I love simple features that make something automatically go from bland to extraordinary. These wooden, hand painted chalkboard gift tags do just that to anything they’re attached to. I already was a fan of this type of gift tag, but these take tags to a different level.

Since these are hand painted, reusable, and an easy add-on to a plain wrapping (as shown below), these are a great eco-alternative to other gift tags and wrapping techniques.

They’re made by Kate’s Paper Goods and I just discovered, upon working on this post, that she sells many other amazing chalkboard tags on her Etsy shop. I’m so glad to have spotted them on Mellisa Loves a little while back and discover Kate’s gorgeous artwork.

(Original images from Kate’s Paper Goods on Etsy)

[UPDATE: Remember those poor dogs in the Ukraine?]

In an effort to “rid the streets of [stray dogs] in time for the Euro 2012 soccer championships” in Ukraine, dogs are being poisoned to death. “Meat laced with poison is being left out for the animals to consume, resulting in their prolonged and agonizing deaths.” There have even been reports of dogs being burned alive in incinerators.

This is horrific and must be stopped. The Humane Society International along with other animal protection organizations in Ukraine have contacted authorities and expressed their distress and objections with no response. My brother just yesterday informed me of this and I’m usually aware of issues like this as soon as they arise. Apparently this has been going on for some time now. More people need to know about this and help put an end to it.

Please sign this petition and share this information with others. Feel free to edit the letter in whatever (polite) way you’d like. Tell Ukraine that you’ll boycott the Euro 2012 soccer championships if they don’t stop this immediately. These dogs need our help. So many have already been killed and we can’t do anything about that now, but we can at least help those that are left. Thank you!

(Original image from Humane Society International newsletter)

In the center of Bournemouth, there’s a hot air balloon (pictured above) which you can go on and see the city from up high on nice, sunny days. I hope to one day go on it. In the meantime, I’ll admire it from the ground.

These words by celebrity Will Rogers are one of those sadly true quotes. It always seems as though people rush through things so that they can then relax and enjoy themselves. Once we get to that time of relaxation, we almost always waste it and don’t take full advantage of it. The thing is, life should be enjoyed at all times, not just when we finish that daily/weekly to do list. Easier said than done, but we do only have one life and it goes by too fast.

I’ve gotten crazy busy lately and I have to remind myself sometimes to come back to the here and now, to take a break from schoolwork, the computer, my thoughts! That’s one reason why I’ve come back to writing more often here at Four Leaf Clover. I hope to post every other week day (as I’ve done so far this week) until I can get back onto a normal schedule once again. I’m missing so many stories and lovely finds that have started to collect dust in my bookmarks.

Ah, right… what I’m trying to say is: have a wonderful weekend, don’t rush through it, and find some time to enjoy… and not just today, but every day (even if only for a few minutes)!

You may remember my “I’m here!” post a while back which just so happens to be when I took all of these photos. I haven’t been taking nearly as many pictures as I did when I first arrived, but I think my camera is going to have to become a staple in my bag once again. Although I study at Bournemouth University, I live a little ways away in Poole. It may be a bit far for an almost daily bus ride, but Poole has many great features (many of which I’m sure I’ve yet to discover)!

The weather has become a mucky and cold sort of thing, but it doesn’t make the bus ride back to Poole any less comforting. This place has more or less started to feel like a home (away from home, that is). I figured it was about time I showed you my first impression. It definitely has a nautical feel with seagulls calling out and the smell of saltwater. Also, Poole Harbour just so happens to be the second largest natural harbour in the world!

I live right next to the railway and the sound of trains is constant. I’ve not seen one for a while, but the steam trains that came by always had me out of my bed and peering out the window at night.

This may be the most beautiful video I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to believe such wonders really exist in this world of ours. Even though I’ve watched this short film a few times now, each time it doesn’t fail to amaze me and literally take my breath away. It looks as though it’s about time the world finds out about the gorgeousness that is Iceland.

This magic was captured thanks to Joe Capra on a 17 day solo trip during Iceland’s Midnight Sun. “Midnight Sun: A natural phenomenon occurring in the summer months north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle where the sun never fully sets and remains visible 24 hours a day.” Click here to go to the video and find out more.

When I first saw the stills on Cohabitaire, I thought they were paintings and had to see it to believe it. You’ll be missing out if you don’t do the same. High definition and fullscreen required. Sit back, marvel, and dream about your future trip to Iceland.