ShoptoBeGreen.com Offers Organic, Natural & Sustainable Products

If you don't have a small family-owned green products retailer near you, you know have one online.

Shoptobegreen.com offers organic, natural and sustainable products for your body and your home. Many factors go into the careful selection of vendors and their products. They ask themselves,"Can this product reduce the public's use of petroleum products; lower landfill contribution either through bio-degradability, pre-cycle and recycle usage; and lowering chemical exposure by providing naturally made alternatives?"

They also prefer to carry products "made out of recycled materials created in an environmentally friendly way; like our reclaimed wood furniture, recycled water bottle felt pillows, and junk mail greeting cards. We also choose to carry a lot of products that are handmade by small family owned companies (like Tumbleweed Bead Co, GB Proudfoot, Decoylab and Beehive Kitchenware). One of the many reasons we love small companies is because their products tend to be handmade at the time you place your order so there are no large warehouses of inventory sucking up energy."

You can tell they've put a lot of thought into this:

"We look for items that can replace petroleum based products (like soy candles) and products that can help conserve energy usage (like LED lights and solar electronics). We carry jewelry made only from recycled metals and we will only carry antique or Canada mined diamonds so you can rest assured that it is not a conflict diamond. Our policy on products from outside of the US is to find companies that help reduce waste like Verterra’s biodegradable disposable kitchenware, Chaba reclaimed wood decor, and AquaOvo Therm-o glass bottle. We look for companies with Fair Trade policies such as our Pomiare Clayware, BeeHive Kitchenware Ceramics, and Himalayan salt lamps."

Not only is that a time-saver from shopping store to store, but it's a heartwarmer too - you can feel good about absolutely everything you purchase here. How great to support these smaller, independent producers!

I got to try Solay Wellness, for instance, which I'd never come across before. Their Whipped Body Butter is so luxurious and light, that I've been slathering all over my body ever since it arrived. And my skin has never been so soft! And the Detox Face Mask is the perfect way to combat a stressful day and/or damaged skin.

G.B. Proudfoot is another company I hadn't heard of and was thrilled to discover. Their Original Organic Lip Balm is not only soothing, it's got the most invigorating scent - ginger and orange - you'll want to eat it! For truly soft, renewed skin, their Tea with Lemon & Honey Scrub (pictured above) goes to work on ridding you of any dry skin and leaves behind rich, moist skin, all done with natural ingredients.

Not only is Shoptobegreen.com a fantastic place to shop for yourself, it makes gift-giving a breeze.

Shop now. Shop green. Shop responsibly.

Show Your Gratitude with Gorgeous, Inexpensive Cards from Thank You Cards Shop

One of the greatest joys in my life is stationery. And in particular, thank you cards.

There is something about being able to write my sincere thanks and gratitude to someone for their kindness and generosity or friendship.

So thank you cards are a very big deal to me. I don't send just anything. It's got to be darn special.

So when I found Amy Lowry's Thank You Cards Shop, I was absolutely elated. Someone that specializes in thank you's? How amazing is that?! Amy writes about how she came to have the shop: 

"[Thank You Cards Shop] is an expression of my love for stationery and for living the creative life. I cannot tell you how much fun I had designing each card for the shop. I got my start designing stationery for my own wedding, almost 6 years ago and from there I was hooked. Almost everything about our wedding was DIY! When it came time to design the thank you cards for the wedding I found myself short on time – and ended up shopping for cards, but wasn’t totally happy with the selection available and the lack of customized options. Years later, I remembered this and realized that designing stationery would allow me to explore so many different styles – and to design for so many different types of people. I knew it was a perfect fit for me, and I’m excited to be embarking on a new chapter in my career as a stationery designer."

All of the cards are digitally printed on high quality white cardstock and professionally printed and packaged in the TYCS studio. The paper is manufactured in the United States, either from FSC certified forests (ensuring responsible harvesting techniques are used) or from paper recycled from cotton remnants, with 90% of packaging materials made from recycled paper.

When is the last time you had so many thanks you card designs to choose from?

