EcoSavvy Design

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-14T06:59:00.000-05:00

I was reading through a blog I often enjoy browsing - At Home with Kim Vallée - when I came across this super adorable, and very sustainable, way of decorating: ice ornaments! So in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm sharing a few of the beautiful, and SUPER easy ornaments made by Maggie Ooman of resurrection fern.

Basically, you take a container (in this case, heart shaped glass containers), fill them with some water, and a few natural elements like twigs, grasses, flower petals, buds, whatever, and let them freeze. Maggie is from Canada, and I'm assuming where she lives leaving them outside does the trick, but your freezer works just as well. And I'm not really a Valentine's kinda gal, but I just loved the idea, and what a wonderful, imaginative, and resourceful way to decorate during the cold, grey winter months. Whether you do this for Christmas, Hanuka, New Year's or just for fun, it's really a fabulous idea.

Clearly, though, they're an outdoors decoration...unless you live in an igloo.

A Little Greenery for the Winter Blues

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

It's been super grey lately and as a native Bostonian, I'm used to winter but I expect the sun to shine and the ice to glisten. Unfortunately, no such luck in the European skies. It's been getting to me, which always makes me want to surround myself with greenery. Even though my plants probably suffer from the lack of sun as much as I do, at least the luscious leaves cheer me up. One of the places that makes indoor gardening easy for the not-so-green thumbs out there is Potting Shed Creations. They've found the perfect way to package plants and seeds to make they stylish and easy. What more could you ask for?

I'm pretty sure I've blogged about these AMAZING inventions - the gorgeous recycled glass container for your indoor herb garden is slim, chic, and totally reusable.

OK, I just think this is a fabulous idea. Bonzai in a box - such a great gift, and such an ideal way to package it. They even include the clipping shears wrapped up in the ribbon.

Adorable and perfect to grow on your counter during the cold winter months, so that you can have some beautiful plants ready to go into the garden as soon as spring arrives. Apple? Ginko? Fantastic!

And they even give you great gift options for people who like to have gardens with a purpose (other than beauty).

Dangling Decor

2012-01-30T18:49:00.002-05:00

Every parent is faced with the question of how to make their child's room fun, expressive, and whimsical - a way to inspire creativity and learning - and if you're anything like me, you'd probably think of getting a few things you wish you'd had as a kid! Well, for me, mobiles are one of them. I just love them. I love that they can introduce shape, color and movement, and sometimes just that touch of whimsy that every kid's room needs. Lucky for me, Puka Puka knew exactly what I would look for in a mobile, put it together, and made it eco-friendly at that. Made with recyclable and locally (although Australia is anything but local for most of us - and please note prices are in AUD) sourced materials, these fun and fabulous pieces come in tons of shapes and colors. They ship everywhere, so if you're OK with shipping (great opportunity to do some carbon offsetting!), then here are a few of my favorites. The picture above is so me...who says you have to wait for a kid to have a mobile????

I just love the mix of colors with black - it's perfect for anyone who wants something that doesn't scream 'boy' or 'girl'

And they even do some adorable ones in felt. SO cute!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-25T17:58:00.001-05:00

It's amazing to think another year has gone by and we're already well on our way into 2012.
2011 was a year of big changes for me, from new cities to new jobs to new family members, and frankly, it makes me excited to see what's in store for the upcoming year. But first, I think a little appreciation for a fabulous year is in order. And you know, I'm not the only one who thinks their was quite a bit of 'fabulosity' floating around this past year. As always, Interior Design has put together an absolutely fantastic compilation of amazing products and designers, putting forth gorgeous work to inspire us all...and star in a day dream or two. Here are some of my favorite's from their annual 'Best Of Year' awards for 2011, starting with Artistic Tile's Granada flooring. Damn that's hot.

I'm loving the movement of the wood grain in these sleek and contemporary chairs, very cutely named 'Wink' by Community.

Next up is this phenomenal, and very aptly named, 'Nestrest' by Dedon. I can't imagine a better place to be on a hot summer's day than swinging peacefully in this nest, peering off at the water in front of you...

