Blog with Envy

Eventful Wednesday: Take a stroll on Ice

2011-12-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Some art to get you in the "wintery" mood.

If you couldn't tell, December always reminds me of ice skating and hot chocolate. This year spend a day ice skating at the National Sculpture Gallery, a great outdoor rink that offers fun ambiance and helps to get anyone ready for the winter season.

Ice Rink Hours

Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

For the full website click here.

Eco-Monday: Give the Gift of Sustainability

2011-11-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

As you start to make lists for what to get your grandparents or your Uncle Bob this year, stop and take a look at Branch.

Starting in a small one-bedroom warehouse in 2005, Branch now operates out of a warehouse in San Francisco. What drew us in was their great business philosophy:

-They care about sustainability, design, and people

-They curate their inventory based on the things they would want to have in their own homes

-With a small team feel, Branch has great relationships with the manufacturers, designers,

and customers

-They want to make sure every customer is treated with the best and friendly service

In looking over their inventory, Branch offers an entire line of compostable plates, flatware, and cups for your holiday party needs. Even though you are spreading the holiday cheer, you won't be spreading the waste.

Are your stockings looking tattered? Branch offers a classic Christmas stocking with an updated concern for the environment that combines a reclaimed boat sail and a classic red organic cotton trim.

Need a good stocking stuffer for your hubby who is always on the run? Branch has a great line of reusable coffee mugs sure to make anyone happy.

Happy Shopping!

Eventful Wednesday: A GWE Thanks Giving

2011-11-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here at Green with Envy we wanted to share some of the things that we are giving thanks for this year:

Sweetgreen - their salads and their partnership

Wonderful Clients - from intimate to large scale, our clients are always great

Great opportunities - this year has brought us new experiences and creative adventures

Our supportive hubbies, Dan and Steve

Our wonderful children, Siena and Leo

Family & Friends

and our blog followers

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eco-Monday: Paint the Halls

2011-11-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

An easy way to add an eco-friendly element to your house is through paint. When it's time to add a new coat to the kitchen or transform that upstairs bathroom, consider using eco-friendly paint. Average paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are often emitted as gases. These chemicals are not healthy for the environment of your house or the environment as a whole. Instead, purchase paints that are approved by the Green Seal Standards. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the environmental standards for many common products. Milk paint is a great alternative because it does not emit VOCs and works well as an interior paint for your house. Any eco-friendly paint uses water as a base instead of a petrochemical base and come in cans composed of 100% recyclable metals.

Three paints to consider buying are:

1. Benjamin Moore Aura - specifically the GreenGuard

2. Olympic Premium - the Green Seal

3. Sherwin-Williams Harmony

Eventful Wednesday: A New Tradition

2011-11-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have noticed that a lot of the "guest books" being used at weddings now a days are not the traditional scrapbook. Instead many people are using unique and creative approaches to remembering their guests and often turn the "guest book" into a piece of art for their newlywed home. We thought we could share our favorites in hopes of inspiring your own creative take on this long standing tradition.

This is an easy DIY project. All you need is a sheet of frosted heavy plastic from a hardware store as well as wooden letters and craft pens from your local craft store.

I have often seen this idea used in tree form as well, using guests fingerprints as leaves. Don't forget to add a thin tipped pen so that guests can sign their fingerprints.

There are many options to use this idea on your special day. Using the first letter of the couples new last name, using the first letter of the bride and groom's first names, using the first letters of the couples respective last names...either way it's a great guest book idea to use as decoration in your house!

How fun would a photo book of your guests be on your 50th anniversary? Pictures are worth a thousand words and this great idea captures the joy everyone shared on your special day.

If you really love DIY projects, you can take your guest's puzzle pieces and turn them into the top for a coffee table in your living room. You can also put the puzzle pieces in a large hurricane vase and display them in your home.

Eco-Monday: A Green Wedding

2011-11-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

As a local to the Annapolis area, I had visited the Phillip Merrill Environmental Center many times on field trips and for several research projects. However, it was not until recently that I discovered they also hosted gorgeous water front weddings and boasted the title of "one of the world's most energy-efficient buildings."

