About a month ago I was introduced to Marie Veronique Organics and I’ve been using their four step facial regiment ever since. The first word that comes to me when trying to describe this natural skin care line is simply – lovely. The products look lovely, smell lovely and make my skin look and feel, you got it, lovely.

First of all, they come in charming brown glass bottles that make you feel like you had an age-defying potion especially mixed up at an old-timey apothecary. And they are oh-so attractive in the medicine chest (if you’re the type of person who likes the inside of their cabinets to look good – which I am.)

Cleanse – I have been using the ‘Gentle Cleanser.” It smells fresh and leaves your skin feeling soft and not at all dry. It has a base of green and white teas and is infused with spirulina, so it’s a nice shade of green. I do recommend using an eye make up remover if you don’t already.

Hydrate – The “Anti-Aging Mist” smells so nice that I always have to force myself to stop spritzing the intoxicating concoction of tea, flower extracts and essential oils on my face.

Replenish – I wasn’t sure how I would feel about using an oil instead of my typical cream based moisturizer, but the “Anti-Aging Oil +” is just spectacular. This is not just any old oil, it is a complicated mixture of many natural oils that combine for maximum moisturize-ation, without grease-ification. And it’s completely free of any toxins, just as all MVO products are.

Protect – The sunscreen doubles as a tinted moisturizer. The “Moisturizing Face Screen +” is SPF 30 and the light scent doesn’t cling to your skin like some SPF moisturizers. I used the medium tint, which I would typically think would be too dark for me, but this blended beautifully with my skin tone and did a great job of evening out my pink spots.

I would highly recommend checking out these and other MVO products, for healthy and naturally lovely skin.

Who couldn’t use a little sparkle for Spring?  Whether you pair these babies with a tank top and jeans or your favorite Little Black Dress, these glammy hoops will “up” your look instantly!

Of reclaimed exotic wood, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and harvested by sustainable methods finished with Swarovski crystals… so chic! $150 retail.

Leave a comment below and you’ve entered the giveaway instantly!

GWG pres & creative director, Deana Bracken, has a real issue with discarding anything (I mean ANYTHING)!  She’s a die-hard recycler, but if she think something has an aesthetic or practical value to her or anyone else, she’ll try her damnedest to find said piece a home.  As Deana also continues to work on a handful of interior design projects, she perpetually finds herself with remnant or sample fabrics and wallpapers… with these she makes these silhouettes, combining two of her absolute favorites – animals and design!

Black Cat wallpaper silhouette, NOW $36.85 (orig $55)

14 inches x 10 inches

Scottie wallpaper silhouette, NOW $30.15 (orig $45)

12 inches x 8 inches

Boxer wallpaper silhouette, NOW $43.55 (orig $65)

All hand-cut finished with no-VOC paint. Ready to hang, made in Los Angeles.

I believe I’ve mentioned my feelings on fragrance on this blog before – I like hate it in my cosmetics, unless it’s very subtle and dissipates quickly. I do, however, enjoy the occasional spritz of perfect perfume, but it has to be light and never synthetic. I prefer Earthy scents over flowery or fruity, but nothing too reminiscent of a Grateful Dead show.

I have been loving the “Lotus Bamboo” scent from Acorelle. After all, who does fragrance better than the French? All of Acorelle’s scents have an impressive 90% organic ingredients. They are made out of flower water, essential oils and natural extracts.

Even the perfumes with more of a food-centric note, which I typically don’t care for, such as the “Wheat Almond”

or “Citrus Verbena” went on light and blended nicely with my natural scent. I wasn’t reminded of baking in the slightest.

The best thing about this line of natural perfume is its subtly. There is no chance of overpowering your carpool mates or leaving your smell on anyone you might happen to hug, like a dog marking its territory.

Let whatever fragrance you pick compliment your style, enhance your essence. It should not be the only impression you leave behind.

Get your preferred Acorelle scent HERE!

These are so delicious, easy and almost cake-y… you’ll be amazed.  One cookie alone or with a scoop of soy ice cream or yogurt and you’ll feel stuffed with dessert-y goodness!  I’ve adapted from my vegan chef idol, Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/3 cups rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup canola oil

2 tbsp molasses

1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp flax seed (it’s recommended that they’re ground, but I’m lazy and leave them whole)

1/2 raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease two cookie sheets.

Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt & spices.

In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, molasses, pumpkin, vanilla and flax seeds – until very well combined.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding to combine.  Fold in raisins.

Drop by tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets.  They don’t spread very much so they can be placed about an inch apart.  Flatten a bit with a fork.  Bake 16 minutes.

Remove from oven, cool on the cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.  These taste best when they’ve had time to cool & set… and even better the next day!