-Flowerburst Patterned Cards are sweet and summery - perfect for sending after this season's events. 

- And I love the bird themed cards - Bird Thank You Cards and Crowned Bird Thanks (pictured above). I can think of a bunch of folks that will really appreciate the beautiful illustration and colour palette of these.

- But I think I love The Birds - Stationery the most. These rendition of a happy l'il forest just makes me smile, so I can only imagine how delighted the recipient will feel.

I don't know how Amy is able to offer such affordable cards! And the more you buy, they more they go down in price. My advice is to get a bunch of your favourites and stock up. I like to have them on hand so that as soon as I want to thank someone, I can send it off in the mail as soon as possible. This week, I'll be sending Amy's lovely thank you cards and thank you notes all around the globe - to a friend in London, to a friend who just got married this weekend, to colleagues in Michigan who opened up my eyes and my world, and assorted family and friends for just being in my life.

Now I just have one problem - how do you send one to a person who makes thank you cards for a living? I'll have to think on this one...

Shop the entire Thank You Cards Shop Collection now.

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Full Circle Makes the Best Kitchen & Cleaning Tools!

Why are you still using that scrub brush that you got from the dollar store two years ago?

Ew. Not to mention that it is nowhere near eco-friendly.

That's why you've got to check out Full Circle.

Their cleaning tools are so beautiful, so wonderful to hold and use, completely eco-friendly and sustainable and - here's the biggest suprise - absolutely affordable!

Everything from dish brushes, scrub brushes, sponge, cloths, towels,to make-your-own natural cleaning set and home composting solutions are available here, so you can clean and have a clean conscience.

The Be Good Dish Brush has quickly become one of our most used kitchen tools ever. I used to just rely on a sponge and dish cloth, but this recycle plastic, renewable bamboo dish brush gets at all the stuck-on food and grease with so little elbow grease, I have time to go and make myself a drink afterwards!

Now that the Farmer's Markets are getting going, the The Ring Vegetable Brush is a must for gently removing dirt from your hand-picked carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, etc. The natural and recycled bristles work out the land from your veg quickly and easily. And the part bamboo handle is just gorgeous (Why can't Full Circle make jewelry too? This is the perfect bangle!) and so smooth. Everything Full Circle makes is just so easy on the hands, something that you certainly wouldn't notice with those cheap plastic things you've been using up until now, but you can't help but take note of - rest your thumb there, put your hand there, ahh!

And speaking of brushes, the Reach Bottle Brush works in travel mugs, baby bottles and I've been using mine to also clean the sludge that occurs in vases full of water (why does it do that?) and dust out the inside of my lamps. You simple place the longer end of the brush on the inside and squeeze the handle to clean both surfaces simultaneously. The handle and bristles are made with recycled plastic and the wire is made of  recycled stainless steel. This is one of those tools that you didn't realize was so handy until you had it, and now you can't live without it.

One of my favourite designs is the Stick'em Magnetic Kitchen Towel (pictured above). You know how chefs have a towel that sits on their hip so that they can wipe their hands or grab a hot pan out of the oven with one quick move? That's what this towel is like. You can put it wherever is most convenient, not just where it happens to fit.You can toss it towards the fridge or stove and it sticks! How cool is that? And here's the best part - the bamboo and organic cotton blend is so cushy and soft, you use it more than any other towel that's passed through the house. Ooh, if only there was pajamas in this material...

These are just a few of the amazingly wonderful, inexpensive kitchen tools from Full Circle. Look around and finally get items that are worthy of you.

Pack the Prettiest Lunch with Urban Harmonie's Reusable Lunchbags

For a short while, I actually went to an office instead of working here at my desk at the end of my bed.

Working outside the home has many challenges that don't occur here - there's the commute, people other than your cat to talk to and lunch options.

At home, I eat whenever and make whatever, depending upon my time and mood. When you work in an office, you have limited options. And where I was working, there wasn't much around to choose from, so I packed my lunch.