I know plumbing isn't usually sexy, and hardly ever comes up on people's radar when they're thinking of all the fun things to buy when decorating, but really sometimes that mix of shiny chrome and sleek lines does wonders to completely change your bathroom experience...cue Tremillimetri by Gessi.

Maybe paired up with this AMAZING wall covering (tile?) - Elisse by Joel Berman Glass Studios - in the same bathroom too.

And last but not least (there are a ton more great photos and products to see on the website so check it out!), a stunning mixture of contemporary and organic style at its most beautiful, the 0187 (more like 007) table by John Houshmand. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Wishing you all a very incredible, inspiring, healthy - and beautiful - New Year!

Rock yourself to sleep...

2011-11-15T16:45:00.002-05:00

Ok, so usually when I'm thinking of a nice comfy bed, industrial waste doesn't come to mind. Good thing someone else DID make that connection - Joe Manus of Shiner to be exact. Tough, dark, dirty, sexy, clever - all adjectives to describe his Atlanta, GA based furniture company that takes industrial waste materials like hardwoods, steel, and even cardboard to make his phenomenal and edgy pieces. The bed is made for indoor & outdoor use - and I can't imagine a better way to relax outside, and stare up at the stars... No matter where you want it to go, it will definitely make a statement!

And it's not just beds you can find with this funky furniture maker - seating, tables, lighting - you name it!! Totally fun, totally eco - can't get much better than that.

All work...but maybe a little play

2011-11-07T17:50:00.001-05:00

For decades, Herman Miller has been the company for office furniture. Why? Because they're damn good at what they do. Their products are ergonomic, stylish, and sustainable. They're also trop cher...so if you've got your hear set on that Eames Chair or Aeron stool, be ready to fork over some dough. But rest assured, if you do, you get what you pay for, and then some... Herman Miller really takes environmental responsibility to heart, from conception to the final product, and even the facilities that all of this takes place in. Their efforts are inspiring - and truly a fantastic example of how design, sustainability, and social responsibility can not only exist, but be profitable. Read more about it here.

A few of my favorites...

And of course, you can't forget the Eames Lounger...

Maya Romanoff how I love you so

2011-11-04T16:54:00.001-04:00

I have long been a fan of Maya Romanoff. To me, they are a great example of what makes design so fun and exciting. Innovation is definitely high on their list - the exact reason they just keep on making such fantastic products. And at first, I thought, damn, walls of mother of pearl? That can't be eco-friendly, can it???? Lucky for me, Maya Romanoff thought of all of that. Farmed Capiz shells. That's right. And no formaldehyde. It even installs with low VOC adhesives. And most of their products have the same green attributes - if not even more, like recycled content, rapidly renewable materials, and when they can, they source and make products made in the USA. And if you really want to know what's what, check out their environmental responsibility matrix. But let's not kid ourselves, what really draws you to the site is this:

Absolutely breathtaking...

Walls, Walls, Walls

2011-11-01T16:27:00.007-04:00

Walls - they're everywhere. You need them, and generally, they're a blank canvas screaming for something to fill them. Sometimes this most necessary and often neglected part of a room is what can make you stop in your tracks and say 'wow.' One company that knows this very well, and is dedicated to the products that cover your walls is Armourcoat. Specializing in plaster finishes, concrete surfaces, and wall panels - and environmental consciousness with 30% post consumer recycled content and zero VOCs. My favorite collection truly transfers a plain wall into a work of art - and is aptly named 'Sculptural'.

The top image is their 'Flow' Collection, followed by 'Jet Stream' below.

And if you really want to make a statement, try their 'Wave' Collection. Tell me this isn't amazing????

For more styles, images and ideas, check out the company's Gallery.