I was never much of a silent film fan until recently.  Honestly, I just never really gave them a chance, but now I’ve changed my tune.  Like any other good movie, regardless of type or era… a silent film can be funny, compelling, tragic, beautiful and glamourous!!!  I have a serious thing for the master of the genre, Buster Keaton, but when it comes to the ladies, Clara Bow is my girl!  She was vivacious, confident and yet another woman who possessed that magical quality – easy elegance!

There is a similarity to many silent film sets… silky textiles, geometric prints, glammy lighting and curvy furniture.  The vibe is fancy meets moody and I love it.  There’s not a ton of yesteryear glitz “green” decor out there, but here are some chic pieces that fit the bill.

The Cameo Lamp by LightenUp Design at Green With Glamour is a lovely nod to the bygone days of silent film.  Pretty and polished, LightenUp Design uses only natural clays and handmade, non-toxic glazes. 3-way socket, shade included.

Nothing makes a bold statement in the bedroom like a striking headboard!   Of organic cotton & a hardwood frame, the York from Pottery Barn will add some serious style to any sleeping quarters!

Ms. Bow in the boudoir.

A modern take on a Deco look, the Organic Fossil bedding from West Elm has a bit of sheen to the fabric and that luxe look of a Clara Bow bedroom.

And for a major hit of style in any room the Senna Chair by Ami McKay has the sexy, sultry quality of these beautiful black & white screen gems.  And by using OEKO-tex certified fabrics, organic dyes, non-toxic wood finishes, biodegradable latex rubber, FSC certified hardwood frames, non-toxic adhesives, jute and latex webbing, organic cotton batting… the Senna’s about as “eco” as it gets!

Ooh la la!

Click HERE to start shopping & saving!

The recycled leather Ruffle Clutch by Refind Originals is the perfect piece to add a chic pop of color to any ensemble… and this week only it’s $60.30 (originally $90)!

There’s something about this Ruffle Clutch… it’s elegant without being fussy, feminine but still functional. From day to night, jeans & tees to skyscraper heels, this bag is the perfect addition to carry your cherished necessities. Crafted from super-soft leather originally used for clothing, upholstery and the like – each Refind Original has a one-of-a-kind quality. Made in the US.

Available in mustard, royal blue, metallic gold and hot pink

Dimensions: 10 inches x 5 inches

WEEKLY STEAL! 33% OFF until 3.3.10

Take a peek inside the home of Deana Bracken, GWG’s president & creative director – featured on Apartment Therapy/Re-Nest!

Deana’s Vintage Glam Hilltop Cabin
Green House Call

Name: Deana Bracken, Interior designer and owner of Green With Glamour
Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Moving from nearly 1800 square feet into under 600 square feet was a considerable design challenge, but the larger apartment was just too big for our needs. So this quirky, teeny 1923 hilltop cabin was a welcome change. Not only did the smaller space force me to purge many unnecessary furnishings that I had amassed over the years, but our energy use has taken a serious and glorious nose dive as well.

I would describe my personal style as vintage-glam-meets-mid-century-mod, with a dash of uptown bohemia (although I adore working with all styles for client projects—from craftsman to super sleek contemporary). My number one design inspiration is my grandmother. Her approach to living is a bit more formal than my own, but the way she makes elegance look easy has always spoken to me.

As for “green” elements, my primary focus is re-use, although I do like to trick out the surfaces with décor from Green With Glamour. Just about every element (furniture, lighting, rugs, pottery, even most of the artwork) in the house is second hand, including my grandmother’s massive 1971 Chesterfield sofa. I have had amazing luck finding thrift store gems on my many trips to Palm Springs. Whenever a vintage piece is in need of re-upholstery, I look to stylish, sustainable textile designers like Mod Green Pod and Rubie Green for gorgeous fabrics—and of course, my upholsterer works with kapok (upon request).

The bedding is organic cotton from West Elm. The headboard I made myself from a discarded hollow door, organic cotton batting and a wonderful hemp linen I found at Near Sea Naturals. I’m not big on window treatments (luckily the house is incredibly private), but I did fashion the “dining room” drapery from remnant silk and all of the paints are no or low-VOC.

When I first saw the house, every room was painted this horrible dusty pink, so that was clearly the first thing that had to go. Though I’m typically a big fan of boldly colored walls, the cabin is so small and weird, I opted for a bright, warm white for all walls with the exception of a half wall in the kitchen on which I used a metallic Ralph Lauren paint leftover from a design project.

However, I would say the greatest issue with this space is that it’s tiny. The bedroom is barely big enough to fit a queen sized bed (leaving only an 18″ path on one side), but luckily the built-in shelving and closet spaces are quite efficient… so the overall vibe of the room is quite cozy. The living/dining area and the kitchen are actually fairly spacious, so once I paired the furnishings down to only truly beloved pieces, everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. The bathroom is ridiculously small (including the shortest claw foot tub I’ve ever encountered). The walls are old and rough, so I upholstered them with a bold-patterned remnant fabric that covered all of the flaws and tried to keep every other element in the room clean and white as to not look “too much.” The kitchen has a very late 70s/early 80s vibe which actually works wonderfully with my vintage pottery, heirloom china and glassware collections… and the view is incredible. It actually makes doing dishes way less of a chore. The covered patio is one of my favorite spaces. The view goes on forever, it’s roomy enough for about 8-10 people to sit comfortably, but even better for romantic dinners for two.

