Poached from interior design blog, Occasion…

Preface:  I love the concept of Etsy.  I think it’s vital that small time/part time artists, designers, crafters, etc. have a platform with which they can showcase and sell their goods.

That being said, I have little-to-no patience for actually browsing the site.  I end up overwhelmed by the amount of cheesy headbands, ironic wallets and very “handmade”-looking home decor (I know… I’m awful).  What I do like is when my much more patient friends scour the site and find truly exceptional pieces!  Enter Sonia Sharma.

My dear friend, super stylish gal, and principal at Southern California-based Sonia Sharma Events, sent over some of her favorite Etsy finds for me to check out… and here’s the 1st taste of what she found by way of pillows* (the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to update the look of a room – or change it seasonally!):

Red & Gold Lace Medallion Extra-long Lumbar pillow… a perfect punch of color and exoticism for a sofa, chair or bed.

Red & Tuquoise Ogee pillow case*… I love the Moroccan influence here!  Very faraway land-meets-city chic.

Also in Turquoise & Ultramarine.

And I’m personally swooning over this Pink & Dark Orange Sunflower color combo… It’s my favorite thing for Spring!

*I’ve noticed that a lot of pillow cases on Etsy don’t come with the forms – which I personally prefer because I’m pro-Kapok and Eco-fiber and anti “down” feather, so here’s a great resource for pillow inserts.

Thanks for being my Etsy spy, Ms. Sharma!

We don’t typically re-post other people’s writing here, but considering how much we love Rory Freedman (best-selling author of Skinny Bitch) and the healthy-living blog, Crazy Sexy Life… we though we’d be fools to not share this wisdom:

1. Don’t say “yes” when you mean “no.” It’ll make you resentful. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

2. When driving, if someone wants to get in front of you, let him in front of you. And do it with a smile. It’ll make his day better, and it’ll make you feel good. You just changed the world.

3. Try to make a gratitude list each day. Include big things and little things. Invite your friends to make their own lists; you can all email one another each day, sharing your gratitude.

4. Don’t be a problem solver when a friend just wants you to be a listener.

5. Call your parents or grandparents. Sometimes, a five-minute phone call is all they need to feel loved.

6. Be a good neighbor: Be considerate inside and outside your home/apartment so your noise doesn’t bother those around you. That includes opening and closing your front door quietly.

7. Pee in the shower. If we each did this once a day, it would save an enormous amount of water and toilet paper (trees).

8. Write a “fan letter.” Tell someone you know, or someone you’ve never met, why you admire him or her. You’ll make someone’s day.

9. Curb your jealousy. Be happy for others.

10. Be willing to be wrong. If someone has a grievance with you, really try to see her point of view. If called for, apologize. It’s hard to do, but it feels really good and makes life so much easier.

11. If you are in a room with someone you don’t know, introduce yourself right away. It takes away the social discomfort immediately.

12. Pick a cause close to your heart, and get involved. You don’t have to quit your job and dive in headfirst. Just get involved on some level and do what you can when you can. Go slightly beyond your comfort zone but don’t overextend yourself.

13. Be a good friend to your friends. Tell them what’s good about them, that you appreciate them, and make the effort to spend time with them.

14. Go vegetarian. Animals raised and slaughtered for food suffer immeasurably. Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.

15. Do your best to think good thoughts. They affect your health, happiness, and the people around you.

16. Do something frivolous for someone you love. (It doesn’t have to be extravagant.) It feels so good to do nice things for other people, it’s almost selfish!

17. Practice accepting compliments. The person complimenting you is giving you a gift. Receive it graciously, even if it is difficult.

18. Be generous with your compliments. Don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass. Just say nice things when they occur to you.

19. Forgive those who have wronged you. Holding onto anger and resentment poisons your body and your life. There are no benefits in staying mad. Let go. It’s okay.

