Hello leap day readers! Even with an extra day, February is still a day or two shorter than all the other months. I’m sure most of you will be working, since it is a Friday, but maybe some of you took the day off to have a long weekend. What are you going to do with your extra day?

I’m not too surprised that the two articles that I wrote for GreenLivingOnline.com’s Valentine’s Day coverage made it into the top 5 for February.

The FutureNatural giveaway currently going on (just one week left to enter) was not much of a surprise to find in the top 5 - the same with my exclusive coverage of Fig Kids Spring 2008 organic cotton collection (who doesn’t love an exclusive?).

What did catch my eye was the return of my interview with New York creative yogi Tara Hogan - where did that come from!? If you haven’t read it yet, make sure to click over there; it is a darn good one, if I do say so myself.

1) Poisonous Plastics in Your Sexy Playthings: “Whether adventurous or mildly amorous, millions of couples use “novelty” items (a.k.a. sex toys). Often purchased on a whim, these bedside buddies can exponentially enhance your sensual encounters but they may also bring their own fair share of damage …”

2) Natural Beauty Has a New Online Home + EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!: “Move over Sephora, there is new online home for organic and natural beauty projects - its name is FutureNatural. Launched only two months ago, FutureNatural carries some big names in eco-beauty, such as Zoya, Stem Organics, Nvey Eco make-up, Juniper Ridge, …”

3) Green Loving with Eco-Friendly Lingerie: “With Valentine’s Day right around the corner and you’re lucky enough to have a “special someone”, you might be spending more of your time between the sheets than usual. To help you prepare for this monumental occasion, we bring you an extensive collection of sustainable …”

4) Tara Hogan Turns Ink & Wit From Indie to Eco-Modern: “Big businesses aren’t the only ones who are seeing than many benefits of going green these days. Smaller companies and the ever-present indie start-ups are getting in on the act too. Being an advocate for the “little guy”, I’m honored to feature a woman with …”

5) EXCLUSIVE!: Fig Kids Spring 2008 Collection Preview: “Spring has nearly sprung and that means it is time for mac and cheese, short sleeve tees and “mommy, can we please?” Keeping your little ones clothed and looking cool at the same time can seem like an endless challenge, especially when the styles they are craving for could …”

What a crazy two weeks it has been! Lots of writing projects and a few changes over at All Green Magazine. Thanks to my diligent work on the website’s Leisure section, it is quite full with ideas of fun things to do in Connecticut. Now, I’ll be working on writing about Eco-Fashion and doing Media Reviews for the website. That means I’ll be writing about sustainably stylish stores and brands, along with reviewing green books, movies, documentaries, TV shows and more! I’ve already written my first piece for each of my two new categories - I’ll be featuring those right here next week. Until then, enjoy my most recent (and last for awhile) Leisure articles below.

Connecticut Embraces Its Passion for Horticulture with the Federated Garden Clubs - “Established during the spring of 1929, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut is now made up of over 8,000 members and 152 clubs. As one of the 13 educational, charitable non-profit organizations operating as part of …”

Take a Local Vacation at One of Connecticut’s Green Inns and Bed & Breakfasts - “According to an extensive 2007 Expedia.com survey, 35% (that’s nearly one-third) of all Americans don’t use their allotted vacation days. Alarmingly, that percentage is up from questionable investments by carbon offset organizations could make a person …”

Dive the Depths of the World’s Oceans at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration - “Billed as “Connecticut’s premier destination for entertainment and education,” the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration certainly lives up to its claims. I spent a solid four years living in Connecticut before I finally visited …”

Our fashion writer, Victoria Everman, highlights three of the designers who will be exhibiting their work at the upcoming Vancouver Green Living Show. - GreenLivingOnline.com editor

Bamboo Clothes Canada
Widely touted for its strength, soft texture and unrivaled moisture wicking capabilities, bamboo fabrics have become the latest trend in sustainable fashion. “There is no better feeling in the world than to wrap yourself in a luxurious fabric that breathes with your skin,” says Bamboo Clothes Canada. Just 18 months after opening their online store in 2003, BCC sold 90,000 bamboo t-shirts — nothing short of enormous growth.

Known for being one of the most comprehensive online shops for basic bamboo clothing, BCC plans to expand into bamboo hosiery, towels, bed linens, underwear and robes in the near future. Their bamboo fiber shawls offer a beautiful splash of color that would be perfect for your next night on the town. Basic t-shirts for both men and women are abounding in a pleasant variety of colors. Athletic socks, hoodies, and sweaters round out the webstore’s current products. Make sure to visit the Bamboo Clothes Canada booth to experience the softest fabric since cashmere.

