Last year Eric and I bought our first home, nestled in a [relatively] peaceful area on the south side of Kampala. After moving between 5 guest houses and rented rooms in 2 1/2 years, the thought of settling into my own space was a welcome change. Looking back a year later, decorating and furnishing a home has been an ongoing adventure and a creative outlet for us both. I've enjoyed decorating the place with the natural elements we find on adventures around Uganda and materials and crafts that are either locally-made or collected on our travels. I love anything with a story behind it. Eric designs unique and practical furniture to fit our space, working with a local carpenter to complete each piece. Our walls are adorned with his own paintings and my photography.
Since moving in, I've started gardening for the first time on my own and taken more of an interest in cooking great meals from fresh ingredients and spices. I've come to love our little life on a quarter of an acre and I'm realizing more each day that simplicity, health, community, peace, and care for Mother Earth all intertwine for the betterment of our lives and the world.
I plan to use this blog and my own experiences to uplift the local, the natural, the simple, the healthy, and the traditional. Allow me to begin by featuring some elements in my own home.
Cow hide rug made by me (that's a whole other story!). Benches made by a local carpenter from the roots of a muvule tree and eucalyptus trees. Adorable puppy rescued from a horrible owner. Big vase made in Uganda and bought roadside. Bamboo from our yard. Cabinet designed by Eric and made by Michael, a local carpenter. Sheep wool rug woven in Egypt. Glass bottles from a flea market.
Abstract painting of a desert by Eric. Leather candle holders and candles bought at Banana Boat. Branch found while bird watching at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Pottery by Mukisa Mpewo Clay Works. Table designed by Eric and made by Michael, a local carpenter. The rug is hand-woven with sheep's wool, bought on a recent trip to Jordan
All furniture made by local carpenters in Kampala. Paintings by Eric. Lamp from Rose and Fitzgerald. Pouf, rug, and pillows from travels in the Middle East. Blanket from a rummage sale.
Shelves designed by Eric and made my Michael, a local carpenter, from mugavu wood. Basket made by local women. Masaai hunting tool bought in Kenya. Branch woven by me. Bottles bought at local flea market.
Pot hanger made by Eric from bamboo found in our yard. Pot holders by Rubona baskets. Utensil holders are fish baskets, found in Owino market. Spoon rest bought in Jordan. Vera Bradley apron made in Fort Wayne, IN, near my hometown.
Bookshelves designed by Eric, made by Michael the carpenter out of mugavu wood. Bedouin rug from Jordan. Large basket from Rwanda, bought at a rummage sale. Plant hanger made by me out of Ugandan sisal rope. Blanket made by the Karamajong tribe, sold at Banana Boat. Piece of wood decor from a local carpenter. Room divider and chair bought at rummage sales.