Eco & Elsie

A New Type of Family Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Ah...marriage. Some embrace it and some fear it, but whatever the case, marriage is about more than just sharing a sink in the morning and picking your underwear up off the floor. The story of your life fundamentally changes when you sign that piece of paper commemorating your commitment for one another. In one amazing moment, you merge the history of your family with the history of another.

Below are some beautiful, modern style, family trees, which are a wonderful way to celebrate your changing story. Available at Modern Trees.

Is That Really Rustic?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:30:00 +0000

There are rustic weddings and then there are "rustic" weddings that have had 65k thrown at them. There needs to be a petition to start calling these "luxury rustic," or something weird like that, because that's about as rustic as camping in an RV with a butler and a maid.

Anyway, the wedding below is so absolutely beautiful and, I feel, a true "rustic" wedding. It was held at Riverbend Environmental Center in Gladwyn, PA. I personally love how the bridesmaids are all in soft neutral dresses, which fits so perfectly with the calming and serene environmental backdrop.

Pondering time: can an exorbitant wedding still be considered rustic?

Beautiful photography From Love Me Do Photography

Find more info about this wedding over at Sparkle and Hay,

a blog choc full of rustic awesomeness

Corks Turned Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Although I imagine this would require one to collect a whole lot of wine corks, I really love this idea. What a great way to re-purpose old wine corks, right!?

Photography by Libby James, found via April Foster Events - Click both links to see so much more awesome corky goodness!

Etiquette Shmetiquette: My Mom Wants Favors and I Don't!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:42:00 +0000

Today is Etiquette Shmetiquette day!

When planning your wedding, you may find that everybody and their mother (literally!) has an opinion about what you should be wearing/serving/buying/etc... Especially when you tell them you want to have an environmentally friendly wedding.

We all know we're supposed to bite our tongue and act as the compromising diplomat, but even Dear Abby wasn't perfect. Here I'll give you a common etiquette question, Dear Abby style, but with an alternative, less cultured, answer.

Dear Eco & Elsie,

I don't want to give favors out because I'm afraid they'll just end up in the trash, but my mother is horrified by the idea of not having them. What should I do?

- Amanda (Favor-less in Texas)

What you want to say: Threaten her with elopement and then, in your most exasperated tone, tell her that you'll only agree to give out these useless trinkets if she can sufficiently explain the series finale of Lost, which has left a vast and darkening hole in your life since 2010.

What you should probably say instead: "I really appreciate your concern for our guests mom, but this wedding should represent the values that my future husband and I share. Contributing to waste in the environment is something I am deeply against." Then offer to look up more eco-friendly favors online, such as edible goodies or plantable items.

Got an etiquette question? Feel free to send it to jen@ecoandelsie.com and don't hesitate to include your own "what you wish you could say."

Wedding Shoes For A Good Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:30:00 +0000

(This was originally posted in February, but it's such a popular post, I thought I'd share it again. You'll find additional links at the end of this post for your perusal. Have a great weekend everyone!)

Our weather was freakishly warm yesterday. And I took full advantage of it when my hubby treated me to a wonderful surprise. He took the day off work, arranged for my parents to babysit, and took us to the new ice rink at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, which was refreshingly cool. It was such a wonderful time and I am so grateful to have his love and friendship. Now that we have our lovely daughter, these "dates" are even more precious to me.

Anyway, mushiness over. So the warm weather had me thinking about sandals and summertime. And then I got a lovely e-mail from Sseko, a company which gives women in Uganda an avenue to empower their lives. Here is how it's done:

In an impoverished and male-dominated society, many of these young women struggle to find fair work. Sseko hires these college-bound women during their nine-month period from school to live and work together, while earning money that will go directly towards their university education. The women that Sseko employs will not make sandals forever. They will go on to be doctors, lawyers, politicians, writers, and teachers that will bring change and unification to a country ravished and divided by a 22 year-long war.

Sseko also offers custom made sandals in custom colors. Visit their site. Or go straight to their wedding collection.

Links to keep you busy over the weekend:

Goodness gracious great Cakeballs!