De-gunking the Grease

2011-10-08T11:42:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I know it isn't sexy, and it sure as hell doesn't get you all excited to go buy it, but something everyone needs, uses and probably has, is grease. And no, I don't mean the kind that you clean or eat for that matter. Grease, lube, whatever you want to call it, is a necessary item in any garage or tool shed - for your bike gears, your squeaky door hinges, your windows that won't budge, whatever. But usually, it's gross. Toxic, smelly, and well, greasy. It gets everywhere, stains everything and leaves a stench for ages. Well, no longer, thanks to the amazing innovators at Orontas, who have figured out a way to put mother nature to work in yet another fantastic way. A Canadian company and manufacturer, their plant-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable array of products are just what we need in every house - something useful, essential and best of all, eco-friendly!

olsen Haus

2011-10-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

Good design isn't about a product. It's about a feeling, a lifestyle, a philosophy - and regardless of what you're looking at, it means that whatever it is, simply put, it's amazing (or at least it should be)! That's why you often see people in the design industry, be it interiors or graphics or products, they have a sense of self, a sense of space, and a very clear aesthetic. When you combine all that with ethics, well, you've got the best kind of design - sustainable. Olsen Haus is all about that combination. As they put it, their philosophy is "anchored in the universal truth, respect for all beings, with a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world." So basically, it's all about respecting nature, and animals in particular since it's 100% animal free, cruelty free products. To those that never really pay attention to the ethics of consumerism, well, lucky you because olsen Haus does it for you, all while delivering high fashion high style products. And if you ask me, what better product is there than shoes????

Knotisse

2011-10-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

Another fabulous find in Turkey is, of course, the rugs. They are everywhere, in every color, style and size you could imagine. And for the most part, they're all natural - made of natural fibers like wool and silk, and dyed with vegetable dyes, these amazing hand woven creations are not just an industry, but the work of artists, both contemporary and ancient. But one company takes this a step further by recycling the old yard of carpets past to make new, modern and exciting creations for this generation. Knotisse is well known to the design world for its award winning contemporary carpets, but what makes them special is how they're made: entirely from yarn of various types of vintage flatweave Turkish kilims and rugs. These vintage rugs are 'unwoven' so to speak and the good quality yarns are then taken as they are, or re-dyed using natural dyes to get the colors they are looking for. And unlike synthetic materials or dyes, the colors are not always 100% the same, so you have this amazing tapestry of different shades and textures throughout these magnificent pieces. And don't worry, if you're a traditionalist, or just love a good ol' Turkish carpet, they sell a beautiful array of vintage and traditionally designed and woven pieces as well.

Marmara Bodrum

2011-10-03T08:53:00.002-04:00

One of the fabulous things that has kept me from the computer was my honeymoon! Let me just start by saying that Turkey is incredible, and I am SO glad that my husband and I picked it for our getaway. From the sights and sounds of Istanbul, to the seaside in Bodrum, we had an amazing time, and for a design lover like me, it was overload. Every where I looked there was something gorgeous - tiles, shawls, jewelry (oh my god the jewelry - and I'm not even usually focused on the bling), fabrics, rugs, furniture - you name it, I saw it, and it was FABULOUS. So basically, get ready to see a lot of Turkish inspired things coming your way.

During the trip, we were lucky enough to go to the Aegean cost, and spend some time relaxing at the fabulous Marmara Hotel Bodrum. Aside from the fact that it was just a great hotel - the service was phenomenal, and the atmosphere was perfect for a couple who just wanted to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy - the hotel itself was a wonderful display of modernity, Turkish style and heritage, and flair. Here are some of my pictures from around the hotel:

I absolutely fell in LOVE with this staircase. The use of tiles on the risers was a stroke of pure genius - totally implementing Turkish tradition into an otherwise regular, and more modern staircase. The contrast of the wood and tile really draws your eye in, and the curves of the wrought-iron railing give it a lovely elegant feel.

Something super fun for the guests - writing on the wall! Yep, graffiti is welcome at this hotel (well, at least in designated areas) - and it makes for a really interesting design element you couldn't achieve by something store bought. Plus, it's very reassuring to see people write what a great time they've had when you're checking into a hotel!

Some of the details that made the hotel so welcoming, and much more rustic despite the modern designs were things like the stone walls on the grounds, and the gorgeous greenery and terracotta everywhere. I just loved this little nook next to the bar.

And of course, let's not forget the view - from the pool!

