Eco Things That Make Me Happy

I've been paying extra attention lately to the eco-choices I see around me and I am happy to report there are many. Here are some of the ways those around me are making changes:

*My bank, Chase no longer uses deposit slips or envelopes! Checks can be deposited directly into the ATM eliminating all that paper waste not to mention time!

*People all around me using their reusable bags and refusing plastic grocery bags!

*Huggies making an organic cotton diaper! While there are of course great eco brands of diapers and cloth options, it's important for large companies to have eco choices because of their wide spread availability.

*Costco selling more and more organic options, we must vote with our wallets and let them know we want to see more and more eco and organic products

What about you, are you seeing anything that's make your eco-happy?

Juliette Rae

Juliette Rae has arrived! Born September 1st at a healthy 10lbs 8 oz. Don't worry I will be blogging again soon, as for now I am spending my time holding, gazing at and adoring Juliette.

Fruits & Vegetables Decoded

Shopping for fruits and vegetables has never been so confusing! From genetically modified to organic to conventional. The list goes on...

Here's a simple method for distinguising those pesky labels when they aren't so clear:

Look for the PLU codes on the labels stuck on your fruits and veggies.

* A four-digit number means it's conventionally grown.
* A five-digit number beginning with 9 means it's organic.
* A five-digit number beginning with 8 means it's genetically modified.

Voila, that should be easy enough. Print out and stick it in your wallet, easy enough.

(Image: http://feelgoodfood.files.wordpress.com)

Green Dream: Outdoor Shower

Shower by the light of the sun in a stunning outdoor shower!!! Oh what a lovely dream of mine....I imagine a big block of soap and a natural bristle brush just like the one pictured.

(Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things)

Fit for Kings & Queens

So I popped into a Duane Reade this past week in New York. Now, if you live here you know they are the "on every corner" drug store, nothing special, and trust me if you live outside the city, nothing like the huge amazing, product filled drugstores that have me drooling.

I love me a drug store. And since organic and natural health & body care has become more commonplace, the neighborhood drugstore has become a great source to pick up all you may need for a much smaller price tag than boutique.

I discovered a line called For Kings & Queens, made by non other than Korres, the Greek line full of deliciously scented natural products for hair, face & body. I picked out a Vanilla & Pear body scrub to try, while lingering over their delicious shower gel scents...I will be back.

Scents include:
Myrrh
Lime
Honey
Lemon Flower
Jasmine
Vanilla Pear
Cinnamon Orange

The line can be found at Beauty.com which makes it easy for all to enjoy!

(Image:www.cybelesays.com)

Daily Eco: A Cleaner Mani/Pedi

Pamper yourself with an eco friendly mani-pedi! If you're local spot doesn't treat customers to chemical free products, bring your own and ask them to use them.

I am treating my pregnant toes to a pedicure today, mainly because I can't reach them but also so that when I do go into labor which could be any day now, I can relish in the fact that my feet look spotless! I am toting my Butter nail polish and Peacekeeper nail polish remover with me. Peacekeeper also makes nail polish in a few shades and has a mission statement to impress:

"PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics is the first cosmetics company to give all of its after-tax, distributable profits to women’s health advocacy and urgent human rights issues."

See you can pamper yourself and help others all at the same time!

psst...Butter nail polish is available at Beauty.com!

(Images: iamapeacekeeper.com)

Eco-Lust

OMG! It takes a lot to have my jaw drop these days but low and behold while perusing my favorite blogs this afternoon I discovered hanging upside down planters on Poppy Talk! Amazing. I want, badly....

Can by purchased here!

(Image: rockettstgeorge)

Yard Sale Lovin'

Daily Candy just shared a pretty amazing tool in their daily email. What an amazing idea!!!

Yard Sale Maps, haven't you ever wished you didn't need to spend ages walking the city trying to find a nearby yard sale (or stoop sale as we call them here in yardless land), well now you don't have to. Check it out here!

(Image:farm1.static.flickr.com)

Hilarious Eco-Bumper Sticker

(Image:http://www.mnn.com/transportation/cars/photos/top-10-funniest-eco-bumper-stickers/12309)

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

Eco-Quote

Regarding animals and how they make it through climate change or don't:

"As the environment changes, individuals that can't change are lopped off" -Holzapfel, Time Magazine July 20,2009

Eco-Baby Buys

It's T-23 days until due date and I am deep in nesting mode. I've spent the last 9 months gathering my baby's first clothes, natural skin care and all the stylish baby gear I can get my hands on. I wanted to highlight what I am most excited to use and see our little one in! I'll be sure to post real life reviews once I am using these products but for now, I can dream...

I snagged a Kee Ka Honey Bunny organic onsie at Still Hip in Brooklyn. It's organic and I bought it used, talk about eco-friendly!

In addition to Kee Ka finds, I've scoured and found a few super cheap Kate Quinn Organic items as well. Organic for the first few months is our goal, and finding gently worn organic basics are the way to go! It's all about finding the sales, accepting those hand me downs and buying used!

What's cuter than baby skin care? Little Twig couldn't be a sweeter brand of baby care, they make bath care to sun care. We're dividing our needs between Weleda, Little Twig and Method Baby. Little Twig takes the cake by far when it comes to packaging and cuteness factor! See for yourself...

And while these aren't made from organic cotton (they are available in organic now though, in a variety of beautiful designs) I still can't wait to wrap my little bundle up in these...

(Images: Kee Ka , Kate Quinn Organics www.storkbabyboutique.com, Aden & Anais

Daily Inspiration

(Images: Absolutely Beautiful Things)

C'est Une Belle Vie

Sometimes a photo can capture how beautiful we as humans can exist alongside nature...

The chair is rusted so beautifully and the aloe is bursting with life...


Eggs are so pure and lovely...


Ah, Magnolias...


All images & inspiration by the amazing blog Simply Lovely

Super Cute Eco Totes!

While NOT BUYING is really the way to go, there comes a time when it's time to update the wardrobe and make a eco-statement! Ditch the leather for a more natural fabric bag. Green Girl makes some pretty spiffy totes. I already can't decide which style I like best.

They come in a variety of patterns, prices and fabrics. Making the choice that much harder...

Support Small Boutiques & Precious Items I Desire

Stop shopping at big name stores, give that up and support small businesses! They've got way more to offer in my opinion, especially when they've got such a great eye for design, style and discovering the undiscovered. I've included some online store links as well as a local favorite...what are your favorite small boutiques and shops, leave the link in the comment section, let's get the word out to support small businesses!

I'm gaga for this knit mobile from Bla Bla, a bit pricey yes, but they make up for it with lesser priced stuffed animals that are super soft!


TWEED shea butter solid lotion bar made with organic shea butter, cocoa butter, and essential oils...oh la la! By Etsy shop PortlandGeneralStore

Hanging plant pot, genius! From Sprout Home


For baby Meyer-Harley, for when she's older from The Little Seed...


One of my favorite shops, Dalaga! It's only a few steps from my apartment, lethal I know!