Play it Neutral – Go with Starry Trail Violet and dress up a neutral nail with a bit of shimmer.

Rock it Out - Chelsea Star is the perfect shade for those hot summer nights, preferably spent dancing your cares away.

This week’s featured “steal” is the Recycled Glass Pedestal Bowl by Vidreco!  It’s elegant without being stuffy… it’s functional and well-made… and this week – it’s only $41 (from $63).  Vogue Magazine chose this piece as their Top 100 under $100 – and this week only it’s WELL UNDER $100!

Of 100% recycled glass, this pedestal bowl is a chic and easy way to take any surface to new heights. Fill with lemons or mangos and you’ll have an instant, elegant, and edible centerpiece.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.5 inches

At Green With Glamour.

Much of the country is in the home stretch of winter, which is putting on quite the finale show, I hear. I am spoiled with Los Angeles weather now, but I’m a Midwestern girl and so I know when it snows as much as it has lately the harsh, dry conditions wreak havoc on your face and skin. Here are a few at home remedies for keeping it soft and supple over these last few weeks of winter.

I like to keep my DIY beauty products under four ingredients and made of only things that can be found at the local grocery store. I’m sure orange flower water is lovely, but where am I going to get that on a Sunday at 9 p.m.? Also, it’s probably going to be pricey. Keeping it simple is key.

Cleanse – Pine Nut Scrub – Exfoliates while moisturizing.

Throw a 1/2 cup of pine nuts in a food processor with 2 tablespoons of light oil. Grind them up until they are a fine paste. Apply to face, arms, legs, whatever spot needs a little TLC. Rinse and pat dry.

Balance – Madzoon Facial Mask – Restores skin’s natural protective properties.

Spread a 1/4 cup of organic, plain yogurt over your skin, relax for 20 minutes and then rise off with warm water. Seriously – that’s it.

Moisturize – Essential Oil

Making your own moisturizer is not easy, a lot of things go into those creams we depend on. That’s why they have such a hefty price tag. But when I’m feeling like simplifying as much as possible I do keep a bottle of almond oil in my medicine cabinet (jojoba works great too). It’s a wonderful moisturizer and the scent hints at baking without being too overpowering.

Treat Yourself – Greta Garbo Bath – You just saved a bunch of money on beauty products and did your tired winter skin a favor, you deserve it.

Tie 3 chamomile tea bags around the faucet of your tub and then draw yourself a hot bath. Before hopping in, toss 3 sliced oranges into the water. Commence relaxation and aromatherapy.

Voila! A beauty routine change up for the winter months. Try it for a week and then go back to your tried and true. It never hurts to spice things up a bit.

All recipes above were adapted from “Natural Beauty for All Seasons” by Janice Cox

We’re feeling the warm weather coming our way, so we diving right in with a cool, bright tank.   Turquoise is one of those colors that looks good on most everyone – and a flattering top… how can you go wrong?!  Enter Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman versus Covet at Green With Glamour- or in more topical terms, $275 versus $27!

Luxe details, flattering cut, hand-washable…$27* (originally $99) by Covet at Green With Glamour.

Luxe details, flattering cut, dry-cleanable… $275 by Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman.

Both lovely tops for sure, but $27 trumps $275 for us any day (well, at least in this economy)!

*$27 is with current %0% OFF promotion – use code TWT50 at check out for full discount.

My latest article for The Green Girls:

It’s no secret that I fancy a good example of the “Uptown Bohemian” look… be it a powder room, a handbag or a hotel lobby.  Well, take a look at this vintage image of the socialite “swan”, Gloria Vanderbilt.  Though GV certainly had her hand in the disco denim revolution of the 1970’s, let’s take a moment to celebrate this patchwork masterpiece!

A modern day Gloria Vanderbilt with son, Anderson Cooper.  Perhaps she’s moved past the patchwork, but the style still lingers!

A perfect transitional piece from Winter to Spring!  Good for layering or alone, the Cocoa Panel track jacket from Green With Glamour is a handsome “steal” for any guy.  Super-soft with just enough style, this jacket will become the “go-to” pieces in your man’s closet… this week is only $40 (from $110)!!!

Valentines day gifts can really, well…suck. Roses? Yawn. Little boxes full of waxy, nearly inedible mounds of chocolate. Ew. Cheesy teddy bears holding a heart that you are going to do what with? Come on! It’s time we all stepped up our game. The best gifts are experiences or things that add to an experience.

