Read on to learn about Shana’s unique history, what really makes a product “green”,  and the many great things she has to come. Featured with the interview are pictures of two brand-new eco-fashion lines that Jute & Jackfruit will soon be carrying: Sita and Itsus – enjoy!

Victoria (Everman) Klein: What inspired you to start an online eco-fashion store?

Shana Yansen: Three big moments in my life inspired me to start Jute and Jackfruit, forming the basis of the three core principles of the company: “Smart, Sustainable, Chic”.

“Smart“: To empower women worldwide through socially conscious endeavors and fair trade.

About twelve years ago, I served in the Peace Corps Honduras as a child-survival volunteer. Living in a rural coffee-growing village in the mountains, I had the opportunity to work with women’s artisan groups and small business owners. I became deeply inspired by the women-run businesses emerging out of these resource-poor settings, and observing the positive impact that the businesses had on the women and their communities. It seemed the greatest advantages often came through hand made products, since the women took such pride in making them. I knew that American women would also take an interest in these products. I decided that someday I would incorporate women’s small business ownership into my work and ultimately found a company based on these principles.

“Sustainable“: To support the environment in everything we do.

Fast forward a few years and the concept of “Sustainable” grew from my work experiences in Asia. Doing international public health work in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia, I became familiar with the tremendous environmental strains facing the region and also learned about aspects of the garment industry. I began researching cotton farming and the environmental impacts associated with the textile industry. Passionate about the environment, I grew increasingly interested in making a positive contribution to this industry after learning about the vast quantities of pesticides and chemicals used for cultivation and processing of conventional cotton and other fabrics.

“Chic“: To offer exquisite fashion-forward clothing, jewelry and handbags.

With a longstanding interest in style and design, I decided that “chic”, stylish apparel and fashion would be the optimal gateway to bring together environmentally and socially sustainable products. I knew that only being eco and socially conscious would have limited impact and that in order to make a big difference, I would need to have broader appeal.

Jute and Jackfruit was therefore founded with the aim of carrying chic, stylish and high-quality products available at an affordable price while making a positive social and environmental difference. The three core principles of Jute and Jackfruit—Smart, Sustainable, Chic— come together to create a new kind of authentic style for modern women.

How is Jute & Jackfruit different from the other sustainable style shops?

We differentiate ourselves in three ways.

First, we are very committed to women’s empowerment and the social impact of our company and products. Our products tell a meaningful story. We strive to identify groups and organizations that empower women and men in under-resourced settings with the goal of providing economic opportunities to individuals and communities. In addition, we source from women artisans here in the US, who exercise their creative talent with sustainable materials. For example, we carry recycled glass jewelry by Kathleen Plate, recycled vintage metal earrings by Anna Johansson, and laser-cut bamboo wood and felt earrings and pendants by Molly M. We believe in women’s empowerment through the marketplace and try to achieve this goal through our producers, artisans and customers.

Second, we strive to overcome the stereotype that green must be expensive. We provide customers a range of options from basic wardrobe builders and lounge wear to more formal dresses, coats and tops. We offer a wide range of items under $100 and also under $50. We also carry a large selection of handbags, jewelry, scarves that are all eco-friendly.

Finally, our overall business practices define who we are: we incorporate sustainable practices in everything we do and constantly aim to improve our practices For example, we pay a premium for our electricity to have it generated from wind farms; all our paper products are made from post-consumer recycled paper; we reuse our boxes; use biodegradable plastic bags for garment bags; and use biodegradable flatware for our events. We work with other environmentally committed partners for our collaborations, such as Stellar Organics Fair Trade Winery. Jute and Jackfruit is also a member of 1% for the Planet: we donate one percent of our revenue to non-profits working on climate change and conservation of natural resources.

Just opening last year, what are your hopes for Jute & Jackfruit?

We would like Jute and Jackfruit to become a trusted, sought after online source for organic, sustainable and socially conscious clothing, jewelry and handbags. In addition, our hope is that our online community will continue to grow, increasing our collective commitment to sustainability and continuing to learn from and to empower each other. (Join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter!)

Based in Massachusetts, how has your local community responded to going green?

There is a rapidly growing eco-community here in Boston and Cambridge. I feel lucky to be part of such a dynamic region with so many green business innovators and a commitment to the environment. In fact, I just attended an eco-Boston Tweetup, which was great fun! At the same time, I find that when it comes to apparel and textiles, especially conventional cotton, awareness is just beginning to emerge. It’s exciting to be part of the change.