Great Wide Open

2011-09-27T13:13:00.000-04:00

During the search process, I also came across a few amazing locations that I just have to share. They're beautiful, they're eco-conscious, and if I was planning another major bash, I'd definitely give them a go. The first of these is Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Located in Pontaco Hills, NY (right by Tarrytown, incidentally, Tarrytown is a fabulous little place full of wedding locations) just about an hour from Manhattan, this is actually a farm and agricultural center with a beautiful restaurant located on site. Everything here is locally grown, either at their own farm, or from in and around the Hudson Valley area. The grounds can accommodate weddings, outings, retreats, basically parties of any kind, large or small, and the menus will be fantastic culinary feats all based on what is in season and available. And if you want to check out the deliciousness, go to their restaurant. No time for a trip to the countryside? No problem. Blue Hill also has a restaurant in Manhattan. Blue Hill, to me, is so wholesome and full of beauty - a gorgeous place for a couple to start their lives together, no?

The Perfect Setting

2011-09-25T08:43:00.000-04:00

For me, it took forever to find the perfect place for our wedding. I mean, it's nearly impossible to search through everything Manhattan has to offer, let alone doing it via the web! And finally when I had my favorites, I still had to go out there, see each place, and imagine the final picture in my head. As a designer, you feel like it's not just about the space, but what the space will allow you to do. Sometimes, you want it to be a blank slate, a white loft with huge windows and even bigger potential. Sometimes you want it to give you the theme and you can just go from there, building layers into the already pre-determined setting, be it outdoors & country, or inside and uber styled. I had mixed emotions about it all. I didn't want a cookie cutter wedding, and I didn't want it to be just another place. I wanted it to have meaning, somewhere that had a purpose beyond weddings. I found the perfect place at the Prince George Ballroom.

Originally the ballroom was the grandiose ballroom of the Prince George Hotel, built in the 20s in the then very chic Madison Square district of Manhattan. In its heyday, the hotel was a bustling and beautifully appointed hotel to the rich and and famous, but sadly, as the neighborhood started to decline, so did the hotel, until at one point, it was so derelict the city used it to house the growing homeless population on the streets of New York. But with despair came opportunity, and in 1990, an organization called Common Ground was founded and dedicated to helping rehabilitate the homeless of NYC [super amazing non-profit by the way]. Common Ground purchased the building, and separated it into two parts - converting the old hotel into affordable and mixed purpose housing for students, low-income families, and the recently rehabilitated homeless who have gone through their programs. The public spaces, like the ballroom, were restored through the partnership of phenomenal designer Jamie Drake and Common Ground, working together with several other non-profits, to teach people the art of restoration - and restore they did. This amazing neo-Renaissance ballroom is now vibrant, amazing, and inspiring. And all the money you spend here goes straight to Common Ground.

I couldn't really find any good pictures of what it looked like before, but it was as you would imagine a grand ballroom from the early 1900s to be - ornate, gold and cream. Clearly you understand the wild use of color when you realize Jamie Drake was behind the new design!!

Paper Love Contintued

2011-09-23T13:43:00.000-04:00

During my searches for the perfect stationary, I came across some AMAZING companies - some of which I may have already blogged about just because I love them so much. Even if in the end I didn't chose them, either because they didn't have the design I was looking for, or more often, the prices I was looking for, they are still companies worth exploring and working with - because their work is fantastic AND eco friendly. A lot of them are similar to what I selected - letterpress that uses cotton papers instead of traditional tree based papers, and soy based inks, and keep more sustainable practices in their shops as well.

A fantastic example of this is Pistachio Press (the image above is from their Calligraphy Collection). This fabulous little company uses tree-free (cotton) or recycled paper (a minimum of 30% post consumer waste), rubber based inks and citrus based solvents (so cool) for clean up. They even re-use or recycle their own office printing & shipping supplies! Some of the pieces from their Signature Collection are pictured below - I just love the whimsical patterns, beautiful florals, and their color combinations are both elegant and fun.

Smock Letterpress remains one of my absolute top choices for stationary. For one thing, they are the real deal when it comes to sustainability. They are the first print house to offer 100% bamboo paper (a lot less water intensive than cotton, and also very fast growing), and everything from inks to envelopes are environmentally sound. But as eco-friendly as they are, budget friendly they are not.