The problem I had was:

1. I could never find a bag cute enough to carry, so I ended up using ugly plastic bags

2. I could never find one big enough to hold my various containers of carrots, crackers, salads and whatever else I trucked in to hold me over for the day

So you can imagine my immense delight when I happened upon Urban Harmonie!

Made with the environment in mind, these delightful lunch bags and snack bags do not contain PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead or formaldehyde. Creator Vicki Davidson says, "The loops and handles on the lunch bags are made from our scrap fabric, we reuse old buttons  and we use only Kraft boxes and envelopes for shipping which can either be reused or recycled."

 

The fabric used are quality quilting cottons "coated to create a durable, water-resistant, easy to clean surface." The interior of the bags use Pro Care Barrier Fabric.  This makes it waterproof and extremely durable. And to clean your sweet l'il bag, you simply need only wipe it with a cloth and hang it to dry!

And let's talk about these fabrics, because you won't find anything cuter than In The City, Kittens and Fun Times. If you like patterns, you'll swoon for Avocado Damask, Lotus and Retro Wave.

The detail and care of these Canadian-made bags is extraordinary. Aside from the fun fabrics, you then have to think about what size you need. Do you want a strap, loop or both? Do you like it short, tall or bento shaped? There is so much to choose from!

I went with the truly awesome Pop Art Tall Boxed Lunch Bag (pictured above). I am a huge Roy Lichtenstein fan, so this bag makes me very, very happy. It also allows me to pack a whack of food (which let's face it, as a food writer, I'm not subsisting on grapes alone...). There is also an insert included, a little bamboo fibre tray that fits perfectly into the bottom, giving the bag a smidge more stability and strength. I also like that it gives a very flat bottom so that my various eats don't slip and slide while I'm navigating my way through subway crowds, etc. The insert is made without chemicals or fertilizers and does not absorb liquids or fibres. When you're done with it, place it in your compost. It will degrade 45-90 later.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Even though I'm back at home, I still pack my lunch in this cutie. And now I take food with me wherever I happen to go.

Because a bag this cute should not be left at home where no one can see or enjoy it.

Shop the entire Urban Harmonie Collection now.

Recycle Your Hangers with Ease with the Hanger Hamper

I love our place, but our bedroom closet is a constant source of agony (it even frustrated our organizer!). No matter how much I cull my clothes and rearrange things, I end up with having to yank out tops and by the end of the week, the closet looks like it's been raided by a 12-year-old.

One of my recent discoveries was that as I've been donating clothes at our local shelter box, I've been folding everything and hence, my closet still has the same number of hangers.

But how to recycle them? I've tried taking an armful to my dry cleaner, but that ended with hangers all over the sidewalk. Plastic bags don't work because the wire and plastic tears right through them.

Thank goodness for The Hanger Hamper.

This clever product helps consumers and dry cleaners easily reuse and recycle their hangers. Approximately 3.5 billion wire hangers are discarded in landfills every year, so I like feeling like I'm part of the solution - and it creates room in my perpetually cramped closet!

The cloth collapsible bag is shaped to stack up to 100 hangers neatly. The sturdy sides means they won't be tossing about on your way to the dry cleaner and the straps make it easy to transport them.  Then, when you're not using it, collapse it never worry again about wasting precious closet space. But even when it's open, it's triangular shape conform to your closet corners, making it wonderful to use for laundry or storing small items in the interim.

This afforable system ($9.95) is really a revolutionary household product.

Get your Hanger Hamper now.

Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances Make A Wonderful Holiday Gift

It drives me crazy when I see people loading up with soaps and candles from those places in the mall. It just seems so unoriginal.  And those scents? Smelling like candy canes is not natural.

That's why I recommend Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances.

I like them because they everything is made with botanical extracts and contain no toxic or harmful ingredients. They also follow environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, so you can feel good about using them and giving them this holiday season.