Opening in 2001, this building hosts the headquarters for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). This foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay as well as educating people of all ages about their role in Bay conservation. The unique location of this building, situated right between Black Walnut Creek and the Bay, really emphasized the need for an eco-friendly establishment. First, the CBF created several unique structures on the premises that have aided in waterlife restoration. Man made wetlands allow storm water to pass through a natural treatment center before running off into the Bay. They have also planted many native plants, such as underwater grasses and trees in order to restore habitats for animals that may have been misplaced by housing developments.

As far as the building goes, almost all of the materials used are recycled and renewable. Cork is the largest used material throughout the building as it makes up the wall panels and flooring. Bamboo was used for all the stairs as well as the main lobby flooring. Huge cisterns placed on the roof capture rain water and redistribute it throughout the building for everyday water needs. The toilets don't use water and instead boast a composting system that eliminates the amount of sewage being processed which in turn cuts down on nutrient pollution.

Now, the icing on the cake, they do weddings! With their dedication to saving the Bay, the venue is surrounded by "acres of unspoiled beauty." Seeing as the venue is placed right on the beachfront, the amount of natural lighting and breathtaking bay views are unbeatable. For your guests, the venue is just minutes from historic downtown Annapolis, and yet has a great secluded feel that makes your wedding intimate and unique. With a list of great preferred vendors, such as Main Ingredient for catering, Ego Media for photography, and The Gateway Florist for flowers, your event will have everything it needs to be successful!

Fun Friday: It's all in the lighting

2011-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Nothing to set the right mood than a few great candles. Recently I had been searching for a great unique way to use candlelight without sticking a plain white candle on the table. While it is possible to get a great look with just candles, I found a few ways to dress things up. Even better they are all do-it-yourself activities so you get to let your wild creative side wander for a bit!

Make your own tealight holders

I really like the translucent nature of these tealight holders. The softness of their glow is really romantic. If you would like the full set of directions, you can find them here.

Lace and twine covered mason jars

I find these to be gorgeous. They dress up the ever so popular mason jar as well as create a really unique and aesthetically appealing display.

1. You can use mason jars, jam jars, or just about any clear jar you would like to decorate.

2. Next you will need vintage inspires lace and garden twine, all of which can be found in your

local craft or fabric store.

3. While at the craft store make sure to pick up a bottle of Mod Podge and a foam brush.

Apply a light coat to the outside of the jar you are using and then cover the jar in lace.

Apply another light layer of Mod Podge onto of the lace (it dries transparent so don't

worry!). The same application process would be used with the twine.

Wine Glass Lamps

1. For this project you will need to by sheets of vellum, which can come from your local craft

store or bought online from a paper company. You will also need to print this template for

the lamp shade.

2. First trace the lampshade pattern onto your sheet of vellum. When you go to cut it out, it is

best to use straight scissors for the two sides, but to add some flare, you can use crafting

scissors to cut the bottom curved portion.

3. Feel free to add in any other decorative elements, whether you use punch outs, apply

ribbon, or use a silver sharpie to stencil on designs.

4. Glue the two straight sides together and allow to dry. Place a tealight in the wine glass, set

your lampshade over top and enjoy your new set of lights.

Eventful Wednesday: Time for Thanks

2011-11-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

If you have a large family like me, Thanksgiving is always a great time of year. Family members from around the United States come to one central location to eat delicious food, play football, and then partake in the mad rush of Black Friday shopping. The bigger tradition in my family has always been the adult and kids table. I graduated to the adult table a few years back, but since I have so many young cousins, I still like to visit the kids table. In the past few years I have taken on the role of creating fun table settings for both the adults and kids so I thought it might be helpful to get you inspired with a few decorating ideas. From sophisticated and mature adult table settings, to the fun place cards and activities for kids, I hope that your Thanksgiving has tons of things to give thanks for. =)

The Adult Table

Who says we need to eat like the pilgrims? I love the modern warmth of this table setting.

Using chocolate bars with homemade wrappers as place settings =)

A fun DIY addition to the center of any table

The Kids Table

My grandmother did a great job of teaching me what Thanksgiving was all about. Have your kids put what they are thankful for on a feather and display this as their centerpiece.

Yummy treats that will convince anyone to eat all of their turkey first.

Edible place cards are always a winner with my cousins. Learn how to make these here.

Eco-Monday: Combining Social Media and Energy Efficiency

2011-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

During the Sweetlife Festival last year we were given the pleasure of working with OPower.