I will say also that awareness among many college-age students is impressively high. The idea behind sustainable apparel and eco-fashion does not require much explanation to them; they get it immediately. I recently participated in a Generation Green Event at Babson College and was thoroughly impressed by their commitment to the environment and entrepreneurship.

Do you have a specific criteria for choosing brands to sell in your online store?

Jute and Jackfruit’s selection criteria are woven into our core principles: Smart, Sustainable, Chic.

First, we look for “Smart” products made in socially conscious and responsible ways: this means fair trade with fair labor standards. We look at each product, its producer and see how it’s made. If it is made in the USA, we look for designers and artisans that have a strong commitment to the environment and are in control over the process and adopt fair labor standards. If a product is made abroad, we look for fair-trade certified factories or groups. We prioritize members of Fair Trade Federation.

For “Sustainable”, we hold specific criteria for each product category (clothing, jewelry and handbags). With respect to clothing, we look for fabrics made from certified organic cotton (ideally to the GOTS standard) and certified organic wools. We also support environmentally conscious fabrics such as soy, bamboo, jute, recycled fabrics and mill-end fabrics. In addition to the fabrics however, we look at the company and producers overall to assess their commitment to sustainability and the environment.

For our handbags, we look for stylish, handmade bags that have both a social and environmental impact. We look for bags that are made out of recycled materials such as candy wrappers, soda pull-tabs, newspapers, soda bottles and paper. We also carry a few bags made out of sustainable materials, such as cork, organic cotton and jute. We prioritize bags that are handmade and empower the artisans who make them by being fair trade. In this way, we look for women’s empowerment initiatives, cooperatives and other income generation projects.

For our jewelry, we identify earrings and necklaces made primarily out of recycled materials such as recycled glass, metals, beads as well as some made from sustainable materials such as bamboo.

What do you say to the folks that still believe global warming is just a myth?

I ask: Let’s say we assume global warming is a myth and we do nothing now, but later we realize we were wrong— what would be the consequences? Doing nothing now is a risky path: there are potentially grave irreversible consequences of no action. By contrast, there is great opportunity for us in acting: we will work toward increasing our environmental protections, curbing carbon emissions, conserving resources, recycling, and reducing energy consumption.

In addition, we could end up with new energy industries (less damaging to the environment), cleaner air, and even energy diversification (and therefore reduced dependency on fossil fuel imports—with national security implications). From the risk standpoint, I think the choice today for action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is easy.

For those on the fence about climate change, I also recommend Al Gore’s film and book An Inconvenient Truth. His well-researched narrative offers a compelling look at carbon dioxide emissions and global warming; an important read for all.

Do you have any other nifty, secret projects in the works that you could hint at?

We have two brand new designers in the pipeline, not yet released on our site.

“Sita” is a brand new designer who just launched this year. We are very excited about her use of eco-fabrics (including jute) and beautiful, unique designs (through the use of embroidery and fabric layering). Her East-West sensibilities break from traditional eco-style and will appeal to a broad group of women.

“Itsus” is a new eco-brand, which just launched in Europe and is now coming to the US. I believe Jute and Jackfruit is one of the first to carry their designer shirts online in the US. Itsus is extremely committed to the environment, organic cotton and sustainability.

We have some exciting projects in the works for our online community as well. Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to find out more!

GET IN OUR GIVEAWAY!

Just leave a comment on this post & you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate for the Jute & Jackfruit online store – that’s right, you can use it for ANYthing!

Rules: only one entry per e-mail address, per name. Content runs from Wednesday, July 1st to Wednesday, July 8th. GOOD LUCK!

Similar to Mary Kay & Avon, you can only buy Miessence products through a Independent Representative who makes commission off of how much they sell. If sales situations make your cringe, I’ve got a lady who is as no-pressure as it gets. My personal Miessence rep is Erin Ely out of Oregon. Eco-business or not, this woman is a delight to talk to & has one hell of an eclectic lifestyle.

Yeah, the products are organic and my seller is great … but how do they work? Thanks to Erin, I took on the task of testing nearly 15 different products from the Miessence line. Why? To give you the inside track on one of the fastest growing beauty brands, of course!

Since I reviewed a much larger collection of products than usual, I’m simply going to present my findings in two categories: Favorites and Not So Favorites (nothing is perfect, ya know?). Without further ado, let’s get to the findings!

