Fall 2011 Color Trends - Part 4 of 4 (Tribe)

It takes a village to raise a child, right? As our economy has slipped, it's no surprise to see people coming together to help one another more.  It's about a real sense of community; your tribe, so to speak.  So, it's not a surprise, either, that our final color trend pulls from tribal influences.


When I think of "tribal" I think of a variety of things.  The actual color trend is that of deep browns, coppers and bronzes, rich oranges and deep reds.  Texture and pattern plays a large roll, too.  Rich hued natural woods, papers, and fibers all work well.  Personally, when I think of this trend, I imagine a beautiful African tapestry of rich browns, tans and black. Those colors may feel a bit dark for a nursery but consider a creamy off white color with accents of browns, black, and metallics. Tribal masks may seem a bit scary, too, but consider those that are giraffes or zebras.  A shade for the window made of natural materials like bamboo help to the pull the theme together.

If African tribal isn't to your liking, it's okay to stray from the color trend while still keeping a tribal theme. Why not travel to the jungle?  Imagine yourself in the Amazon rain forest; surrounded by the lush deep green canopy and the brightly colored birds and butterflies.  It's okay if you break the rules of reality and include animals that don't really live in the jungle, too, like lions and elephants and giraffes.  Your little Tarzan or Jane will learn the truth soon enough.

 

Easy Tips for Green Living - Part One

Let's be honest, I'm not a hardcore eco-green girl.  I still drive an SUV that I love, I still buy instant macaroni & cheese for my kids, and it's been forever and a day since I've visited a farmer's market for anything other than a giant bag of kettle corn.  With that being said, I do recycle like a mad woman, limit my driving in my precious SUV, and grow a garden each year.   I think most people are like that... not necessarily living off grid, but not wanting to make a concerted effort to live a greener lifestyle.

For many people, the shift happens after they have children or even during pregnancy.  It's a common occurrence.  We suddenly find ourselves constantly thinking about the welfare and future of someone other than ourselves.  Whatever place you're at, though, there are some really simple ways to create a greener lifestyle.

1.  Learn to cook - it's surprising how many people don't know how to cook something that doesn't originate in a box, can or jar.  Doing so, though, leaves you at the mercy of food companies and all the additives, preservatives, fillers, and who knows what else they put into their foods.  If you're new to cooking from scratch, don't overwhelm yourself.  You don't have to be Julia Child, after all.

2.  Become a label reader - most of us are used to looking at the nutritional label on foods these days.  But, what about other products you use daily on your body and in your home?  What about your shampoo?  Your laundry detergent?  You'll be surprised at what you find!  In fact, you probably won't even be able to pronounce most of what is in them.  Look for natural alternatives and don't be fooled by a label that says "natural" or "organic".  There are no regulations on the labeling of these products and they are often still filled with all manner of toxic stuff!

3.  Ditch the bottled water - you hear it all the time, right? Sorry to harp on it again, but it's true.  We're only now beginning to understand some of the dangers associated with plastics and our food.  By tossing the plastic bottles, you're not only eliminating that risk but you're also keeping tons (yes, literally tons) of plastics out of our landfills.  Plus, think of the savings. You'll save tons of money by crossing it off your shopping list and replacing it with a great filter for your home faucet and a few good reusable bottles.

4.  Buy second hand - you don't have to do this for all things.  In fact, I don't recommend it for all things (like carseats!).  But, honestly, there are some amazing second hand stores out there.  And, let's face it, maternity clothes are expensive.  Baby clothes are expensive.  How long will you or your munchkin even be wearing them?  Whether it's clothing, furniture, or anything in between, you'll be saving money and reusing some fabulous items!

5.  Green your home with houseplants - they add natural beauty to your home and help cleanse your air, an especially important job during winter months when your home is closed up tight.  Not a green thumb?  No problem! There are plenty of options that require very little attention to thrive.  Try lucky bamboo or a striking bromeliad.  The bromeliad's bloom will last for months, too!

