Blogity Blog Blog: Lovely Finds from Around the Blogosphere (and beyond)

Clothes-Pin - a lovely reminder that vegan shoes can be extremely sexy. article

Really cool eco toys for kids on Haute Look from Kidsonroof including totally awesome cardboard houses to play with. Use my invite for instant access: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/lmeyer-harley471

Passion, a lovely and simple thought of the day from Design is Mine

Stunning photography on HEARBLACK

OMG the cuteness of these whole wheat goldfish crackers. Homemade of course. From my favorite food blog, Smitten Kitchen

Beautiful Ikat journals found on Beklina

You can't go wrong with this super stylish backpack. For you and your kiddos. Found on Creatures of Comfort

Dan Eldon + Toms Shoes = Heartbreakingly Amazing

a sample of Dan Eldon's amazing work

Dan Eldon's amazing journals

That is the ACTUAL thumbprint of Dan Eldon. Wow.

"Journey is The Destination" written all over the shoe. A Dan Eldon quote.

About 10 years ago I stumbled upon a gorgeous collection of scrapbook style art from artist and photojournalist Dan Eldon. His work fascinated me on many levels. I had always loved that messy style of scrapbooking and combining art techniques. I loved his use of painting, photography, drawing and found art all together in one. He created these amazing journals of his travels and opening one was like taking a journey yourself. They were heartbreaking in their beauty and emotionally strong in their ability to show you the world. Dan Eldon was killed during a protest in Mogadishu.

I have a few of his books (art books) and have given them as heartfelt gifts to many. His work lives on via his family on this amazing website http://daneldon.com/ and as I just discovered through my new favorite shoe company Toms Shoes. I was gifted a pair for Christmas and they are my new favorite! The story behind the line is simple, they make amazing shoes, stylish and comfortable, and for each pair you purchase a pair is purchase for a child in need of shoes. What could be better than that!

You can imagine my smile when I stumbled across this bit of information on the Toms Shoes website while I was checking out their kids line for Juliette (which is adorable by the way). Take a moment to see this line inspired my the spirited life of Dan Eldon. His work is amazing and these shoes are a great tribute to his life and passions. You simply must check them out.

My eyes are tearing just thinking about how proud he would be to be apart of a company that donated a pair of shoes for each one purchased. I think I might need a new pair...

wow.

(Images of Dan Eldon's work straight from http://daneldon.com and shoe pictures are fromhttp://www.toms.com)

EcoWasBal

(Image)

I just got home from doing 2 loads of laundry, with a baby, in the cold. Someday I might have my own washer and dryer but for now I tote my stuff about 2 blocks and back each week. One thing I'd love to stop lugging, the detergent. I use Method & Costco brand eco-detergent in Lavender. lovely and earth friendly. But, I am sick of transfering my mega bottle into smaller luggable versions every few weeks. I came across this awesome product today that I've gotta try. It's available at a shop in my neighborhood so I'll be checking it out soon for sure! You can find it online at The Future Perfect

The Ecowasbal is just what I've been looking for. A soap-less ball you toss in with your wash. The ball is filled with little ceramic beads that when in contact with water reduce surface tension in water, activate water molecules and poof, dirt is released. The softness of your clothes is maintained along with the color too! They recommend adding a tiny amount of detergent for heavier-soiled loads (and include a tiny little measuring spoon for that).

This baby is good for 1,000 washes! That's about 4 years worth of lugging, buying and using detergent! Think about the plastic containers you're not going to be tossing! If you want the lovely scent of something, toss a Method dryer sheet in with your dryer and you're good to go.


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Shop it Green: Steals & Deals Edition!

In the whirlwind of a weekend of shopping, I've been staying pretty low key. I stocked up on a few organic goodies at Drugstore.com who had a 15% off site wide sale, I picked up a few stocking stuffers and a few Mrs.Meyer's Lavender candles for our home. Anyway...

In an issue of InStyle Magazine I have discovered tons and tons of coupon codes for amazing deals including percentages off and free shippings. I thought I just must share them here! I am not sure of each codes expiration, so forgive me if they don't work. Here they are (including lots of eco-friendly options)

Castorandpolluxstore.com - code: instyle10 (20% off)

Shop.moxsie.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Check out their 'Eco-Shop' full of lovely eco-friendly jewelry, makes for the perfect gift!

Bodenusa.com - code: st20 (20% off)
*Includes darling clothes for babies, kids and great picks for Men & Women!

Lulus.com - code:instyle (20% off)
*They've got the coziest looking infinity scarves in great colors

Greenwithglamour.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*Including the most precious handsewn stuffed animals that you must pick up for the babies in your life!

