Eco-Lust Worthy

There's a voice in the back of my mind that reminds me that supporting the leather industry is just as bad as supporting the factory farming industry. Do I know where my leather shoes, belts, wallets and handbags source their leather? no. I hope over time animal sources will become as important to material goods as they are becoming to the food industry. For the time being, I will seek out alternative choices and hope things start to change.

But, I still like me a leather bag. Problem, yes. Answer, yes! Recycled leather. I've seen a few designers use recycled leather in the past few years and I couldn't be happier to find yet another!

Ora is Randi's project, and fashion is her passion. She loves how each piece carries the stories of their previous owners through the details and character of the leather

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Canvas Totes Get a Stylish Makeover & 30% off!

Time to update the canvas tote! I've got a fleet so I have to stay away from these darling canvas totes, but I know there are folks out there who's canvas totes are ripped & used to shreds, literally. I've had a few break straps myself.

Angela Adams has amazingly fashionable prints and with a Daily Candy 30% discount code they are totally affordable!

Thanks Daily Candy!

*use code CANDY

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Eco-Mama Hearts a Bargain!

We're all looking for ways to save some green right? *resounding yes! As a new mama I want only the best for my little Juliette. That means I try to find the most natural fabrics, ingredients and eco-companies to support. I've been a member of EcoBabyBuys for a few months and have scored some darling little Kicky Pants rompers for 60% off. I thought I'd share the wealth! Below is all the information you need straight from the horses mouth, and in this case that means EcoBabyBuys themselves:

EcoBabyBuys.com's "one deal a day" format features eco-friendly items for babies and children for at least 40% off regular retail prices. The deals go green at 9 am EST, but you have to be quick with your mouse (or smartphone) because it's on a first come, first serve basis.

When Manuela and Stacey set out to create EcoBabyBuys, they had one principle in mind. Their mission was to discover manufacturers that offered non-toxic, eco-friendly and fairly traded products for babies and children. As urban mothers, they thought a little bit of style wouldn't hurt either.

As mothers of young boys, they know firsthand that parenthood is a doorway to chaos. Lives get thrown upside down in good ways and ways completely out of one's control. Practicality and function often take over. Looking good gets relegated to unbreakable and spill-proof. Unfortunately, anti-aesthetic practicality also comes at a much higher price in the form of harmful materials used to make baby products cheap and durable. It takes one brief phone call to one's parents to realize that it wasn't always this way. Manuela and Stacey believe that it is possible to raise one's children without the fear of toxic products and that is EcoBabyBuys.com's mission.

It is also their goal to alleviate any additional stress that comes with being a busy parent. Not everyone finds the time to address the safety record of a manufacturer or knows where to start to look. They take pride in researching their vendors to meet the following strict criteria so that they may provide the best and safest possible products on the market to their customers:
· the use of non-toxic materials and dyes;
· the use of organic and/or recycled textiles and materials;
· the use of eco-friendly packaging;
· and a commitment and adherence to the standards of fair-trade.

In addition to EcoBabyBuys.com, the founders also have a blog (also found at www.ecobabybuys.com) where they write about topics relating to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and they welcome a dialogue with their customers and the larger web-community.

Please join EcoBabyBuys.com in making this world a better place for all children to live one EcoBabyBuy at a time!

Summit on the Summit

Celebrities including Emile Hirsch, Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Gore just reached the summit of Mt.Kilimanjaro! Their goal? To raise awareness of the worldwide water crisis.

Check out their Summit on the Summit website for more information, the website is pretty amazing. Lots to learn, places to donate and great graphics.

RIP Ady Gil

I am sure many have heard the news of the collision between the Sea Shepard Boat The Ady Gil and the Japanese Whaling boat this past week. I've watched a few different videos from a few different angles, and I think it's apparent that the Japanese whaling boat did in fact ram the Ady Gil. Both sides blame the other, but in my opinion the video speaks for itself. If you pay careful attention to the water you can see that the Ady Gil is barely moving as it's rammed, then you see it rapidly backing away after the collision.


Click here to see video

As a few days had past it became apparent that the Ady Gil was beyond repair. Not only did the Sea Shepard organization loose a major asset, but one of their own members was injured. Horrible. (He's recovering and will be fine) Paul Watson, the Captain and head of Sea Shepard is obviously fuming and vowing to continue their fight with even more vengeance.

