Bedford Nova Scotia Waterfront

The creator of this video brought this issue to my attention.  This Waterfront Development is something we are taking great interest in in our home as we are debating living in this new 'green' condo development ourselves.  I had some questions about the environmental impact previously and it seems I am not the only one...the development itself is a wonderful idea, but not at the risks that are shown in this filming.  There are links provided for both a petition and a Facebook page...

Simple

Again this week my greener lifestyle choices have come under attack as 'snotty'.  I was prepared to write a heart felt reasonable post as to why it is so important.  But you know what, I can't...seriously, all I can do is smack myself in the head and say 'duh'...

The Green Beauty Guide

I discovered this website The Green Beauty Guide and have been very impressed so far.  I am not an expert, I do try to do an abundance of research but often the scientific names on labels that mean little to nothing to me can be overwhelming.  There is some debate, and no 'proven' scientific tests as of yet, however an alarming number of rosacea sufferers have trouble with an ingredient that is found in many mineral powders, bismuth oxychloride.  It is found in my powder brand Physicians Formula and quite a few others,see link here, there is also a handy list of alternatives.  This is interesting for many women as it could be a skin irritant which causes acne in many skin types.  Looks like it's time to get serious about narrowing down my beauty routine again...

Ikea I Miss You...

My life as a minimalist...as I continue to rehab from living in the 'burbs I am increasingly drawn to anything and everything minimalist; decor, food...life really...some people say it's because I've burnt out but this feels, this is authentic.  Over at the everyday minimalist she has been addressing some differences...being a minimalist is not cheap and often it's not even the 'frugal' option...read the each of her posts/links on the subject but some of my favourite highlights are;
"Minimalism is not owning more than you need and can use...It isn’t about living like a monk...We want the little things that we purchase, to be an all-in-one: beautiful, functional, and simple to use...As a minimalist, I want everything that I buy to be exactly what I want, but also pleasing to look at...A frugal person understands cost-per-use and the longevity of purchases."  She goes into some very detailed examples and make me want to stand up and cheer!

The Only Flowers For Me

Sources found here and here...dreaming of Spring and dreaming only...cut flowers are an eco eek!  There are alternatives that are just as beautiful and not so harmful...

Truck Farms

http://www.wickedelicate.com/ As per my previous post I am organizing my life to be much more streamlined. Another link I want to bring with me into 2010 is the fabulously smart film company wicked delicate. One of their films Truck farms is about how to grow food in the city when you don’t have any land...they are very innovative! Check out all their films to be inspired.

Wishes for Window Farms

I discovered this kick arse site http://www.windowfarms.org/ when working on my Masters and while many things, plans and even people of 2009 have gone by the way-side this site is something I'm moving to my active blog and have every intention of creating in my own urban window space. I'm loving urban living, I can't stress enough how the ‘burbs were so not me. I feel my creativity returning, a sense of authenticity in living. However I am aware that my current lack of land means that I must be creative in adding some green to our world. My list of greening our little plot so far consists of;

not killing my new baby fern

continue cleaning and beautifying with all natural products

shopping local (thank heavens the craft beers here are loverly) when possible

creating our own window farm!

Adding window boxes when Spring rolls around...

I scour blogs but if anyone wants to suggest fav. green, beauty, photography or just plain great life blogs feel free to suggest away.

xo

Surprised by Warmth

It's rare that I'll post about someones personal/family blog, but I was blindsided by this sweet blog. My initial reaction was to resist liking it to be honest, for various reasons which I don't care to divulge at the risk of tarnishing what is truly a lovely addition to the blogging world. I think the music is what pulled me in first, Benny Goodman, Patti Page etc. Then it was some of her links and images, everything warm, sweet and yet managed to be sincere even if I beg to differ on certain lifestyle points...http://sweetefelicity.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog

Blog Roll

I am consistently amazed by the wealth of knowledge shared via blogs. This morning over my cuppa green tea I learned that 1 part baking soda to 1 part corn starch (packed in a pretty jar) applied with a puff makes the most effective, inexpensive and green deodorant around courtesy of http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?p=596 One Green Generation. The fact that it works and Melinda admits (as opposed toeing the party line of saying every green product is as effective as their chemical laden cousins, while leaving many disappointed and reaching for the tried, tested and true brands) that sometimes, for some people pre-made deodorants don't work...which can be just plain yuck.

Over at Green Goddess http://greengoddessdressing.blogspot.com/ author of the other very cool blog http://www.thecrunchychicken.com/ about Urban Homesteading, I had the head smacking wake up of candy canes as a beauty scrub (pictured above)...as noted...it really is just peppermint sugar when crushed up fine...

