was just about out of energy. 

We closed our business on December 31, 2009 and moved to Maui to recuperate, saying goodbye to our Kauai family, friends and our vision. 

You can still see where it says Green Light above the address

Yesterday, for the first time since we closed, I went back to the building where we had our studio. It's now a yoga studio that also rents out the space to dance teachers. I went there to teach 3 dance classes for KUGA. As I began my first class, I was filled with so much joy and ease. The space we created was still being used for dance education, and it all came back to me as I remembered how I loved the studio size, the lighting and the light wood floors. But the coolest part was that 5 of those little Kauai girls, who were born in 2009, were there, as they are now old enough to dance in my classes. That was my dream 5 years ago, and today it came to fruition. 

Ivy was a little sleepy when we arrived, and wasn't understanding the significance of where she stood. :)

Thank you to my friends who brought their kids to class yesterday. For you, it may have been just another day, but for me, it was one of those moments I won't forget - where life comes full circle, and everything you worked so hard for finally means something. 

Aloha,

Rebecca

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We made it to Kauai!

We are here. 

Spent the day unloading our container. 

Now we need to unpack. 

But we are tired and my back hurts. 

Maybe later we will go climb a tree. 

Or pet this cute neighborhood dog. 

Or our own dog...

Let's talk more once we've settled in. 

Aloha,

Becca

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We're Moving!

So, we're moving. Back to Kauai. It's just a flight away, but still, a task to actually move everything over there. Boxes are being packed. Loads to Goodwill are being made (don't tell Ivy). We are all excited, yet a decision like this is always hard. I think it's hardest on me. Kit and Ivy are stoked, but I'm sentimental. I've done pretty well with taking it all in stride. I look at it more like dual citizenship because thankfully I'll be working on Maui every Saturday, so I can teach the students I adore so very much, and see my parents and family and friends. 

 This photo of the moon was taken on one of our last BBQ's in the driveway before Kit took off to Kauai to start working for a couple weeks. These are the moments I'll miss, because now they're no longer everyday life, they're memories of our life here. 

Ugh, how can 600 sq ft hold so much!

PROBLEM: I've been buying things left and right, as if I'm going to be stuck on an island forever! But these wire baskets from Urban Outfitters-- they're going to look awesome in my office!

Fabric is a whole other story. In my defense, there are no good fabric shops on Kauai, and with Ivy & Co., there are certain fabrics I need an abundance of! But seriously, I'll be back 1 month after I leave. I can stock up then if I need to. I'm driving myself crazy and really, I just want to unpack and be in my new space and get completely organized. 

Speaking of unpacking, I can't wait to unload this gem. It's an antique pie safe I bought from a friend on Saturday. It's going in my office :) 

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed 3 new boards I created recently:

MASTER

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/171910910751221545/

OFFICE

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/171910910751221521/

IVYS 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/171910910751221649/

These boards contain my visions for these 3 rooms in the gorgeous 3 bedroom we'll be renting. Honestly, this awesome house is one of the things that has kept me sane in this process. I'm really stoked on it and feel like it's God's blessing for being obedient to the way He wants to orchestrate my life. We tried a few times to buy a house here on Maui and it just didn't work out. We live in an adorable cottage next door to my parents here, but we're outgrowing it quickly. So Kauai is the next adventure for us!

It's been so hot and humid here, we've been going to Ululani's Shave Ice frequently. Moving is hard. Today I killed a scorpion with a magic wand and a flower stem. No joke. 

Ok, I made it through writing this very surface level post about moving without a tear in sight. I've got a million ideas for blog posts, but they might have to wait until I get settled on The Garden Isle. Until then, 

A hui hou, 

Rebecca

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Recent Custom Projects - Summer Life on Maui

It's summer time!

Well, in my mind, I've been on summer break since May 5, just cause that's the ebb and flow of my year.

Here's what we've Ivy's been doing:

Lots of beach time. Ivy loves to play, then lounge.

I've been working on a few custom projects. 

I did a visit to one of my students homes and checked out her bedroom decor, as her mom really wanted some coordinating bunting. Here's what transpired:

Close Up:

She also saw one of my sold out baby soft blocks on Etsy and asked if I could make something similar for her baby nephew. Here it is: chevron, cross-stitch, scallop goodness! 

Stealing inspiration from the custom bunting, I made this birthday set for my friend's birthday. If you know me, you know I'm terrible at birthdays. Really terrible. I get gifts to people anywhere from 1-6 months after their birthday has passed. This one is only 1 month late…!

Also, the set of squares on the top left is my new product I just developed. 

Exfoli-cloths is what I've tentatively named them. I'm still himming and hawing over it...

They'll be in my Etsy shop soon!

Other Ivy & Co. products are selling like crazy too! People have literally been coming over, going through my stash and picking out what they want. I love it!

Have you been following me on Instagram? @ivyandcompany

Every Friday I feature 4 of my favorite accounts that week. 

Did you catch this #Friday4 a few weeks ago? 

Follow them here: 

+HomesewN Kauai 

+Ajja DeShayne 

@familyeverafter

@oneclaireday

Lastly, on a personal note, I started Pro-Active+ last week! I have terrible acne around my chin and lower cheeks and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I'm 31 years old and don't want a crater face! I was going to share 'before' pictures, but I opted our of doing that today. Maybe I'll share them when I have awesome 'after' photos to show as well. :) I know. Cheating. Anyone else use Pro-Activ+? So far, so good for me, except that salt water has been burning my face. No good for the summer swells I'm trying catch! 

How's your summer going?

Aloha from Maui,

Rebecca

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Burning the midnight oil

Well, recital season is officially over! It sure was a blast and that's why I've been more or less MIA from blogging the past month or so. 

We've also had family in town from Kauai!

8 kids staying on property!!

Many awesome mornings at the beach. 

Next up is the Seabury Hall Craft Fair this Saturday from 9am-4pm. It's my first major Ivy & Co event since becoming an official business so if you can possibly come up to support, I'd be more than greatful!! I've been prepping a ton of products and burning the midnight oil. 

My dear mother in law helped me make 70 clothes pins!! Then she tried to buy a set, haha. I told her to pick out her fabrics and I'd make her a custom set. :)

And after this weekend's craft fair, my summer officially begins!! I hope to post more regularly after this weekend.  See you on the other side!

Aloha, Rebecca

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