Deep Economy--I promise it's cool

I just finished reading Deep Economy by Bill McKibben, and I have to say I liked it.  Now, I know what you're thinking--What kind of girl reads books called Deep Economy?  She can't be cool.  Let me assure you that I read a variety of other things too, in addition to books on the economy, like girly magazines, and even the occasional People and US Weekly.  And believe it or not, I think you might like McKibben's book, too.

His entire premise is to challenge the notion that "more is better" and recommend generally that we all be a little more neighborly.  If you aren't convinced yet that this is interesting stuff, consider that I had a lively discussion with friends just the other night on this very topic, and they certainly are cool.  

I think that young people, maybe women in particular, are searching for some alternatives to the usual arguments and agendas.  I mean, I follow politics (more than I'd like--I'm married to a political junkie), and I have to confess that I get rather tired of hearing the same stump speeches time and time again.  I don't really feel like I fit well into "conservative" and "liberal" categories.  This, incidentally, is one of McKibben's points--that a lot of stuff worth talking about doesn't "fit."

Anyway, I picked up the book originally because the Etsy book club will be discussing it this spring.  Good recommendation from a great company.  Check it out, and visit etsy to jump into the discussion.  Or email me your thoughts--I'd love to hear 'em!

Coming Soon!

So, after a couple months of operating "be adornable" as is, I've decided to make some updates for the Spring...

What to look forward to come mid-April:

--a revamped website (www.stephaniehillberry.com) featuring a "spotlight" article updated daily

--two new projects I am very excited about:

1.  Cigars in the Parlour: it's time to crash the party, ladies.  After letting men retreat to private rooms to smoke cigars, drink brandy, and discuss world affairs, leaving us in the cold, it's time to make our move into the parlour and light some cigars of our own!

2.  On Claremont: Karina, Naomi, Marianne and Rachel all live on Claremont Street.  Read weekly to hear the new drama in their lives.

--the launch of my Etsy online boutique, appropriately dubbed the "Be Adornable Boutique."  There you will find a selection of my latest design creations for the home.

--and of course, this be adornable blog, which will undergo a bit of a change in tone--less serious and more personal, generally.

"handmade" video

Check out this very creative and thought-provoking short clip on the value of buying handmade and locally-produced things.  The creator, "momerath," is a seller on etsy (of course), and incorporated her crafty skills (not the mischievous kind) into her video.  This video is part of a whole series of "your handmade stories" sponsored by etsy.  

I love it because it highlights two very important qualities of "resourcefulness" (one of the five pillars of being adornable): supporting the community and being intentional about the money you spend.

Click here and scroll down to watch the clip on YouTube.