:: FAVORITES ::

Aroma Free Roll-On Deodorant ($8.95): I hear folks complain about all-natural deodorants often, but this one is nothing but good. With only four ingredients, it takes “simple” to a whole other level. It is truly aroma free too – the product itself is scent-neutral. If you prefer to perfume your armpits, Miessence does have two other versions with scent.

Translucent Powder ($28.95): You’d be hard pressed to find a make-up powder that doesn’t do its job, but if you are going to use one, it might as well be eco-friendly, right? Most folks apply powder after foundation to help it stay in place. Since I don’t use foundation, the powder acts as a nice, colorless base to even out my skin tone ever so slightly.

Wind Up Jaffa Lip Balm ($5.95): It’s hard to screw up lip balm, but let me tell you, it happens! Thankfully, Miessence is right on with this one. With a subtle but pleasant taste, it goes on smooth, moisturizes well, and lasts for hours. As my teenage self would say, “it’s all good.”

Mascara in Pure Black ($22.95): Seeing how many different types of mascara are in the average drugstore still boggles my mind. Who needs that many versions of eye goop? Similar to their lip balm, Miessence’s mascara is an all-around classic that doesn’t disappoint. Few clumps, easy to apply, easy to remove, looks great. Since it is so easy to remove (I didn’t need eye make-up remover), I doubt this mascara is waterproof, but why would you swim with make-up on anyways? (rainy days are another story)

Probiotic Skin Brightener ($34.20): This is the only skin care product I tested that got my thumbs up. If eating probiotic bacteria is good for you, applying it to your skin should be too – right? That’s what Miessence says and I’m inclined to agree. After using it for just a few days, this skin brightener made my face, well, brighter! My skin tone was more even and I had an extra glow, though it didn’t do anything to reduce or prevent my blemishes.

Nourishing Hand Cream ($24.95): If you’ve never had dry hands, you are a rare breed indeed. For the rest of us, parched palms are probably a daily occurrence. Though I was disappointed with how long it took Miessence’s hand cream to fully absorb, I was repeatedly impressed with how long its moisturizing effects lasted. Looking for hard numbers? It took nearly 10 minutes for the “greasy” feeling to go away after an initial application, but the softness lasted almost 8 hours!

Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner ($20.95): Why do we care about our hair so much – it’s dead! Humans are strange, and I openly admit to being one of the strangest. For a little shine and lift, Miessence’s conditioner is right on the money, though I’m not a big fan of the price. I have very short hair, but I had to use even less of the product than usual to keep my hair from getting overly oily in less than 24 hours. Simply put: a little goes a long way.

Protect B5 Hair Repair ($28.95): For the fool hearty among us who damage their hair daily in the name of “style”, you’re probably angling for some extra moisture. Miessence’s repair spray certainly delivers. I never used it on my dry hair, but instead after just getting out of the shower – hoping the conditioners would help to seal in the moisture on my still-wet hair. It worked! This is another product where a little goes a long way; use too much & your hair will be a bit crunchy, like if you had used hairspray.

:: NOT SO FAVORITES ::

Purifying Skin Essentials [Cleanser, Skin Conditioner, & Moisturizer] ($97.95): I had high hopes for this collection, I really did, but you can’t escape the truth. My blemishes were not reduced by using these products. They all have a fantastic, soft scent, but didn’t do what my skin needed. The cleanser never made my skin feel clean; the conditioner was OK, but never seemed like it was doing anything; and the moisturizer was not strong enough – my skin was dry every morning and evening after using it.

Purifying Blemish Gel ($22.95): I tried this product both in conjunction with the Purifying Skin Essentials set & on its own, but it just didn’t reduce my blemishes. It smells great, feels great … but didn’t deliver the results I expected, even after using it for a full month.

Lemon Toothpaste ($9.95): While it cleaned my teeth comparably to other all-natural toothpastes, the lemon flavor was very unpleasant. After using it, I had to brush again with a different toothpaste to get the flavor out of my mouth. Maybe if I tried Miessence’s mint or anise versions, I would like them better, but the lemon turned me off.

Desert Flower Shampoo ($20.95): When asked by a friend what you think, this is one of those products that’s, “just OK.” Not terrible, but not great … wouldn’t buy it. The gel consistency was nice, but it was hard to spread around my scalp. After using it, my hair and scalp never felt fully clean. The website described the product as “ultra mild for daily use” – I’m thinking it might be a little too mild.

Now, water is one of the only things you will find me drinking. Occasionally though, I do get bored with it … you know, “it’s just water.” I’ve added lemons or cucumbers to add a bit of flavor (and make me feel even more refreshed), but I think I’ve found something even better … Pure Inventions.

