25 Eco-Chic Ideas for Your Home

Since this is Earth week, my in-box is full of e-mails, focusing on ideas to reuse and recycle. While I would not categorize myself as an environmentalist, I don't believe in being wasteful, as it is not being a good steward of what you have been given.

So, I was pleasantly surprised, to see that I am doing many of these 25 Eco-Chic Tips anyway. There are some clever ideas, which all contribute to saving money, and who doesn't want more money! My favorites are the Tiered Tray, the Oxford Napkins and the Plastic Bag Dryer. I already use the BBQ bottles, Glass storage and Carpet Coasters (when you order swatches from Flor, they make great coasters for the game room). Plus, MS Living always has beautiful photography and great ideas.

Visual feast - Shopgirl images

As I was posting yesterday about Picnic by Ellie, I meant to reference how the brooches reminded me of Shopgirl. I was searching for images, and a blogger, Philosofee, had just what I needed. He admits that he does not know where the collages came from, or else I would credit them.

I loved her vintage look in the movie, and both the husband and I enjoyed the film. If you like Lost in Translation, you will probably like this one too.

Picnic by Ellie

Beaded fruit - yes, I was perusing the web looking for information on beaded fruit. When I inherited my grandmother's items, I took the beaded fruit. For as long as I remember, I have been attached to it. A little history on the fruit, it was popular from 1940 - 1960 to make.

But I digress. As I was searching, I came across Picnic by Ellie and her Flickr stream. What adorable pictures, they made me happy just looking at them. Then I found her web page and the jewelry! Does this not make you want to run out and buy a cute spring dress??? Happy colors, happy designs, happy all the time!

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Monochromatic Living

HGTV online has a feature today called Design Trend: Monochromatic Living. This first room is so "my domicile style", mixing traditional and modern pieces together. The second room is not really my taste, but the color is scrumptious!!

Visit the article, for more examples, of how to put together your own monochromatic room.

Earthy Green room designed by Christopher J. Grubb, photography by Scott Mayoral
Perfectly Coral room designed by Shelly Riehl David

How to...Make Shelf Dividers

Love it! Use wooden brackets as shelf dividers to keep items neatly folded and organized. I am finding some great ideas at Martha Stewart, and will share more inspired ideas as I find them.

A Guide to Greens

As warmer weather starts to approach, my thoughts turn towards salads, and other easy warm weather meals. No one wants to be in the kitchen, as the days grow longer, and eventually, the kitchen becomes hotter.

I think that others must read about food as much as I do, until I start talking to them, and they act like I am speaking a foreign language.

So, in the interest of education, here is a Guide to Greens by Molly Stevens. Eight types of greens are featured, however, arugula is not. Arugula is one of my absolute favorite greens, especially, when it is young. Then it is peppery, but not overly aggressive. The larger the leaves, the older the plant, and the stronger the taste. Baby arugula, with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh parmigiano-reggiano. Heaven!


This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #102

Ready for Rosé

"In France, roses have overtaken whites in sales. Pink wines traditionally have been looked upon by French wine snobs as merely good enough to accompany bad lunches at the beach. But young drinkers are eschewing the complexities of learning all the different grapes, regions and special producers of the world. While young consumers still drink reds with meals, rosés are enjoyed as aperitifs or at anytime."

A post from the girl who has an apron that says "Friends Don't Let Friends Drink White Zinfandel" is kind of funny. However, I have always made the distinction between white zin and Rosé, the first is sweet (specifically made for American tastes) and the latter is fruity, which does not denote sweet.

In the interest of not being a snob, I enjoyed the article on rosés, which includes suggestions for all types of pink wine. Konrad Ejbich writes the wine & spirits column for Style at Home, a Canadian magazine. I have tried the Remy-Pannier Rosé d'Anjou, and we had Piper Sonoma Brut Rose at our wedding. I also love Vinho Verde for an inexpensive summer wine, low alcohol, with a hint of bubbles.