Dreamweaving

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
– Chief Seattle

Dear fellow dreamers,

Queen Janice and I have embarked on a new venture that is the culmination of sprit and beauty—a.k.a dream catchers. Natural, mystic, and hand-woven, our creations are now ready for purchase in Bella Luna.

It is taught in the Native American culture that dreams are messages sent by sacred spirits. The hole in the center of the dream catcher allows the passage of good dreams while the web collects the bad dreams until they disappear at first light.

Although our dream catchers are a little off-kilter, we believe that they will give a good night’s rest to Bellalunatics near and far, believing and skeptical. With each one being completely original they make the perfect quaint, creative gift for the holiday season. There are more to come! 

Sweet dreams,

Kateland

All Wrapped Up

November has arrived and so has the chill. Bundle up with a warm wool, or a nice knit, perhaps even a perfect print. Scarves are a must-have accessory and Bella Luna is fully stocked.

   

In hope of some November snow,
Stay all wrapped up Bella Lunatics! 

Sophia Moore

(photo credit to Kateland for any pictures of me)

Wholesome Eats & Thanks

When it comes to the culinary arts, I lack all talents and ability except for the ones that include criticism and consumption. Being the only vegetarian in my extended American family, I spend the fourth Sunday of every November trying to make dinner for one, whilst being bullied out of the oven and around the kitchen by a large featherless bird.

During Thanksgiving, and the food preparation that precedes it, I am especially thankful for the Internet. As of late I have been looking for quality meat-less recipes I can enjoy with the rest of the table. 

Last year I half-successfully (took a few tries) conjured up a few dishes that were très magnifique.  These included: Artichoke & Red Bell Pepper Risotto, Ricotta Gnocchi on Fresh Baby Spinach, and Tofu Parmigiana w/ Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. 

However this year I came upon an article on The New York Times website with an array of season-appropriate vegetarian meals. It lists everything from sandwiches to soups to scones, all of which look delicious, but I set aside a few winners from this article and others. 

(and yes I am one of those pumpkin-crazed crazies)

Thanksgiving Meal Plan 2012

Beverages

☙San Pellegrino w/ squeezed lemon and lime

☙Spiced Chai Tea

Harvest Galette

H'ordeuvres

☙Garlicy Hummus w/ Baked Pita or sliced veggies

☙Creamy Artichoke Spinach Dip

☙Harvest Galette

Garniture

☙Baked Acorn Squash

☙Sweet Potato Soup w/ Feta

☙Pumpkin and Pecorino Gratin

☙Kale Salad w/ Cranberries and Cashews

Risotto

Entrees

☙Risotto w/ Pumpkin Ginger and Sage

☙Veggie Balls

☙Saffron Ravioli

☙Mandarin Rice Stuffing

Afters

☙ Pumpkin Cheese Cake

 *Note: Queen Janice reccomends for the pumpkin cheesecake, using non-dairy cream cheese and adding a sprinkle of pixie dust to enhance magical taste

☙Pumpkin Tiramisù

☙ Cappuccino

Even if your family is not vegetarian why not change up the traditional starch-filled, cholesterol-high courses a bit? 

I might end up being the only one eating my risotto and galette, but I know no meat-lover will be able to the desserts.

Happy vegetables, 

Kateland

The Coast Carries On

After a long week of thrills and chills, traditionally (Sea Witch) and unexpectedly (Sandy), I can report that our locals are experts in the art of sustainment. In spite of the storm, coastal Delawarians did how they always do—they carried on.

 Sophia and I joined forces with the Delaware Chapter of the Surf Rider Foundation to long board next to the "float" and throw candy. Ignoring the atmospheric chaos brewing above, hundreds of little princesses, zombies, and transformers joined the front line of the war zone that is a Halloween parade. 

The objective: candy retrieval. The weapons: open pillow cases, and puppy dog faces. 

Rehoboth Beach culture prevailed. I happened to walk by this extremely talented folky trio performing on the avenue. 

The family below won "Best Collaborated Costume" in my book, as well as "Best Nonchalant Posing". 

In contrast with the lighthearted climate of the streets,  Queen Janice locked herself away upstairs, deep in preparation mode for the days to come. The preparation being sewing starfish to her daughter's mermaid costume. As you can see, Sandy was obviously making her anxious.

While the costumes at Seawitch were quite scary, the foot print Sandy left is a tad more frightening.The newly reconstructed beach by Henlopen Hotel was ravaged, along with the rest of the coast. Dewey was under water, the inlet was breached, and Bethany was submerged. Although we are almost recovered (besides the dunes), New York and New Jersey are far from recovery. 

This past Friday during Cocoa Crawl, Bella Luna sent 15% of it's profits to the Points of Light organization.

A charitable man in my community has been making rounds to the water drop offs in NYC, so as of late my house become somewhat of a water hub. I encourage everyone reach out to community members, perhaps through facebook, or organisations like Points of Light to see what you can do to help our coastal neighbors.

Love thy neighbor, love thy beach.

