Wooddaya Know?
As surprising as it may be, the hot new “metal” to create buzz is wood, which is not really a metal at all. Wood rings may sound strange but they represent the ultimate in eco-accessories; they’re incredibly durable, sourced from Mother Nature and stylized to work with any outfit (wood, after all, is a neutral).
Gustav Reyes is the owner of Simply Wood Rings in Chicago, has had his unique creations of garner the attention of major press publications like the New York Times and The Knot. Reyes uses salvaged lumber, remnants from old jewelry, and elements from musical instruments and even found materials like concrete and rust to create his rings.
Reyes, a woodworker and artist, has a client list looking for custom wooden rings that includes everyone from newlyweds to art dealers (many of whom are environmentally conscious). Reyes originally started his woodworking career making cabinets and took an interest in jewelry after his wife began suffering from metal allergies. His alternative ring project turned into a business venture and Simply Wood Rings was born.
For those still seeking sparkle, Reyes doesn’t neglect bling entirely, he adds diamonds, braided silver or gold nuggets to many of his tree-spawned treasures. Ring prices range from $120 to $340 for highly intricate wedding sets.
- (seed)+ is a new personal care line based on the powerful benefits of seeds. Certain seeds are naturally rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids – and their new line of grape seed enriched products offers all of these powerful nutrients – and the many body health and beauty benefits from them. (seed)+ is powerfully 100% Natural and I personally love them. I hope you do to. 
– I can barely live without my Vitamix. If you want truly smooth drinks and fantastic soups this is for you. Vita-Mix TurboBlend 4500 is a heavy-duty, commercial-quality blender that delivers optimum performance and power. Superior engineering strengthens each part, ensuring a product that will last. 
-A favorite of one of my raw foodie besties, Julie. In this lushly photographed book, Kenney and Melngailis share some of that magic — and show that preparing and eating raw does not mean bland, unsatisfying, or impossibly time-consuming meals. Using dehydrating, Vita-Mix blending, a nuanced understanding of spices, and unprecedented creativity, they explore a whole new outlook on raw food that transfers beautifully and easily from their kitchen to yours — no matter what your present diet. And you’ll immediately begin to reap the benefits of healthful, delicious, life-giving raw food. 
– This perfect for raw food must have is great for families that love eating healthy! Drying food is fun! Make your own chips and bars for so much less money and more nutrition. The Excalibur Dehydrator allows you to dry anything evenly and efficiently. The unit can dry all fruits, vegetables, meats, and more! Make fruit leathers and home-made jerky – FRESH! The Excalibur has a trademarked horizontal-airflow drying system which dries foods perfectly evenly on all the trays. Dehydrating is a great way to add a new way of consuming foods without damaging valuable nutrients which may be lost during high heat cooking! Dried foods are a great treat to snack on because they hold almost all of their nutritional value and flavor. 
-This is one of my go-to gals for gluten-free, Elana Amsterdam. The prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity among millions of adults and children has created the need for gluten-free recipes that are as nutritious and tasty as their traditional counterparts. Popular food blogger Elana Amsterdam offers ninety-nine family-friendly classics–from Pancakes to Eggplant Parmesan to Chocolate Cake–that feature her gluten-free ingredient of choice, almond flour. So whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a comfort food entrée, or a showstopping dessert, The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook proves that gluten-free cooking can mean healthy eating for everyone. 
-love these… Totally Bamboo’s Salad Hands are distinctively attractive and super strong – perfect for special occasion and every day use. Plus, these servers are eco-friendly. Two piece set made of sturdy bamboo. The benefits of using bamboo are numerous. For example: bamboo is 16-percent harder than maple, it’s naturally anti-microbial and it’s eco friendly; it holds the promise of a sustainable, cost effective, and ecologically responsible alternative to the widespread clear cutting of our old growth forests. Totally Bamboo uses organically grown moso bamboo, so you need not worry about harmful pesticides or fertilizers. Plus, this bamboo is not a food source, or a habitat, for the giant panda. Totally good for you and totally good for the environment. Servers are easy to maintain – simply wash with warm water and use Totally Bamboo’s revitalizing oil, occasionally, to extend the life and keep them looking beautiful. 
-A New York Times bestseller that has changed the way readers view the ecology of eating, this revolutionary book by award winner Michael Pollan asks the seemingly simple question: What should we have for dinner? Tracing from source to table each of the food chains that sustain us—whether industrial or organic, alternative or processed—he develops a portrait of the American way of eating. The result is a sweeping, surprising exploration of the hungers that have shaped our evolution, and of the profound implications our food choices have for the health of our species and the future of our planet. 
