Merry Holiday Time!

 photo from 320 Sycamore

Dearest readers, I'm taking a short blogging break for the holidays, but I'll be back in twenty-twelve. I need to tend to a few things over the next two weeks. A big one is to finish up my advertising kit for Eco and Elsie, which I have been avoiding remarkably well. (I'm not sure why, but it's slightly scary - trying to monetize this blog. I feel like selling advertising on it makes me a hack, because it's not like running it is that hard, but if you have a blog, then you know it requires a considerable amount of time and effort to run it.)

Anyway, my husband and I celebrate Hanukkah, so we'll be indulging in some potato latkes and matza ball soup on Tuesday evening. (Hubby thinks I make awesome matza ball soup, but really I just use the ready made mix stuff. Hey, whatever works, right?!) My mom on the other hand celebrates Christmas, so we'll be jingle belling it up on Sunday! Hope you all have a wonderful, beautiful, amazing holiday - whatever you celebrate!

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Today I Will Enjoy...

Today....

I will enjoy:

the smile on my daughter's face as she gazes 

at me from a cardboard box made to look like a rocket ship. 

Candy cane kisses. 

Unusually warm weather. 

And time with a wonderful friend who just turned 30. 

It's Saturday! Enjoy the day!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Friday Fun!

Once my husband was driving down the street when I saw a huuuuuge pothole. Being the incredibly helpful and observant passenger seat driver, I proceeded to yell, "Hole...hole...HOLE!" My husband responded with "Merry Christmas!" Get it? Ho! Ho! Ho! This happened about two years ago and I'm still laughing about it. 

Hanukkah is just around the corner and Christmas is just around the block! Do you have your shopping done yet? No? Procrastinate a little more and enjoy the links below for some Friday fun. :)

 Cardoon Flowers on the wall.

 DIY Statement Necklace

 This sustainable-loving couple grew most of their own flowers.

 Surprise the hostess with all natural cleansers and candles.

 Put yourself on your to-do list. 

So cute. And yum!

Holiday Gift Idea: Rescue an Abandoned Animal

This breaks my heart. 

Copying and pasting straight from the source, 

I hope you'll consider this as a holiday gift:

If you’re like most people, you’re probably counting down the days right now until you get some much-needed holiday downtime. During the hustle bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget that animals on today’s factory farms never get a holiday. While we laugh and enjoy good times with our friends and family, farm animals are frightened and alone, confined in darkness 24/7 so severely they can barely move, lie down comfortably, or even extend their limbs. It’s a miserable life that you wouldn’t want any animal to have to endure. But what if I told you there was a sweet holiday gift idea that could help bring peace to these gentle beings? For as little as $10 a month (for a chicken), Farm Sanctuary’s holiday sponsorships allow shoppers to “adopt” a rescued farm animal who resides at one of our bicoastal shelters. The rescued animals at Farm Sanctuary are finally safe from harm, but they rely on sponsorship support for their daily care. Your holiday sponsorship is a chance to create happy endings for animals in need and bring them comfort and joy.  Gift recipients will be mailed a unique and memorable sponsorship package that includes a personalized adoption certificate, a beautiful color photo and details about scheduling a VIP tour to meet your adopted friend. It’s a gift you can feel great about giving and receiving!  ---------------------------------------- If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience.

Eco Gift Tags and Labels

After writing about mason jars, I started thinking about how many very cute and very eco-friendly tags and labels are out there. I've always been the kind of person who starts out wanting to do this kind of thing on my own - I always have grand DIY illusions come to think about it - but I never have the time. If you find yourself in the same position, check out these gift tags, labels, and one gift tag making accessory in case you do go all DIY (ahem, it's the twine...).

1. Circle kraft round tags.

2. Recycled magazine paper gift tags.

3. Recycled tea tags.

4. Recycled canning labels or stickers.

5. 100% cotton bakers twine.

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 
 

Happiness: Beautiful Wallpapers

I love wallpapers. Especially ones from National Geographic, 

a magazine whose motto is "inspiring people to care about the planet."

Above: Sunrise Skyline

Eco-Wedding Idea: Mason Jars

There was an article written recently about the end of the vintage wedding trend, to which some said "Amen!" and others said, "Say whaaaat," but if this means the end of the beloved mason jar trend, then I say hail to the naw (southern speak for "hell to the no.") Mason jars can be re-used, re-purposed, and re-loved in so many ways, not to mention that glass is infinitely recyclable, making it a wonderful idea for your eco-friendly wedding. 

The above photo is straight from Georgia Pelligrini, who came across these silver sprayed mason jars. I love this idea and as Pelligrini mentions, they are an inexpensive and fun way to decorate for the holidays. (As a rule, spray paint is not the greatest for the environment, but Krylon does manufacture a low VOC product, which means it produces 55% less smog generating chemicals.)