Touted as “a pure shot of antioxidants“, these water-enhancers are nothing but pure liquid extracts. No calories. No sweeteners. No caffeine. No preservatives. Pretty sweet, huh?

If you have a hard time drinking enough water, Pure Inventions might be all you need to solve that problem once and for all. You’ve probably seen those powdered packets on the market that flavor your water … but their powdered & full of sweeteners and preservatives. One word: nasty. Why go powdered when you can have fresh, natural liquids straight from your favorite fruits, teas, and even chocolate.

Of course, I would never praise a product unless I tried it myself. Here is the low down on the two versions that I had the pleasure of trying.

Cranberry + Elderberry Extract ($40.75 USD/4 oz.)

Ah fruit juice, how I love thee. I was a bit worried when I read it was cranberry because they are always so unpleasantly tart for me, but the other extracts balanced the flavor well. It didn’t dissolve very well in my water, even after mixing it up with a spoon, so by the end of the glass, I had a blast of flavored, grainy water. Also, I’m not keen that they have “natural flavors” on the ingredients list – general statements like that always turn me off.

Peach-Flavored Green Tea Extract ($30.75 USD/2 oz.)

I definitely enjoyed this one more than the previous, fruit-extract version. All the joys and benefits of tea are well-known to me (thanks to living in San Francisco for 3 years), but I rarely take the time to make any. Yeah, lazy, I know, but it is true. Green tea has countless benefits but can be pretty bitter, so the peach extract took that right away. Unlike the fruit extract product, this dissolved right away and stayed evenly distributed in my glass.

Bottom Line: Pure Inventions are another great way to add a natural boost to your everyday water-drinking routine. Of course, it almost goes without saying that I’d love to see organic versions & ones that don’t need “natural flavors” added back into them.

Known as the “world’s most reliable organizer,” author Jamie Novak has the solution we’ve all been looking for: the Get Organized Answer Book.

Clutter isn’t just about haphazardly-placed stuff – it drags down your entire life. According to Jamie, about 80% of all the clutter in every home or office is a result of disorganization, not lack of space. So why do we keep buying big houses and storage units? Because we need a simple, easy-to-use organizational system that we can extend throughout our lives.

Step-by-step, question-by-question, Jamie guides us readers through how, when, and where to start – plus motivation to keep going day in and day out. Her repeated advice: start small. Just like getting into shape, every little bit of action counts, and once you start sorting one area, you will be inspired to start again with another.

I openly admit that I am quite partial to the Get Organized Answer Book’s last chapter, entitled “Simply Green Organizing.” That obvious note aside, the entire book is a perfect reference tool to have on your shelf. While reading through the whole book is immensly useful, you can easily look at the start of each chapter to see a full list of the questions Jamie answers – jump to the one you need and it is all explained in less than a page.

Though I consider myself naturally organized, I can always use a bit of extra help. Jamie Novak’s Get Organized Answer Book is just what I need to keep my occassional clutter in check (especially my unnatural interest in anything made of out paper, haha).

Colorado-based English Retreads features bags of all sizes for both women & men, along with nifty accessories. Featured in major magazines of all types (Us, Cosmo Girl, Natural Solutions, Fitness … etc.), these totes & purses have serious eco-credentials:

• Handmade in Colorado
• Made from vintage rubber from reclaimed truck inner tubes
• Vegan (awesome alternative to leather!)
• One-of-a-kind
• Company offsets 100% of their carbon emissions via Native Energy

“Each new design begins with the idea of striving to keep more waste out of the landfill by creating fashionable, yet sturdy items out of recycled materials,” says English Retreads‘ founder Heather English says. “And by turning recycling into a bold fashion statement, we at English Retreads can empower consumers with an ecologically sound alternative to animal products without compromising style or durability. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. I love designing a unique product that I feel good about, and that people can feel good about buying.”

In the midst of my bigger bag trend, I’ve been carrying the English Retreads Large Beetle handbag (shown above). If you are looking for space, this is your purse! Taking it out of the box, I was taken aback by just how huge it was – and its weight. Keep in mind these are made from recycled inner tubes, so they have some heft to them. Thanks to that heft, they are also long-lasting – my Beetle still looks brand new.

English Retreads recently began lining its popular styles in durable color fabric (shown below). My Beetle featured the apple green shade, which was a great contrast to the all-black purse. While toting this bag, I only had it full once … and there was still room for a bit more. This is one seriously spacious Beetle! I really enjoyed its versatility and strength, but I will definitely opt for a smaller size next time.