-“What ’s for dinner?” seemed like a simple question—until journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan delved behind the scenes. From fast food and big organic to small farms and old-fashioned hunting and gathering, this young readers’ adaptation of Pollan’s famous food-chain exploration encourages kids to consider the personal and global health implications of their food choices. In a smart, compelling format with updated facts, plenty of photos, graphs, and visuals, as well as a new afterword and backmatter, The Omnivore’s Dilemma serves up a bold message to the generation that needs it most: It’s time to take charge of our national eating habits—and it starts with you. 
-Santa Claus is having a green Christmas! In the spirit of Christmas giving, Santa shows boys and girls that they can give to others while giving back to the Earth — and have fun while they’re doing it! Simple things like riding bicycles to the store rather than taking a car, turning the tree lights off during the day and before bedtime, taking the tree to the community mulching center, using discarded newspapers for gift wrap, and making decorations and presents for one another rather than buying new ones, are all ways that kids can help Santa have a green Christmas.
-With this collection of forty-eight fun-filled, science-based environmental activities, kids from eight to eleven explore the world they live in and find ways to make it better. The projects in Eco-Fun cover a range of difficulty and include a mix of scientific experiments to do at home or school, activities that explore kids’ own world and real-life ecology projects for their neighborhood or community. They can build a solar panel, make recycled paper, build a worm composter and create a forest ecosystem in a jar. Lively, easy-to-follow illustrations clearly tell kids what to do and show how each activity works. 
-Make a fashion statement with eco friendly/cruelty free jewelry by Christy Robinson! This ID style tag is handstamped with “vegan” and made out of recycled sterling silver! The tag measures 3/4″ x 1/4″ has a satin finish. Tag has a recycled copper star charm attached which measures 1/2″ x 1/2″ it has a shiny finish. Comes with sterling 1.5 mm flat cable chain with a handmade hook and eye clasp. *Due to the handmade nature this item may vary slightly from image Chain used is from ethical sources and Made in the USA. 
-Made with certified U.S. grown organic cotton. Organic cotton is better for you and the earth than any other fiber. Organic cotton does not use genetically modified seeds, toxic and persistent pesticides or herbicides, bleach, heavy metals or synthetic fertilizers. Jade Yoga will provide a month’s worth of clean drinking water for one person in the developing world for every towel sold. Cotton is pure cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer which attracts water molecules and absorbs water – about 25 times its weight in water. Perfect for hot yoga. Soft and comfortable, organic cotton is perfect for drying off during your yoga work out. It also is comfortable and thick enough to provide warmth and lift like a blanket. Please note that because this towel is made of organic cotton, it is not designed to provide grip like the synthetic fiber towels on the market, but rather absorbency, warmth and lift. In addition to organic cotton loops, Jade yoga towels are made with polyester stitching for added strength and longevity. 
-I love my Eco Cup! ECOTM CupTM is a permanent home for hot beverages. Do away with papercups and enjoy your daily grind of coffee in this single-walled, porcelain cup with an attachable silicone lid and sleeve. Keeps drinks warm while sparing the environment paper and styrofoam waste. 
-These cute animal towels are a spa-grade hooded towel. This is made up of natural terry toweling on the inside and organic cotton knit on the outside. These hooded towels are ideal for baths or dips in the pool. It measures 29″x29″ in size. This hooded towel is machine washable. It is the perfect gift for baby in this holiday season. The outer shell is made up of 100% organic cotton Terry towel and is also 100% unbleached cotton. See it here in pink and other animals. 
-All three of my boys have dragged this adorable little alligator around. Plan Preschool toys combine learning with fun. Their carefully crafted push-pull toys, manipulative toys, musical instruments, games, puzzles, and blocks are all specially designed to enrich every aspect of your child’s early development. These toys inspire children’s imagination as well as promoting their physical and intellectual development. PlanToys are made from non-toxic, natural materials such as organic rubberwood. Their toys enable children to play, learn and become closer to nature while being pulled; the wooden pieces make rhythmic click-clack sounds. 
-This is a must have for 2 and ups. My boys did not have to use training wheels on any bike because of the balance learned early on from this bike. It is amazing. Jackson hopped on a big bike and cruised down the road at 3 1/2! Children learn to balance and ride while boosting their confidence. No Pedals! No training wheels! . -Pneumatic Rubber Tires with extra long tube valves. -Rubberized handle bar grips. -Cushioned leatherette seat. -Spoke-less disk wheels to prevent little feet from getting caught. -Unique carry handle incorporated in the bike s body. -Limited steering radius to prevent jackknifing. -Adjustable seat height to grow with your child with 5. height positions adjustable from 13.5 to 17.5 inches. -Suitable for ages 2 years and up to 60 pounds. Eco friendly wood harvested from a replenishable source, formaldehyde free glue, non toxic paints. 