The essential oils used in their home products don't just smell good - they are formulated to clear and refresh the air.  And the fragrances to choose from are incredible, all at incredibly inexpensive prices, so you can afford to outfit your home as well as those on your holiday list. Take a look at what I've tried so far:

I love the large range of incense Maroma offers. I especially like their SPA line that includes not only fragrances but the therapeutic effects that go along with it. Each box of 10 includes a small incense holder (I love that!) and each stickburns for 30 minutes, allowing you the peace and calm that you need in this hectic world. New Energy is lively with its blend of Orange, Lemon, Basil, Peppermint, Lavender, Cubeb and Rosemary. And Pure Air is a wonderful blend of Pine, Vetyver, Eucalyptus Globulus, Basil, Bergamot and Spearmint that really helps make the place feel fresh, even with the windows closed.

I've never used cone incense before, but I am captivated by Devi Incense (pictured above). Blended with natural essential oils, these cones contains sandalwood powder and tree bark powder as a natural binder. What is amazing about cones versus sticks is that the ash of the cone stays in place, so you don't have to worry about any cleanup. I tried the Audacity Fragrance, which is a wonderful whirlwind of Vanilla with Jasmine, Cedrat and Mandarin. You get 12 cones plus a holder in this set. What a great gift or stocking stuffer!

And for a rich feel, I love Maroma Men's Incense. Tonka Vetiver is so sexy and alluring.

If incense isn't really your thing, Encens d'Auroville Perfume Sachets are a lovely way to bring soft fragrance into your home.  There are small squares that you can tuck in between your linens or in a drawer or sachets with paper hooks that makes it easy to bring a fresh scent to your closet, car or laundry room. Blended with natural essential oils that are infused into fine sandalwood powder then packaged in handmade paper pouches, these are a lovely way to say thanks this holiday as well as freshen the house before company arrives. I fell for Orange Blossom, Rosewood, Fragipani, Rose and Neroli.

Candles are a wonderful way to bring a scent indoors this season. Maroma's are made from 100% renewable resource farmed palm wax that gives you 24 hours of clean burn time with no smoke, soot, petroleum based residue or overriding wax odor. The wick is made of cotton and completely self-trimming. The Luminary cup and packaging are made from recycled natural materials
and the Luminary wrap is from harvested banana fiber. Once you've used up the candle, the cup can be used for tealight candles or for anything else you like. These cups are way too pretty not to showcase somewhere in the house. 

And the scents! I love the deep notes of Maroma Men's Cedar Lavender. And Maroma's Green-light Spicy Mandarin is a great choice for this time of year. The originality of Pear d'Anjou is so delightful. Just try getting anything like these fragrances at the mall.

Soap is a very popular gift at this time of year, but you'll stand out from the crowd with these Maroma blends:  

Spa soaps are 100% natural, made with certified organic soap base, with no added dyes or any synthetic fragrance. They have been triple milled, making quite the luxe gift without the hefty price tag. I think the Tranquility blend is an excellent way to unwind this holiday. 

Maroma True Soaps and Bath Salts contain no dyes, preservatives or artificial additives. I love the energy of Lemongrass. With Mango Butter, Lemongrass Leaf Powder, Lemongrass Oil, Gingergrass Oil and Palmarosa Oil, your body will be drenched in deep moisture. And for a more soothing feel, indulge in the Lavender Soap and Bath Salts.

You don't have to be a man to enjoy using Maroma Men Soap. There is the relaxing Cedar Lavender, invigorating Tonka Vetiver and the exfoliating Olibanum Citrus that uses walnut shell powder to rid you of any dry skin.

Whether you're buying Secret Santa gifts or just wanting to infuse your home with a little added warmth this season,  shop Maroma.

Celebrate the Season with The Cardboard Christmas Tree!

In recent years, there has been a real eco movement during the holidays - people sending out ecards instead of paper ones, giving less but more meaningful gifts and then there's the tree issue.

Perhaps you bought a plastic or 'fake' tree thinking that it is reusable and you don't have to kill a tree. Or maybe you believe that buying a real one is better because you can replant it.

I think one of the coolest solutions is The Cardboard Christmas Tree for a number of reasons:

1. It looks completely awesome.

2. It fits wherever you need it - there the tabletop version (1 ft) for teeny rooms and a small floor one (3 ft) for those with just a little more room.