20. Forgive yourself. It’s okay to be imperfect and to have made mistakes. Try to do better, that’s all.

We don’t typically re-post other people’s writing here, but considering how much we love Rory Freedman (best-selling author of Skinny Bitch) and the healthy-living blog, Crazy Sexy Life… we though we’d be fools to not share this wisdom:

1. Don’t say “yes” when you mean “no.” It’ll make you resentful. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

2. When driving, if someone wants to get in front of you, let him in front of you. And do it with a smile. It’ll make his day better, and it’ll make you feel good. You just changed the world.

3. Try to make a gratitude list each day. Include big things and little things. Invite your friends to make their own lists; you can all email one another each day, sharing your gratitude.

4. Don’t be a problem solver when a friend just wants you to be a listener.

5. Call your parents or grandparents. Sometimes, a five-minute phone call is all they need to feel loved.

6. Be a good neighbor: Be considerate inside and outside your home/apartment so your noise doesn’t bother those around you. That includes opening and closing your front door quietly.

7. Pee in the shower. If we each did this once a day, it would save an enormous amount of water and toilet paper (trees).

8. Write a “fan letter.” Tell someone you know, or someone you’ve never met, why you admire him or her. You’ll make someone’s day.

9. Curb your jealousy. Be happy for others.

10. Be willing to be wrong. If someone has a grievance with you, really try to see her point of view. If called for, apologize. It’s hard to do, but it feels really good and makes life so much easier.

11. If you are in a room with someone you don’t know, introduce yourself right away. It takes away the social discomfort immediately.

12. Pick a cause close to your heart, and get involved. You don’t have to quit your job and dive in headfirst. Just get involved on some level and do what you can when you can. Go slightly beyond your comfort zone but don’t overextend yourself.

13. Be a good friend to your friends. Tell them what’s good about them, that you appreciate them, and make the effort to spend time with them.

14. Go vegetarian. Animals raised and slaughtered for food suffer immeasurably. Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.

15. Do your best to think good thoughts. They affect your health, happiness, and the people around you.

16. Do something frivolous for someone you love. (It doesn’t have to be extravagant.) It feels so good to do nice things for other people, it’s almost selfish!

17. Practice accepting compliments. The person complimenting you is giving you a gift. Receive it graciously, even if it is difficult.

18. Be generous with your compliments. Don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass. Just say nice things when they occur to you.

19. Forgive those who have wronged you. Holding onto anger and resentment poisons your body and your life. There are no benefits in staying mad. Let go. It’s okay.

20. Forgive yourself. It’s okay to be imperfect and to have made mistakes. Try to do better, that’s all.

This week is a busy one – already.  I’m all over the place, both physically & mentally… prepping for Fall 09, for our upcoming “Eco-design Dream Team” GWG photoshoot, and for our inclusion in several tony holiday gift guides (not to mention all of my other Green With Glamour responsibilites).  I’m back & forth, up & down and all around (but aren’t we all?)!  So, here’s why Gold & Silver Stars is a top-notch blog… it’s written by a driven, stylish, in-the-know woman who’s also all over the place (in a good way).  Jen Sall seems to keep both professional & lifestyle paces that might send the rest of us running for the hills.  Many of her posts involve shopping, dining, events, artists and food trucks* here in LA, but an equal amount cover products, films, designers, etc. that are available globally.  From great take out on the way to a Hollywood Bowl show to eco-friendly shoes to reminding us to send in our public radio pledges… Gold & Silver Stars has it covered!

Now here’s why this story has serendipitous timing, we decided last week to feature Gold & Silver Stars as this week’s Blog Love… And one of Jen’s posts from August 5th, 2009 is about her beloved, and oh-so-adorable Scottish Deerhound who’s been entered in “The Cutest Dog Competition” (seriously… check out Ollie’s mug!)  Well, just last night Ollie had emergency surgery to address a life-threatening, twisted stomach condition called “bloat”.  He’s currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition (Thank God!).  But LSS, give Ollie a little “Vote Love“… not only does he deserve the title, but now he could really use that prize money as well!