Dancing Bears Hemp Clothing
Don’t let the word “hemp” make your turn away. (more…)

Our fashion writer, Victoria Everman, highlights three of the designers who will be exhibiting their work at the upcoming Vancouver Green Living Show. - GreenLivingOnline.com editor

Australian Outback Collection
Started over two decades ago in the Down Under, the Australian Outback Collection has firmly established itself in the heart of Vancouver. Billed as “urban ready gear” for the “concrete jungle”, the AOC mixes functional wardrobe pieces with versatility and enduring style.

Dedicated to supporting their new homeland, AOC proudly promotes its Made in Canada garments. Available on their website’s online store is specific line of men’s shirts that were sewn right in Vancouver. Doing their part to help lessen their carbon footprint, the AOC has recently introduced clothing made from sustainable fabrics - specifically hemp, bamboo and tencel. Shirts and hats for both men and women at the center of their sustainable offerings, along with a multi-pocket tote bag.

Will new designs and organic cotton being their future? Ask them yourself at the Vancouver Green Living Show!

Ethical Soles Trading Company
Nestled in the cozy streets of Winnipeg, you’ll find the home of the Ethical Soles Trading Company. Working as a Canadian distributor of ethical footwear and apparel, the company is focused on selling goods that are both environmentally and socially responsible. (more…)

My boyfriend has a nose like a dog. Because of this, I’ve become accustomed to not wearing perfume and opening the bathroom window after I apply scented lotions. When it comes to cleaning, whether it be the kitchen counters or our weekly two loads of laundry, I have to be sure to use all natural scents that won’t make him dizzy. You could say that his nose is the same as a person with sensitive skin.

When I read the “Making Sense of Scents” feature article (page 107) in this month’s Body+Soul, I identified with it right away. As a child, I used to have terrible skin reactions when my mother would use anything other than Tide laundry detergent and Downy softener. Though I am not sure if it had anything to do with the scents in the products, reading that “skin allergies are the most common and proven adverse reactions to synthetic fragrances” sure did get me thinking.

Writer Frances Lefkowitz provides a great amount of data to back up the fact that all these unnatural smells infiltrating our senses are having nothing but negative effects. Of course, no article of this kind would be good without some helpful suggestions to avoid these chemicals, and those are provided thoroughly.

One major effect that scents can have on a human is altering emotions and moods. Unpleasant or bitter smells usually make my intestines clench up, which leads to a most uncomfortable day. According to “Belly Up” (page 64), by the same Frances Lefkowitz from the previous article, Traditional Chinese Medicine’s chi nei tsang (CNT) massage technique might be just what I need.

[[ KEEP READING! THE REST OF THE REVIEW IS AT SUSTAINABLOG.ORG ]]

Where did our usual Friday post go!? Caught up in the midst of other projects, I wasn’t able to get the weekly CAGW post to all you good readers until today. Even though it is late, I do have some good news! Guess what CAGW has? Even more new writers!

This past week, Emma Henderson began posting on CAGW and it is a delight to have her as part of the team. Her bio from CAGW’s “About” page gives more details on her crafty past and present: Emma Henderson launched Showpony in 2006 with an aim to produce fun and engaging printed products for the home and accessories market. Trompe l’oeil meaning to ‘trick the eye’ is a theme which runs through much of Emma’s designs, from hiding bugs within the folds of her cushions or using vintage images on modern shapes. Inspired by honesty in nature and poking fun at real life she creates products that are functional and beautiful. She is passionate about creating new products but remains committed to sustainable design all of Showpony’s products are made using organic cotton which is hand spun and woven by a fair-trade cooperative.

Soon, even more new writers will be joining us and I can’t wait to introduce them to you! Until then, enjoy last week’s posts below. Remember, comments and feedback are always welcomed.

February 18th — Upcycle! by Juliet Ames: “My new favorite word is “upcycle. “A German chemist Michael Braungart and architect William McDonough coined the term in their 2002 book, ‘Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things.’ To upcycle simply means to use waste products to make useful …”

February 19th — Green Crafty Q&A: Weaving Plastic Bags by Victoria Everman: “The Crafting A Green World Q&A series returns for its second installment - this time fueled by one of our long-time readers, Tamara. Q: Help! I am looking for a place that will show me how to basket weave plastic bags that does not require …”

February 20th — Accessorize with Lawn Furniture by Autumn Wiggins (more…)

Move over Sephora, there is new online home for organic and natural beauty projects - its name is FutureNatural. Launched only two months ago, FutureNatural carries some big names in eco-beauty, such as Zoya, Stem Organics, Nvey Eco make-up, Juniper Ridge, Hamadi, and Farmaesthetics to name a few.

