December 20th, 2011

Last-Minute, Eco-Friendly, DIY Gifts for All Skill-Levels!

It may feel like time is flying by as the holidays approach. Maybe it’s flying by because you’re having such a blast and you’ve had all of your gifts bought and wrapped since Thanksgiving. Or, if you’re like many of the rest of us, maybe it’s flying by because you just looked at your list and realized you’re only half done with four days to go.

However, fret not! There’s a simple solution to this dilemma: handmade gifts. Not only can many DIY gifts be made from things you already have on hand, but it’s also a thoughtful and green way to say you care during the holidays. There are tons of options out there, ranging from simple to complex, and from minimal to fancy. Below are a few last minute gift ideas that will leave the recipient smiling, both at your commitment to being eco-friendly and at your daring know-how!

allboxes 460x305 Last Minute, Eco Friendly, DIY Gifts for All Skill Levels!

Image from Design*Sponge.

These simple and beautiful boxes are super easy to make and can be used as the gift itself, or to put other gifts in. Plus, they’re reusable, so you can rest assured knowing that less perfectly-good wrapping paper will be going into the garbage this year! Simply follow these instructions to turn some ordinary boxes and spare ribbon into a gift that will continue to get use after the holidays are done.

rby at home spa oatmeal honey mix iStock de Last Minute, Eco Friendly, DIY Gifts for All Skill Levels!

Image from RealBeauty.com

What better gift than that of a little bit of relaxation? Well, maybe some organic and homemade relaxation! By whipping up some simple and chemical-free spa treatments, you can help your nearest and dearest de-stress and detox after the holiday scramble is over. Some examples of stellar spa treatments found at Design*Sponge include the Mush Ado About Nothing face cream, the Air Supply aromatherapy diffuser, and the Well Oiled Machine bath soak.

cracker step11 460x447 Last Minute, Eco Friendly, DIY Gifts for All Skill Levels!

Image from Design*Sponge.

These cute little crackers hold a variety of surprises inside. The first surprise is that they’re very easy to make and can be whipped up within a few minutes, and the second surprise comes when they’re opened, revealing all kinds of goodies, from candy to confetti! They’re also a great gift for New Year’s Eve and birthday parties!

December 13th, 2011

Six Quick and Easy Tips for Weatherizing Your Home

caulking window 600x419 460x321 Six Quick and Easy Tips for Weatherizing Your Home

Image from SanAntonioRealEstate365.com

The term “weatherization” may sound a little intimidating, but did you know that weatherizing is really just a series of quick and easy steps that anyone anywhere is capable of? It’s true! Whether you live in an apartment or a two-story house, in Minnesota or New Mexico, you can benefit from some home weatherization this winter.  Here are six simple actions to get you started in saving  a bundle of money in energy bills and helping you reduce your carbon footprint in the process!

  1. Seal leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. This is the easiest weatherization step you can do! Simple seal windows and door jams with clear caulking (for smaller gaps) or weatherstripping (for larger gaps). Since 30% of your homes heat can be lost through these tiny gaps, think of how much you’ll save by sealing them!
  2. Reduce drafts. Simply putting a rolled up blanket or towel at the bottom of exterior doors will greatly decrease the energy needed to heat your home. And, if you’re in the mood for something prettier, many stores even sell cute versions of these simple draft-busters.
  3. Program your thermostat. Making sure that your house isn’t being heated when you’re not home or awake will help control heating costs this winter.
  4. Insulate your windows. Windows are a massive energy-suck. You can insulate your windows by putting up heavy curtains or putting up a special, thin-plastic insulation found at most hardware stores.
  5. Insulate water pipes. Insulating your water pipes not only prevents them from bursting during a deep freeze, but also will save you money on your energy bill this winter. Not sure if your pipes need new insulation? Putting a hand to your pipe and testing to see if they’re warm is the easiest way to check. If they are, you’re losing valuable heat. The same test can be used on your water heater.
  6. Put on a sweater! Putting on a sweater instead of raising your thermostat a few degrees is the easiest (and most fashionable!) way to save energy this winter.
December 10th, 2011

Support Communities Half-a-World Away with These Charitable Gifts!

goats large 460x345 Support Communities Half a World Away with These Charitable Gifts!

Image from the Law Rules Blog.