This Arlington based company is dedicated to improving the relationships individuals have with their appliances and ultimately aims to decrease the amount of energy and money spent on bills. Recently, I came across a press release that featured OPower's newest development which will combine the use of Facebook and has gained the support of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

This new app, due to launch at the beginning of next year, is designed so that consumers can keep track of their own power consumption. The inclusion of Facebook allows consumers to compare their energy use online with their friends as well as compete virtually with others to maintain the lowest energy costs. The Natural Resources Defense Council feels confident that by using social-media, people will be less likely to keep their energy use information private and thereby they would become more aware of exactly how they are using their energy.

The users of this app will be able to compare their energy usage with users from around the nation as well as share tips and ideas about how to cut energy costs and be more eco-friendly. The idea stems from OPower's love for grassroots movements whereby the consumers have the power to influence and change the world around them. Quoted from an article on Earth Easy, "When we feel powerless as individuals to effect any significant change in the face of global threats such as climate change, it's understandable that we ignore or find ways to dismiss the threat. With this new energy-saving application, users can see how their efforts count."

Fun Friday: Just Smile

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nothing better to start your weekend then with one great big smile! I have tried to put together some things that would make you grin from ear to ear and remind you "Life is short, and it's our belief that we should have as much fun as we can while we're here." Not to mention, there are great health benefits to smiling!

1. Smiling makes you attractive to others, which in turn makes you smile even more

2. Smiling relieves stress. There is no room for stress here

3. Smiling is contagious and who doesn't love walking into a room where everyone is smiling and happy?

4. Smiling spans a multitude of cultures, religions, races, and places

6. Smiling helps you stay positive.

7. Smiling improves your mood and lightens your heart.

Happy Friday =)

Eventful Wednesday: CityDance Ensemble goes Green

2011-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Recently we were given the inside scoop on CityDance Ensemble's newest development, which we are excited to say has a green twist! In partnership with the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County as well as the Music Center at the Strathmore, CityDance Ensemble will be transforming a current dance studio into a state-of-the-art dance theater named BlackBox Theater. This theater is not only unique because it is the first environmentally friendly theater in the DC area, but also because CityDance has formed a partnership with Christopher K. Morgan and Artists to create their first Resident Dance Company.

1. The entire electrical needs of the BlackBox Theater will be powered by solar energy. In using these solar panels, any surplus electricity that may be generated is instantly returned to the power grid and therefore reduces the overall carbon footprint.

2. The lighting of the entire theater will utilize LED and High-intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. These HID lamps are unique in that they make more "visible light per unit of electric power cosumed".

3. The production team has partnered with MechoSystems to bring in a unique shading system that makes a bold commitment to protecting the environment. This system will increase overall energy efficiency by filtering sunlight to decrease the gain of solar heat in the space. By lowering the heat brought into the space, BlackBox Theater can cut their cooling costs and eliminate a decrease the overall carbon footprint.

Eco-Monday: Time to turn your clothes green

2011-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

I recently noticed the popularity that "green" laundry detergent has gained in the consumer world as well as the multiple news articles and blogs it has been featured in. Interested in figuring out what the buzz was all about I did some research and compiled a few reasons why you might want to look into creating your own laundry detergent.

1. Common laundry detergents contain a multitude of chemicals that are released into the environment through the rinse cycle or also through the loss of particles, stuck in your clothing, throughout the day.

2. The chemicas used in laundry detergents are often not non-toxic, biodegradable or pant-derived and therefore act as pollutants to the environment.

3. Many people can have adverse reactions to laundry detergents due to the intense nature of the cleaning materials.

So if you would like to experiment with purchasing some eco-friendly laundry detergents you can try resources such as Melaleuca or Seventh Generation.

You can also learn how to make your own detergent here:

1/2 cup washing soda.

1/2 cup borax.

1 cup bar soap, grated (many use Fels Naptha)

It is so simple. Combine the three ingredients and you're done! Use 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent for front loading washers and 2 tablespoons for top loading washers. Store your detergent it in a zip-loc container or mason jar for added appeal and you can wash up to 38 loads!

Fun Friday: Halloween Spectacular

2011-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like me, you have yet to buy your Halloween costume and will most likely be rushing through a thrift store tomorrow morning. Well, to save you the hassle of thinking too hard to determine what would be fun and creative, I have compiled a couple of my favorite Halloween costume ideas so far this year. Happy shopping and have a fun weekend!