One thing that struck me was that while the Ady Gil was sinking is that members of Sea Shepard scrambled to remove the batteries and fuel from the boat so as to avoid environmental damage! That is the type of people they are.

This is not the last we've heard of this story I am sure, stay tuned for a new season of Whale Wars this summer and if you can't wait, pick up a copy of Paul Watson's books or donate to the Sea Shepard organization to help further their cause.

Click here to go straight to their site.

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Wishing you a Happy New Year

I wish you all a very warm and cozy New Year! Full of romance, sweetness, nature, love, family, friends and happiness!

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Small Changes by Kee Ka {Review}

Everyone warned me that Juliette would grow out of everything extremely fast and I didn't really believe them much.

*sigh, I was wrong!

Each week I pull out clothes that no longer snap, sleeves that don't reach and pants that are now shorts. The money I am spending on clothing has gone down as I realize how fast she's growing. When I see something I just must have I make sure to buy it for Spring or Summer so she'll get the most use out of it as I know her growth will slow down a bit.

While I'm cutting back for sure I am still trying to find organic and eco-friendly materials for her. I'm a member of a few online baby/kids sale sites and have scored some Kicky Pants Bamboo coveralls for around $10 dollars each (well below their retail price) and scour the used clothing bins for organic onsies. Though I am realizing I need a few new things for her and am not sure I'll be able to wait for sales or dig through the used baby clothes bins. Do my delight I have discovered a relatively affordable organic baby company yesterday! Small Change Organics made by Kee Ka! I love Kee-Ka but find their prices a bit high, so I was positively smitten with Small Changes. The line is full of bright onsies, rompers, bibs, hats and pants. The saturated colors don't scream 'baby' and that makes me happy!

Small Changes is available at Land of Nod online.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays! Kiss your loved ones and hug them a little longer than usual. Cozy up to the fire and share cookies over cups of hot cocoa...



Nature makes the most beautiful decoration...

Sexy Metallic Tyvek Tote

Any gal on your holiday list will just adore this metallic reusable bag, she'll use it every day I swear!

Click here to buy!

Dress Your Eco-Baby In Kicky Pants {Review}

When I became pregnant I vowed my baby would wear as much organic and eco clothing as I could afford, look stylish and adorable and never ever sport tacky baby clothes.

I started my research early on and found many brands I fell in love with. One such brand was Kicky Pants. I not only loved their brand name but instantly coveted their clothing. They use bamboo, an amazingly eco fabric! Their prints are exactly what I was looking for. My rule of thumb with most of my daughter's clothing is that if the print is something I'd sport I love it. I don't generally like overly baby baby clothes, leaning more towards darling colors and soft fabrics.

Their designs are drool worthy and patterns to die for! Juliette was brought home from the hospital in Kicky Pants Plum colored bamboo coveralls. Even the nurse at the hospital gushed over our outfit choice. Since then I've bought Juliette 2 more pairs of coveralls and my sister bought her a dress for when she's a little bit older.

I love Kicky Pants because they use sustainable fabrics and because they use beautiful muted colors on their oh so soft clothing. They remain of my favorite baby brands, I look forward to dressing little Juliette up in their many beautiful items. Check out their website for more info and to see more of their offerings.


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J'adore Nettleton Hollow + 35% off!

I love decorating with things from nature. I have birch branches & bark in my home as well as antlers and collected shells too. It's fun collecting these things yourself, but when you live in a city it's not always easy. Never fear, Nettleton Hollow is here to help! They sell a beautiful collection of dried flowers, fruits, foliage and branches. They are the leading provider of lasting botanicals. They are based in Brooklyn too, what up!

Just today I received a code for 30% off their lovely branches & botanicals from Daily Candy. What better time! Pick up some stunning and unique gifts this holiday. Here's the code: THANKSDAILYCANDY

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Green Giving: Gift Guide Continued...

No matter what you celebrate, gift giving can be stressful, especially as the shopping days are numbered. No need to worry when there's tons of great eco-gifts available. I've done the leg work for you and found some great gift & stocking stuffer ideas!

For Kids & Babies
Kee-Ka organic baby/kids clothes, sheets & towels. I'm loving their Peanut collection, cause I call my little Juliette peanut for short.