“We’re not anti-science, we’re not blindly for nature, and we don’t profess to be perfect. What we do believe is that science and nature combine beautifully to create products that are effective and luxurious to use - but we want you to be healthy as well as gorgeous,” says FutureNatural President and Founder Emma Pezzack. “FutureNatural is the lifelong culmination of experiences, passions, accumulated knowledge and a genuine desire to empower others to be aware of how their purchases affect their health, wellbeing, environment, plants and animals.”

Emma’s lifelong passion began on a farm in Australia. Now settled in Austin, Texas, she is also a trained make-up artist and experienced fashion stylist. A self-proclaimed “responsible hedonist and organic glamazon,” Emma started FutureNatural with a simple concept. “Our passionate endeavor is to only represent brands that have no petroleum derivatives, no parabens, no synthetic colors or fragrances, dibutyl pthalate, sodium lauryl sulphate, formaldehyde, or any other known harmful ingredients, and absolutely none of the products are tested on animals.”

Don’t see your favorite natural brand on FutureNatural? They will soon be adding Dr. Hausckha, Weleda, Pangea Organics, and Tashodi to the site. If you know of another great eco-beauty brand, contact Emma and let her know.

*** By now, you have probably noticed that EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY! part in this post’s title. The time has come to share that awesomely fantastic giveaway with you … so keep reading!

(more…)

With dozens of sustainable designs, Vancouver could easily be considered the eco-fashion center for Canada. Our fashion writer, Victoria Everman, highlights three of the designers who will be exhibiting their work at the upcoming Vancouver Green Living Show. - GreenLivingOnline.com editor

Nixxi
Soft textures and images of cherry blossoms greet you when you visit the Nixxi website. These Salt Spring Island designs exudes a peaceful and ethereal serenity. The cherry blossom motif served as center of Nixxi’s Fall 2007 collection, all made in Vancouver under the watchful eye of designer Jada-lee Watson.

Her soft mix and match lines includes hoodies, tees, tunic tops, pants, capris and camisoles. All were created with a slew of sustainable fabrics including: hemp, organic cotton, soy, bamboo and organic linen. Available in the company’s online store and in local Canadian businesses, Nixxi has become a favorite among casual dressers and yoga enthusiasts.

Adhesif Clothing
Looking to combine the eco-conscious act of shopping at vintage and second-hand stores with the unmistakable giddy joy of buying a new piece of clothing? (more…)

Spring has nearly sprung and that means it is time for mac and cheese, short sleeve tees and “mommy, can we please?” Keeping your little ones clothed and looking cool at the same time can seem like an endless challenge, especially when the styles they are craving for could have been grown with dangerous chemicals. Vancouver-based Fig Kids, younger alternative to the adult-sized Twice Shy line, makes both kids and parents happy.

Made from organic cotton and a small touch of lycra for stretch and durability, the Fig line is on the verge of debuting its Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Here at Victoria-E.com, we’ve got a sneak preview of that collection just for you! As the United States Official Spokesperson for Twice Shy, I’ve got the inside scoop on all of the upcoming Fig goodies, and they are pretty freaking swank if I do say so myself.

Talking with brand designer Jen MacCormack recently, she told me about the inspiration for Fig’s upcoming collection. “There are a lot of 1970s references: rainbows, jumpsuits, striped fabric (which is new for us), rock ‘n roll, view masters, etc. I grew up in the 70s and I just can’t help myself - so many great ideas to play on!” Along with adding striped fabric for the first time, Fig is also premiering its first collection with organic cotton denim jeans. Rumor has it the Spring/Summer 2008 line from Twice Shy will also have organic denim for men and women, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Before I show you some exclusive pictures of the upcoming Spring/Summer 2008 Fig collection for kids and baby, I must send a big congratulations to Michael Ziff (co-founder of Twice Shy) and his wife, who recently brought Ibi Margaret, an undeniably beautiful girl, into this world - much love to all three of you!