Flavors of Fall Squash

Treehugger's Green Gift Guide for animal lovers

Green Destination Wedding at Eco-Beautiful Weddings

Seriously amazing pumpkin carvings

Can I get married again so I can wear one of these?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

What you see below: Eco-friendly Dresses From Natural Bridals

The Lauren Dress

What's going through your head: I want/need/must have or I'll die

(it's okay, you can admit these thoughts are going through your head even if you're not getting married. They're certainly going through mine and I'm already hitched.)

The Amanda Gown

What's coming out of your mouth: Drool...

The Jane Dress

The Registry Pickle

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I've heard a few people ragging lately on CB2, an offshoot of Crate and Barrel aimed at offering stylish home decor items at more affordable prices. However, I like the concept, the products, and the prices (although I'm not crazy about some of it - I don't need to see a little man riding a biscotti). Although one does not usually associate a big name store with being environmentally friendly, I've been impressed with Crate and Barrel's efforts to utilize renewable and sustainable materials.

Below are some of my favorite items from CB2. The colors are so fun and the graphics so entertaining.

Are you (or would you) registering at a big chain store like Crate and Barrel?

Adorable, Handcrafted Birdcage Veils and Fascinators

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Brides used to wear long veils to symbolize their virginity and the unveiling was meant to symbolize consummation after marriage. So the birdcage veil must have been a way of saying, "My virgin status ain't none of your biz-nas!"

I'm kidding, of course. I'm not really sure what the catalyst was for a shorter veil - perhaps brides just wanted to be able to see better - but whatever the case, these birdcage veils are pretty darn adorable. And if you are so inclined, skip the veil altogether and opt for a handmade fascinator. All of the below are handcrafted from Deeds and Petunia. Kinda makes me want to get married all over again just so I can wear one of these!

Bandeau Style Birdcage Veil

Pink Flower Fascinator

Vintage inspired - so pretty. 9 inch French veiling

Vintage inspired mini bridal hat and veil

Easy DIY: Toilet Paper Tubes Turned Into Party Lights!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Not too long ago I challenged myself to come up with a new use for an empty toilet paper tube. I was actually really worried that I wouldn't be able to pull this off. I really enjoy repurposing and creating, but I will be the first to admit my inventions aren't always show stoppers. I think I managed to create something fairly fun here though and if nothing else, it was super easy!

These lights can be used for any type of evening party or even an outdoor engagement party. To really make things special, use the couple's initials rather than the word "love," or for a wedding, consider putting the date

All you really need are the following tools:

X-acto knife
twine, yarn, or string
LED tea lights
tape
Card Stock
regular paper
pen or needle

Step one: gently cut out the letters of the toilet paper tube using an X-acto knife with a new, sharp blade. It's easier to pencil in your letter and then slowly go over the line with your x-acto knife. It's better to go over the same line a few times rather gently than to bear down and try to cut it all on one stroke.

Step two: cut a few strips of card stock and tape them into the bottom of the inside tube in the fashion of a cross or plus sign. This is to hold the tea light in place.

Step three: cut out a small rectangle of regular or slightly see through paper (I used plain ivory resume paper) and tape it in the inside of the tube, covering up the window created by the cut out letter.

Step four: Use a needle or pen to thread the twine through each tube

Step five: Drop in LED tea lights and hang up in a spot to be admired by all.

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know in the comments! :)

Polaroid Project

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:30:00 +0000

This is sort of a new take on the "Before you die..." art installation. This particular project was created by Nicole Kenney, a brooklyn based artist who "explores universal themes through the intimate and the personal." She plans to follow up with each participant to see if they accomplished their goals.

I can imagine this being a wonderful project for a bride and groom to take on as they embark on their new journey together as husband and wife. What do you think?

Mason Jars - Love Them or Hate Them

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I actually hesitate to post too much about mason jars. One, because everyone else already does it, and two, I've already posted about them a lot. But...how can I not post this? I mean, seriously? I figure you either love 'em or hate 'em, so hopefully you love them, because here is one more mason jar post. (Check out instructions here.)

Cupcake Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I used to be obsessed with cupcakes, but I've been somewhat alleviated of this affliction in the past year or so. Not sure why, so don't ask, but I'll still eat them - I'm just not obsessed with them. That doesn't stop this ex-cupcake stalker from appreciating them and occasionally dabbling in cupcake-ish recipes. If you feel the same, check out Ming Makes Cupcakes. I don't know who Ming is, but Ming is pretty awesome, which is apparent on his/her website. And if you get sick of cupcakes, you can check out Ming's Cookies too.