Bottom Line: English Retreads rocks – no buts about it! When you order though, make sure you double-check the measurements of your desired handbag: more inches = more weight.

A recent chat with Earthly Affair’s owner/founder & blogger on Earth Friendly Weddings, Jennifer Stambolsky, revealed the beginning of her eco-endeavors, a priceless dedication to customer service, and what we can expect from Earthly Affair in the near future.

Victoria (Everman) Klein: What inspired you to start a sustainable wedding company?

Jennifer Stambolsky: It was really a conglomeration of things, but I spent a long time (nearly a year to be exact!) exploring my options. I knew I wanted three things in a company:

1. Since I’m a graphic designer by trade, I knew I wanted to be able to stay with design and illustration.
2. It had to be a business that allowed me to give back on a social or environmental level.
3. Considering I was going to have to sell my product on a daily basis, it had to be something I truly believed in.

So when I was planning my own wedding and noticed a lack of customizable, “green” wedding invitations on the market, I thought, “Hey! There’s an idea!” EarthlyAffair.com was born soon thereafter.

Why should an eco-bride choose Earthly Affair for her invitations?

In addition to being one of the most eco-friendly invitation companies on the market, we really do work hard to give each client the utmost in personal attention. I work with each client, creating and revising proofs and assisting with any etiquette questions. We don’t consider our job complete until the client is 100% satisfied. We are currently offering free ground shipping within the continental U.S. on all orders over $100.00 (Victoria’s note: Now’s a great time to buy & save green!)

How do you respond to the folks that still believe global warming is just a myth?

I’ve never been much of the debater, but I’ve often found that trying to change someone’s firm opinion, whether on global warming or anything else for that matter, is a fruitless effort. So instead, I try to inspire others with my actions and to approach the issue on a more positive, spiritual level.

Do you have any other nifty, secret projects in the works that you could hint at?

I do and I’m really excited about it! We’ll soon be launching an expanded website, as well as an Etsy shop.

This is one of those great getting-to-know you questions, and my answer comes to me in a heartbeat: by the water. Brooks, streams, rivers, oceans – moving water makes my soul as light as air. Watching or simply hearing it flow naturally (out of the faucet is never the same) can make any destination heaven in my eyes.

Still on the hunt for the best eco-friendly beauty products, it was easy for me to want to try San Diego-based Wai Hope Organic Skincare.

All of Wai Hope’s goodies are made with their trademarked Biomarine water “that has been enhanced through our proprietary ozonation process. It features the rare Red Fijian Sea weed and Brazilian Rainforest Super-antioxidant fruit juices , this biomarine^TM water replaces the ‘water’ phase in the skin care formulation, which is the main ingredient of all skin care formulas. ”

Reading through the ingredient list of my received products makes me soul even lighter. I can pronounce them all and, in many cases, have eating them before. I’ll be the first one to pipe up and say that food-based products are my favorite.

Wai Hope Seawater Recharging Mist ($30)

This spray came in really handy during a recent heatwave here in Connecticut. While it was cool and refreshing to spritz on my skin, I found my skin actually drying out once the product was absorbed. The smell of the mist is simply delightful; knowing it was all-natural made it all the easier to be transported to quiet island with cool breezes.

The website says, “Anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin, lighten pigmentation, and diminish broken capillaries.” As a long-time acne sufferer, this was music to my ears. My skin did undoubtedly feel soothed and reduced the redness of existing blemishes.

Wai Hope Daybreak Ultra Replenishing Moisturizer ($40)

I didn’t think it was possible for a seawater product to smell better than the Recharging Mist, but this moisturizer does! Meant to be used after said Recharging Mist, the Daybreak Moisturizer is delightful. While the scent can easily perk up my mood, I was disappointed at its actual moisturizing abilities. I often had to use more than I normally would to prevent my skin from getting flaky. It did help to make my acne less noticeable, but did little to prevent future acne.

Bottom Line: Both products were a joy to use, thanks to their texture and scent. Unfortunately, they weren’t effective enough for me to justify spending the money to buy them.

Most recently, the folks over at Wai Hope premiered their DermOxyZone System spa treatment. I haven’t had the pleasure (or the need) to experience this treatment, but research has shown it can have fantastic effects on severly damanged skin. I encourage you to check it out if you feel your skin has suffered moderate-to-severe damage (i.e. sunburns, medications, cancer).

By popular request, I have started a brand new blog on my new website – VictoriaKlein.net.

