Max and Zane's Blog

Keep on Keepin' On, Greenies!

2008-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is not so easy being green.
With many tears and heart wrenching sadness, April and I have decided to close Max and Zane. This is an especially difficult choice because we truly believe in the store's mission and in the products we lovingly hand selected. We appreciate the quality and the creativity put forth by the vendors with whom we worked, and we applaud their efforts in helping to create a society where green is beautiful. Why, you may ask, are we closing our store?
As much as we have loved creating Max and Zane, we are also mothers, wives, friends and daughters. We are women with rich backgrounds and a vast array of experiences that inform who we are and what we will become. We are children of the earth who want to give back more than we take. We are, at M&Z, a team of only two.
Keeping Max and Zane afloat in an economic crisis, when nearly everyone is tightening their purse strings, would take a Herculean effort. It would mean pushing it into high gear, day and night,every day, all day. It would eat away at our flexibility to do things like take our kids to the park, care for an ailing relative, or volunteer for causes that are close to our hearts. In short, it would mean putting Max and Zane ahead of our families. Despite all of our heartache, it wasn't much of a choice. Max and Zane must be put to rest.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. Continue to shop green, recycled, organic and fair trade. We will miss you.

ECOnomize

2008-10-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

It seems that there is a general feeling in our neck of the woods that we should all be scrimping and saving. Even if we are not feeling the pinch yet, the economic future is so unsteady that it looms over us all like a black cloud. For those of us who have made a conscious shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, does scrimping mean that we have to forgo our green essentials for something more affordable?
No way, says Jenn Farrington, co-founder of www.maxandzane.com. Being more aware of one's finances does not have to mean trotting off to SprawlMart for the latest in cheap Chinese-made sweatshop goods. Here are a few ways to be smart with your money but keep your green priorities in check.
1. REUSE, REUSE, REUSE.
We probably don't have to tell you that it is much smarter for both the environment and the pocketbook to put all those leftovers in a reused yogurt container or pyrex dish than to plastic baggie it. Sending your kids off to school with their lunches in recycled containers, too, can save $100 plus per year, not to mention all that plastic that is avoiding the landfill.
2. LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS.
Don't just stick your leftovers in the fridge and ignore them until you discover a mold farm on trash day. Websites like The Leftover Chef make it easy to search your leftovers and other ingredients that need to be cooked up to find a cool new meal idea. Forget about nuking last night's chicken, revisit it in tonight's menu with a dinner that no one will guess began as leftovers. So simple.
3. MOOD LIGHTING.
A recent week long blackout here in Ohio (thanks to Hurricane Ike) made us realize how much electricity we can live without. A row of tea lights down the center of the dinner table makes family dinners lovely, and Solio solar chargers will keep cell phones totally juiced up sans the electrical outlet. Without the distractions of television and computers, we found ourselves playing cards at the picnic table with neighbors we had never met. Electricity makes things more convenient, surely, but forgoing it from time to time can not only be healthy for your mind and body, it can reduce your carbon footprint and save you a few pennies.
4. EAT ORGANIC
Yup, you heard me right. The cost of food is rising, but, if you are a wise shopper, you can still buy organic. Ultimately, the cost of feeding your family processed foods is far greater than the cost of organic foods. Hit the local farmer's markets, where you can still find some great buys on organic goods. Or buy organics on sale at the store and freeze, baby, freeze. Bread, fruits, veggies, and flour all freeze well and can save you big bucks in the long run. Don't forget about the grocery store brands, too, as many large chains now have organic canned goods and cereals at affordable prices. Another option is buying a share in a community-supported agriculture program. CSAs are a cost effective way to get your green on, and it doesn't get much fresher than straight from the farm.
5. LAND OF THE FREE
You don't have to be a dumpster diver to get free stuff. Craigslist and Freecycle are two great resources for finding things you may need that aren't exactly in your budget. From hardware to pet supplies to baby gear, we've seen it all listed. Get what you need for free and squirrel away that cash you would have spent, and rest assured that you are not contributing to wastefulness. Now that's green.
You can also save big by attending free activities. Going to the movies, for example, is a ridiculously expensive treat, even for a small family. Seek out the free movie on the library lawn, the weekend festival with no admission, or the free concert at the University. Kids and adults alike will likely be surprised at the fun things to do out there that cost nothing.
Got other ideas for staying green and saving green? We would love to hear them! Email us at info@maxandzane.com or post a response here.