Safer Alternatives to Tanning Beds

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Last Monday, I wrote about the dangers of tanning in the post, "A Healthy Tan or a Healthy Body?"

However, there are options when it comes to sunless tanning. And there's nothing wrong with switching up your look a little bit, especially when summer rolls around. To give yourself a toxin-free, natural glow, Treehugger touts Lavera as being the greenest sunless tanner on the market. Made with organic soy extracts, jojoba oil, calendula, aloe vera, and rose water, it was voted the greenest cosmetic and beauty brand in Europe. It also won the "Best Sunless Tan" award in the New York Times bestseller, "Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth Friendly Life."

Unfortunately, it seems not too many other companies are following in Lavera's footsteps. According to Skin Deep, the cosmetics safety database, there isn't one sunless tanner given their "low hazard" rating. This essentially means that most sunless tanners will have some potentially hazardous ingredients. You can weigh the pros and cons though and move onto their "moderately hazardous" products.

One of the more interesting sunless "tanners" I came across was a do-it-yourself concoction from Care2, involving natural ingredients like water and sesame oil. Although it seems a bit on the archaic side, it's certainly one of the most appealing in terms of being eco-friendly, health-friendly, and budget-friendly. Of course, this all is assuming it works. Check out the Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion from Care2.

If all else fails, I refer you to the comment of Jaime (from It's a Jaime Thing), who told us how she learned to "embrace the porcelain," by making the decision not to get a spray tan for her sister's wedding. You rock Jaime!

A "Healthy" Tan?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:38:00 +0000

What’s more important to you? A “healthy” tan or a healthy body.

Many women like to tan before their wedding. And in all honesty, it makes sense. Rarely do you see an advertisement for a pale bride draped over a chaise, dripping from head to toe in an exquisite wedding gown.* The types of people we commonly associate with beauty - actors, singers, models, movie stars, etc... - wear a perfect golden glow year round. So when a bride has her red carpet moment, I can understand why a pasty white glow can make her feel about as sexy as a turtle.

But is the “sexy” tan worth the dangers? According to the National Cancer Institute, women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma. 55 PERCENT!? Wow. Even a day at the beach can increase your risk of skin cancer. If that doesn’t jolt you, get this: the sun causes wrinkles. That’s right ladies. The sun actually damages the elasticity of your skin, which is why women who spend too much time sunbathing tend to look like leather as they age.

Rather than touting the goods of sunless self tanners, I thought I might try a different route. Let's forget slathering more chemical laden products on our bodies! What if we all embraced our natural skin color and learned to love what we were born with. After all, is it really fair that we allow society’s definition of beauty change what we see in the mirror?

I know this is easier than done (trust me, I’m about as tan as an albino rabbit) so next Monday I’ll be highlighting some of the more environmentally-friendly tanning options on the market. In the meantime, lets contemplate how turtles can be sexy... hard shell, pretty dark green color, dark eyes...

*This article originally posted in May of 2009. Since then I have noticed more vampire-esque brides being featured in magazines, but it's probably more a marketing reaction to the hype created by the Twilight series of books.

In Love + Plaid

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Whenever I think of plaid, I think of Al Borland, the plaid loving fellow from the old show, Home Improvement. Not that I mind of course - that was a great show, although I know this totally dates me and and some of you have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyway, I digress... Now, I can thank Joleen Willis Photography and Megan and Landon (pictured below) for changing my go-to visual image when it comes to plaid - to their super sweet engagement session! The couple decided to use their love for each other, the changing of the seasons, and their love of plaid as inspiration for their engagement shoot. Hope you enjoy!

Hand Crafted Wedding Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

If you checked out the Etsy featured seller yesterday, it would be hard to miss Claire La Faye, designer extraordinaire. I was immediately wowed by her beautiful dresses, full of romantic feathers and soft flowing fabrics. She hand crafts each wedding gown, some traditional and some not-so-traditional, but each remarkable in their own way.

