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)