Artist Profile - Julia Ventresco

2008-09-11T08:08:00.001-07:00

Julia Ventresco can see beauty in all things. Recycled tarps morph into chic handbags, old wallpaper and maps into stationary, and paper rice bags into one-of-a-kind totes. She fills her world with items she has creatively recycled and repurposed with exquisite craftsmanship. Max and Zane are thrilled to carry a variety of Ventresco's handmade goods, including the fabulous Hick Chic Recycled Tarp Bags.

Julia lives off the coast of Maine, born an artist into a family of artists. She is an avid collector of what others might throw away and finds an artistic use for it, always with a fresh creative eye. The folks at Max and Zane not only love her concept, but we admire her attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship.
Watch for more of Julia's awesome products to hit Max and Zane soon!

Seal of Approval

2008-09-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Max and Zane is now a part of Co-op America's Green Business Network™? This diverse network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses has a rigorous screening process, looking for businesses that are committed to conducting business in a way that demonstrates care for employees, suppliers, customers, the community, and the environment. We are honored to be a part of it!

Its a Man's World

2008-09-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

All of us here at Max and Zane agree that presents for men are perhaps the hardest gifts to find. Ties and socks? Gimme a break! You can do better than that! We are always keeping an eye out for items that are fun, funky, functional, and unique. Here are a few suggestions:

MUSIC NOTES are a perfect little item for that audiophile in your life. Cut from vintage album covers, this unique assortment of 30 round note cards packaged in a metal tin is a Max and Zane exclusive.

Vintage barware is always a good choice for men who appreciate a good libation now and then. This VINTAGE FLASK was snatched up by Max at an estate sale, and we think the combination of a plastic cap and metal shot lid make it not only cool but fully functional. Perfect companion to romantic stargazing or riverside picnics!

COOL BELT BUCKLES are a necessity for any man. This handmade buckle is crafted from vintage library book covers and is like no other. Check out our fun assortment of buckles and select one he'll love!

PLASTIC BAGS SUCK. PERIOD.

2008-05-07T09:19:00.001-07:00

Don't be silly- carry a reusable bag, of course!
But did you know that textiles make up 5% of all municipal waste? Or that many fibers and dyes are made from non-biodegradable petrochemicals, just like plastic bags? Thats why piece lily uses only recycled fabrics and handles for the Go To Market Tote. Buying recycled means you are not contributing to the billions of tons of pre and post consumer textile waste ending up in landfills. Plus, piece lily totes are extremely durable, completely washable, and cute, too! We carry a variety of patterns and three sizes from which to choose. Each comes in its own little 'stuff sack' to make it easy to toss in your bag or car. Shop today!

I'm a Believer

2008-04-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about our newest addition to our bath and body product line. Luscious Naturals has created these All-In-One Bars for Max and Zane. Shampoo and Soap in one, these bars have been a big hit with all our testers, especially men and those of us with short hair. An amazing combination of cedarwood, sage, and petitgrain, the scent is fresh but not too woodsy, sweet but not too feminine, and natural without smelling like a bulk food bin at a co-op store. This unique blend of organic ingredients, including milk, honey and natural oils, will leave your hair and body gently cleaned and thoroughly soft. Whats not to love? If only you, too, could enjoy your morning shower with this fabulous All-In-One Bar... but wait, you can!! They are available now at Max and Zane!

Max and Zane Sneak Peek

2008-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the final departure of February (the longest shortest month EVER), we would like to give you a special sneak peek at one of our new items that will be listed soon. This "setting for six plus" is OD melamine and nearly perfect. Beautiful aqua and white cups, saucers, salad plates, dinner plates, serving pieces,creamer and sugar bowls will make your retro kitchen shine. We call it service for six, but there are bonus pieces for you as well. Bye bye, February... March is lucky already!

Winter Green

2008-02-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Tiring of winter? who isn't! This time of year, spring can't come fast enough for many of us who are still enduring frigid temperatures. Here are a few ideas for beating away the winter blues and becoming, well, winter green.

1. THE WINDOW GARDEN
Nothing says spring more than beautiful little seedlings! Outside our workshop, the ground is still frozen, so Max and I raided our recycling bucket to create our own little office container garden. We cut large juice containers and two liter soda bottles in half, then used a drill on the spout half to create small holes. This allows the soil to be self watering. We LOVE low maintenance plants!
In the bottom half, we made a larger hole about half way down for water refills. Place the top half,spout down, into the bottom half, and voila! Find more detailed instructions here.
We opted for good quality potting soil and organic seeds from Johnny's Selected Seeds, a wonderful resource for beginner or established gardeners. Their excellent website helped us choose plants that would thrive in containers and gave invaluable information about germination, soil and water requirements. (Through trial and error (ahem), we found that for plants requiring less water, fewer perforations should be made in the spout half.)
A spot of tabletop green is sure to perk up your winter... and if you grow healthy edibles, like we did, it just may improve your bathing suit season as well!