Claire La Faye - Midsummers Night Dream

Claire La Faye - Parisian Princess

Claire La Faye - Pocket Full of Posey

Claire La Faye - Tangled Up in Blue

Unique Bridal Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I love unique jewelry, so when I came across Yoola on Etsy, I was starstruck! Her jewelry is described as "crochet wire jewelry," but she professes that her creation process actually involves a unique blend of crochet and knitting. (Pictured above: Faux Pearl Gold Pendant)

Bridal Necklace

Bridesmaid Necklaces

Silver Cuff

Band Ring

Onyx Ring

My Apologies + Farm Tables

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Oh gawd peoples, I was such a horrible blogger last week. Gone! Without a trace, I was! Please forgive me, folks. My hubby and I have been looking at homes, which involved a lot of driving around last week, and that coupled with my daughter being sick early in the week all made for one frazzled mama.

So anyway, we put an offer down on a foreclosure on Friday. The wait to see if our offer was accepted will take a couple of days, but hopefully we'll know by Monday. I'm really nervous - nervous we'll get the house and nervous we won't, haha! In any case, I'll keep you all updated on what happens.

Alright, so I doubt you came here to read all about my house hunting issues, and unfortunately I can't even think of a good way to use it to transition to a new topic, so let's just jump right into something else, shall we? I've been thinking lately how hard it would be to dabble in wood working. Granted, I've never really done any wood working except for when I went to summer camp and made half a rain stick, but I do admire those who seem to attain carpentry skills. If I could, I would make a beautifully large farm table from reclaimed wood. These folks did it. Maybe one day I will, too!

BNG Industries

The Homegrown Shop

Uncle Brian

Lorimer Antiques

Brooklyn Farm Table

Seashell Wedding Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

We'll be taking a trip to Florida over the summer with two other families, which I am over the moon excited about, and I've had beach crafts on the brain ever since we booked the condo. I've come across quite a few awesome seashell crafts, bouquets, and all around home decor ideas, but I also came across some pretty hideous stuff. One should never give their grandma a glue gun, a bag of seashells, and free reign over the house. Just because you scored an awesome deal on 100 seashells doesn't mean you need to use them all! Less is more, my friends, less is more... Have a great weekend, everyone!

Left: New Jersey Bride / Right: Martha Stewart

Left: Better Homes and Gardens / Right: Flickr Blue Ridge Kitties

Left: Martha Stewart / Right: Martha Stewart

Karen Tran and Bauman Photographers

Print by Lucy Snowe Photography

Row One Left: Almas Weddings / Row One Right: Cake Central
Row Two Left: Alpha Delights / Row Two Middle: InStyle Weddings / Row Two Right: WeddingCake.name
Row Three Left: Theme Wedding Ideas / Row Three Middle: Fairy Hill Cakes / Row Three Right: Sweetopia
Row Four: Cake Pop People

Mason Jar Chandelier

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I'm letting the pictures do the talking today! This mason jar chandelier is stunning - I love this!

This styled shoot was created by Kayli Atha Designs and photographed by Ivan Diego. The entire setup was inspired by an old ombré whiskey decanter which Kayli found in an antique store.

In Kayli's own words, "...each guest had a hand painted place card and I chose more masculine tabletop accessories to balance out the delicate china and soft glitter ribbons."

Thank you for sharing your wonderful shoot, Kayli and Ivan!

Reduce Stress in Five Easy Steps, Sort Of

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Earlier, I posted about ways to de-stress. If those don't work, do this instead. :)

Be Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I've noticed that since I have a toddler, my imagination has really taken off. For instance, this evening I put her to bed with a story I made up. It involved a little catipillar named "Lilly-Butt" who went to the laundromat everyday just so she could visit the bubblegum machine. One day, Lilly-Butt got a "top" - a suggestion from my daughter - out of the bubblegum machine, rather than a piece of gum, which invariably led her out into an array of different adventures with a wise young owl. I know what you're all thinking: I'm a literary genius! No, it's okay, I'm not really, but please go on with your thoughtful praise! :)

Tavi Gevinson, above, blogger behind StyleRookie.com and founder of Rookie Mag, is one of those people I think we all wish we could've been as kids - she doesn't let what others think get in the way of her creative vision. Though she's 16 or 17 now, she's been posting her videos and style choices on her blog since the age of 13.