I will be posting different content on both Victoria-E.com and VictoriaKlein.net until my scheduled leave from Victoria-E.com in August.

After August, I will be posting on VictoriaKlein.net EXCLUSIVELY!

As already noted, Victoria-E.com will stay live until July 2010 so readers can access old posts and learn of my new website + blog.

Also, the VictoriaKlein.net blog will be replacing the previously-mentioned VictoriaKlein.net Email List. If you would like to receive updates from me via e-mail, sign up under “Get Blog Updates Via E-mail” on the right side of the new blog.

Note: the VictoriaKlein.net blog will NOT be featuring advertisements, so please don’t send any requests.

BLOG + WEBSITE OWNERS! Please update your Victoria-E.com links!

You may or may not have heard that I GOT MARRIED on Tuesday, May 12th to my boyfriend of 5 years (it was our anniversary).  I have decided to stay with tradition and take on his last name, both personally and professionally.

Do you know what that means? A BRAND NEW WEBSITE! I will now be using VictoriaKlein.net for all my professional work. I also have a new email address, so if you are still using victoria[at]victoria-e[dot]com or victoriablue[at]gmail[dot]com, make sure to update your address books.

So what about Victoria-E.com? After careful consideration, I have decided to leave Victoria-E.com up for another year. The site will be live until at least July 2010. I will be posting new entries until August 2009, when I will taken an indefinite hiatus from blogging all together.

I enjoy blogging + sharing my knowledge with others, but my career and family are a higher priority. I can’t spare the time or the money to devote to Victoria-E.com anymore. It has been a wonderful ride, I have learned a lot, and met some wonderful folks in the process.

Note: If you have sent me any products or books to review, they will be reviewed before my hiatus begins in August.

Two pieces in the May 2009 issue grabbed my attention:

First up is a great older home in Minneapolis that was updated both stylishly and economically with 6 easy tips.

1) Refresh with white

2) Make it livable

3) Spotlight accents

4) Create cohesion

5) Soften the edges

6) Scale back furniture

I was surprised to see that the kitchen had the most color - usually it is the living or bedrooms.

Second and still swank is a small, remodeled kitchen in Minneapolis … I see an odd location trend here. FYI: I lived in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area for 1 year after high school.

Tis amazing what a few changes can do to make a room feel more open and comfortable. Too many kitchen cabinets + random oven placement = hell. Natural light + a wall oven away from the fridge = heaven.

Unlike last week’s photographer, he has his own website that showcases a visual feast of his various projects and subjects.

The following images were borrowed from the Choice Stockholm website, but I encourage you to check out his separate site for further inspiration and smiles.

Her discovery? The parabens, phlalates, and artificial fragrance in her cosmetic products are likely the source. And we thought that beauty companies wanted us to be happier and healthier! With the help of a chemist friend, Stephanie started her own personal products line called Bubble & Bee that runs on 5 simple pledges:

1. Use Certified Organic ingredients whenever possible.
2. Never use synthetic fragrances.
3. Never use a synthetic ingredient if there’s even a small question about it!
4. Give our customers choices.
5. Always stand behind our products.

Of course, you know I don’t write about a company unless I’ve had a chance to experience it. For the past month, I’ve been using Bubble & Bee’s Squeezed Lime Organic Shower Gel … what a title! Whenever my lips needed a boost, I applied Bubble & Bee’s Organic Root Beer Lip Balm … yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Both products feature short, pronounceable ingredient lists – big bonus! On top of that, they actually work wonderfully. The shower gel kept me moisturized all day, even without putting on lotion. I’m a fan of using it for shaving as well; my nick-free armpits and knees are a testament to its usefulness.

There is only one drawback with the lip balm, and that is that the root beer flavor is sublimely realistic. It tastes like you are downing your favorite glass bottle of flavored fizz, minus the calories. What’s the problem them? I makes me very thirsty.

Bubble & Bee is a wonderful, small brand that authentically understands what beauty products ought to be: organic, simple, and effective.

There should be a waiting period between when 1 person stops using a phone number & another person starts using it. I’m thinking at least 60 days.

I recently changed from a San Francisco number to a northern Connecticut number. I’ve had it for just under a month and have gotten more calls and text messages for the girl who previously used the number than for me. It gets really old fast!

My local Whole Foods, which is only 8 blocks from our apartment (at least until we buy a condo later this year), is at least twice the size as the location I went to regularly in San Francisco. Thanks to an overdeveloped sweet tooth, I am naturally drawn to the sweets section near the bakery.