Kid's Costumes

Audrey Hepburn =)

Baby Candy Corn

Where the Wild Things Are

Particularly cute if you decide to dress yourself up as the chef!

Family Costumes

Classic BLT

Pixar's UP!

Couple Costumes

Mary Poppins

Alice in Wonderland

Eventful Wednesday: Nestination India Re-Cap

2011-10-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

After crunching all the numbers, the Nest board of DC's raised just under $8,000 for the women of India at their fundraiser on October 14th. We were truly able to turn the event space into a fantastic outdoor cocktail party that combined delicious food, great entertainment, and tons of educational information. Dr. Virander K. Paul, Minister of Press and Information for the Indian Embassy, was in attendance that evening and happily shared information regarding the success micro-financing has brought to the country of India. Rebecca Kousky, founder of Nest, shared powerful story about her inspiration for partnering with Indian women and truly demonstrated the heart behind the event. We would love to thank City Dance Conservatory and Dhoonya Dance for their wonderful performances that evening as well as Indique Heights for their delicious traditional food and unique venue. Enjoy the photos!

hand crafted items sold at the vibrant market

items featured at the silent auction

delicious traditional food made by Indique Heights

Meredith looks wonderful with her tradition bindi and henna

This information station described how the Indian women produced Ikat fabric

City Dance Conservatory

Dhoonya Dance

Eco-Monday: DC Central Kitchen

2011-10-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today we are taking a look at a unique type of recycling that has a huge pay back: food recycling. As a student from the University of Maryland it it often discouraging to me the amount of food that is thrown away on a daily basis from our school cafeteria or restaurant. Recently, I have learned about an amazing non-profit organization called DC Central Kitchen which combines food reclamation and production to turn recovered food into hearty meals for 26 communities throughout America. And if this wasn't sweet enough, the entire production runs on "Student Power". By partnering with high schools, colleges, and universities, DC Central Kitchen is able to use their kitchen space and employ the helping hands of thousands of youth volunteers.

According to their website: "The best part is that students run the whole show. They plan the menus, get the food, run the cooking shifts, organize the drivers, and teach culinary skills to unemployed adults. Then, they keep track of all of the paperwork (so we know everything’s being done safely), organize fundraisers, develop curriculum, and recruit new students to get involved. They accomplish an incredible amount of work every day."

The Campus Kitchen Project is only one branch of the total outreach effort DC Central Kitchen has taken on in their mission to use food as a means to combat the interconnected problems of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. To read more about their programs, volunteer, or get involved visit their website here.

Fun Friday: Design your own Dessert Bar

2011-10-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to a wedding and some how you missed the cake? Or maybe, like my good friend Lexie, you just don't like cake. I have been keeping my eye on some great ideas of how to make the dessert portion of your wedding fun and interactive. The bride and groom can have a blast combining sweet treats from their childhood or take a sophisticated route by classing up some classic elements. Just by adding small baggie or to-go containers you can transform your dessert bar into a customized favor station.

Have fun tying together the color pallet of your wedding with your unique dessert bar

Chocolate and browns are always great for a groom inspired dessert bar

I couldn't resist showcasing this GREEN dessert bar

This fun ice cream inspired dessert bar adds some nostalgic bliss

Having a winter wedding?

A warm cookie and milk cocktail anyone?

This just made my heart sing. A hot chocolate bar with assorted toppings

What a great way to class up an old campfire treat! This dessert bar is truly making s'more for everyone.

xoxo Have a good weekend

Fun Friday: A new type of flower

2011-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of staying green, today we wanted to share with you some great photos and DIY tutorials on how to create felt or fabric flowers. Not only will they stay "fresh" all day long but these pretty flowers can be re-used throughout your house to embellish pillows or clutches.

These great idea boards demonstrate all the different and creative ways fabric flowers could be used during your big day.

Feel free to get creative and add buttons or attach name cards for seating assignments.

Embellish a journal and gift them to your bridesmaids, or reuse the flowers from your wedding to embellish a clutch.

Thanks to Skip to my Lou, you can learn how to make 11 different fabric flowers here.

Eventful Wednesday: Welcome to the World Baby Leo

2011-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce a new addition to the Green with Envy family!

Introducing:

Leo Vincent Gerardi

born on October 10, 2011

7 pounds 11 ounces

Congratulation to Carlee and Steve on this wonderful blessing! He is absolutely stunning and seems like such a sweet little guy; Auntie Laura can't wait to meet him!!