Being creative and imaginative is something that I think we all possess when we are children, but for some reason we tend to put skills like those on the back burner as we get older. I'm not sure why really - maybe it's because we are too afraid of what others will think or concerned that the world around us will laugh at something that has come from the heart?

I think it's time we take our creativity out of the closet and wear it like the one-of-a-kind, invaluable accessory that it is! There are all these books and videos and lists about how to be more creative, how to put your mind into the "creative zone," if you will. However, I think all you need to do is just relax and put down the judgemental goggles you think people look at you through. If you're planning a wedding or event, be the creator of your wedding! If you're moving into your first apartment or home together, be the creator of how your abode feels and looks. And finally, this is your life - be the creator of your own goals, dreams, and opinions.

Kick the Wedding Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I get a lot of e-mails, many of which have to be tended to, even when there is little time to do it. It's overwhelming when half of the emails are from people who want something from me. (Note that I'm not complaining - helpful bloggers make the virtual world go round - but my brain starts to hurt after reading the fifth e-mail asking me to post about this new product or link to that new article.) It's a similar ride for those who have to plan a wedding. Everybody wants something from them - decisions to be confirmed, deadlines to be met, plans to be finalized, and money to be handed over.

If the constant neediness is a drain on your motivation, then remember to take a moment to de-stress. Everyday, if possible. I have been finding relief by hitting the gym and getting into a good cardio routine again, but you might find that just a quick walk around the block while listening to your favorite song is enough to send your spirits higher.

Here are a few other ways to combat the stressful blues:

Yoga Journal

A long, fun list of ways to reduce stress

Using imagery in mental stress management

But this is the best way!!!

Non Wedding Color Resources for Wedding Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

So this is about the only thing I learned in college. Not entirely true of course, maybe it's just the only thing I remember. I love color theory. I am one of those moms who not only explains the color blue to my daughter, but I also make sure to mention that orange is it's complimentary color! "Let's talk analogous colors, Sophia." And my beautiful little girl responds only with, "Analgis," smiles happily and runs away to play with her newest obsession - mermaids.

Since my daughter isn't too interested in colors, I thought maybe you might be! Especially if you've got an upcoming wedding and are on the hunt for the perfect wedding colors. Below I've compiled a few great non-wedding inspiration resources for very wedding colors. Enjoy! :)

Hi+Low always has fun and colorful prints and designs. I love checking out this blog for bits of graphic related inspiration.

I love Krisatomic's fun illustrations and she's always featuring unique photographs.

Colour Lovers! This is an enormous site filled with amazing color goodies.

{Sponsored Post} Honeymoon Pixie - A Honeymoon Registry Website

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:41:00 +0000

Planning a wedding is an incredible amount of work. When I tied the knot, I remember sneaking peaks of wedding websites whenever the boss was out of town and my weekends were spent meeting with vendors, checking out venues, and calling up bands. In addition to all that, there was the budget to worry about.

After the stress of wedding planning and wedding finances, there's no reason to start your marriage off worrying about the honeymoon budget. Honeymoon Pixie, the newest sponsor of Eco and Elsie, offers an easy-to-use website that allows couples to set up an online honeymoon registry. This way you can focus on planning your big day and rather than getting another blender or toaster oven, your guests can "gift" you an amazing honeymoon!

Setting up the registry is easy peasy. Couples receive their own webpage, which includes an introduction or story, details about where they are going on their honeymoon, and the registry itself.

What I love about Honeymoon Pixie is that you can specify what exactly you would like. You can register for everything from dinner at a highly rated restaurant, a night in the honeymoon suite, or as in the Disney Honeymoon in the picture above, a trip to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. (Check out some of the honeymoon registries available on their sample page for more ideas!)

It's a great alternative to the traditional registry - no more worrying about returning duplicate gifts or fear of offending guests by asking for cash. Guests love honeymoon registries because it gives them a real sense of being able to contribute to something greater.

Visit Honeymoon Pixie's Website!

Check out Honeymoon Pixie on Facebook, where they have over 6000 fans, and Wedding Wire, where they've received an array of really positive reviews and the 2012 Bride's Choice Award.