On top of having a kick ass variety in their “chocolate bar”, I was elated to find out they also have a gelato bar! After my visit to Italy in 1999, I am not able to enjoy ice cream as much as I used to (except for Ben & Jerry’s) – I’m a gelato snob, haha. I’d managed to resist buying any for months, but 2 weeks ago, during our record-breaking heat wave, I bought a pre-packaged pint of Cold Fusion Gelato’s Mixed Berry Sorbet (which I’m noshing on even now).

I’m damn glad I did buy some! Cold Fusion’s goodies taste just as good those I had in Italy, and that’s one hell of an accomplishment. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, where they have a store front and make all their gelatos and sorbets from local ingredients, Cold Fusion opened in 2001 and is still owned and operated by the same family.

Looking for a way to dull my baked goods addiction, sorbet is a much healthier choice, being made from only ice and fruit – no added sugar needed. Having snacked on my Mixed Berry Sorbet for dessert instead of chocolate chip cookies or brownies for almost two weeks, I can happily say that my desire for bakery items has dropped significantly. For jollies, I had a cookie this morning and it made me very jittery - like the caffeine in coffee.

I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Cold Fusion’s store front in Rhode Island, but it is on my to-do list – especially since my fiance and I plan on taking our delayed honeymoon next month on Block Island, Rhode Island.

In honor of Earth Month, NY-based online store NIMLI decided to open a temporary shop at 2 Great Jones Street (between Broadway and Lafayette) in Manhattan to showcase their impeccable variety of eco-friendly products.

With April 2009 now in the record books, the sale begins … and you can cash in. Many of the products and discounts in their NYC shop are exclusive (a.k.a. not available online), so don’t hesitate to stop by between the hours of 11 am & 7 pm before they close down on Sunday the 17th.

Just what great goods do they have to offer? Here is a Victoria-E.com exclusive list of what will be available at the NIMLI Pop-Up Store Sale:

• 40% off on clothing from Lara Miller, EcoSkin, Beau Soleil, Ecoganik, Fin, NatureVsFuture, and Sublet
• 20-30% off on jewelry from Anna Korte, Gabriela Artigas, Betty B, Cheeky Monkey, and Smart Glass Jewelry
• 20% off on shoes from Olsen Haus and Melissa Shoes
• 30-40% off on beauty goods from Aguacate, The Bubble Roomer, Joya Candles, Soi Candles, HollyBeths, Peacock Republic, Sea Chi Organics, Buddha Nose, and Belegenza
• Extra 30% discounts on Final Sale items from Positive Energy, Tees for Change, and Mamom
• Extra 30-40% discounts on already-reduced Azuri scarves, wraps, & bangles
• Other brands on sale include: Under the Canopy, Klean Kanteen, Envirosax, The Battalion, Eberjey, G=9.8, Cosabella, Botanical Paperworks, BYOB, and Andira

Note: If you’re not in NYC, you can partake in NIMLI’s online Spring sale, which launches next week. Sign up for their newsletter for all the insider details.

The DIY gods have shined on us eco-crafters by bringing us the new Re-Construct DVD from Jeanee Ledoux and Garth Johnson.

Full of 11 different home decor projects of different difficulties and time commitments, Re-Construct also includes eco-friendly tips and interviews with both hosts.

Jeanee is the project creator and executor, while Garth is a great co-presenter with amusing anecdotes and intelligent questions. You won’t find any flashy video editing effects here (sorry HGTV) – this DVD is all about the hands-on crafts minus the frills.

Out of all the projects on Re-Construct, I’m itching to try the:

• Cardboard Ottoman
• Scooter Dish
• Fabric Painting
• Painted Candle holders
• Eggshell Planter
• Book Shelf

This particular DVD is labeled as #1, so I’m hoping that Jeanee and Garth have plans for #2, 3, 4, and beyond! Visit the Re-Construct website for a preview of the DVD, links to cool fellow crafters, and how to buy your own copy online (makes a great gift … hint hint).

Visit the Connecting with Editors on Social Media post for insightful quotes from me, other freelancers, major editors, and helpful advice from Linda.

Side Note: I highly recommend Linda’s Write for Magazines course! I took it when I first began freelancing professionally and it still helps me to this day.

The great folks over at BuyGreen.com (a one-stop-shop for green consumers and businesses with all goods shipped in reused packaging) teamed up with me to test one of the most popular all-natural sunscreen lines, UV Natural. During the unbearable heatwave that hit New England 2 weeks ago, my fiance and I slathered up & took a long walk to see how they really fair.

UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ ($29.50 at buygreen.com)

This stuff is hefty! Not quite as thick as syrup, but it still doesn’t spread very well. The smell is pretty neutral and the initial feeling is moisturizing. The “water resistant” claim is very valid – rinsing my hands caused the water to bead-up on my skin and the sunscreen to stay put. The only way I could remove it was by wiping it off with a towel. During our walk, neither of us burned or even turned pink – mission accomplished!

Main problem: removing the sunscreen afterward. We both had to shower twice, scrubbing down twice per shower, just to get it all off. Clearly, all that washing dried out our skin terribly, negating any possibly moisturizing effect from the sunscreen. If you are very active outdoors (jogging, hiking, swimming, surfing … etc.), this formula would be perfect for you. It does not work for your average day-to-day usage.

UV Natural Lip Sunscreen SPF 30+ ($9.95 at buygreen.com)

Lip balm is pretty straightforward, and so is this one. Not much of a flavor since the SPF 30+ factor is more important. It is very effective (no burns or peeling), glides on easily, and lasts a long time – a great trifecta!

With a #1 ranking from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), I was a bit disappointed by UV Natural’s products, but not due to their quality. They work! They are also a pain in the ass to remove … so the search for my favorite eco-sunscreen continues. Any suggestions?

There is certainly something to be said for being a trailblazer, and all of the crafters in this book represent a second coming-of-age for not only the handmade community, but also an entire generation. “I was going to all these fairs and I remember thinking: Something big is happening. This has to be documented,” said Faythe Levine, the book’s co-author in her September 2008 New York Times interview.

Faythe is also the director of an accompanying Handmade Nation documentary, which is currently being screened at festivals worldwide. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it yet, but each and every review I’ve read has raved about its honest and inspirational tone. All upcoming viewings are listed on both the documentary’s official website and the Handmade Nation blog (I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a Boston screening).

If, by some strange twist of fate, you haven’t seen the documentary either, check out the trailer and the vibrant stop-motion opening sequence.

Bottom line: this book is a must-have for any crafter, professional or purely personal. Whenever you feel down on your work or are losing direction, just grab your copy of Handmade Nation and you will be revitalized by others who have stuck to their guns and helped to change the entire marketplace.

From the look of the stats, my Pretty Pictures posts have gotten pretty popular (bad pun)! I’m delighted to see y’all are enjoying my banquet of inspirational imagery – tune in every Thursday for more. If you have any suggestions for things you’d like to see on Victoria-E.com, send them my way! I’m in the middle of a major content rehaul for the blog, so lots of great things are on their way …

1) Pretty Pictures from Beatrice Peltre

2) Clean Beauty and Conscience with Yes to Carrots + EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!

“Back in the “good ole days”, skin care was simple - olive oil, lemon, salt … basic ingredients that can be found in any kitchen. As we spent more time in offices, making our own beauty products is the last thing on most minds.

When it comes to finding sustainable, all-natural cosmetics, you usually have to go to stores like Whole Foods. Thankfully, other major stores (like Target and Walgreens) are starting to take notice and now carry brands that even an evergreen would smile at.

One brand, Yes to Carrots, is quickly becoming a favorite among media and consumers alike. When I was presented with the chance to review a slew of Yes to Carrots’ products, I jumped at the chance.”

3) Pretty Pictures from Don Freeman

4) Pretty Pictures from Anna Kern

5) Crafting a Happy Home: Better Homes & Gardens April 2009

Run solely by Juliet Ames, The Broken Plate Company is quite self-explanatory – she makes jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, belt buckles, hair clips, brooches … etc.) from vintage plates that she breaks herself.

Reuse + recycle + hammer = stress-relieving eco-accessories. (haha)

Recently, she began offering custom collections and wedding sets, which include necklaces for the bride + bridesmaids, along with matching cuff links for the husband-to-be.

Visit Juliet’s official website & Etsy shop for a full experience of the great work that she does. As she says, “may the next plate be broken for you!”

[Images courtesy of The Broken Plate Company]

Now …

the time has come …

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

ra-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat

The winner of the Little Green Books EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY is …

(as picked by Random.org) …

Laura B

Note: Laura, I’ve sent you an e-mail (to get your mailing address) so I can send you the set of 4 Little Green Books winnings.

Didn’t win? Don’t frown – there are many more contests, eco-discounts, and useful reviews coming your way on Victoria-E.com, so stay tuned!

[Image: Winner badge made by a minor thread]