We wish Carlee and Steve the best of luck and great wishes for a life of happiness and memories with their bundle!

xoxoxo

Eco-Monday: Who knew Green could taste so good?

2011-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Vosges Haut-Chocolat is a great chocolate company that also boasts an amazing dedication to green practices. While combining unique organic ingredients to create one-of-a-kind flavors, the company also operates on wind power! Their three factory locations use 100% renewable energy and also implement organic certified practices to ensure that pesticides and other synthetic materials are not released into the environment. On a smaller scale, the packaging used for their products is recyclable and additionally, this year they have made the pledge to use 60% post consumer product. When considering green elements in your next event, use Vosges Haut-Chocolat as favors or gifts for your bridesmaids! -Bon appetit-

Vosges combines unique elements such as bacon, chili powder, sea salt, and flowers with high quality chocolate to make great tasting treats.

While the name might be misleading, The Mo's Bacon Bar is a great combination of salty and sweet. It's sure to be something your guests would never forget.

Fun Friday: Getting Rustic

2011-10-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

It must be this cold weather that has me feeling rustic lately, and lucky for you we are on top of the up and coming trends for rustic weddings! Today we have compiled a few do-it-yourself ideas and overall visuals for how to pull together a fantastic event that will have your guests feeling like they have been taken to the gorgeous countryside.

these great colors bring in a wonderful sense of warmth and country flare

DIY cake stand: a simple and unique addition to your reception

send your guests home with a great taste of homemade jam that you can personalize with colored fabrics and labels

Eventful Wednesday: Fall Bridal Shows

2011-10-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

As wedding planners, we know how stressful it can be sometimes to find all the events and soirees in your area. That's why this Wednesday I have decided to do some of the dirty work for you. There are a ton of great events coming up in the next few months for you soon-to-be brides! If you have never been to a bridal show, they are quite the experience. Rooms filled with vendors, caterers, cake companies, venue representatives, and professionals to answer any question you may have. Haven't found your dress yet? We have provided a few resources for trunk shows as well. So go! Get a great start to your nuptial planning!

Bridal Show: A Wedding Soiree! Luxury Bridal Show

Date: Wednesday October 12th - 6pm until 9pm

Where: Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore Hotel

20 West Baltimore Street Baltimore MD 21201

Price: $15.00/ $20 at the door

Website: http://www.aweddingsoiree.com

Bridal Show: Shagun Weddings & Fairview Park Marriott Bridal Expo

Date: Sunday October 16th - 11am until 6pm

Where: Fairview Par Marriott

3111 Fairview Park Drive

Falls Church, VA 22042

Price: Free Admission

Website: http://www.shagunweddings.com

Trunk Show: Bridal Gown Collections by Designer

Where: Hitched Bridal Couture + Creative Planning Salon

1523 Wisconsin Avenue Washington DC 20007

When: October 28-29 featuring Amsale

November 18-19 featuring Judd Waddell

December 2-3 featuring Anne Barge

Trunk Show: Bridal Gown Collections by Designer

Where: Carine's Bridal Atelier

1726 Wisconsin Ave. NW (2nd floor) Washington DC 20007

When: November 10-12 featuring Junko Yoshioka

December 8-10 featuring a Rivini

Eco-Monday: A night by candlelight

2011-10-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

In addition to the horrible nuisance of running tons of wires to make outdoor lighting work, Christmas lights and outdoor lamps are not always the most eco-friendly route to achieving great ambiance at your event. Candles are a wonderful alternative and add a great sense of elegance. Consider buying candles made from pure bees wax or vegetable oil, which are the best choices when thinking about the environment. If the idea of avoiding orange extensions cords and decreasing your footprint haven't convinced you, check out these gorgeous pictures of different events where candles played a significant role in lighting. Enjoy!

Hanging lights can be whimsical and create a great ambiance

Great addition to a fall inspired tablescape

Try hanging mason jars and add a tea light for a gorgeous candle-lit reception

Eventful Wednesday: Add a Twist to your Photo Booth

2011-09-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

So many events today are featuring photo booths! Today we decided to give you a few ideas to inspire a build-you-own photo booth that breaks free from tradition and adds a pop of excitement. Enjoy!

create your own backgrounds from common art supplies

what a cute creative idea!

who knew family photos could be so fun!?!