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 

Unique Eco Wreath

Ever wondered what you could do with those old text books collecting dust? Or maybe you have a stack of magazines ready for recycling? This particular bride and her mom created an entire "floral" wreath out of old books!


I bet with enough planning and enough mom-daughter time, this task wreath could easily be accomplished within a few weeks.

Photography by Corbin Gurkin

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 

An Alternative Wedding Dress

This isn't particularly eco-friendly, but I couldn't help posting it. This adorable dress could easily be worn as an alternative wedding dress and it is handmade, so that counts for something my dear eco-brides. Pom Pom Dream Dress - $240.23

Natural Food Coloring for Sugar

Artificial food dyes are something to be wary of and with holiday parties to attend and baked goods to be given, I thought I'd share my experience in making colored sugar.

Last week I attended a holiday treat swap and since I love to bake, I was all game! For the first time ever though, I aimed to make my own colored sugar with all natural ingredients. Armed with about three or four tablespoons of beet juice (leftover from a jar of beets) and about two cups of organic sugar, I went to work and was pleasantly surprised at the result: a lovely bubblegum pink sugar.

The process of creating pretty pink sugar was really easy. Seriously, incredibly, ridiculously easy! You can do it in three steps: pour sugar in bag, pour beet juice in bag (add until sugar reaches desired color), and squishy shake! (Squishy shake means kind of shake and squish it all together at the same time.) When you're done, you'll want to spread it out on a plate to let it dry overnight. If it gets hard and forms clumps, just put it back in the bag and lightly take a rolling pin to it.

SOOOoooooo...in the end, my sugar looked great! BUT... I couldn't get it to stick to my dough! Hah! Maybe it was too fine? Or maybe it just wasn't a bright enough color? I'm not sure what I did wrong, but I was running out of time so I forgot about the coconut and just coated the cookies with powdered sugar. I topped them with candy cane kisses and they turned out great.

Anyway, the recipe came from Hershey's and it's pretty easy. I am aware that there is red food coloring in the candy kisses, but they were candy cane... and they were really good. It's Christmas time. *Hangs head* 

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap

Do you brave the mall during this time of year? I am not a fan of frenzied holiday shopping. Instead, I like to keep my big butt in the chair and do all my shopping online, thank you very much.

If you plan to do your holiday shopping this weekend, don't forget about the gift wrap.



Love these reusable wrapping sheets from Chewing the Cud. Printed on 100% organic cotton with soy based inks. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 

Fun Proposal: If the Shoe Fits!

This isn't particularly eco-friendly, but I had to share. Very cute!

Photograph by Leigh Miller

Environmentally Friendly Floral Ideas You Can DIY

If there is one thing you need to remember when doing your own flowers, it's this: simple, simple, simple! Okay, that's three things, but they're all the same... You get my point.

Fortunately, this whole simple thing also allows you to go easy on the environment (and possibly easier on your purse). Choose locally grown fresh flowers bought at your city market or plant hardy succulents that can be taken home and enjoyed by your guests. Below are a bunch of beautiful, yet simple ideas I've collected from around the interwebs. I hope they help in your quest to plan your earth-friendly wedding!

Found via La Belle Bride, Joey Nicole Photography

 Charleston Weddings , Photographer Corbin Gurkin

Aubrey Joy Photography

 Leo Patrone Photography

Aubrey Joy Photography

Found via La Belle Bride, Aaron Wilcox Photography

 Charleston Weddings , Photographer Corbin Gurkin

Charleston Weddings , Photographer Corbin Gurkin

Happiness: Ice Cream Spoon

A dedicated ice cream spoon! Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

Non Wedding Related Rant

This isn't related to weddings, but I thought it might be interesting to my readers. It's all about a small town business and a big corporate...(I'm going to refrain from saying the word "bully" here, but I can't think of a better word). Here's the story in a nutshell: For nearly a decade, a guy in Vermont creates screen printed shirts, by hand, in a shop he and his wife built above the garage. He cares about supporting his local economy and sources his t-shirts from an environmentally responsible company. When he tries to trademark the phrase he's been screen printing on his shirts for the last ten years, an Atlanta based corporation tries to shut him down. 

The t-shirt phrase (and company) in question: "Eat More Kale" 

The corporation trying to stop it: Chick Fil A, whose ad campaigns feature cows who write, "Eat Mor Chikin."

All politics aside, it's a pretty awesome shirt, yes? I mean, shouldn't we all be eating more kale! 