As we get older, it can often seem like there’s less and less to put on our holiday wish lists. As kids with no means of attaining these items for ourselves, it’s easy to ask Mom or Dad for toys and presents galore. But as adults, if we want a new iPod or KitchenAid mixer, odds are that we aren’t going to wait around for Hanukkah or Christmas to ask someone else to buy it for us. So when your friends and relatives ask you what you want this year, or when thinking of gifts for them too, how about purchasing something that truly makes a difference to people in need, like buying a goat for a family in Africa. Now, you may be wondering how is that a gift for you or your loved one? Well, at Oxfam America Unwrapped, whatever gift you choose will be donated in the receiver’s name and will include a personalized picture of that gift for you to put in a card or stuff in a stocking, so they’ll be able to enjoy the warm feeling of having helped a community in need.

At Oxfam America Unwrapped, you can buy charitable gifts for disadvantaged families a half-a-world away. There are dozens of options at all price-levels, so you can tailor your gift-giving experience to anyone’s individual interests and concerns. For example, for $25 you can buy a portable, fuel-efficient cooking stove for a displaced woman or mosquito nets to help protect a family from malaria. You can even help plant anywhere from 50 to 1,000 trees, which not only provides hungry communities with food and shelter, but also helps reduce greenhouse gases in the environment! And, of course, there are many different livestock options, ranging from goats to camels, which will help needy families provide basic necessities for themselves and eventually start their own businesses.

So this year, in the spirit of giving and in honor of today’s Human Rights Day, consider asking for or giving a charitable gift which will help families in need have a happy holiday, as well!

December 8th, 2011

Perfect Green Gifts for Dogs and Cats

While shopping for gifts this time of year, you may be carrying around a list in your head of special people you shouldn’t leave out this holiday. You know the type: don’t forget to pick up something for your mom and dad, for your significant other, your adorable baby nephew, your hairdresser…But who might you be forgetting? Your pet! Whether you have a furry puppy or kitty at home, don’t forget to pick up something nice for them this holiday. After all, they listen to you when you need to complain, they love you unconditionally, and pet owners are even known to live longer than non-pet-owners! And if you’re stumped as to what to get them, we’ve got some great, green gift ideas right here.

WestPawDesign EcoNap 22285G b 72dpi 460x460 Perfect Green Gifts for Dogs and Cats

This versatile pet bed by West Paw Design is not only perfect for both cats and dogs, it’s also good for them and the environment! The Eco Nap Pet Mat comes in five different sizes and six different color schemes, is covered in organic cotton, and is stuffed with 85% recycled IntelliLoft™ fibers, made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s incredibly soft and cuddly (just like your pet!) and comes with the added bonus of being machine washable and dryable (which your pet probably is not).  Either way, it’s a thoughtful and practical gift for this holiday season!

WPD Bumi 22353G 72dpi 460x460 Perfect Green Gifts for Dogs and Cats

If your pet is more of the canine persuasion, then they’ll  love this chewy, flexible, floatable toy: the Zogoflex Bumi by West Paw Design! It’s the perfect toy for any size dog and its non-toxic, pet safe, and 100% recyclable body is guaranteed tough, so it’ll last through playtime after playtime.

WPD fish 22344G 72dpi 460x460 Perfect Green Gifts for Dogs and CatsTo delight the kitten in your life, get them this fuzzy fish toy this holiday! Like our other West Paw Design products, it’s constructed out of organic cotton and 85% recycled IntelliLoft fibers, but since it’s made specifically for cats, it also has a sewn in bell and is filled with USDA-certified organic catnip, guaranteed to set their whiskers twitching!

WPD twist 22336 72dpi 460x460 Perfect Green Gifts for Dogs and CatsLast but not least is this durable, eco-friendly Twist by West Paw Design. It, too, is constructed out of the same recycled and organic materials and, although it’s marketed for fun-loving dogs, we think it would be a great toy to entertain frisky kittens, too! Plus, it’s available in two sizes and a variety of colors, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect combo for your favorite pet.

To search for other green gift options for adults and children alike, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her , our 2011 holiday green gift guide for him, and the perfect 2011 green gift guide for children and babies!

December 5th, 2011

Green Gift Guide for Kids and Babies

Holiday shopping is hard enough without worrying about whether or not the product you’re buying for you loved one is safe for them. That’s why this green guide for kids and babies is entirely comprised of organic, sustainable, renewable, and child-safe gift ideas. So not only will you feel good about the smile you bring to your little one’s face, but you’ll also rest easy knowing that they’re having the time of their life with a toy that is truly eco-friendly.