3. It comes with its own decorations, simplifying your tree ceremony ritual forever!

4. You can colour and decorate it yourself, thereby personalizing it. Just look at what you can do!

4. It stores flat and small, so that you can finally have a tree but not have to move in order to have room to store it.

5. It is made from recycled materials, so it's your feel good tree.

6. You can mail to someone, straight from the website. Buying someone their Christmas tree tops any gift they get this yet. 

7. A portion of the profits from the Cardboard Christmas Tree sales are donated to the Arbor Day Foundation's Trees for America program. Through this program, for every one dollar donated, one tree will be planted in a damaged forest.  

8. They are so darn affordable, you might as well just get a bunch of 'em. There, your shopping list is practically done.

Shop for The Cardboard Christmas Tree now.

Give a Fair Trade Gift This Season From Ten Thousand Villages

Fair Trade products are handcrafted from sustainable materials using environmentally-friendly methods.

Ten Thousand Villages have been providing vital, fair income to people in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories since 1946.

In 2011, Ten Thousand Villages will be celebrating its 65th anniversary, making it Canada's largest and oldest Fair Trade organizations.

Ten Thousand Villages Stores are staffed in part by volunteers, but please feel free to shop online if you like (I like going to the store in my neighbourhood as it is welcoming and warm and happens to be just around the corner - there are 49 stores across Canada). You can shop for handcrafted jewelry, personal accessories, home decor, textiles, skin care, food products, toys and instruments as well as many other items. For each items, there is printed product information so your gift comes with a real story.

For Christmas, there are amazing decoration and ornaments to select from, as well as unique Nativity Scenes. They even have a Stocking Stuffers category, to make shopping that much easier for you.

If you're really stuck for what to choose, try these lists: Gifts for Him, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Kids, Gifts for the Hostess, Gifts for Teachers and Corporate Gift Ideas.

Here are some of my favourite picks:

- Coiled Paper Ball Ornaments add so much colour to the tree.

- I'm a big fan of Putumayo CDs.

- The Tea Holder/Box makes your tea a little extra special.

- Embossed Boxes can transform into a beautiful and meaningful  memory box.

- What a statement piece! I love the Black Metal Lamp and Shade.

- The Blue Tibetan Wool Accent Rug (pictured above) will be something they cherish forever.

- I am fascinated by the Himalayan Calendar and 40-Year Calendar.

- The Hogla Leaf Storage Stool is 2 gifts in one - nice!

- Ooh, I love the Handwoven Grey Silk Scarf.

- Give the gift of an indoor garden with the Ceramic Herb Pots (3 Pieces).

- Blow their minds with the Upside Down Map.

And for the food lover on your list, these cookbooks are a great gift that keeps on giving and the Black Horn Salad Servers are a classy gift. The Eight Piece Ceramic Sushi Set is simply fabulous and the Elegant Olive Wood Cutting Board is a cook's dream.

Two other wonderful options are Gift Cards and Living Gifts.

It's easy to see why it pays to shop at Ten Thousand Villages.

Shop now and make this holiday a meaningful, memorable one.

Need a Great Gift This Holiday Season? Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry for Beautiful Home and Office Decor!

I am not a fancy girl by any means, but I do like everything to be pretty.

From my wardrobe to my office, I like everything to be a little nugget of special: scarves shouldn't be plain in design or colour, stick it notes have to be in a pleasing shade or shape, my calendar can't be solely utilitarian (read: ugly) and my laptop is always covered in a striking image.

So when I saw Button Ups by Chelsea and Kerry, I knew I'd found design mavens that got that your work/home/live space needs to be as pretty as your jewelry, shoes, etc.!

This Canadian duo specialize in handmade bulletin boards "created with refurbished antique frames and decorated cork." They also create amazing Antique Button Push Pins (that come on teeny little bulletin board cutouts, pictured above - no need to wrap them!) and Antique Button Magnet Sets.

