blove: terra savvy

Full disclosure: I LOVE this woman.

 photo courtesy of Jill Vaughn

Really, I do. Jill and I met “on-line” and were friendly for several months before we connected in real life. It was at the Blogstar Sunday Supper and, if you recall, I was a wee bit nervous. The supper was being attended by a number of stellar bloggers and I was at my most insecure that evening. As I was walking toward the restaurant I heard my name called – it was Jill, who ran across the street and gave me a big hug.

And proceeded to work the room, with no mind to who was “big” and who was not so much. She was friendly, engaging, outspoken and confident.

Which pretty much sums up Jill, the person.

As for her blog – Terra Savvy – it is a true and absolute extension of how Jill lives her life each and every day – truly a  resource for all things “living well”. Jill is a staunch believer in healthy and organic eating and shares it all right here (think vegetable gardening and homemade bread and butter pickles).

She also is a talented “DIY-er” – both on her own and with regular posts by another favorite blogger of mine, Caroline from Salsa Pie (yes, THAT Caroline of Mealtime Bootcamp!). One of my favorite projects is this adorable children’s cookbook.

But what sets Terra Savvy apart from many blogs of this genre is Jill’s passion for – and commitment to – great design. A former graphic designer (and talented photographer), Jill never sacrifices looks or quality in her search for products that align with her values. She is my “go to” for all sorts of solutions to everyday needs, that will marry my design sensibility with my desire for quality, well-made goods. For example:

Toxin-free nail polish.

Organic soaps that are beautifully packaged, too.

Handmade, sustainable and well-designed children’s toys.

Jill saved me last month with her post on natural cold remedies, and I know I can always find healthy AND delicious recipes with just a click (how amazing do these meat loaf burgers look?).

But more than anything, I “blove” Terra Savvy – and Jill – because I’m always left with a feeling of optimism – that anything can happen, that I can (and should) believe in me, and that life should always be about having fun.

Never was this more evident than in a recent post – one of my very favorites. Our mild fall/early winter took a sudden turn last month with relentless, frigid temperatures and endless gray days. I was feeling especially crabby one morning when this post came across my screen. At first I was annoyed. Like, really Jill? Embracing winter now are we?

But something about her voice – which always rings loud and clear in her writing – magically snapped me out of the foul state I was in. Was I suddenly digging December? No. But somehow just knowing that someone out there was taking a positive approach to these winter months lifted my spirits considerably.

That is Jill.

Take a look at Terra Savvy – I guarantee Jill’s infectious spirit and lovely photos will have you hooked!

Wanna know what “blove” is?

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