Candle Heaven

So, since moving into our new to us apartment we have become candle fiends. Candle light, a bit of wine and a slowed down pace are all reasons for gratitude right now as we adjust to East Coast living...I picked up a new candle for myself for Christmas (and broke down and lit it a month early) on sale at Winners. I was drawn to the soft powdery scent and the description of ingredients including Italian Bergamot, Neroli Oil, Persian Rose, Orange Blossom etc. Well, my oh my, I didn't think it possible to be so excited about a candle! Not only is it beautiful in it's heavy minimalist glass home, and eco friendly (clean waxes, unbleached cotton/lead free wicks etc) but the smell is lush. That initial pretty powdery scent overlays a rich, exotic and cozy blend of smells...
I'm so glad I purchased this bit of luxury from http://seracon.ca !

Let it Snow!

O.k. sooooooooooooooo it's a little early perhaps, especially since winter snows seem to hit later here in the east :) that said these earrings by tinahdee http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5859231 at Etsy of course are amazing. I love the old type like font and recycled always catches my eye!

Boskke Sky Planter

Really?! Really! I kill plants, black thumb, sad but there it is...but this, this I must have! http://www.boskke.com/products.html sure there's lots of benefits such as they use less water, don't take up floor space but for me...the thing is...it's art, art that reminds you to look at life from a different angle...

The Brelli

This is too beautiful. The Brelli is a stunning umbrella (I can't believe I'm excited about an umbrella) made from a bamboo frame it is biodegradable AND when it biodegrades in 5 yrs in releases only harmless gas! It's more durable than my ugly cheap umbrella's, resembles a Japanese parasol and is simply brillant. Check in out http://www.thebrelli.com/ .

Brazillian Beauties

It's never been easier to be gorgeous and green. These earrings can be found at www.nugaarddesigns.com, nature is art and very wearable art at that.

The Versatility of Books

Well, it's been awhile since I've had a chance to add to my online diary/vision board blog. Still there are a few visuals that draw me back to the computer again and again. The purses from Practically Purses are not only adorably unique, but also made from recycled book covers! They can be purchased at Eco-handbags.ca, fab and Canadian!

One more little step towards quality in life.

(picture courtesy of Earth Therapeutics)
I've read for years that a natural bristle brush is the way to go, so when I stumbled across this brush in Winners yesterday for only $6.99 I snagged it! I have to say I feel like an actress from the golden age of Hollywood when I use it. It lives up to it's little 'buy me please' description and looks nice and earthy next to all my other homemade or natural luxuries!

(picture courtesty of Floracopeia, flower boats that are put on the river after the ashes of the deseased in order to accompany them to the next incarnation)

I love heavenly smells here on earth and beautiful images captured on film so when I found http://www.floracopeia.com/index.php I was thrilled beyond belief! It's a beautifully done site to support ethnobotanical knowledge. There are a lot of great 'causes' in our messy world, but I think starting with our earth and the knowledge of all the amazing wonders that grow in and on it is a good foundation for saving ourselves.

Holistic Beauty Still Spreading It's Wings

(picture courtesy of http://www.cookiemag.com/)

I love it when the mainstream embraces the organic lifestyle. Not just the trendy, jacked up prices lifestyle either but the choices and knowledge that truly make a difference in our lives and looks. Msn Sympatico linked the http://www.thrivinghealthywomen.com/ website, another great resource for those of who embrace the beauty industry that isn't poisoning us. This link http://www.thrivinghealthywomen.com.au/downloads/toxicTenChallenge.pdf lists what they consider the top ten toxic products commonly found in our cosmetic products, the old standbys are there.

Skinny Bitch and other good things

(picture courtesy of www.mouse.webby.com)

The library called yesterday that I had a book in, and I read it in one evening, ONE! And aside from wanting to make me swear like a sailor it's reiterated for me that the vegan lifestyle is the best, and this time instead of qualifying that statement with it's the best for 'me', I will say quite simply it's 'the best'. Check 'em out, read the book. http://www.skinnybitch.net/index.html

As a long term vegetarian and a tried it and failed vegan I went back to one of the biggest sites http://www.vegan.com/ ordered their starter kit and I'm jumping back on the band wagon...of course being a brainiac I pick the day I'm going to a motorcylce show, 'tofu anyone'!

Good Luck to all of us making lifestyle changes, and just plain good luck to all!

The End Of 2007

It's the end of the year and while I hate to rush time I am glad to see the tail end of this year. I've had some amazing experiences but it's time for a fresh start. And I am a very lucky girl, as today is my birthday (last day of Woman's Year at that) my fiance bought me a very special gift. Three shade trees will be planted in my name for those who aren't as blessed as I am courtesy of http://www.treegreetings.com/.

Happy New Year to everyone who celebrates it on this day and even to those who don't!