The pictures on the site just don't do these buttons and boards justice - they are so beautiful. Like little gems. And you can finally get rid of those hideous plastic things you've been using to hold up your postcards, photos, notes and other important documents on your wall.

And here's the thing - everything is made by hand and yet, look at how affordable everything is!  And it doesn't stop there: If you don't see what you are looking for, they also do custom orders and "will work with you to create a design perfect for your space."

There is such a range of colours and designs - it's such a joy to have each one be different than the rest. Don't you crave that kind of decor? Where everything is so special, so hand-selected?  

I love having these antique mementos facing me as I write. I wonder where they come from, who wore them and when - it's a little bit of history right there with you. What an incredible gift that is. I have a host of people on my gift list that I think will really treasure these beauties as much as I do (I can't stop looking at them - can you say that about your current board/pins?).

Chances are, you and your friends are going to be seriously talking new year's resolutions in a week or two. Why not put them up on the loveliest boards with the most dashing pins and magnets?!

Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry and have the most beautiful, exceptional holiday and new year every year!

Discover the New SUSY JACK* for Blue Sky Collection of 2011 Calendars & Planners

Well, it's official: It's less than a month until Christmas and just over a month until the new year.

I don't want to get you all panicked (I know you have enough to worry about), but seriously - it's time to get a planner/calendar for the new year!

And I'm swooning over the contemporary look of Blue Sky's NEW Designer Series - SUSY JACK* for Blue Sky collection of 2011 calendars and planners.

I love that this collection is colourful, but not distracting and busy - I mean, I want to be able to see what I write.

The colours are peaceful and soothing, which is just what what you want when you get a look at that insane schedule of yours. Choose from Raspberry Bloom, Periwinkle Cornflower and Green Vines in silhouette on ecru and white backgrounds. Feminine and pretty, but serene. No bright, jarring colours here (thank you for that).

After choosing the colour that pleases you most, choose the size that works with your life. I change it up every year depending on what my work (and desk) are like.

No matter what you select, the durable cover will stand up to you toting it around with you, or the piles of work and cups of coffee that hover nearby on your desk.

 

But no doubt, it will be the clean planning pages that you fall in love with the most.

Susy Connor of Susy Jack* explains her vision for her calendars and planners:

"When I launched Susy Jack* in 2007, I wanted to create simple yet expressive design people would enjoy bringing into their own daily lives. Since then, I’ve received many requests to make a dated planner - but as anyone who has shopped for one knows, calendars and planners are tricky to get just right. Through this collaboration with Blue Sky, I can offer my design style to a broader audience, in a well-considered, well made assortment of dated goods for everyday use. It's a really great partnership." 

My Mom has been carrying a purse-sized planner for years (don't most Moms?), but I think this one, the 2011 Weekly/Monthly Stapled Planner (3.75 x 6.25 11/12), is by far her favourite.  It's because it's so pretty and so easy to use. 

For keeping your family organized at home, the 2011 Monthly Wall Calendar is a dream. My friend Victoria is going to use hers for at the office, so that she can keep her deadlines in plain sight. But there's nothing plain about her calendar...

Ooh, the 2011 Weekly/Monthly Planner 8.5 x 11 is good looking. And so nice and big - finally enough room to write everything down that I need to do! It includes tabbed months, so you can easily look ahead to what needs to be done and when.  There's the weekly calendar to capture my appointments and to-do lists, as well as an overview calendar, quick reference, contacts and notes  pages. I got it in Green Vines. It looks so good on my desk, I just want to use it ALL THE TIME.

That's the kind of calendar/planner you should have. Something you absolutely l-o-v-e. 

Get an entire year of lovely online at Blue Sky, Amazon.com, and at Office Depot stores. 

p.s. These calendars and planners are printed with non-toxic soy based ink on recycled paper containing 60% post-consumer materials.

Discover Fun, Modern Cards at Spiffy Press!

Ooh, I love me a great card.

You know the ones that you grab and say, "Oh, this is P-E-R-F-E-C-T!"?