(more…)

What a week! Love-centered holiday aside, two new writers joined the Crafting a Green World family. Mentioned in a previous Weekly Green Crafts post, Tara Hogan has begun posting on the blog. Her first post, about some very nifty recycled coasters (which I’m badly in need of) was featured on Apartment Therapy’s Re-Nest blog - CAGW’s first mention there!

Creator and coordinator of the Strange Folk Festival and EtsyLou Street Team, Autumn Wiggins has joined the CAGW team. Also founder of the crafty brand String Theory, Autumn added the cutest footnote to her first post: “My name is Autumn, and I’m a vigilante eco-craft ninja, here to DIY your socks off while saving the planet.” These two ladies are going to take CAGW’s content to the next level!

February 11th — Green Craft Supply Alert! by Juliet Ames: “I have just discovered Smencils and had to share them with the world! Smencils are gourmet scented pencils made from 100% recycled newspaper. You can even see the layers of newspapers when they are sharpened! The Smencil World website not only offers original Smencils, but also a colored …”

February 12th — Making Crafting Safe for You and the Planet by Victoria Everman: “Do you ever wonder where that smell in your paint set comes from? If there was an ingredients list on your crafting supplies, similar to those on food and beverages, you might not like what you see. It’s ironic that such a relaxing, restoring and expressive activity—making ….”

February 12th — STOP! DOT Your Tabletop with Coasters by Tara Hogan: “It is amazing to think of all the traffics signs that have been crashed into or worn out. At least we can have peace of mind that they can now be on our table serving as snazzy eco coasters. These coasters are made by Boris Bally, a metalsmith whose work is in the permanent collections of …”

February 13th — Happiness is Recycling Folded Paper by Autumn Wiggins: “Let me guess, you have a ream of 100% recycled, Rainforest Alliance Certified paper conveniently stacked next to the printer. You earn additional eco-brownie points for printing on both sides of each sheet. Good for you! Now, don’t take off running for the …”

February 14th — Yearn-Worthy Yarns: Lanaknits Hemp Yarns by Victoria Everman: “Before you have visions of joint-smoking hippies in itchy clothing fill your mind, let us clear the air about hemp first. It is a common misconception that hemp and marijuana are the same thing - they are not. Though they come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., they are …”

February 15th — Green Tea Party by Autumn Wiggins: “I’m an Earl Grey fan myself, and the best kinds, bar-none, are in loose form. Having tried just about every reusable gadget out there for steeping, I have yet to find anything superior to the paper bag filter. Mesh balls are cute, but I like my peanut butter chunky, not …”

What was your favorite post of the week?

Have a green crafty idea? Send it to me directly via the CAGW contact page!

Whether adventurous or mildly amorous, millions of couples use “novelty” items (a.k.a. sex toys). Often purchased on a whim, these bedside buddies can exponentially enhance your sensual encounters but they may also bring their own fair share of damage.

Soft and dangerous
If any of your toys are made from what looks to be a jelly-like substance or have the same smell as your newly purchased shower curtain, there is a very high possibility that they have been made with phthalates. These chemical compounds are used to soften the plastic, making it more flexible, which would seem to be perfect for such an intimate item.

Banned in Europe
Used since the 1920s in not only sex toys, but also perfumes, pesticides, rain coats, hair spray and medical instruments, phthalates have been linked to liver and kidney damage, genital abnormalities, hormone disruption and cancer. In 2005, the European Union banned six types of phthalates in children’s toys due to their dangers.

Puritans unite
Since sex toys are sold as ‘novelty items,’ no government agency is required to regulate what they are made with since, technically, they are not meant to be actually be used (though we all know that is exactly what they are purchased for).

Save the whales and sex toys (more…)

A big “THANK YOU” goes out to everyone who left their warm feedback on Crafting a Green World’s new layout and design - you guys rock my socks (which I will one day be able to knit myself). With last week’s stylish updates, this week brought us the one-year anniversary of the launch of CAGW’s home blog, Green Options.

Nearly every blog editor in the Green Options collection of blogs posted their own unique, introspective post about their time with G.O. and all of the great things that are still to come on each of their blogs. Having just launched in November 2007, Crafting a Green World is still just getting going. Two new writers have expressed interested in writing for the blog and I hope they both come on board; you ladies know who you are (wink wink).