Last but not least is Wild Ink Press. A mom & pop shop - though that doesn't mean old or old fashioned - in Chico, California, this couple converted a garage on their property into a workshop for their printmaking. Their products are beautiful, spirited, and all on cotton paper. I have to find out what kind of inks they use, but given that they seem to be into locally grown food and recycling, I think they may just be environmentally sensitive enough to use non-chemical inks (well, I hope!).

My Love of Paper

2011-09-22T09:22:00.003-04:00

I know that I bring up stationary often. I love it. I love paper. I love cards. I love fonts and colors and stationary design. It's a weakness. I have a drawer full of stationary and note cards, and frankly, in the world of email, bbm, WhatsApp, and Facebook, who actually sends handwritten cards anymore?

Still, I can't help myself, and when the occasion calls for it, I am ALL about stationary. So what better event than a wedding to begin exploring the wonderful world of paper? I have to admit it was actually really hard making a choice. For one thing, it's a helluva lot of paper. And you know everyone throws it out (except for maybe the moms, and grandparents). But how often do you keep a card someone wrote you, let alone their wedding invitation? My first thought was to use plantable paper. Super cool and super eco, this paper is basically made of biodegradable materials like cotton, and then little tiny seeds of wildflowers are pressed into it, making it a sort of textured/dotted paper. Sadly, my so not-eco husband was not having it. I get it though, it's not for everyone, and for a wedding in Manhattan, it didn't really fit the bill. SO I opted for 100% cotton paper (no trees), and a company that printed with soy based inks. For the envelopes, we used paper source's 30% post consumer waste recycled content envelopes. All of this was designed and printed by Twin Ravens Press - a custom letterpress stationary house located in Oregon, and run by the super fantastic Kristin Walker. And yes, it's true, Oregon is far from New York, and even further from Europe - but we cut down on shipping (i.e. carbon footprint) by trying to send things in groups so there were fewer packages, and shipping to the East Coast instead of Europe.

Wedding Madness

2011-09-20T09:14:00.001-04:00

So the primary reason for my absence is the wedding madness that comes from planning your wedding - from across an ocean! Shortly after moving to New York, we upped and moved to Europe, but the wedding plans remained the same, so there I was, in a new country, a different time zone, and absolutely no idea where to begin with our wedding plans. All I knew is that whatever I did, I didn't want it to be traditional, and I wanted it to be as green as possible. So now that's all over, the stress is gone, and the fun was had, I can actually spend some time sharing all those tips about what to do to make your wedding day gorgeous and green!

(And yes that's us! 6th Ave baby - boy was I scared when we were taking this shot!! Photo courtesy of Jeff Tisman Photography - a PHENOMENAL photographer, and a great person to make your 'day of' a whole lot of fun).

Where have I been?

2011-09-19T08:36:00.004-04:00

In the past year, I have pretty much neglected my blog. Between a combination of life keeping me busy, and somehow feeling uninspired about writing, I managed to eek out a few posts back in February and that was about it. But it's time I focused on writing again. You may see some changes in the site - from categories to topics, but hopefully my hiatus is officially over, and you will once again hear all the things that inspire me, the beautiful designs in the world, and the companies that make a difference.

Cinematic Steals

2011-02-23T11:44:00.004-05:00

Ever watch a movie and think - I want that table? Or console? Or painting? Or whatever???? I have. I suppose it's an industry hazard that makes you watch the sets and scenery just as much as you do the actors. But really, television and movies are a wonderful way to see beautiful things beyond whatever hunky actor or gorgeous actress is up on screen, and now, a very fabulous New Yorker is doing the movie industry and YOU a favor by selling all those trinkets and pieces that make up your favorite movies. Of course, a lot of the really amazing things on set are borrowed, but don't fret! For great prices, you can find some super cool things hand selected by designers around the country in this Brooklyn basement, and feel good that you helped your environment by changing the final destination of these pieces from the dumpster to your home. Film Biz Prop Shop is located at 540 President Street in Brooklyn, NY. Their 11,000 square foot studio is filled with goodies - from humungo conference tables to paper cups to sports paraphernalia and everything in between. They have art and lamps and even toys for kids. The beauty of the filming industry is that between movies and commercials and television, they need all sorts of props, and when they're done, they're pretty much still brand new. So you can really make some incredible buys. And since they're such huge industries, creating waste is a big problem. Thank goodness for people like Eva Radke, founder and president of Film Biz Prop Shop. Aside from helping movie studios offload a lot of this left over stuff, they work with' the movie business and offer them services to help find more ways to 'green' the business. A wonderful mission if you ask me.