That's ALL the cards at Spiffy Press.

Each time I thought, no, it can't get any better than this, it did, and I'd find another one.

The All Occasion Cards are exactly what you want to send to friends, family and colleagues:

- Nerd in that big, beautiful, bada** font tells your friend who blogs and tweets like a tween and likes to read The Economist for fun, that you care.

- Chill (pictured above) is so awesome, I almost want to keep it. But instead, I'm sending it off to stressed-out folks. God, it's not even November yet, nevermind December. Better buy these ones in bulk.

- I can think of a whack of people I could send this one to - That's What She Said -  but the one that says this phrase over and over is going to be the recipient. In fact, since he's moving later this month, this will be him and his husband's new home card. See, I told you - perfect!

For Thank Yous, which I send all the time (right now, my list is at 8), I think THKS is fantastic - simple and uber modern. Just what I need. Isn't it great when a card says it all, so that you don't have to?

Personally, I don't think this Mom card needs to be relegated all the way out here in the Mother's Day section. It's suitable for so many folks, don't you think (though admittedly, it will probably be sent to my Moms - how can I resist?!)

And if you're looking for custom cards or holiday cards (it's less than 2 months away!), Spiffy Press will do that to. You can also order your custom mix in a boxed sets of blank note cards or get/give the Card O’ the Month Club! It’s the perfect gift "for someone who appreciates hand-printed designs with a modern spirit!"

All letterpress cards are made from 100% cotton, tree-free paper and are accompanied with 100% recycled paper-bag envelopes (sooo cute and what a great idea!). 

All cards are blank inside, so you finally get to say what you want.

Which is really the point, isn't it?

Spiffy Press Cards are phenomenal. Why send anything less?

Pass On Your Best Wishes with Regreet!

I still believe in sending cards and letters through the mail.

Call me old fashioned, but I love giving people something to hold onto. Doesn't it feel like so much more than an email? I think so.

And I know that you might be thinking - we shouldn't be wasting paper!

I don't think it's a waste at all, but I do think that Regreet has come up with a fantastic solution to sending cards AND saving the planet and yourself some money. Have you seen how much cards are these days?

Watch the video to see how it works (Christy Eichers, President & Founder, explains it so much better than I could)!

Isn't that amazing? You can repurpose 8 cards with just Regreet Greeting Kit!

Each greeting kit contains:

- Materials to repurpose four greeting cards (4 journey labels, 4 signature labels, 4 sheets of notepaper, 4 envelopes)

- Four hop along kits to ensure each card continues on its journey (4 signature labels, 4 sheets of notepaper, 4 envelopes). Send one of these kits along with a card you regreet so the recipient can keep it going (and you can watch its progress online!)

I've already used almost all of my kit up - we have 12 birthdays in November alone!

And here's a great idea: Once you've received cards for your birthday, anniversary, etc., put them in this amazingly sturdy and beautifully designed Greeting Card Organizer. That way, when March rolls around and it's time to send off birthday greetings to Uncle Joe, you've got a card ready and waiting!  

Just imagine the time, energy, money and stress you'll save by having both of these amazing items in your life!

Life is hard enough without having to rush around to get yet another card for yet another occasion. Use Regreet and save yourself and the planet.

It just makes sense!

Be Good to the Planet with Simple Shoes' Sneakers

It's so lovely out today. Doesn't it make you want to go for a walk?

I'm walking in complete comfort, thanks to my Simple Shoes D-Kay Jute Sneakers (pictured above).

I wrote about Simple Shoes Flippee's back in the summer and loved that they were both eco-friendly and super comfortable. Now I can get that same joy throughout the fall in my sneaks!

I got them in white, but you may want to get one of the darker colours to go with your fall clothes.  

The jute and organic cotton blend uppers are darn cute. Paired with colourful certified organic cotton laces, you'll have the best looking pair of runners on the block.

With bottoms made of "super soft and squishy polyurethane foam and recycled rubber," a certified organic cotton lining and footbed, and biodegradable sole, you get the comfort, along with environmental responsibility and peace of mind.   