Stay tuned later in the week for five more easy green tips!  Until then, live mindfully!

40 Tips for Making Everyday Earth Day

It's Earth Day.  So what?  I know there are a lot of people that feel kind of like that.  But, just like dieting, this day is not so much about making a choice that doesn't feel natural to you to begin with.  It's about making a change in your lifestyle.  Here's a quick list of some ways to make a change today.  Some take a little more effort than others, we'll admit that; but all were included because they are easy to implement.  Choose one; choose all.  What's important is making the choice to live mindfully.

1. Replace paper coffee filters with a permanent filter that can be washed and reused.
2. Use reusable rags instead of paper towels.
3. If you do use paper towels, purchase a brand that lets you select the size of towel you use each time.
4. Keep drip pans on your stove clean. Clean drip pans radiate more heat, so your stove doesn't have to work quite so hard.
5. Purchase reusable water bottles and coffee cups and USE THEM!
6. Use a water filtration system with your tap water instead of purchasing bottled water.
7. Store leftovers and/or bulk food in glass or porcelain containers.
8. Use rechargeable batteries.
9. Purchase fresh produce instead of canned and use a local farmer's market when possible.
10. Make your own baby food from your fresh produce. It tastes better and is better for baby, too!
11. Choose soy or beeswax candles instead of petroleum-based paraffin wax candles.
12. Wash most of your laundry in cold water. Most detergents today are designed to work just as well at this temperature.
13. If possible, hang your clothes to dry.
14. Install a dual flush upgrade to your toilet. Kits are available in most home improvement stores for around $20 and install in about 10 minutes.
15. Plug the bathtub before turning on the water for your little one's bath.
16. Use a washable shower curtain liner instead of a plastic disposable one.
17. Use a razor with refillable blades.
18. Choose body oils made from the seeds of fruits and nuts instead of baby oil.  Baby oil is just scented mineral oil - a byproduct of gasoline production. ick
19. Repair worn shoes instead of throwing them out and buying new ones. It's cheaper and you'll still have the shoes you love!
20. Discover the joy of resale shops! You'll be amazed at the gems you can find from clothing to curtains, to holiday decor and everything in between!
21. Install a programmable thermostat.  It's easier than you think!
22. Install an attic fan. They're easy to install and can lower the temp in your home significantly on hot days.  You can even purchase a solar powered model!
23. Don't throw out your magazines when you're done reading them.  Share them with a friend!
24. Purchase exercise equipment secondhand. It's cheaper and there are a lot of lonely treadmills out there just waiting for a new home.
25. Unplug your appliances, when possible, when you leave on vacation.
26. Quit using disposable pens. Find a pen you love and just refill the ink cartridge.
27. Opt for e-billing and online financial statements.
28. Use direct deposit if it's available to you.
29. Pay your bills online.
30. Don't throw away your old cell phone. E-cycle it or donate it to a charity (women's shelters are often in need of them)
31. Set outside lights on timers or motion sensors so they are only used when you really need them.
32. Plant native plants in your landscaping. They are better suited to your climate and less likely to die and need replacing.
33. When possible, choose to plant drought resistant plants.  Once established, they'll require less water.
34. Grow something edible, whether it's a basil plant on your kitchen windowsill or a full vegetable garden.
35. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water your gardens. There will be less evaporation and no wasted water on leaves and foliage.
36. Maintain your vehicle - regular oil changes, keeping the air filter clean, checking tire pressure - for optimum performance and longer life.
37. Limit car idling time.  An idling car emits 20 times more pollution than one traveling at 32 mph!
38. Use mass transit or carpool.
39. Learn a skill.  Sewing, knitting, wood working, plumbing, electrical, etc. You can make gifts, repair items, build what you need, etc.
40. Use em naturals products!  They're all 100% natural, good for you, and good for Mother Nature, too!