LAN Goose LgTom SmStripe 11006 11009 72dpi 5 460x460 Green Gift Guide for Kids and BabiesNow, if this isn’t cute, we don’t know what is! These adorable stuffed geese by Lana aren’t just soft, cuddly, and brightly colored, they’re also made with 100% organic cotton and certified safe dyes. Lana toys are also produced without chemical outfits or flame retardants, making them totally pure. And since these sweet geese come in two sizes and two different colors, you can get just the right friend for your child!

mimi the sardine jungle lunchbug 72dpi 460x460 Green Gift Guide for Kids and BabiesThis colorful lunch tote by Mimi The Sardine is friendly, fun, and practical. It’s also PVC-free and 100% lead-free, which is just how you probably want your child’s lunchbox to be. There are four different fun, colorful options so you can find just the perfect fit for your child’s personality, and the sturdy zipper and durable yet soft handles will ensure that they will get to enjoy it for years to come.

hape pandabo 11013 72dpi 460x460 Green Gift Guide for Kids and BabiesLooking for a toy that’s not only fun to play but also provides a learning experience? Then the award-winning Pandabo Bamboo Strategy Game may be the perfect option for you. This balance game teaches children fine motor skills and strategy, plus it’s easy to learn. Players simply take turns rolling a die and placing different shaped bamboo sticks on JingJing the Panda’s belly. The challenge comes in placing them in the suggested spot while still maintaining balance! Pandabo is made using renewable bamboo and safe, water-based paint, so not only is this balancing game a cute and creative addition to your child’s toybox, it’s also an eco-safe one.

earthlust sippycup bees 99005 72dpi 460x460 Green Gift Guide for Kids and Babies

This inspired little cup by Earthlust is more than meets the eye. Not only is it constructed out of durable BPA-free and food grade stainless-steel components, but it’s also a great tool for helping little one’s transition from bottle to sippy. Included with the cup is a nipple top for babies and a sippy top and detachable handles for toddlers, so this will be one gift they won’t grow out of right away. Plus, it comes in two different designs and is dent-resistant and won’t leach chemicals, so it’ll definitely stand up to even the toughest toddler around.

To search for other green gift options for adults and children alike, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her and our 2011 holiday green gift guide for him, but be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for gift guides pets, too!

December 1st, 2011

Use This Natural Household Staple as an Eco-Friendly Cleaner

HeinzWhiteVinegar 460x460 Use This Natural Household Staple as an Eco Friendly Cleaner

The holiday season is one that nearly everyone looks forward to. There are elaborate dinner parties, presents, visiting family and friends…cleaning. Well, maybe no one really looks forward to holiday cleaning, but it’s there all the same, and if you’re like most families the in the United States, you probably rely on a lot of heavy-duty cleaning solutions to make the job as easy as can be. However, did you know that many household cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can present potential health hazards? So, how can you avoid exposure to these chemicals this holiday season (and beyond)? Well, for starters, you can substitute your store-bought cleaners for a traditional household staple: white vinegar!

White vinegar is non-toxic, all natural, environmentally-friendly, and very economical! Plus, it has heavy-duty cleaning and disinfecting powers that will guarantee you won’t miss your old cleaners at all. Here are some ways to use white vinegar around your house this holiday season:

Clean Your Coffeemaker… Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the machine’s water chamber, then switch on the brew cycle. Halfway through, turn off the coffeemaker and let the solution sit for about an hour. Turn it on again to complete the cycle, then run several cycles with clean water.

Disinfect Your Dishwasher… To disinfect the interior of the machine, pour ½ cup vinegar into the reservoir and run an empty cycle, says Hunter. Or place a small bowl filled with vinegar on the bottom rack and run an empty cycle.

De-Gunk Your Drains… Clean drains―and the pipes they’re attached to―by pouring vinegar down them. After 30 minutes, flush with cold water.

For Shining Floors… Add ¼ cup vinegar to a bucket of warm water to clean almost any type of floor except marble (vinegar can scratch it) or wood (vinegar can strip it).

For Glistening Glassware… For spotless hand-washed glasses, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water.

Clean Moldy Walls… Spray vinegar on the affected areas. After about 15 minutes, rinse and let dry thoroughly.