After a nice evening out, or home cooked dinner, how about drawing a nice bath for you and your special someone. Embellishments are endless. Create some mood lighting with Pacifica’s soy candles. The sexy smelling Bourbon Island Vanilla will put you both in the right state of mind. Speaking of states of wine…I mean mind. Domaine Carneros’s Brut Cuvee Sparkling Wine is certified organic and will add the perfect amount of bubbles to your bath.

Now let’s get back to the issue of chocolate. I love it. That’s why I know when it’s done badly and it often is. Voges Haut Chocolat, however, does it very very well. Their organic peanut butter bonbons will forever turn you off the common drug store peanut butter cup. Upgrade.

Voges Haut organic peanut butter bon bons!

PI Organic makes lovely little things to compliment any body type. And the Red Love boy shorts by A Lot To Say are the perfect underthings for the jeans and t-shirt kind of girl (available at the Green With Glamour online store). So much more desirable than one of those synthetic rayon nighties that litter the local discount chain. Who wouldn’t feel their sexiest in these?

PI Organic nightie

End the night (yeah right) with a massage using Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender Body Oil or Body Lotion if you prefer a little more friction.

Most important of all, say tell someone you love them. Sometimes that’s the best gift you can give!

My latest article for The Green Girls:

It’s not that I’m not a fan of “mainstream” fashion, but overall I do find “eco-fashion” a lot more interesting – the risk-taking designers, always evolving textiles and heightening profile of the industry in general.

That being said, I am a sucker for a classic design… a Chanel suit (vintage, of course), a Halston gown and definitely the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress.  I’ve had a crush on that silhouette since my mother wore a handful of them in the 70s.  There’s something about DVF’s style that is unparalleled.  With her design, she has mastered the combination of bold patterns, clean designs and a flattering cuts… but to me, more important than that, she is the greatest example of an incredible & independent, easy-elegance and exotic-though-still-urbane lifestyle look.

She’s a lot to live up to… but it’s certainly fun trying!

We are just thrilled offer our glorious readers, fans & clients an exciting new giveaway for Feb… The Watson Twins gift set – which, hang tight, includes a copy of TWT’s AMAZING, NEW CD (yet to be released), Talking To You, Talking To Me!

Gorgeous, right?  Stunning photography by Dan Monick. Brilliant artwork by Desi Moore.

What critics are saying about the new album…

SPIN MAGAZINE:   “Taking a cue from Shelby Lynne, the Watsons consult vintage Southern styles for inspiration, incorporating touches of country and plenty of hot-blooded soul. The only problem with “Calling Out,” “Forever Me,” and other alluring tracks is that they end too soon — the sultry vocals, churchy organ, and stinging electric guitar of “Midnight” leave you craving more.”

ELLE MAGAZINE: “Their soulful harmonies are at the center of a sparkling pop sound that has a Memphis-meets-L.A. texture and hooks that work their charms on you instantly.”

MARIE CLAIRE MAGAZINE:
“As sisters Chandra and Leigh’s harmonies wrap around hissing cymbals and jazzy guitar, this languorous, closing-time cabaret song builds into a long slow good-night kiss to melt all your late-winter blues.”

AND you’ll win a copy of their mellifluous 2008 cd, Fire Songs…

AND a top secret, yet-to-be-released cotton tote bag (also designed by Desi Moore)!

YAY!

Leave a comment below and you’re automatically entered to win this exciting TWT set!

THIS WEEK ONLY (2.3.10-2.10.10) the oh-so-gorgeous Deborah dress is 33% OFF at Green With Glamour!

A sublime design… the Deborah dress is half stunning statement piece, half wardrobe staple that will be worn season after season! Of the most luxe-looking grey remnant silk, this dress is as versatile as it is divine – wear it with ballerina flats and a cardy for day, or layer necklaces and rock your highest heels for night. Environmentally-responsible professional cleaning, please. Made in the US.

Weekly Steal*** 33% OFF – use code WEEKLYSTEAL at checkout. Originally $275 - NOW $184.25

The weather here in LA is getting better, but I’m still finding myself wanting warm and hearty soups.   Minestrone often gets overlooked for it’s simplicity… but this yummy recipe is definitely worth the (fairly short amount of) time!

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped

3 tbsp olive oil

2 celery ribs, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 medium zucchini, chopped

1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

3.5 cups of water

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can kidney beans

1 can (15 oz) tomato puree

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

3 tbsp dried parsley flakes

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cup small pasta shells or elbows

In a large pot, saute onions in olive oil for 2 minutes.  Add the celery, carrots, zucchini and garlic – saute 3 minutes longer.  Stir iin the water, tomatoes, beans, tomato puree, tomato sauce and seasonings.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir in pasta and spinach and cook for 12-15 minutes longer – until pasta is tender.

Bon Appetit!