Oompa is the place to go for baby/kids toys. They have an organic & eco-friendly section where you can stock up on toys that children love. My picks? The Under The Nile Veggie Crate for $25.99 and the adorable wooden Pull Along Zebra for $19.99

For your Pets
Show your pooch you love them with this recycled doggie bone called RecycleBone. Made from discarded rubber in the making of chew toys this one is a perfect treat!

Going to a holiday party? Treat the hostess!
Stray from the obvious with these brightly colored bowls made from organically grown bamboo and natural lacquer. Made by Bambu.

Impress with reincarnated beer bottles made into tea light holders, they are stunning. From Viva Terra

For your Secret Santa/Gift Exchange
Brighten someone's day with a beautifully packaged organic soap from Nostalgia Organics. Beautiful, organic and under your $10 buck price limit!

Tap into their snack side with Oatmeal Blueberry Cookies made with organic ingredients from One Lucky Duck.

For ideas closer to home, check out your local drugstore and pick up nationally available brands such as Eco-Tools, Burt's Bees, Method and Mrs. Meyer's for great ideas for anyone on your gift list.

I Heart Trees

There's nowhere I'd rather be than lying on the grass, gazing up at beautiful trees as the clouds rush by...


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Green Giving: Gift Guide

Time to get your shop on! Why not take this opportunity to buy green this holiday season. As more and more companies go green with their wares it's becoming easier and easier to incorporate earth friendly items into your gift list. Here are 20 gift ideas for you!

For Anyone
Flip & Tumble- Take reusable bags to the next level with these colorful and fun bags that roll up into a ball for easy storage. I've had one for a few years and couldn't love mine more! ps. check out the website for a great how to video

Aquaovo- Double walled Thermo-Bottle you can use for hot & cold beverages

Purely Elizabeth- For the foodie in your life, stuff their stocking with these all natural, super healthy & gluten free mixes. My pick? Blueberry Maple Muffins. Yum! Or pick up this book and start a new trend, The Organic Cook's Bible. Order it used on Amazon for additional green points!

For The Boys
For the boys? Weleda Shaving Cream & After Shave- Cause a smooth face can't be beat

For The Ladies
Alex & Ani Cameo Cocktail Ring- Who doesn't love jewelry? *Search Urban Branches for a Alex & Ani review from last year!

Jurlique- Create your own gift set with their delicious and beautiful looking skin/face/body care products. My vote? Rose Body Lotion & Rose Hand Cream

Novella Royale Hudson Studded Clutch- This recycled leather clutch is a must have for any fashionista in your life

For Kids & Babies
Treat your little one to the ultimate crib sheets from Plover. Can I have them for me please?

Keep your kiddies busy with this Guerilla Art Kit

More to come next week...

Seal The Deal: Sign the Petition

SIGN!!!

(Content from Seal The Deal)

The UN-led Seal the Deal Campaign aims to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December.

Climate change affects us all. Nine out of every ten disasters recorded are now climate related. Rising temperatures and more frequent floods, droughts and storms affect millions of people’s lives. This is set against a backdrop of financial and food insecurity.

On December 7, governments will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark to respond to one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. The main question will be how protect the planet and create a green economy that will lead to long-term prosperity
Reaching a deal by the time the meeting ends on December 18 will depend not only on complex political negotiations, but also on public pressure from around the globe.

The United Nations has launched “Seal the Deal” campaign that encourages users to sign an online, global petition which will be presented by civil society to governments of the world.

The petition will serve as a reminder that our leaders must negotiate a fair, balanced and effective agreement in Copenhagen, and that they must seal a deal to power green growth, protect our planet and build a more sustainable, prosperous global economy that will benefit all nations and people

THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE: STAMP YOUR VOTE AND SEAL THE DEAL!

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In NYC This Weekend?

If you're in NYC this weekend, here's something you must check out!

South Bronx Food & Film Expo
What: Attend seminars about growing your own food, watch Bronx-made films about urban farming, and devour a vegan lunch.
Why: Locavores unite. (And it’s free, but donations of food and clothing are encouraged.)
When: Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: The Point, 940 Garrison Ave., b/t Barretto & Manida Sts., entrance on Manida St., Hunts Point (718-542-4139).