Streamline Showerheads… To combat mineral deposits, pour vinegar into a plastic grocery bag and knot the handles over the neck of the showerhead, securing with rubber bands. Let soak overnight. Rinse with water in the morning.

Windows Will Sparkle… Mix ¼ cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and a squirt of liquid Castile soap in a spray bottle. Spritz windows and wipe with a sheet of newspaper.

For more tips on how to use vinegar to clean your home, visit VinegarTips.com!

November 28th, 2011

Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Green Guy in Your Life

If you’re still stumped as to what to get the men in your life this holiday, consider one of these eco-friendly gift options from Olive & Myrtle. Not only will he appreciate the gorgeous craftsmanship and sleek designs, but he’ll also be pleased by the low environmental impact and use of reclaimed materials.

Outset 6pcGrillingTools 77189G 72dpi 1 460x460 Eco Friendly Gifts for the Green Guy in Your LifeThink these grilling utensils aren’t special enough? Think again! This set of six grilling tools by Outset are made from recycled stainless -steel and farm-raised bamboo. They even come in 100% sustainable packaging, and since the set includes a spatula, locking tongs, fork, grill brush, flex griddle spatula and 3-in-1 locking claw tong, he’ll never need to buy another grilling tool again. It’s the perfect gift for any grilling-enthusiast in your life!

wood from hood cribbagegame 72dpi 460x460 Eco Friendly Gifts for the Green Guy in Your Life

This reclaimed wood cribbage board by Wood from the Hood is a great gift; it’s not only fun to play, but it’s also made from sustainable materials and crafted to last generations! The board is made from reclaimed ash trees, which would have been chipped and buried otherwise, and even the metal game pegs come from recycled materials. Small magnets in the board ensure that the pegs stay securely in place. We recommend that this board be given only to guys ages 8 and up, as the small pieces may present a choking hazard.

earthlust tree 99102 72dpi 460x460 Eco Friendly Gifts for the Green Guy in Your LifeThis 1 liter, stainless-steel, BPA-free water bottle is the perfect gift the green guy on the go! Made by EarthLust, each water bottle is crafted by hand from high-quality food-grade stainless steel, which is naturally safe unlined, and each is decorated with non-toxic paints in a variety of designs, then topped off with a BPA-free safe polypropylene #5 cap. He’ll definitely appreciate the convenience of this durable, handy, and attractive bottle, just as he’ll appreciate how it helps him eliminate plastic-bottle waste and stay green year-round!

JJ coasters 77176 detail 72dpi Eco Friendly Gifts for the Green Guy in Your Life

This set of six coasters is the ultimate in sophistication meets sustainability. These functional coasters are made with 100% industrial wool felt from factory excess and cut and sewn in a modern design. They make the perfect gift for the sustainable man and are guaranteed to protect his furniture while looking stylish in the process.

To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her, but be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for additional gift guides for children, babies, and pets!

November 25th, 2011

Green Gifts for the Eco-Friendly Woman in Your Life

This holiday season, it may seem like getting the perfect gift for the eco-friendly woman in your life is an impossible task. Sure, there’s a lot of gorgeous stuff out there, but you know that she’d appreciate getting something that’s not only beautifully designed, but also sustainably crafted. If that’s the case, getting a gift may be easier than you think. Simply head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website, where you’ll find tons of options that we guarantee will be chic and environmentally responsible. And if you’re still stumped as to what to get her, here are a few ideas.

KBO ArtmsnLemongrass 77001 72dpi 460x460 Green Gifts for the Eco Friendly Woman in Your Life

This refreshing Artemisian Lemongrass Kobo Candle not only has a fine fragrance to stimulate the senses, but it’s also made of pure soy wax, which means that it will burn longer and cleaner. This beautiful candle has notes of lemongrass, thyme leaves, and sage, and will encourage her to take a moment for herself to relax this hectic holiday season.LPO Blanket 44015 72dpi 4 460x460 Green Gifts for the Eco Friendly Woman in Your Life

Another great option that she’ll love is this beautifully textured, ivory cotton blanket by Loop Organic. This soft, durable throw is the perfect wrapper to cuddle up with this winter, and it’ll warm her heart knowing that this sustainable blanket is 100% organic, as well.

wood from the hood tapered recycled frames ash 77210g 72dpi 2 460x460 Green Gifts for the Eco Friendly Woman in Your Life

These beautiful ash frames come in a variety of sizes and are beautifully designed with a slight taper, offering the best viewing angle for your loved one’s photos. In addition to their sleek and timeless design, these frames are also about as sustainable as it gets! They’re made by Wood from the Hood, a company which salvages trees which are otherwise headed for the wood-chipper and turns them into these gorgeous picture frames. Even the glass is recycled and comes from old windows! They’re the perfect choice for any woman in your life.