Simple Shoes: stylish, well-made and good for you AND the planet. Those other sneaker companies just can't compare.

Related Posts:
- Simple Shoes' Women's Flippee are Pretty, Earth-Friendly and Damn Comfortable

Smart Glass Recycled Jewelry - Drink It. Wear It. LOVE It!

I can't think of a better necklace than a Smart Glass necklace for me.

After all, what better gift for a food writer than the Murano Necklace (pictured above)?

In the words of Atlanta Designer Kathleen Plate, "Inspired by the artists of Murano, Italy, this necklace combines the best shapes, colors, and textures of our most popular pieces."

It's striking for sure. And really, I don't have anything like it in my collection.

But here's the best part - it's made from food and drink bottles! Kathleen, you're a woman after my own heart.

The aqua part is from a sake bottles, the pine coloured "o" is from a red wine bottle and the clear glass part in the middle? From a salad dressing bottle!! 

And there's no way that Kathleen could know how much I love salad (So much that I have one pretty much everyday. So much so that when I make one at home, our cat Cosmo comes over for a lick of dressing).

What a ingenious idea. 

It's no wonder Aveda came to her for an order and Coca-Cola commissioned her to create a line of jewelry using their signature bottles.

And there's something so satisfying about wearing not only beautiful jewelry, but one with a past. Jewelry that has been shaped and cared for by hand.

Kathleen has a real eye for design and detail. After all, she finishes the Murano with delicate silver strands that add a decidedly modern edge, but with a slight flapper feel. 

Check out the entire Recycled"Open" line, where the Murano lies, and be sure to stop by the Coca-Cola licensed products, Boutique line, Rings and Cufflinks, Recycled, Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Home and Hardware and Guys line.

I think you just got a new place to do all of your present buying. 

I know I did.

Make the Switch to Better For GrownUps Reusable Organic Cotton Tissues

This year I want to make some changes in how I do things.  

I vigorously recycle and compost at home, and donate my clothes on a regular basis.  

But there's got to be something more...

Better For GrownUps has a host of products that can help and their Reusable Organic Cotton Tissues are a great place to start. 

The first to love about them is that they are soft (Fair Trade & Certified Organic cotton), so you'll actual want to use them.  Who wouldn't rather feel sateen against their skin than paper?  And while soft, these little guys are strong, so go ahead and sneeze right into 'em - they can take it!  

The box they come in is smart - your tissues are dispensed just like the traditional ones you've been using up until now, but there is a drawer compartment built into this one, that allows you to discard your used tissues with ease.  Then just toss them into the wash with the rest of your laundry. It's that easy!

You get 12 tissues to start and refill packs are available.  

Switching to Better for GrownUps Reusable Organic Cotton Tissues is a change you can feel good about.

See what else you can do.

Working Class Studio's Journals Make Writing Fun!

Working Class Studio is a division of SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design).

Here you'll find the coolest, most colourful and innovative products. Everything from plates to pillows, stationery to picture frames, you'll find great gifts and things to liven your house.

I am excited about their New Journals for their Fall & Holiday 2010 Collections. There are 5 designs to choose from.

I selected the whimsical Buttons, but they are all so darn pretty, you should probably just get one of each. You know, just to be safe....

Printed using soy ink on post-consumer waste recycled paper, these journals are just what the urban commuter needs - cute, but practical. The soft cover may lead you to think that it's not up to the task of being toted around, but the elastic band closure ensures that all of your 96 pages remain intact during travel.

The size - 6" x 8" - is great for stashing in your bag as you run out the door (it seems to know how busy you are, but understand that you simply must write down what's on your mind), but not too small that you have to cram all of your brilliant thoughts and ideas into a tiny little thing where you can't read anything you've written and your hand cramps and then you stop using it because it's too inconvenient.

Nope, this is the perfect size and with such strong black lines, you might not have the neatest handwriting, but at least your writing will be in a somewhat straight line for once.

It's everything you could want in a journal.

Which is exactly what you look for when looking for a journal...