As a contributor to the Eco Etsy blog – I’ve had the opportunity to write on a wide range of topics. From eco-tutorials to sustainable inspirations – I’ve covered a range of topics on the site. Most recently I gathered up some ideas on how you can bring a hint of Spring indoors with creative curating using plants.
If you’re getting antsy like me to welcome the new season, check out the article for some suggestions on how you can bring the great outdoors in this month.
The weather is officially dreary in Chi-town and the post-holiday slump is coming. The decorations have come down and the new budget is in full-effect, which means one thing: It’s time to re-decorate!
Now, when I use the term I’m not talking about going out, buying lots of new accessories and paint, and cluttering my home with more ‘stuff.’ To me, re-decorate (see the clever use of the hyphen?!) means to take what you already have in your home and re-arrange it for a new look. Continue reading
When shopping this holiday season there’s nothing better than scooping up items that are handmade, vintage or sustainable. Not only does it mean you’re supporting a smaller business, you’re also promoting a greener economy.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites off Etsy. Here’s my own whimsical wishlist:
What’s on your holiday wishlist? Are you dreaming of something vintage or handmade? Share links to your favorites in the comments.
Our current foster dog Apple modeling with me.
Tis’ the season for shopping, eating and looking at sparkly things. Many of us become caught up in the fast paced rush of the holidays, that we forget that it’s a time to focus on joy, peace and love. The greatest love of all is that which manifested in Jesus’s birth – which is indeed the reason for the season. But how can we, with all the distractions and chaos, re-focus on making it a time of substance? Continue reading
The last week of October I embarked to South Carolina to spend eight wonderful days in the presence of my dearest friends. All of us flew in for a week long celebration of love, family and friendship. The occasion? A wedding of course! Traveling from Seattle, Chicago, Portland, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Madison, New York and even Poland, the wedding guests came in from around the globe to witness the union of a beloved couple: Natalie & Reid.
The bridal party arrived in Beaufort several days early to prepare for a grand task: Plan the ultimate eco-friendly, vegan and local wedding soiree. So in true DIY spirit, we spent hours crafting, consorting and conniving all in the name of throwing a handmade shindig for our two dearest friends.
Pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins everywhere! Whether they’re green heirlooms or the traditional bright orange globes we’re most familiar with, this glorious gourd is the icon of the season.
Whether you were raised in a first generation home like myself, or have deep American roots that go back to your great great grandmama, everyone gets on the pumpkin train this time of year!
But how can you take your squash-loving obsession to the next level? So glad you asked!
Whether for decor or dinner – there’s endless ways to make the most of this lovely gourd. I recently wrote up an article for Eco Etsy touting its many creative uses. And I’d love to gather more!
If you have a fun and unique way to use pumpkins – share them below!
We all know the meaning of the word ‘adopt.’ Many of us think about orphaned children or homeless animals when hearing the verb, but what about object adoptions? Rather than purchasing mass-produced, manufactured goods new, consider changing the look of your home with pre-loved objects instead. You’ll find that you’ll create a captivating ambiance while giving an otherwise landfill-destined item a new chance for use.
People often come over and note our unique decor style and don’t realize our aesthetic was never intentional. Our mantra, for many years, has been to avoid purchasing furniture and other housewares new whenever possible. And while the DIY spirit can be felt as well – it’s really our commitment to re-using as much as possible that brings the look of our place together.
Our home is filled with tiny upcycled treasures in each nook and cranny. The majority of items came from antique markets, garage sales, dumpster dives, thrift stores or hand-me-downs. Whether it’s our couch frame that we bought from a gal in Andersonville, or the many glass bottles we’ve collected over the years, each piece has a history that gives a room it’s own character.
So next time you’re itching for a splash of color, or a new side table, consider hunting down items that are ready for re-homing. Not only will you achieve a one-of-a-kind interior design, you’ll also be lightening your footprint too.
Shiny Happy*People 