Eco-Monday: A Good Kitchen Addition

2011-09-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

I am often drawn to bamboo products whenever I peruse the kitchen accessory aisle of a store. With the light natural color and intricate grain, any cutting board or serving tray looks modern, fresh and unique. But in additional to adding fresh style to your next dinner party, bamboo kitchen accessories are eco-friendly and durable.

Many people know that bamboo is the fastest growing plant to exist on the planet, taking only 3-5 years to reach maturity for industrial use. While some species boast a growth rate of 4 feet a day, the average is up to 2 feet a day. Still quite a remarkable rate when compared to average lumber tree which takes 30-50 years to reach maturity. This highly renewable resource also acts as a natural deterrent to erosion and can thrive without the added need of pesticides. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, a bamboo forest can produce more oxygen than a forest of the same size.

With the obvious environmental benefits of bamboo stacking so high, I instantly felt better about my desire to purchase new kitchen accessories. Totally Bamboo is a great online company that hosts a large variety of bamboo goods, from cutting boards and kitchen utensils, to chairs and countertops. Also make sure to keep an eye out for bamboo products at your local stores, such as Target or Homegoods.

Fun Friday: DIY Eco-friendly Wedding Favor

2011-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my newest obsession with Pinterest, I was able to find a do-it-yourself instructional for soy candles. These great and classy wedding favors allow you to add a personal element while staying eco-friendly and cutting down on waste.

What you will need:

1. Soy wax flakes (These often can be bought in bulk online (Lonestar Candle Supply) or your local candle store (keeping it local keeps it more eco-friendly)
2. Wicks (I really love the wood wicks but you can also get the traditional wick)
3. Containers. (mason jars, vintage teacups, jars you have recycled, glass votives)

4. A heat safe pitcher that has a spout
5. Oils of desired fragrance, such as vanilla or rose (check out this bulk seller)

*This is where you get to make the project your own.

6. Tongue depressor or popsicle sticks (make a hole in the center to hold the wick in place)

7. Candle dye (almost all soy wax comes in white so if you desire different colors a good place to go is

Wellington Fragrance)

Alright so now that you have obtained everything you need for your fun and elegant favors, let’s get to work!

1. Melt the soy wax using a double boiler. Once the wax is completely melted and has a pure liquid consistency, you can remove it from the heat and add the color and fragrance.

2. Set this aside to cool briefly while you warm up the containers, either with a blow dryer or setting them on a cookie tray and putting them in the oven on low heat.

3. Once the containers are warm (not hot!) place the wicks in the center and gently pour in the wax.

4. Allow them to cool fully and let the decorating begin. You can wrap them in recycled paper, burlap, or leave them uncovered if you decided to use tea cups. I suggest attaching a tag of some sort so you can leave a personal message and let guests know the scent of the candle. Hope you have fun and I’m positive your guests will love these!

Eventful Wednesday: Nestination India

2011-09-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Nest, in partnership with Maiyet and in combination with the Indian Embassy, is hosting their second annual Nestination. This year Nestination India will happen on:

When: October 14, 2011 from 7pm till 10pm

Where: Indique Heights

2 Wisconsin Circle,
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

What is Nest?

Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency. More importantly, in India Nest is creating a stable home environment for many of the Indian families. Many gypsy women of India that have been given loans by Nest have decided to settle down in one area, send their children to school, and develop their craft. These micro-loans are supplying a greater opportunity by supporting education and family development.

What can you expect at Nestination Indian?

The event is expected to draw an international crowd of over 400 attendees. The evening will weave a combination of cultural activities such as traditional artisan demonstrations (ikat, block printing and beading), henna station, welcome traditions including bindis and marigold strands, a sitar player, a popular Indian DJ, samplings of Indian cuisine and a special speech delivered by The Indian Ambassador or appointed Indian Embassy Representative. Indique Heights, a locally well-known Indian restaurant, will be supplying a night of traditional cuisine. You will also be able to walk through a re-created Bazaar which will feature over 400 products that have been hand-made by the women in India.

Learn more about Nest and this Event
Purchase Tickets Here

Come for a night of cultural immersion, great tastes, fun activities, and an opportunity to learn about the women of India. Your support will be so impactful and you can wear a tradition bindi while doing it! We would love to see you there!