2.CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY
Wish someone would send you off on a complimentary luxury spa weekend? Baby, its time to take matters into your own hands... literally! If you can't spare the time or expense to jaunt off to Canyon Ranch, a homemade scented scrub can do the trick. We found some great recipes for sugar scrubs out there on websites like care2 network. Simple, affordable, and luxurious, a homemade sugar scrub will make dry winter skin unbelievably soft. And those poor feet that have been stuffed in your uncute snow boots? They may need a exfoliating salt scrub.
Whip up a batch, grab a few soy candles, pour a glass of organic wine, and barricade yourself in the bathroom. You need it! As cliche as it sounds, an hour of pampering WILL help chase away those winter blahs.

3. GET ORGANIZED, GET CREATIVE
If you are one of us who wants to just hunker down and avoid the cold weather, put yourself to work. And no, we're not talking about overtime! Winter is the perfect time for getting organized. Sort things into manageable piles- items to donate to charity, papers to shred, things to recycle, etc- and get out from underneath your winter clutter. If you are on the fence about whether to keep or toss, consider donating it. For us pack rats, it is sometimes easier to let it go if we know it will be put to good use! Goodwill is always an excellent choice for your household items and clothing. Building supplies (new and used) can be donated to Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.
Items that you know will come in handy for future craft projects, such as paper making, quilting or decoupage, can be stored in recycled shoe boxes or metal cookie tins. Keeping the boxes small ensures that you only keep what you will reasonably need for any given project, and the labeled containers can be easily stored away in your garage or attic.

Screw Punxsutawney Phil's prediction... Before you know it, winter will be over!

There's still time!

2007-12-14T06:31:00.001-08:00

Yes, we have been getting quite a few emails asking if there is still time to get your Max and Zane order by December 25th. The answer is: why, of course! If you are concerned, opt for the expedited shipping via USPS or UPS. Feel better now?
If you are still scurrying to get holiday cards out, here are a few options: check out the box of simply stunning Holiday Cards cards pictured above. Or, if you are like Zane and not only have a hectic schedule but friends and family of various faiths as well, you could go for the delightful Happy New Year cards. Both card sets are handmade by Gold Dust Studios and printed on recycled paper. Such a beautiful way to reach out to old friends!

Vinatage Fabric Reinvigorated

2007-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

By now you probably are aware of how much Max and Zane loves creatively repurposed goods. The website is chock-full of them! These bibs are another adorable example- each started life as a vintage tablecloth. They are handmade and impeccably crafted. Just the unique gift you've been seeking for that eco-mom on your list!

Gifts that Give

2007-11-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

Are you already sick of holiday shopping and it isn't even December? Take some of the stress away AND give gifts that keep on giving: make donations to charities for your friends and family. I know, I know, tearing open an envelope on Christmas morning just doesn't have the same magic as a beautifully wrapped gift. Here are a few suggestions for having the best of both worlds:

MAKE LIFE A LITTLE SWEETER
Make a donation to Heifer International. I chose the Gift of Bees, which provides struggling families worldwide with the ability to earn income through the sale of honey, beeswax and pollen. Heifer International provides an adorable gift card, which I paired with a jar of locally produced honey. I packaged it in a recycled coffee can with shredded paper and a bow made from vintage fabric. These touches are simple and inexpensive, yet are more personal and fun to open than a gift card alone.

Here are a few other suggestions for jazzing up Heifer International donations: Give yarn, knitting needles, and accessories nestled in a recycled container (cigar boxes, wide mouthed jars, and plant pots are just a few ideas). Add to this a share of a knitting basket, which provides wool producing animals to families who can raise themselves out of poverty by shearing,spinning, weaving and selling woolen goods.
Looking for a cute donation for kids? Opt for the Flock of Chicks. Pair this with a recycled egg carton filled with simple handmade or store bought yellow felt chicks and some shredded brown kraft paper. Little kids will love it!

PLAY WITH WILD ANIMALS
One of personal favorites that I donate to every year is Defenders of Wildlife. This is really a no brainer, since they have an 'adoption' program, complete with a stuffed toy, photos, and fact sheets. There is sure to be an animal of interest to that child or soft-hearted person in your life. Choose from penguins, wolves, snow leopards, sea turtles, and lots of other imperiled animals. It doesn't get much simpler than this!