February 4th — Have a Green Valentine’s Day! by Juliet Ames: “Valentine’s Day has become more of a headache then heartfelt for most. Poor men are inundated with commercials claiming that if they don’t go to a mall jewelry store, their lover’s family and friends will be completely disappointed in them. That little jewelry box must also be …”

February 5th — Green Options Turns One: The Past, Present, and Future of Green Crafts by Victoria Everman: “I can’t believe it has only been one year. My first post for Green Options went live on February 15th, 2007 - just days after the blog launched. It feels like much more than a year that I have been working with these great, eco-minded folks - how the time flies. Just a year ago, my main focus was …”

February 7th — Yearn-Worthy Yarns: Mango Moon by Victoria Everman: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Michigan based Mango Moon Yarns takes the last two steps of that now infamous eco-mantra to another level. Working with the Nepali Women’s Empowerment Group, Mango Moon creates unspeakably vivid yarns made from recycled … ”

What was your favorite post of the week?

Have a green crafty idea? Send it to me directly via the CAGW contact page!

It is difficult to describe what a day outdoors can do for both the mind and body. Physically, tis pretty easy - a good workout is usually involved, though you probably won’t realize how much you have taxed your body until you get up the next day. Mentally, unwinding is a good way to start explaining the concept, but that is not all … I’m at a loss for words.

Anyone who has had a picnic in the park or enjoyed an outdoor festival is likely to echo my sentiments. Something goes on inside of you that releases all of your cares and fears, reminding you that there is more to life than cars, laundry and groceries. My latest two pieces for All Green Magazine’s website focus on the idea of getting outdoors and embracing all the unknown things Connecticut has to offer.

Whether you live in the Nutmeg State or not, these articles will help to inspire you to seek out what adventures your local parks and historic places have to offer.

Painting Takes Priority: Creative Days at Weir Farm - “Founded in 1882 and established as a National Historical Site in 1990, Wilton/Ridgefield’s Weir Farm is the only National Park Service Site dedicated to American painting. What began as a homestead for American Impressionist painter …”

Bushnell Park: Hartford’s Often Overlooked Gem - ” ‘An opening in the heart of the city, to which citizens will naturally flow in their walks; a place where children play; a place for holiday scenes and celebrations; where rich and poor will exchange looks and make acquaintance through the eyes; a place of life and … ‘ “

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner and you’re lucky enough to have a “special someone”, you might be spending more of your time between the sheets than usual.

To help you prepare for this monumental occasion, we bring you an extensive collection of sustainable lingerie for men and women. So grab your favorite smooth tunes and slip into one of these frilly offerings to make it a V-Day you both will remember for years to come.

Euro chic
When looking for unique, feminine lingerie in sustainable fabrics, your first go-to source is the UK-based Enamore. Made from hemp, organic silk and soy fabrics, their range includes four different collections and in inspired by vintage fabrics and French glamour. They offer everything from lingerie sets and individual pieces to eye masks, garters and even wedding lingerie.

For the shy
Whether you are self-conscious or a bit more reserved, companies also have some great pajama styles available in eco-friendly fabrics. California-based Perfectly Imperfect makes an organic cotton nightie that is nothing short of beautiful in its details and comes in a variety of fabric/trim color combinations. Home and garden source Viva Terra also sells a limited selection of women’s fashions and accessories. Their Soft as Silk Bamboo PJ’s live up to their name and was designed in a style very reminiscent of painting from old Greece.

Green and daring
For the sophisticated lady (more…)

Let me preface this post by saying that I grew up in Indiana and have a certain fondness for corn. With that being said, just how much this unique crop has been homogenized and commercialized is nothing short of disgusting. Released last year, the eco/foodie documentary King Corn presents a dramatic and grounding perspective on just how much corn is now a part of our lives … even in ways we didn’t expect.

If you are looking for my final say on the movie, I’ll save you some time and tell you right now: buy this movie. Don’t just go see it - buy it. Now, if you want to know what I’m such a fan of it, feel free to keep reading along.

The documentary starts off a bit slow, but it takes much-needed time to introduce everything that is going on. For the first half hour, it seemed like it is going to be all about how fantastic corn is and how it is ok for it to be such a freakishly massive part of our lives. Thankfully, that all changes pretty quickly as co-producers and co-stars Ian Cheney (left, in the picture above) and Curt Ellis (right) are shown the error of America’s ways in rapid succession. You almost feel as though your are right there with them, every step of the way, feeling their shock and awe at just how much our food system has changed in a matter of two generations.

Even though I grew up in part of the heart of the “corn belt”, I was unaware that a large percentage of these questionable changes to our industrial food system happened in 1973, thanks to a man named Earl Butz. (more…)