-Construct a make-believe skyscraper. Repair an imaginary windmill. If young handy boys and girls can dream it, they can do it with the Green Toys Tool Set. This 15 piece workable set is made from 100% recycled plastic. Manufactured in the U.S.A. from recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
-A prodigy maybe one in the making. Sevi believes music is great for all ages and shows it in this beautifully crafted xylophone. Enjoy the music. Musical skills begin at home, and this easy-to-play instrument is a great place to start. Even small children can produce sounds on the xylophone, making it a fun and easy way to develop rhythm and coordination. And this one is made of all wood, producing a mellower sound that’s easy on parents’ ears. Made from eco-friendly materials and vegetable dyes. 
-This is what we use at our house and they are wonderful! The BornFreeTM Vented Glass Bottles Gift Set includes: 3x 5oz Glass Bottles, 2x 9oz Glass Bottle, 2x Level 2 Nipples. 
-Organic cotton tights with the biggest fun dots in delicious sherbet colors. 
-Small solar daybag that’s big enough to fit an iPad or Kindle along with the day’s essentials, 4 Watts Solar Power and 3,000 mAh battery included. 
- Kindle is a #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon. Now it’s even better.
-I could not resist putting this on the top of the list. In my opinion, this BBC version is one of the best movies ever! A must give to a girlfriend. We can resite the lines around our house. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE has taken its place as one of the greatest television productions of all time. The landmark adaptation from A&E and the BBC captured the hearts of millions by seamlessly translating the wit, romance, and intelligence of Jane Austen s classic novel to the screen.
-Future of Food is one of the best-reviewed documentaries of 2005 is now available on DVD in this deluxe two-disc edition. There is a revolution happening in the farm fields and on the dinner tables of America, a revolution that is transforming the very nature of the food we eat. This documentary explores the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled grocery store shelves for the past decade. It also examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multi-national corporations seek to control the world’s food system. “One of 2005′s must-see documentaries” -San Francisco Chronicle.
I am so excited to introduce Julie Gibson of 
1. How did Grace Brand come to life?
) responded well to my designs then, it would take another ten years before I would start an identity business. When OCD over everything in print became too much, I finally admitted that graphic design was the business I should be in. That and shadowing a fabulous designer for a few months secured it.
2. I know that you have a desire to make the workplace a more beautiful place through your designs. Tell me what your thoughts are on “eco-friendly” products used in your industry and what do you do?
3. What all can you offer a client of Grace-Brand?
4. Tell us about your process to find the perfect logo for a company? 
Here at HipMoms, we have a bit of a soft spot for stationary. Invitations, announcements, save-the-dates… who can deny how exciting the creative process is trying to find the perfect one? However, it can get a little frustrating sometimes, especially when dealing with expensive printers. Why should we have to stress over pricing, spend hours stuffing, or contribute to more paper waste? It’s supposed to be fun! Well, we’ve found an awesome (and of course, environmentally-safe) solution to these problems that is a must-share:
New York-
“When people have children, I believe it becomes easier to kick the bad habits and make greener choices because you’re no longer making those choices just for you. You’re now making them for your children,” Dorfman said. “I am honored to be recognized by Polarn O. Pyret, a company that has been ‘greening it’ for more than 30 years. Green clothing for kids is very important, but it can’t only be organic-it has to also look fantastic otherwise the wider segment of the consumer market will not buy into the concept. ”
This black two-layer waterproof and breathable rain shell represents the ultimate in sustainable style. It’s a perfect compliment to a fall hike or fishing trip with its rugged recreational comfort. It’s made of 100% recycled and recyclable polyester and is warm and durable.
This sleek space-age looking coffee maker uses no cords and no electricity. It has a lifetime stainless steel filter, is super portable and BPA free. In addition, by brewing in cold water, coffee results in 69.6% less acid, thus reducing heartburn and bitter tastes.
Made from PVC-free ballistic nylon this power pack is green friendly and coated with Environmental Pollution Omitting technology called Ecoweave. Ecoweave is an alternative to PVC chemicals and each backpack is free of chlorine, dioxin and other heavy metals. It’s also clean to recycle and creates H20 AND CO2 when burned.
Baby Star shines the brightest of any star! This clothing line has a goal to blend style and functionality in a very modern way. Baby star respects our planet and honors future generations of babies by creating products that are safe for baby and the environment, including their new soy/organic cotton and denim collections. I am a huge fan of Baby Star’s 100% organic denim. My boys look so great in Baby Star jeans and they fit to perfection. The jeans come in dark denim with a green star topstitched on the back pocket. They are super stylish, modern and very functional.
Tagua is viewed as a sustainable alternative to ivory derived from animals and responsible harvesting may actually augment rainforest conservation in South America. The nuts are gathered only after they’ve matured and fallen from the tree and are dried, thinly sliced and permanently dyed (non-toxic) before transforming into pretty jewelry pieces. Locals Amazonian Indians believe that vegetable ivory or tagua nuts bring prosperity, happiness, love and abundance. Tagua is a terrific alternative to plastic and can also be found in items like buttons, sculptures, figurines and even chess pieces. The Palma Collection has been featured in Lucky Magazine, Women’s Health, and GQ magazine.