Dining in Style

2011-02-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

I am searching high and low for the perfect dining table - a cast slab of oddly shaped and fabulously natural wood - preferably Walnut. I know exactly what I want, and how much I want to spend. Unfortunately, the two don't seem to be mutually inclusive. So what's a girl to do? Well, for now, I'm going to keep looking, but that's not going to stop me from sharing some of the gorgeous pieces I have come across...maybe I can't afford them...but it doesn't mean I don't love them! Like this one to the left - holy wow what a beauty!! From Jeff Greene Design Studio, this 10' x 4' (depending on where you measure) and 3" thick slab of Hawaiian Monkey Pod wood (Great name no? It's a fast growing tree introduced to various new regions of the US and Central America, including Hawaii). The cast bronze T-base is perfect to carry the weight of this gorgeous table top - both in size and style.

If you're looking for something a little lighter and more artsy, check out this gorgeous table from Blank Blank - Claro reclaimed walnut sold by the square foot and by the thickness so you can get the exact size you need. The funky solid bronze legs add such a great element of style to this already quirky table. Blank Blank's collection is a wonderful mix of style and substance - a combination of funk and earth friendliness without the crunch granola. I am a huge fan! I know it's not a dining table, but I had to include this phenomenal console below. Named the Burnt Console - check out the amazing hardware - a bubbling, burnt bronze that is totally unique and totally fab!

Green your Winter

2011-02-16T11:55:00.005-05:00

I am totally suffering from the winter blues, and it brings out the shopaholic in me. It's cold and dreary, and somehow that makes me just want to spend spend spend! But alas, I can't. But at least I can dream...or surf as the case may be. Here is one of my newest discoveries - an excellent way to beat the winter blues and keep it green :)

Fresh herbs in the winter are such a treat, but if you want to eat fresh & local, they're not always an option. But what better than to grow them yourself? And if you're not exactly the green thumb type, here is the perfect solution - easy "grow bottles" from Potting Shed Creations. Soil free and fast working, the seeds (certified organic & included!) germinate in 7-10 days, and in just a month and a half, you've got yourself fresh herbs! And how stylin' are the bottles ? I know the dark glass is part of the functionality, but I love the coloring of the deep green/brown in contrast to the beautiful green herbs that will be spouting out the top. I have to admit I love the labeling too - the colors, the font, the vertical black stripe. Très chic! Find them at Green Depot (an excellent source for everything and anything eco!) and get cooking!

Neal's Yard Remedies

2011-02-11T14:21:00.001-05:00

I mentioned I should write about it, so here it is! I discovered this company on my last trip to London thanks to my fabulously chic aunt who is a longtime customer, and luckily for me, very close to one of their stores! Not only are their products the epitome of 'natural' cosmetics, made from non-animal tested, non-gmo, non-synthetic, paraben free and with as many organic ingredients as possible, but their stuff is actually GOOD. I mean, real good! Neal's Yard Remedies' philosophy is pretty simple - by keeping the ingredients simple, and natural, they aim to provide the best possible cosmetics, from make up to oils to body scrubs, and you can read all about what is, and isn't, in their products on their website. Here are a couple of my favorites:

This is their Mulberry Lip Gloss, and as a lip gloss fiend, it has become my absolute favorite, and put all others out of use. It is the perfect color for me, and one amongst many so you can choose what is right for you. But what makes it my favorite is 2 things - the smell (I think maybe orange flower or something equally lovely that makes me smile each time I put it on), and kissability factor. This lip gloss, unlike so many others, is not like rubbing glue stick all over your lips. Your hair, dust, whatever, won't stick to it, and your significant other will thank you for your soft lips sans stickiness.

And for a refreshing and effective scrub, try this Rose and Geranium Body Polish. The "scrub" is made from ground up Argan shell - a Moroccan tree the fruit of which makes for some really good hair & body oil - mixed with rice powder. I love the two different textures, because it prevents the scrub from being too grainy like some sugar scrubs I've used. And as the lady in the store said, the finer the particles the better the polish for your skin. Since I'm a scrub addict, finding just the right combo of smell & feel is super important to me - and this one definitely has it.