AlexandAni.com (I've blogged about them here on Urban Branches, check it out) - code: instyle (20% off)
*A must for the gals in your life, crafted of eco-friendly materials!


Ecoconsciousmarket.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*The one stop shop for everyone on your list, score eco-conscious radios, baby clothes, art, skincare and clothes for men & women

Tobi.com - code: tobi20style (20% off)
*Click on their eco-tobi link on the main page for eco-finds such as Alternative Apparel, Juice Beauty, Envirosax, Korres, Ren, Matt & Nat and much much more

Beautorium.com - code: instyle (20% off)
*Fill your cart with Weleda, John Masters Organics, Suki, Dr.Hauschka, Trilogy for Men and lots more


Skincarebylana.com - code: instyle (20% off)

Upurea.com - code: instyle20 (20% off plus a free gift)
*Score non-toxic nail polish!

Threepotatofourshop.com - code: instyle3p4 (free gift with purchase)
*I love this site for their flea market finds!

Pure-habitat.com - code: instyle2010 (20% off and free shipping on orders above $100)
*Check your list and pick up some organic, fair-trade and cruelty-free goodies for all those on your list)

Froghollow.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Give the gift of organic fruit, what better! Includes 25 varieties including peaches, cherries and nectarines that are send directly from the farm.

Polarnopyretusa.com - code: stylepop (20% off non-sale items)
*The coolest of the cool clothes for babies and kiddos, and they've got an eco section to boot!

And don't forget to stop by PureandLittle on Monday for a 50% off site wide sale! Pick up lots of organic and natural goodies for your purest baby.

What are you waiting for, get to shopping! Oh and to keep it extra earth friendly, shop with a friend of relative, and save on shipping fuel! (and you can share the cost too, score!)

My Bon Ami {Review}

The literal translation for Bon Ami is "Good Friend" and that's no lie! I was deep in a full home cleaning, as Kevin's Mama was in town for Juliette's birthday party and I knew people would be in and out of my place. I wanted it to look as good as it could, given I have a crawling, exploring messy eating almost 1 year old! Enter Bon Ami, "America's Original Natural Home Cleaner."

Armed with All Purpose Cleaner, Dish Soap, Liquid Cleanser and Powder Cleanser I began to tackle the apartment, top to bottom. I usually use a few other natural cleaners which I love, but it's always great to try something new, give another brand a try. I was pleasantly surprised at the ease at which I forgot about my old products. Bon Ami has won me over.

Originally developed in 1886 as an alternative to the grittier quartz based options that were stocking shelves in the 1880's. There's something about a company that has been around this long that has me in awe, not only because they stayed true to their customers, but also to the planet. Their ingredient lists reads like so: limestone, baking soda, epsom salts, soda ash, corn alcohol and natural essential oils. Products come packaged in 100% post consumer recycled plastic and recycled paper labels (with the sweetest little chick mascot!). Their entire line is hypo allergenic, non-toxic, biodegradable and sustainable.

The price points are amazing as well, each product is mere dollars! What ailes me is that I've never heard of this line, where have I been, and where has it been!? Now that I've found it, I'm going to be telling everyone to pick themselves up a set of all products to try. My counters are sparking, my bathtub gleaming and dishes are, well, ready to eat off of!

Bon Ami indeed!

(Image1), (Image2)

Zoe&Zac @ Payless

Low on funds, ya we all are! Need new kicks? Pick up a pair of the eco-friendly line at Payless. I'm loving their Daisy Frayed Skimmer, very parisian! Se Magnifique!

Here are some of the ways they stay green:

*Organic Cotton
*Hemp
*Recycled Rubber
*Faux leather & suede
*Elastic from recycled plastic bottles

Pssst...some are on sale too! Click here to be taken straight to the site.

(Image: Payless)

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-Fashionista: Organic Furniture?

You want organic furniture? It doesn't get much greener than this.
Apparently this is Pete - in a Garden Tree Chair. Over 20 years ago,
Pete decided he wanted to grow a chair. I mean, I have those thoughts
as well, sometimes, but I normally stick to Basil and Tomatoes. He has
created - Pooktre - the art of shaping trees into pre-determined
designs. The tree people are a little freaky, but pretty rad, non the
less. Makes you wanna re-think getting a hammock, no?
www.pooktre.com

Eco-Find: Seahorse Tote!

I have quite the collection of canvas bags, and to be honest I only really like a few of them. They need to be sturdy, big enough and cool enough to wear often. While I am not increasing my stock just yet, I do know a great one when I see one. It's organic and only $22 bucks!