THE GIFT OF WARMTH
This year, my kids and I recycled our old sweaters into simple mittens and discovered that felted wool is remarkably warm and cozy! Try pairing a donation to a local homeless shelter or 'Coats for Kids' program with a one-of-a-kind scarf, baby soaker pants, or pair of mittens, all of which are true beginner sewing projects. Pin on a handmade gift tag (mine was made from a vintage greeting card), directions for making the woolen gift, and a short description of the charity. The recipient will be reminded of this selfless act every time he/she uses it.

These are just a few of the great worthy causes out there, which, with a little creativity, can be exciting to give AND to receive.

M&Z Sneak Peek!

2007-11-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ooooh la la! This unique purse will soon join Max and Zane's cool collection of vintage, recycled, and indie designer bags. Like many of our goods, there's only one, so snap it up soon!

Avocado Green

2007-11-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Max and Zane strives to be Avocado.
No, we are not talking about the fruit used to make guacamole... we're talking about the color green. Like the green of that cool seventies refrigerator.

April and I personally and professionally try to live eco-conscious lifestyles. Not to say we will never be spotted at Starbucks using paper coffee cups- we are human, after all. But we do what we can to try and be green with our purchases, what we eat, and how we live our daily lives.
A huge part of what I consider being green is limiting wastefulness. This means not filling a dumpster with remodeling debris to have a 100% green kitchen. When my ugly laminate countertops are finally beyond repair, I plan to replace them with fabulous Paperstone. But throwing perfectly functional countertops into a landfill, even if it means replacing it with something "green", just seems flawed.

Undoubtedly, there needs to be a cultural shift towards green living. The green bandwagon that is attracting big corporations such as WalMart and BP, though, is a double-edged sword. There is value in a greater awareness and availability of eco-friendly, Fair Trade, and organic goods and alternative energies. But being "green" needs to be more than a marketing tool or a trend- after all, trends come and go. It needs to be a lifestyle.

In my mind, green living is steeped in recycling, re-purposing and reusing. But this doesn't necessarily mean you have to fend off all traces of consumerism. Thats crazy talk! There is so much cool vintage, recycled, and repurposed stuff out there. Don't simply go green, go avacado.

Five Simple Ways to Do Something Good

2007-11-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

Here at www.maxandzane.com , we don't snub our noses at folks who aren't using a composting toilet or don't live off the grid. We appreciate the changes you make, however small. We know that we are all creatures of habit, and breaking even small habits take effort! Here are a few ideas for how you can make a difference by altering your life in small ways... for a big impact:

1.WHEN YOU NEED A CHANGE, GO COMPACT FLUORESCENT
"If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars." (www.energystar.gov) Nuff said.

2. WAIT A MINUTE!
Do you know that cutting your morning shower short by just sixty seconds can save up to 2.5 gallons of water? Its true! That's over nine hundred gallons a year per person! If you just can't hack not singing in the shower for a minute less each day, consider switching to a water conserving shower head. They've come a long way, baby. Max's family didn't even notice when she made the switch.

3.GO VINTAGE
Need a potato masher? Looking for a unique gift for cousin Ed? Shopping vintage is thrifty, we all know that. But when you buy second hand items, you don't contribute to the pollution and depletion of natural resources that often go hand in hand with the manufacturing process.
By buying vintage, you have endless possibilities for one-of-a-kind gifts that won't end up in someone's junk drawer. Last Christmas, Zane searched out a 1951 Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook to replace her mom's copy that had completely fallen apart. She wrapped it in a vintage tea towel and finished it with a bow of old lace trimming and a recipe card gift tag. While it didn't cost much, the sentiment behind it brought Mom to tears!

4. DITCH THE PLASTIC BAGGIES
Use reusable washable containers for lunches and leftovers. We love our pyrex dishes with lids, which can go from fridge to table easily. Recycle your yogurt containers and other plastics to pack kid's lunches. If your kid objects to a used cream cheese container in her lunch pail, use waxed paper. Zane uses bits of rainbow yarn or crazy colored recycled rubber bands to make sure waxed paper stays closed.

5. EXPLORE YOUR INNER MARTHA STEWART
When wrapping gifts this year, try skipping the wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags. Be creative!
Old maps, glossy magazine ads, wallpaper samples, sheet music,vintage fabrics,and old calendar pages all make excellent wrapping materials. Kids love making their own wrapping paper by stamping the back of brown paper grocery bags with a festive theme.
For gift tags, we love using whatever there is around the house. Cut up cereal boxes, sand paper, postcards, even tree bark... you'll be amazed at what you can create with a pair of decorative scissors and a hole punch!
Skip the plastic/metallic ribbons and bows- how tacky, anyway- and try using something that can be reused by the recipient. Giving a gift to a person who sews? Use a cloth measuring tape in lieu of ribbon. A handman? Try using recycled wire! Yarn, shoe strings,cording, strips of fabric, recycled belts, and even plastic newspaper bags cut into strips make excellent ribbons. If your material won't make that fancy bow you love, tuck a piece of fragrant evergreen or dried lavender in the center to compliment your homemade gift tag.