Kateland Kester

All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go

Cheers! Nevermind the crown, Janice is the true Queen of Reho. 

Hallows eve is approaching and we could not be more excited. Sophia and I love dressing up year round, but October 31st is an excuse to get a little themetastic. 

I am not one for the comedic costumes or the basic witch getups; the holiday to me is a chance to immerse myself in a different decade and procure an outfit so accurate that I forget it is the 21st century. 

My costume inspiration so far:

                                  Gatsby 20s                             Twiggy 60s

Stevie Nicks 70s

Did you know Stevie is a bellalunatic too? There is always a crescent hanging around the fellow moon-lover's neck.

If you are local to Rehoboth, you know that the Sea Witch Festival is the biggest part of Halloween. Sophia and I will be buzzing around the avenue photographing the food, the costumes, and the acessories (ofcourse). Make sure to stop by the store to get your picture taken if you're sporting Bella Luna Halloween gear or a crafty costume. We love to see to see all the bellalunatics in action. Plus, there might be some candy involved...wink, wink.

Stay eccentric people. See you there, 

Kateland Kester

Good Fortune and Good Fashion

Dating back to the times of Ancient Egypt, turquoise was a stone that was thought to bring good fortune and protection. In these times we are still attracted to the stone for these reasons as well as magic it brings to our home, body, and soul. At Bella Luna like to take risks and bring turquoise into our home decor and outfits, turquoise has just the right pop for that. 

For the home? A turquoise woven ecot pillow, a glass pitcher, a "DISH" coffee table book, Beach Days scented dryer sheets, antiqued owl bookends, a gold accented cross, a rhino wall hook, and a glistening Cody Foster holiday house. And for you? A printed scarf with accents of turquoise and butterscotch, an Elements beaded fringe necklace, a vermeil cuff with a large turquoise stone, a wrap bracelet, cute readers, and long, beaded tribal necklace. 

May all your turquoise gems bring you good fortune and good fashion. 

May all your outfits be a success and your home a palace,

Sophia Moore

Weekend Peek: Active Naturals

I spent this past weekend in Rehoboth (surprise, surprise) dining, shopping, and exploring. Along with me I brought two friends who do not know the town as well I do, so I took them to some hidden beauties to take photos in Bella Luna style. 

Above: Gordon's Park

Here I am wearing the new houndstooth jacket at Bella, walking along the quiet suburban streets surrounding Silver Lake. I love coming here on my bike/longboard rides, the cars are sparse and the reflection of the sunset off the lake colours everything a beautiful sepia tone.

Again at Gordon's Park, mixing earrings. Difficult, but rewarding when you find the right pair.  

The white bridge over silver lake connecting Rehoboth to Dewey is one of my all time favourite places.  During the winter after snowfall I like to walk halfway over the bridge, and look down at the swirling slush. The lack of contrast between the white of the railing and the white of the water is such a pleasing site. 

I am sort of obsessed with the new caps in the store. For the past couple years it has been all about beanies and berets, but cloche hats are a warm and refreshing new trend.

 I also added these fabric flower clips to brighten up the look.

Flowers, flowers, flowers. Who would I be if I wasn't wearing flowers?

The jackets here ↑ here ⤹and here ⤵ were all from Bella Luna as well. You can see in the photos that the warmth of the sun escaped us, and I might say they were body-heat life savers. 

Just a weekend peek. Stay inspired, keep it natural,

Kateland Kester

Boardwalk Blues

The boardwalk, like most of Delaware, is an amazingly dynamic locale. In the summer (I usually avoid it), Hawaiian shirts and neon is pretty much the standard as far as  boardwalk fashion goes However, in the off-season I will travel down to the boards in my faux fur lined coat, hat, scarf, boots, the whole shebang, and without a doubt there will be a family frolicking in the wave break like it is the middle of July. The variety is pleasing.

Although it may look like somewhat of a ghost town, there are plenty of things to do.

For the bellalunatics with boardwalk blues, here are some ways to the turn Rehoboth anew.

• Grab a slice of Louie’s before they close their doors for winter
• Cocoa crawl, who can resist shopping, giveaways and desserts!
• Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival for all the jazz lovers out there. 
• Dress warm and throw a Frisbee on the beach
• Walk the boards. No crowds and good exercise!
• End of season sales…they are everywhere.
• See the snow on the beach; it’s peaceful scenery.
• Film Festival. This takes place at Midway Movies but the flyers are posted all over town. 
• Sip a hot coffee on the benches and watch the birds fly south. I recommend an azteca mocha from Café a Go-Go
• Restaurant specials! Sushi night on Tuesdays at The Cultured Pearl (has live entertainment) or Stingray. Half-price Sandwich night on Wednesdays at Arena's. Haven't been, but excited to checkout Meatless Mondays at a(Muse).
• The farmer's market in it's final weeks. Ends October 24th.
• Holiday shopping at Bella Luna! Pickup a present for yourself as well. ☾

Fun, Fun. Until next time,

Kateland Kester