Ollie Dog!

*BTW, Food Trucks are a current phenomenon here in LA (as well as other cities).  Even my hardcore gourmand friends get a little extra spring in their steps when they know they’re going to dine in a parking lot after ordering from the side of a panel truck!

This week is a busy one – already.  I’m all over the place, both physically & mentally… prepping for Fall 09, for our upcoming “Eco-design Dream Team” GWG photoshoot, and for our inclusion in several tony holiday gift guides (not to mention all of my other Green With Glamour responsibilites).  I’m back & forth, up & down and all around (but aren’t we all?)!  So, here’s why Gold & Silver Stars is a top-notch blog… it’s written by a driven, stylish, in-the-know woman who’s also all over the place (in a good way).  Jen Sall seems to keep both professional & lifestyle paces that might send the rest of us running for the hills.  Many of her posts involve shopping, dining, events, artists and food trucks* here in LA, but an equal amount cover products, films, designers, etc. that are available globally.  From great take out on the way to a Hollywood Bowl show to eco-friendly shoes to reminding us to send in our public radio pledges… Gold & Silver Stars has it covered!

Now here’s why this story has serendipitous timing, we decided last week to feature Gold & Silver Stars as this week’s Blog Love… And one of Jen’s posts from August 5th, 2009 is about her beloved, and oh-so-adorable Scottish Deerhound who’s been entered in “The Cutest Dog Competition” (seriously… check out Ollie’s mug!)  Well, just last night Ollie had emergency surgery to address a life-threatening, twisted stomach condition called “bloat”.  He’s currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition (Thank God!).  But LSS, give Ollie a little “Vote Love“… not only does he deserve the title, but now he could really use that prize money as well!

Ollie Dog!

*BTW, Food Trucks are a current phenomenon here in LA (as well as other cities).  Even my hardcore gourmand friends get a little extra spring in their steps when they know they’re going to dine in a parking lot after ordering from the side of a panel truck!

There are many, many “green” home design blogs out there and in my opinion, Green Your Decor is one of the best!  The editor, Atlanta-based Interior Designer Jennae Peterson, has a real knack for featuring stylish and reasonably-priced “green” goods that are almost always available to the masses.  From elegant lamp shades to super-chic cribs to inventive artwork, Green Your Decor’s articles are informative and to the point, but Jennae always sprinkles in a little helpful design advice as well.

In addition to the great product stories, Green Your Decor also posts fantastic (and never too difficult) DIY projects and good-to-go Rooms in a Box (I particularly like the “Man Cave).

I like to call it the “Person Cave”… as I’m pretty sure I would enjoy this room as much as my husband!

In short, Quarry Girl has changed my life.  And this is not a cheeky exaggeration.  2 years ago, when I decided to go Vegan… I was faced with a whole new challenge – dining out.  I had lived for 23 years as a vegetarian (and 30 some years as a person who took at least half of their weekly meals eating out).  Finding satisfying restaurant dishes had never been a struggle.  But fast-forward to 2007 and finding delicious and truly vegan foods (no casein, etc.) while dining out was proving to be a real problem.

Enter Quarry Girl.  I’m not even sure how I found this blog, written by Miss Anthrope & Mr. Meaner, but Mon Dieu… it seriously has made my life a whole lot happier.  Pre-Q.G., I feared I was destined to an existence of lettuce salads and no desserts, but I was so so so so so so wrong!  The food reviews are in depth & unbias – which is so refreshing as it seems so many blogs now have a selling agenda.  The range of restaurants is crazy extensive – mostly Los Angeles area, but also Liverpool, London and other UK spots, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle and more.  And the photos… oh those sexy photos.  I used to devour fashion magazines and run out to shop.  Now, I see a well-lit tamale on Quarry Girl and I’m in my car before my computer has time to shut down!

G-lorious food photos by the Quarry Girl gang!