Click for more information: Humble

Surf's Up Dude

While many of us can only drool at the thought of spending the day catching waves at the beach, many of us are lucky enough to live driving distance to the big blue ocean. What better time to rethink your summer purchases and check out a more eco-friendly surf board!

Grain SurfBoards makes beautiful boards out of Northern White Cedar with a bit of Western Red Cedar for color. They use wood from sustainable forestry professionals, meaning also that they are supporting small family-owned sawmills. Snap!

And while the boards seem slightly heavier on land, in the water this turns directly into momentium....sounds good to me.

And if wood surfboards still seem odd to you, remember surf boards were originally made of wood, not so crazy now eh?

And if I do say so myself, they are pretty gorgeous to look at. Now if only I could have the drive to learn to surf.....

(Image:www.mainemade.com)

Oxfam Serves it Up

Check out this funny but very to the point Oxfam commercial promoting an end to climate change:



or click HERE to go straight to YouTube and watch.

Eco-Find: For Your Pooch

So you've starting eco-fying your life, that's great! Now it's time to eco-fy your pooch too. Here are some ways to start:

Something to Chew On

Pick up a 100% gum rubber chew toy for no more than $18 bucks for the large one. They come in some great colors too...much better than animal bones I say!

Stock up at The Honest Kitchen for your dog (and cats) edible needs. Only the best hormone free meats are used and all ingredients are 100% natural. Not to shabby.



Check out BlissTree's page on eco dog care, great tips, ideas and products for you or the dog lover in your life.

(Image: www.wagwear.com, www.traciehotchner.com)

Eco-Find

While doing my morning reading, I came across a online retailer doing a great thing. The online retailer Tobi is now reusing all the boxes they receive every day to send our their goods to the waiting public. I reuse boxes all of the to ship things, I turn them inside out and voila, free & available! I don't think I've bought a box to ship anything in years.

Click here for link

(Image:fabsugar.com)

I just love when a huge store like Target takes on a green line, it means the masses will have the chance to sample the eco-wares I sometimes take for granted. Target has teamed up with MIO to create a line of garden ready products to ease you into Spring. MIO has a passion for sustainability, mix that with their love of design and you've got a line to drool over.

The line includes:

*Gardening Tools $7.99 each
*Solar Garden Lights (2 pack) $29.99
*Portable Hammock (my personal favorite) $59.99
*Watering Can $24.99
*Herbs (and container) $12.99
*Composter $99.99

As we head into Spring, I say you pick up a few gardening tools, a bright colored watering can and the portable hammock of course! You've gotta sit back and enjoy your garden don't you?? The line launches April 12th, so check out the Target website or hit up your local spot this Sunday!

(Image:www.notcot.com)

Go Green in 7 Days

In my 7 day Go Green series, I've been wanting to add a tip about growing your own food, while I've mentioned growing herbs before I really do want to find a way to go fruits and vegetables while maintaining the city life we all love. Well my prayers were answered with my morning Daily Candy email. I had to share it with all you city dwellers out there desperate for home grown goods.

Regalia Raised Garden Box

It is specially designed for us city folk who don't have our own soil to till. This kit can change your life! You've gotta get your own wood and use their instructions to make your own box (using the provided brackets and screws), this way you can make it whatever size you want. At first I was unsure about the idea of gathering my own wood, but now that I understand how important it is to be able to custom size your box it makes so much more sense.

Once you've done that, toss in some soil (organic OF COURSE), seeds and sit back and plan your next meal...

Check out their site for more details

(Image: www.scoutregalia.com)

Eco-Find

I just signed up for the MamboSprouts.com seasonal coupon book, the focus is on green living so I am hopeful the coupons will be for products I will actually use instead of the endless supply of chemial laden meals & condiment coupons I see in the Sunday paper. Sign up and save some dough on your favorite eco-friendly, natral and organic products. See, I'm looking out for you.

You can download printable coupons or sign up and receive coupons in the mail each season (and it's FREE!). Click here

(Images:www.boston.com)

Eco-Find: Reusable Drinking Straws

We all like drinking through straws don't we! Endulge your love affair and stay eco-friendly at the same time. Pick up a set of stainless steel drinking straws and you'll be drinking with the best of them. They make great housewarming gifts and party favors too! Check them out here

(Image:amazon.com)

Eco-Find

In my daily eco reading I came across something pretty cool on Environmental Graffiti. A living bath mat that feeds off...you! Not only does this bath mat look beautiful but it requires no washing, is resistant to mold and is totally environmentally friendly. What a conversation starter....

(Images: Environmental Graffiti)