Eco-Chic Jar Centerpieces

I've been collecting kitchen jars lately and finding many creative uses for them. I use them to store cotton balls, grains, craft items and to store left overs in the fridge. They're so convenient and so darn cute. I've also been gathering them to hold small floral arrangements for our next family party, but never in my mind did I envision a that grouping glass jar and tin can arrangements would this fabulous! I am so inspired by these images of Sara and Ryan's Ace Hotel Wedding, that I may just do something similar to enjoy in my own patio garden at home.
See more pictures of this fabulously eco-chic wedding at Sarah Yates' blog. Her pictures totally rock!

Bird Feeder Made from Recycled Materials

LOVE this bird feeder made from reclycled street lights! Adds an artistic and contemporary touch to any space and it's good for the environment in more ways than one. Own a unique piece of functional art and know that $3 from your purchase will be donated to the Nature Conservancy by the designer. It's a win-win-win for all!

Come on little birdies, time to eat.

To purchase or to see other designs, visit RedYellowAndBlueInk.Etsy.com

Handmade Purses by Miss E. Yee

For those of you waiting to see what Miss E. Yee has come up with, here's a glimpse!
She's been hard at work witht he donations she's received, and has posted a few designs on her website. I'll be helping her set up a shopping cart this week, but if you're interested in making any purchases today, just send her an e-mail!

Cactusberry - my new fav!

My family and I had lunch downtown Palm Springs, yesterday. The weather was perfect! Sunny, nice cool breeze, beautiful blue skies. We decided to walk off our lunch and enjoy more of this heavenly weather. As we walked south on Palm Canyon, past See's Candies, we came across a photo of frozen yogurt, topped with berries. We followed the big red arrow on the sign and it took us a place called "cactusberry".
If you haven't been there, you have to go! It's the BEST frozen yogurt I've ever had! They offer a variety of toppings, such as blackberries, strawberries, mango, kiwi, pineapple - all good stuff!
The best part about it is that it tastes sinfully delicious, but it's actually good for you!
The even better part is that they are doing their share to protect the environment by serving their delicious treats in biodegradable corn-based cups and potato based spoons!
Ahhh...a treat that is not only good for you, but good for the environment!

I can't believe no had told me about this place before. Shame on those who know about it and haven't shared the info!

Cactusberry is located at 116 La Plaza, Down town Palm Springs, California. Photo borrowed from Palm Springs Life web site.

Purse-onalize your wardrobe - It's good for the environment!

When I want recharge my creative batteries and take a break from designing invitations, I take on other design projects! This week, I'm designing my sister's business identity, and I'm having so much fun doing so!

Her business consists of recycling your old unwanted jeans, shirts, curtains, belts, ties, old bridesmaids dresses, maternity clothes, old uniforms, baby clothes, sheets, or table cloths, and transforming them into something you can wear again – handmade, one-of-a-kind purses and hand bags!

All purses are made out of donated recycled materials. You can either check her website every now and then to see what's new, or you can send her your items and request that she custom designs a purse especially for you and no one else!

If you wish to donate, and you live in the Coachella Valley, she will pick up your donations directly from your doorstep.

We all know it's time for some spring cleaning!
Please donate to Miss E. Yee, it's good for the environment!

3rd Annual Green Christmas

As the concern for the environment grows, my family has adopted an unusual gift-wrapping tradition.

It started when I became a mother - all of a sudden everything had a different meaning, and I worried about everything that affected my baby, including global warming.

That was the year I decided I wasn't going to spend a cent purchasing tissue paper, wrapping paper, and gift tags which would only end up in trash cans. Even if everything were recycled, I still didn't want to create more trash. Instead, I ended up decorating several formula containers and using them to place gifts in. When that wouldn't work, I went into my kitchen and used cereal boxes, oatmeal containers, soda boxes, etc. I would just place the gift inside the box, tape it shut, write the name with a sharpie, and add a bow.

This new method of gift wrapping is actually pretty fun, and the gifts don't look too bad under the tree! People always get a kick out of the containers their presents are delivered in, and I see it as a way to show off other designer's work. All these printed boxes are the work of a graphic designer out there, so why not show off their work under a new light?

Now that my daughter, my nephew and niece are a bit older, we gift-wrap only their gifts so we don't spoil the fun involved in paper tearing. But everybody else, six years and over, gets an environmentally friendly enclosed gift.

As the years go by, I hope to take the idea of a Green Christmas even further by gettting other friends and family members involved. There are many things we can do, but that's a whole new blog entry.

Hope everyone enjoyed many happy times this holiday!

Warmly,
Dio & Family