It pains me to say this, because I really love Chick Fil A. I love their sweet tea. I love their buttery chicken biscuits. I love their brownies. They are an Atlanta staple and quite popular in the South. But c'mon guys? Really? There isn't even a Chick Fil A in Vermont! Leave the dude alone. And I don't think anyone is about to confuse kale with chicken. Sheesh.

So what do you think? Is this corporate bullying? If you think so, sign the petition! 


(photo from EatMoreKale.com)

Happiness: DIY Terrarium Necklace

DIY Terrarium Necklace from Ecouterre. Love this idea. So sweet, simple, and unique!

2011 Eco Gift Guide for Him

I created this list in the hopes of keeping you ladies out of the gift giving doghouse, which is what happened to me when I got my husband a pair of jeans for his birthday one year. I'm still teased about that. Anyway, everything you see is eco-friendly in some way or another. Happy holiday shopping everyone!

1. Vintage Packard Bell Tube Radio

2. Vegan Dress Shoes

3. Self Sufficient AM/FM Radio

4. Bike Chain Bottle Opener

5. Nautical Ceramic Travel Mug

6. Dragon E.C.O. Sunglasses

7. 100% Post Consumer Recycled Placemats

8. Recycled Suit iPad Case

9. Recycled Steel F Bomb Paperweight

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 

Dry Skin and Eco-Remedies

Photo Source

Do you ever wonder why we say "old man winter" is approaching? Why is it not "young, vivacious hunky winter?" I know why. It's because the old guy brings all his issues with him: colds, sore throats, and worst of all, dry skin! My hands take the brunt of it, as year after year I throw them into an armor-less battle with dry air and cold weather, resulting in unsightly cracked knuckles and fingers.

This can be a bigger problem for all you newly wed and newly engaged, since everyone wants to see your ring. Suddenly everyone wants to see the new bling, forcing you to display your digits, even if they are dryer than the Sahara desert. So what's an eco-friendly and chemical conscious gal to do? There are big brand lotions out there that are relatively safe, such as Cetaphil and Curel, but what if you prefer a lotion made by a smaller company, a lotion that is 100% safe, or maybe you prefer to make your own? Below is a compilation of eco-friendly and skin safe products for your skin moisturizing pleasure.

Soapwalla Luxurious Body Oil

 Coastal Moon Olive Oil Face Nourisher

 Face Naturals Organic Lavender-Honey Healing Cream

Additional Resources: 

Skin Deep, a cosmetics safety database

Six Natural Cures for Dry Skin

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If you haven't filled out the Eco and Elsie Reader Survey, I would be so appreciative if you did. It will help me learn more about you and how I can improve this blog to better your experience. 

Win A Green Wedding from Clay Hill Farm

Weddings are expensive! Don't you wish you could just skip the whole paying for it part? Even if your parents or relatives footing the bill, it still hurts. The best way around this is to win your wedding! (Or go to jail for not paying your bills, but I highly discourage you from taking that path.)

Clay Hill Farm has opened up their Green Wedding Giveaway Contest! From now until January you can send in your nominations! Nominate your favorite friends or yourselves. You can win an all inclusive summer wedding in beautiful Maine!

Happiness and Weekend Reads

Yesterday I took a trip down memory lane and visited the office of an old summer camp I used to attend. I was looking for old yearbooks in the hopes I might find pictures of my awkward 8 year old self. I'm not really sure what prompted me to do this other than just an odd curiosity. Unfortunately, there was a fire and they lost all the old yearbooks, but my mission wasn't a complete waste! I came across this awesome plaque, sitting on the office floor, which I couldn't resist posting a picture of. After all, it is true, right? Happiness and marshmallows...yep...pretty much the same thing. :)

Have a great weekend, lovely readers!

~Weekend Reads~

Vintage Fashion and a Show Stopper Dress

Planning a Winter Wedding

Ugly Renaissance Babies (pretty much sums it up) 

Succulent Christmas Ornament

Eco-Friendly Christmas Decoration

Gift Idea: Indoor Wooly Pocket

Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Wedding

Okay folks, remember how I was telling you about how it's your wedding and your day and your marriage and it has to represent your values and beliefs and you shouldn't let anyone take that away from you...

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it," you say! Okay, I'll shut up.

Enjoy the eco-wedding below. :)

 

This wedding was held at a small sustainable farm in LaFox, IL, the Heritage Prairie Farm. (Beautiful photography by Esenam Photography)

Is that raffia I see?! Natural raffia is eco and adds a beautiful, natural touch.

Yep, that's a bouncy house! This couple had a complete carnival reception!

 

I would've crashed this wedding for the Sigg bottle favors alone!

  

  

Find more beautiful photos, plus more info about the wedding at Esenam Photography and at Magnet Street Weddings, where the bride is a graphic designer.