I mean… are you kidding me?!?!  (Z Pizza now uses Daiya cheese, btw)

For “green” practitioners on the go, Show the Love is the perfect one stop blog!  Founder & head writer, Jen Pleasants, does a fantastic job posting well-edited write ups on anything from events & celeb updates (I wouldn’t call it gossip because STL’s approach is nicer than that) to sales at our favorite shops & great, “green” tips on lifestyle, motherhood, and well-being.

One of my favorite features is her category called “Not So Much” Love.  These posts are always tactfully written (as are all STL posts) and they cover issues of social relevance (child marriage), health (toxic toys) and general distaste (Heidi & Spencer). It’s a great way to balance the amazing aspects of what I call “living well” (with environmental & social responsibility) while not glazing over the anything-but-wonderful happenings that plague this planet (couldn’t decide whether to reference the little girls being traded off by their families to older men for marriage – or Heidi & Spencer).

 In fact, Jen Pleasants has such a way with “eco” expertise that she just published her first book!  Bag Green Guilt: 5 Easy Steps To Turn Eco-Anxiety Into Constructive Energy is a simple & effective self-help approach to alleviating the guilt that can come from not making “green” choices and ease you into a life of eco-wonderfulness!  It’s a perfect acknowledgment of the fact that “going green” can, for some, be overwhelming to such an extent that the process becomes unattractive and stunted.  Well, here’s the guide to keep your “greening” streamlined and positive.

Going “green” is as easy as 1-2-3… 4-5!

Running a pretty damned successful (if I do say so myself) online boutique, heading up Living GwG’s blog team and writing for 2 other massive blogs, The Green Girls and Ecostiletto… I spend quite a bit of my day online.  Most of it’s work, work, work – but taking a blog browsing break is totally cathartic.  It’s like a little walk around the world without leaving your desk.  So, I want to share with you the tried & true blogs that I visit almost daily and those I discover as I go… first up, The Sartorialist.

Here’s a short list of how The Sartorialist makes my life better:

1. He validates my notion that MEN SHOULD NEVER WEAR SOCKS (unless you’re wearing boots or at a funeral).  I feel very strongly about this.

2. Every photo he takes transcends me to the city in which it was snapped.  And I mean “snapped”… his subjects are not models – they are gloriously stylish people walking the streets.

3. When it comes to clothing – NOTHING beats quality!  The fabrics, stitching & construction, silhouettes… it all adds up and is completely evident. Clothing from Sweatshop 21 (Forever 21) looks like it cost the $11 you paid for it.

High quality clothing is an investment… Cary Grant would wear a dress shirt for 40+ years.  There’s something incredibly “green” in the concept of good clothing.  It’s true, “fashion” will fade but true style is forever – and The Sartorialist is this sentiment’s contemporary champion!

Running a pretty damned successful (if I do say so myself) online boutique, heading up Living GwG’s blog team and writing for 2 other massive blogs, The Green Girls and Ecostiletto… I spend quite a bit of my day online.  Most of it’s work, work, work – but taking a blog browsing break is totally cathartic.  It’s like a little walk around the world without leaving your desk.  So, I want to share with you the tried & true blogs that I visit almost daily and those I discover as I go… first up, The Sartorialist.

Here’s a short list of how The Sartorialist makes my life better:

1. He validates my notion that MEN SHOULD NEVER WEAR SOCKS (unless you’re wearing boots or at a funeral).  I feel very strongly about this.

2. Every photo he takes transcends me to the city in which it was snapped.  And I mean “snapped”… his subjects are not models – they are gloriously stylish people walking the streets.

3. When it comes to clothing – NOTHING beats quality!  The fabrics, stitching & construction, silhouettes… it all adds up and is completely evident. Clothing from Sweatshop 21 (Forever 21) looks like it cost the $11 you paid for it.

High quality clothing is an investment… Cary Grant would wear a dress shirt for 40+ years.  There’s something incredibly “green” in the concept of good clothing.  It’s true, “fashion” will fade but true style is forever – and The Sartorialist is this sentiment’s contemporary champion!