By Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor
With two little girls in preschool, we seem to attend a lot of playdates. And these playdates invariably turn into birthday party invitations. So, I am always on the lookout for fun gifts to stock the gift closet, ready at a moment’s notice, when one of my girls gets an invitation. I came across these beautiful tutus made by Kiwi Industries while shopping at a local Laguna Beach children’s store the other day.  The playful and colorful tutus are adorned with satin rose petals in the layers of tulle and a wide satin ribbon with [...]

WE HAVE OUR WINNER!   CONGRATULATIONS Nicole!
You have won the Sample Variety Box of Flatbreads and Crisps by Margaret’s Artisan Bakery.
The winner was selected at random using the Random Integer Generator.
This giveaway contest is now closed but do subscribe via RSS or email
to get updates on new giveaways as they get posted. Thank you all for playing!
______________________

This is the second of our monthly giveaways from Margaret’s Artisan Bakery. We wrote about their irresistible Crisps here. I went through a whole box of the Cranberry-Pumpkin Seeds Crisps all by myself last week, snacking incognito at any chance i’d get, savoring the crackers [...]

I’ve always been enchanted by Tord Boontje decorative accessories. I love how the designs juxtapose the innocence of the themes with the sophistication of the execution and materials. Irresistible.

Excerpted from Tord Boontje Studio philosophy statement : “ …the Studio’s work draws from a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism, that contemporary does not forsake tradition, and that technology does not abandon people and senses…”. This philosophy is in fully manifested in the studio’s latest launch: next week, Tord Boontje fans will get to legitimately wear his designs. The Charming charms jewelry line is making its debut. It will [...]

I’ve always made lists. I’ve even been made fun because of my list making. Still, I’m undeterred. Having a list (or a few) helps me manage all the thoughts running through my head. It’s liberating, a weight lifted from not having to remember. If it’s written down, it’s almost as good as done. Almost.
Have you noticed how lists are everywhere and can apply to everything in our lives? Like mundane “HoneyDo” list to “1000 Places to See Do Before You Die” or the Facebook “25 Random Things About Me” lists (I didn’t play on that one) or the infinite variety [...]

I totally fell in love with the architectural feel of this shoe. Then looked at the About Us page of United Nude, only to find out that Dutch architect Rem D. Koolhaas (nephew to über architect Rem L. Koolhaas) is behind the collection. Together with Galahad Clark (seventh generation of the Clark’s shoe-making dynasty), the other part of the United Nude team, this makes for a very potent combination.

The Möbius shoe is inspired by the Möbius band where a single strip forms, at once, the sole, heel, foot-bed and upper (see the animation). Like all United Nude’s shoes, the [...]

Invariably, and notwithstanding the wide array of subjects in which I am interested, it seems that my passion (obsession?) turns to the topic of gifts, gift ideas and gift giving rituals. I’m sometimes fearful of saturating my readers with all these gift suggestions, but then I think that we all, consistently, yearlong, have momentous events and personal celebrations that we want to underscore with a special offering. So, I justify that this topic is always in vogue. And when I talk about gift giving, I’m never talking about the cliché and almost obligatory commercial holidays (although, don’t you dare mess [...]

A little something to underscore Earth Day today and to celebrate a back-to-basics idea of sending someone a handwritten note. And one that will grow at that! Here are some great makers of plantable papers:
Botanical Paperworks is a classic. They’ve been making plantable papers since 1995. We particularly love the Yummy Cards set that will grow basil, chive, parsley, dill, sage and mint. Each card includes a recipe (mint tea) for the featured herb. $19.95 per box of 6 cards.
While you are on their site, you will want to take a look at their books & journals.

Kay Moates’ On Slender Threads shop in 1000 Markets was one of the very first that I bookmarked. At first, I was attracted by the beauty of Kay’s shawls, wraps and mantles. It was a fashion focus reflex. It’s only upon delving a little deeper that it became clear that Kay’s mantles were more, much more than just pretty things to keep your shoulders warm and stylishly adorned.

Indeed, the spiritual expression of the mantles may be just as compelling as their physical beauty. Kay refers to her one-of-a-kind handknit shawls and wraps as “tools for conscious artful living”. The thoughtful [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor
With summer right around the corner, I’m happy to have just discovered the handiest little skin protector that offers SPF 30 sun protection that not only blocks harmful UV rays, but also moisturizes and heals dry skin.   The product in question is Face Stick by Eco Lips.
I have always struggled to find the right sunscreen for my 5 year old daughter, Thea.  She has had eczema since birth and tends to flare up with most over-the-counter skin products.  Finding the right sunscreen for her is always a challenge.  The Face Stick contains 82% certified organic [...]

WE HAVE OUR WINNER!     CONGRATULATIONS Jaime!
You have won a $25 gift certificate to BuyGreen.com!
The winner was selected at random using the Random Integer Generator.
This giveaway contest is now closed but do subscribe via RSS or email
to get updates on new giveaways as they get posted. Thank you all for playing!

We introduced BuyGreen.com the other day through this article. Today, they are proposing a $25 gift certificate that we will give away on April 22, Earth Day.
BuyGreen.com is a small company, making a difference by providing consumers and businesses with the best green alternatives in a full spectrum [...]