If being crafty is just too much to handle on top of the holiday craziness, we recommend using a high quality recycled wrapping paper like the amazing designs from Fish Lips.

Remix

2007-11-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

You don't have to be best friends with your sewing machine or circular saw to reuse items in creative ways. Max and Zane are always finding new ways to use discarded or under-appreciated objects. We see endless possibilities in junk!
There's no need to run out to the local department store for household items. Use your creative eye and some elbow grease (and maybe a stapler and hot glue gun) to repurpose objects to fit your lifestyle. Here are a couple of project ideas: Zane's photo lampshade, Max's chalkboard children's desk made from an old kitchen table, and Zane's wall of postcards made with recycled sheet metal.
Got crafty ideas of your own? Send us a pic!

Vintage Indie Holiday Gift Guide

2007-11-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...check out Max and Zane in the Vintage Indie Gift Guide. This is an excellent resource for those of you who want to support indie crafters. And don't forget to visit Max and Zane for our complete line of handmade goodies. Remember, gift giving doesn't have to mean contributing to pollution, sweatshops, and excess associated with large scale manufacturing.... go vintage, handmade, and recycled!

Cool Vintage Find

2007-11-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for that special item to secure your position as an entertaining goddess? Check out this newly listed vintage find: a set of eight vintage glass tumblers in a very cool gold tone carrier. Put some Frank Sinatra on the hi fi, your best little black dress a la Audrey Hepburn, and invite your friends over for cocktails. Tom Collins, anyone?

take the chill off

2007-10-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

There is beauty in the fall air, the tip of your nose getting cold, the burnt oranges and yellows of the leaves. Its not quite cold enough for a wool scarf, but, yes, its starting to get nippy out there! Zane suggests donning a colorful lightweight scarf around your neck. Silk scarves are the perfect transitional accessory for fall. They can keep the neck toasty in the cool morning or evening, and be easily tucked away in your handbag if not needed. They also make great headbands!

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

2007-10-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

Zane, in all her entertaining splendor, has decided that her new favorite item this season is one that screams vintage: the hostess dish. Max has has the magic touch lately in acquiring these handled beauties, and here is a sneak peak at a couple that Max may have to fight to put up on the site.

Maxine,Dear in the News

2007-10-08T13:50:00.001-07:00

We were thrilled to see our friends Niki and Josh from Maxine, Dear, who make the funky coin purses, wallets, and belt buckles out of discarded library books, featured in the style section of the New York Times. We love their stuff, and the story behind it is good, too. If you missed the write up, you can view it HERE. And be sure to check out our favorite Maxine, Dear products HERE.

Join Max and Zane

2007-09-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Do you make cool stuff? Do you see endless potential in repurposing vintage or discarded items? Are you meticulous about creating the highest quality goods? Do you think you can hang with Max and Zane? If so, we are currently reviewing goods for consignment.
Please send five jpegs to us at info@maxandzane.com (with "consignment" in the subject line, please), along with a retail price guide and a short statement that sums up your work in a few lines or less. Now, please understand that Max and Zane get a great deal of submissions... if we think your work is a good fit for www.maxandzane.com, we will contact you with consignment details. Thanks!

Candids of the Max and Zane Photo Shoot

2007-09-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

We have an absurd amount of fun here at Max and Zane. Today we had the pleasure of photographing Marygen's Handmade Tea Party Dresses for little girls. Each dress is made from truly precious vintage fabrics and hand sewn by Marygen. Her selection of fabrics and combination of materials and vintage trimmings are remarkable, and we feel so fortunate to carry her dresses on www.maxandzane.com.

It was quite a job to corral our little models and keep them happy, all the while making sure the photographer was able to get her shots. Our little girls couldn't have loved the dresses more!

On the Hunt for Vintage Goodies

2007-09-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Although the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are falling, Max and Zane are still out and about on our daily treasure hunt. "Max", at left, spent the weekend
scouring local flea markets, searching out the best of the best to showcase on www.maxandzane.com.
We do the dirty work for you, sifting through all the mediocre stuff and hand selecting a few truly special items. Check back soon to see whatcool finds will make it on to the site!

Zane's SNEAK PEAK!

2007-09-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Every so often, blog readers will have a chance to preview amazing items that will be offered on www.maxandzane.com before they are actually listed. So here's your chance... and if you like this, be sure to check in with Max and Zane often to get it the moment it hits the site!