And pretty much everything else they make is fantastic and as ethically and environmentally responsible as it gets. For those of you who don't have access to one of their stores, their online shop allows you to ship everywhere.

When Life Gives You Lemons

2011-02-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

For the last few months, every night that I cook and use a lemon, I've been saving the rinds I would otherwise discard thanks to a fantastic tip in my absolute favorite magazine I mention every chance I get - Whole Living. Why? Because mother nature invented the best pot scrubber I have ever used. So today, I'm sharing this fabulous and eco-friendly tip for household cleaning. I was amazed how well, and how aromatically refreshing, the lemon rinds worked. For one, they cut through the grease of whatever mess I've made in a pan without damaging the non-stick surface, and for another, they work really well. We had a fire in our building (très sad, especially for the family who is now dealing with the remnants of their kitchen and all the smoke damage), and as a result the smell permeated pretty much all of our apartments. I tried air fresheners, leaving the windows open, coffee grinds, coffee grinds with banana - you name it. What does this have to do with cleaning pots with lemons? Well, here's my second all natural home remedy tip for the day. The only way I got rid of the smell was actually boiling a pot of cinnamon. I added some drops of my organic Mandarin essential oil from Neal's Yard Remedies - another amazing cosmetic company if you haven't heard of it...and actually a very good idea for another blog post (note to self!), just because I like the smell of orange & cinnamon, but you don't have to. I brought it to a boil, and then let it sit on the stove top simmering - when the water would go down, I added more water and a touch more cinnamon, and left it for hours. By the end of it, I had a fresh and fragrant house with absolutely no scent of smoke, and a blackened pot full of sludge - bringing us back to the lemons. I tried to soak the pot, scrub it with everything I had, and eventually thought why not use a lemon? It worked like a charm, and the pot doesn't even smell like cinnamon any more. Note to all you garlic lovers, the rinds also work great for removing the smell from your hands!

Eating on the Grass

2011-02-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

If you don't read Design Milk, you should. It's a great website and source for all that's new and innovative in design...which leads me to this post and where I discovered something that gives a whole new meeting to 'dejeuner sur l'herbe' designed 25 year old Emily Wettstein for her grad school application. This table with a removable planter is not only beautiful and architecturally stunning, but it's made from reclaimed walnut and steel, and oh, yeah, it's got a plant growing in it - so I think if you want to go green in the dining room, this table covers pretty much all the bases. I wonder if she'll consider selling???

Living Art

2011-02-08T16:07:00.003-05:00

As I slowly work to decorate my apartment, I think of the little details that make me smile whenever I see them - or more appropriately, the little things I don't see and frown because I really want them there - and one of the biggest things for me is the perfectly peculiar, asymmetrical, and constantly changing form and foliage of a beautiful plant. I grew up in a house that at some points seemed like a jungle, overrun with flowers and leafy plants, falling, climbing, covering every surface of our home. And now, I can't imagine a house without them. But maybe all that disorder is one of the reasons I'm so particular about how a plant is presented - the container, the planting, the placement in your home (frankly, I'm obsessed with bonsais probably for that very reason - even their shape is curated and constantly maintained). But let's be realistic, we can't all spend our time training and shaping and clipping our plants, so why not start off with something that is beautiful, curated, and you don't have to do a darn thing? That is what makes James Modern's terrariums so damn cool. They are simple, well designed, and uber chic - the perfect example of "living art." These supremely crafted pieces bring not only an element of life and greenery to your home, but they are also something to behold and display - and like I said before, you ain't gotta do a thing! Of course, something that seems perfect often has a catch, and the catch here is that they're trop cher, going for around $1000 on his Etsy shop. Why? Well, for one, they're completely hand crafted, from the specialized hand blown glass containers, to the dirt mixture inside and the placement and selection of plants. And for another, isn't all good art expensive? And that is what I would classify this as - art. It's not just having a ficus plant in the corner you bought for 20 bucks at Ikea. Check out some of the beauties you can have in your home below and above: