What is better than a hand made, sustainable Christmas gift?  How about a gift, plus another gift for 50% off plus free shipping on your whole order? Sounds too good to be true, but that’s exactly what’s going on over at the Creative Stash Etsy store through the holidays!  Kristen Fagan is the crazy talented artist behind all of the Creative Stash goodies.  Her recycled bottle cap magnets will turn your refrigerator into a work of art while keeping some trash off the ground at the same time.

I’m a big fan of her canvas earrings as well which are quite literally wearable pieces of art.  If you’re looking to buy hand made this holiday season and not go broke in the process, make sure to stop by Creative Stash and take advantage of the great art and great deals!

Ok, so I realize that “technically” this doesn’t constitute a gift, but it is in a way and I happen to be finding Amazon’s Wish List invaluable this holiday season, so let me explain.  My husband, whom I love dearly, isn’t the worlds greatest gift giver.  If you’re familiar with those “love languages” that were all the pop psychology rage a few years ago, my husband doesn’t give or receive love through giving gifts.  Lucky for him, it’s not one of my primary sources of affection either.  I do enjoy receiving gifts but what I really enjoy is receiving unique gifts.  And this is where I add insult to injury with my husband’s lack of gift giving skills.  (Side note: I’m not trying to pick on the hubster here.  I actually think a lot of people probably struggle with this, especially at this time of year!)  SO…my gift to my husband so that he can give me gifts I’ll love, is access to my Amazon Universal Wish List.  Consider it an updated and “greener” version of that long list you used to write to Santa.  The REALLY cool thing about the Wish List is that you can add a button to your web browser tool bar (Via https://extensions.apple.com/ for you fellow Safari users.  All others here) and when you stumble upon something you just love on Etsy or CB2 or Kikkerland or any other non-Amazon website, you just click your handy dandy Amazon button and the item is automatically added to your wish list!  Brilliant!  Many of the real gifts I hope to share on the blog in the coming weeks will be straight off of my wish list, like last weeks’ TOMS shoes for example.  So this year when people ask you what you want for the holidays you don’t have to cave in to the generic “gift card” or “candles” answer.  Email them your wish list and give them the opportunity to support your favorite small or hand made businesses while having the satisfaction of giving you something they know you really want.

There is so much I love about these shoes, that I’m not really sure where to start.  If you’re unfamiliar with TOMS, the shoe company was built on a “one for one” model.  One pair of shoes is given to a person in need in a developing nation for every pair of shoes that’s purchased from their website or authorized retailer.  And not to get all serious here, but what better way to celebrate the season of giving than to give a gift that also gives a gift to someone in need.  But wait there’s more!  With every purchase of this special edition TOMS design, $5.00 will go to providing clean water in developing communities through the efforts of Charity: Water.  In addition to feeling REALLY good about the gift you’re giving, these shoes are also super comfy, and as a die hard travel lover I think the random map graphic is just fabulous.   They’re available for men and women and will be the favorite present you give and your loved ones receive this year.

I’ve recently been doing some self-diagnosing and doctoring before shelling out the big bucks for some one in a white jacket to confirm my suspicions (expensive health care is one of the few cons of being self-employed).  Part of my diagnosis has included transitioning to a dairy free diet.  I had this notion that it was going to be impossible; one of the hardest changes I would ever have to face.  I mean, I’m a total foodie. What do you do with out cheese and cream?!  And then I was introduced to dairy free chocolate cherry swirl ice cream from Trader Joe’s and I knew everything was going to be ok.  I’ve realized there is a whole delicious world out there that doesn’t require cow’s milk and also happens to be a much more sustainable way of eating.  Here are a few dairy free treats that I’m sure could win over even the hardest of skeptics.  (PS – I’m still not sure what to do about cheese.  I’ve tried a few soy varieties that had the consistency of bike tire rubber.  Any suggestions?)

1. Silver Moon Chocolates – Almond Butter Cups

My favorite food combo re-imagined sans dairy and with a healthier PB alternative.

2. Mrsss Treats – Grandma Ruth’s Pumpkin Bread

I binge eat on all things pumpkin in the fall.  This bread is wheat, gluten, yeast, lactose, dairy and soy free and would be great for people with a variety of food intolerances.

3. kNOw Gluten – Gluten, Soy, Dairy Free Pizza Crust Mix

Well, I’ve got the pizza crust sorted out.  Now seriously, what to do about that cheese! :)

4. Goodness Bake Shop – Cinnamon Rolls

These look absolutely divine and are full of the good stuff and none of the bad.

The past couple weekends in our house have been major project weekends.  Nearly two years ago we purchased our first home, a classic “fixer upper” with unending projects (in stark contrast to our bank account).  I spent hours on Saturday and Sunday sanding, painting, and repainting 3 new interior doors for our downstairs living area.  This means we now have three old doors out in the garage that are just begging for some TLC and a new life and function somewhere else in the house.  (I have some big ideas.  We’ll see where that leads!)  Repurposing is not only a budget friendly option but it’s super eco-friendly as well because you’re not consuming new materials, just reusing something that’s already available to you.  This week’s Sustainability is dedicated to all things repurposed. If you’ve been bitten by the DIY bug, I’d love to hear your stories of making old things new again!

1. Half Pint Salvage – Vintage Hook

Old meets new with this vintage piece of moulding hand stamped with a mod lamp design and outfitted with a salvaged butterfly hook.

2. Houndstooth Design – The Original Chalk Boxer

Ralphie is quite possibly the cutest message board around.

3. Emma Klee – Labyrinth Rug

This fabulous geometric pattern rug was completely hand hooked and made using repurposed t-shirts.

4. Star Redesigns – Lightbulb Vase

Bring an old incandescent bulb back to life by filling it with your favorite garden cuttings or live bamboo.

One of my favorite chick flicks is “You’ve Got Mail” and one of my favorite quotes from that movie is when Joe Fox is emailing Kathleen about Fall in New York and says, “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address..” I still get excited about school (now office) supplies and would just love to be on the receiving end of a pencil bouquet! This week I’ve found some fabulous recycled or sustainably made must haves for heading back to school for teachers and students alike.

1. Resolute Twig – Recycled book board daily agenda

You can’t make it through the school year with out a daily planner to tell you when everything is due.  This adorable faux bois agenda is made with a recycled book board cover and will keep you organized and on time in eco-friendly style.

2. Notty Pooch – Recycled Billboard Macbook Sleeve

A great way to keep that laptop safe.  The exterior is made from recycled billboard banners and the interior padding is salvaged from a local fabric store. Each case is OOAK so grab your favorite before it’s gone!

3. Interrobang – Recycled seat belt pencil case

Keep your writing utensils safely organized  in this pouch made from recycled car seat belts.

4. Wood and Glass – Bamboo Twist Pen

Take your notes with this eco-friendly refillable pen handmade from bamboo.

Summer is still dragging on here in the desert, but I’m dreaming of perfectly cool fall days and looking forward to being able to wear something more than flip flops, shorts and a tank top.  All of these pieces say “It’s Fall” to me and would be a welcome addition to my closet!

1. Bird Apparel – Gull Tunic

I love everything about this tunic, including the organic, 66% bamboo jersey it’s made of.

2. The Generation – Handmade Vegan Mary Jane’s

These comfy looking shoes are made with organic hemp and cotton linen and are hand stitched using traditional shoemaking craftmanship.

3. Pretty Penny Designs – Stripes and Flowers Scarf

If this scarf is already sold when you visit Pretty Penny Design’s Etsy shop, it’s because I already bought it.  Because I’m in love with it.  I love the colors, the stripes, the patterns, the bamboo/cotton jersey and the light weight  that would be perfect for fall in the South West.  Race you to the check out line!

4. A Second Time – Sterling Silver Stacking Rings

This set of 5 stacking rings are made from reclaimed silver and have been hammered for a perfectly aged & vintage look.

Just in the short time I’ve been blogging about hand made, eco-friendly finds through my Sustainability series, I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the availability of intentionally sustainable art.  I was surprised initially, because I thought with all of the options available for mixed media artists to upcycle and recycle, and all of the wonderful new recycled, bamboo, and other eco-friendly papers that are ever increasing, that art seemed like the perfect mate for the eco-friendly market.  Maybe it was always there, and just not spelled out, or maybe there really is a rise in eco-consious art, either way I’m happy to share these latest discoveries, all of which are doing their part to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

1. Michelle Kendrick – Arizona Portait Limited Edition Giclee Print

When I first stumbled onto Michelle Kendrick’s “50 State” project I was impressed.  When I saw her interpretation of Arizona I was in love.  I can’t believe how well she’s captured the spirit of my home state in this print  All printed on fine art paper made of 90% bamboo.

2. Mi Piace Kate – Black Canvas Geometric Collage

I’m a sucker for geometric art.  I love pretty much all of it.  And this collage is no exception.  Made from recycled bridge scorecards (awesome!), paint sample cards, and craft paper.

3. Cardboard Safari – Astro Rocket

Gotta love this guy made from recycled card board.  A fun piece to add a bit of nerd-chic flavor to a room.

4. Ashley Rosa – Shuffle

Make sure to stop by Ashley’s shop to see this piece in all it’s glory (it’s a big one!).  She used a “canvas” of salvaged barn wood for this pen and ink creation.

Confession time: I love meat. I think the only time I’ve thought “Once was enough” was when I was recently introduced to “calf fries” in Oklahoma. But I know there are a lot of people who for various reasons, avoid consuming animal products in all spheres of life.  While I don’t apply this personally to my eating habits, I’m always on the look out for other ways I can support products that are animal free and not tested on animals.  We’ve all heard that back in the day lipstick was made of whale blubber and all the other terrible stories of how animals were killed for rich people to look pretty, but these days there are so many options for eco-friendly, animal-friendly beauty products.  These are four products that most women use on a daily basis and would be a great start to adding vegan products into your routine.

1. Spa Goddess – Super Detox Facial Cleanser

This cleanser does it all!  A specially formulated oil-controlling, anti-aging Synergistic Blend of Organic Essential Oils consisting of Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Lavender & the Citruses of Lemon, Lime & Orange. Astringent, Antiseptic & Regenerative, these oils work to balance your skin’s moisture levels for a clear, bright complexion.

2. The All Natural Face – Vegan Foundation

With twenty to choose from there is sure to be a shade of this mineral make up that is perfect for your skin tone!  Check out their 7 shade sampler to find the one that is right for you.

3. Jewel Alchemy – Ananda Organic Lip Balm

There is a laundry list of good, organic stuff infused into this sheer red lip tint!  Available in a variety of fragrances and packaged in a recyclable tin.

4. Twink Beauty – Vegan, Non-Toxic Lash Paint

These lash paints are made solely of minerals, botanicals, and natural oils that will condition your lashes and make them stand out!

Phoenix, like much of the country, has been having some absolutely miserably hot weather the past couple of weeks.   I mean, we always have hot weather in the summer, but we’ve been having 110+ degree days with 40% humidity thanks to the monsoon that’s rolling in.  Every year when we hit this point of the summer I always think:  1. Why do I live here?  2. Why does anybody live here?  3. Why did indigenous people ever settle here?  and 4. A city of millions of people that are surviving off of air conditioning and imported water can’t possibly sustain itself for the long haul. These questions always renew my passion for sustainable and simple living and since we’ve been trapped indoors for days on end I’ve been thinking about all the little things I’d like to add to our interior decor.  These items kill both of those birds with one lovely, eco-friendly, interior design stone.

1. Chakra Pennywhistle – Little Birds Pillow

This adorable pillow is made of 100% organic materials, down to the string.  The sweet hand drawn & printed birds are printed with water based ink.

2. Matthew Holdren – Reclaimed Wood Bookcase

This bookcase made of reclaimed pine & bead board has a rustic/modern vibe that I’m in love with!

3. LaPomme – Jasmine Vase Fillers

No water necessary to keep these happy flowers blooming!  An especially great little piece for desert dwellers like myself who struggle to keep plants alive during the summer.

4. Vonlenska Vintage – Antique Coat Tree

Maybe more appropriately used as a “beach towel tree” or “bathing suit tree” through the summer.  A gorgeous vintage piece regardless of what’s hanging on it!