PER OBowl 77120 72dpi 460x460 Green Gifts for the Eco Friendly Woman in Your Life

The O bowl by perch! is a multi-functional, gorgeous ceramic vessel made by hand using entirely non-toxic glazes. This bowl is the perfect green holiday gift because it really is up to the recipient how they want to use it. It looks beautiful holding an arrangement of flowers, lovely as a catch-all on an entry-way table, or stunning when displayed as a piece of art on a shelf. The eco-conscious woman in your life is sure to love this versatile ceramic piece!

To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! And be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for gift guides for men, children and babies, and pets!

November 23rd, 2011

Use Eco-Friendly Centerpieces to Bring Beauty Into Your Home This Holiday

diy leaf rose intro 422x600 Use Eco Friendly Centerpieces to Bring Beauty Into Your Home This Holiday

Photo from DesignSponge.com

During this time of year, it can be tempting to buy new holiday décor for every occasion. You know the kind we’re talking about: white porcelain deer for the coffee tables, sparkly new napkin-rings for the dining room, and beautiful glass candlesticks for the mantel. And while there’s definitely a time and a place for giving into those holiday-décor desires, why not also incorporate some sustainable elements into your entertaining?

This Thanksgiving, make use of a free, natural, and bountiful resource…fallen leaves! Autumn leaves offer the savvy entertainer the opportunity to bring beautiful fall colors into any centerpiece or tablescape. Use these fiery beauties by themselves in a vase, grouped with berries for a festive bouquet, or as filler for a bowl of fruit. And if straight up leaves doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can always disguise them as something else—like roses!

This simple tutorial from Design*Sponge will show you just how easy it is to transform a handful of backyard rubbish into a bouquet of beautiful, crimson and gold flowers. So not only will you have a great, handcrafted centerpiece to delight your guests, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you did your part to reduce waste this holiday seasons!

November 21st, 2011

Delicious, Fresh, and Healthy Appetizers to Wow Your Guests This Thanksgiving

3 easy crostini ss Delicious, Fresh, and Healthy Appetizers to Wow Your Guests This Thanksgiving

Photo from HomeMadeSimple.com

It seems like everyone has a favorite dish around the holidays, whether it be Grandma’s homemade cranberry sauce or Uncle Ned’s delicious cornbread stuffing. These recipes are usually old family favorites passed down through the years and imagining a Thanksgiving dinner without them may seem next to impossible. However, with returning all-stars like these, it’s not unusual for other dishes to get put on the back-burner—both literally and figuratively!

This holiday season, instead of serving up tired, unhealthy appetizers like pigs-in-a-blanket or chips and dip, why not try something fresh and new, like some delicious and easy-to-make crostinis? Crostinis consist of small bites of grilled or toasted bread, usually topped with a variety of different garnishes. Here is a simple recipe for Baked Crostinis with Goat Cheese, Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Rosemary. Serving these will be sure to wow your guests, whether they’re waiting for turkey dinner or whiling away the minutes of a half-time show.

Basic Baked Crostini
Prep time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 French baguette, sliced diagonally into 16 pieces, approximately 1/3” thick
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or olive oil spray
Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each bread slice, then arrange on a baking sheet.

2. Season each piece with salt and pepper. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool before topping with ingredients.

Goat Cheese with Spicy Tomato Sauce & Rosemary
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 8-ounce log goat cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
16 crostinis, for dipping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Place goat cheese log in a small gratin or baking dish.

In a small mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce with crushed red pepper flakes, then pour over the goat cheese. Top with black pepper.

2. Place dish in the oven and bake until sauce is bubbling and goat cheese is soft, about 20 minutes. Garnish with rosemary and serve immediately with crostinis for dipping.

For more crostini recipes, visit HomeMadeSimple.com/crostinis, and remember to buy local and, whenever possible, organic this holiday season!