Eco-Monday: Getting in Touch With the Season

2011-09-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

I know since the weather is getting cooler and I am beginning to drag the sweaters out of my closet, that it’s time to embrace the fall! Instead of going to your grocery store and purchasing produce from Florida or overseas, why not travel down the road to a local orchard to pick a few apples and pumpkins? While DC doesn’t feel like the place to get in touch with nature, there are many great orchards around that have opened their doors and prepared their hay wagons for the festivities of the coming season.

1. Butler’s Orchards

22200 Davis Mill Road.

Germantown, Maryland (301) 972-3299

At Butler’s you can pick your very own apples off the tree and pumpkins off the vine. Starting in October, every weekend Butler’s hosts a Pumpkin Festival which combines hay rides, hay mazes, and various crafts for the kids.

2. Homestead Farm

15604 Sugarland Road

Poolesville, MD 20837

(301) 977-3761

The Allnutt family has farmed in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1763, when James Allnutt purchased 746 acres by the Potomac River. At $1.49 a pound for apples and $0.59 a pound for pumpkins this adventure runs cheaper than your grocery store and allows you to soak in some cool outdoor air.

3. Sharp’s at Waterford Farm

4003 Jennings Chapel Road,

Brookeville, Maryland

(410) 489-2572

If you are interested in learning a bit more about produce and farming in general than Sharp’s is the place for you. Tours range from “A day in the life of a farmer” to a hayride that combines pumpkin picking and feeding farm animals, to going back in time to learn how the pilgrims lived. The country store has the added component of homemade jams, butter, and other various goodies for your home.

Hope you have lots of fun getting into the spirit of fall and embracing the opportunity to support local farms while adding a little eco-friendly activity to your day!

Eco-Monday: Putting the Glam in Recyclables

2011-03-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

From this...

to That.

Hello again from the intern! As any normal child, my desire to recycle came from a need to save the animals after I watched the movie “Happy Feet”. Just out of pure interest I “googled” 'facts about aluminum drink cans' today and stumbled across the Can Manufacturers Institute. The fact that made me realize just how important throwing my coke can in the recycling bin stated, “For each pound of aluminum recovered, Americans save the energy resources needed to generate about 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity" If you are unfamiliar with kilowatt-hours (as I was), this equates to the amount of light Pittsburgh uses....over a 6 year period!!! So now that we all know just how important recycling these small cans is, I present a crafty solution.

As a college student I am always on a tight budget and yet I'm constantly searching for a piece of jewelry that will spice up my outfit. I tried my hand once as designing my own necklaces but that never seemed to turn out well. My solution to this dilemma later came when a friend of mine discovered Etsy while preparing for her wedding last November. I discovered so many great vendors that re-use everyday products to create gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces. The vendor I'm currently hooked on is JMP Designs. This vendor re-uses the drink cans her family consumes in order to create adorable and trendy pieces of jewelry. In reading her bio I was happy to discover that her goal was to “make the world a little greener with style,” a statement that any green goddess can relate to.

So as the season moves on and the bright fun colors of spring make it back into your wardrobe, I suggest checking out this vendor and realizing the amazing impact that buying an adorable new necklace can make.

Enjoy the week!

Fun Friday ~ DIY Herb Garden...in an old shoe organzier

2011-03-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone. Spring is in the air, and everywhere you look flowers and plants are starting to peek out at us. Having moved so many times in my life (most of them being rentals), I've found it difficult to really connect with my garden. So you can imagine my excitement to find this brilliant do-it-yourself vertical herb garden inside of a hanging shoe organizer. It's easy to set up, it's portable, and for those of you who live in apartments or have limited gardening space...it can hang just about anywhere. And it keeps the cats away too.

To create your own Vertical Herb Garden, simply follow these steps from Instructables.com:

Materials:

- Hanging pocket shoe organizer / store

- Pole and attachments (curtain pole or pipe fittings, screws)

- Strong metal saucepan or utensil hanging hooks

- Compost of a good quality - moisture holding type

- Selection of plants or seeds... e.g. mixed leaf salad, herbs, sorrel, peas, mini tomatoes

- Piece of wood 2"x2" - width of the pocket store to keep the base of pockets away from the wall

- Trough planter to catch drips

1. Attach pole to shed or wall - Attach a strong chrome pole with metal fittings to the shed. You could use a curtain pole. Make sure it is at the correct height especially if you want to grow plants in a trough below (see step 6). This uses the surplus water from the pockets above.

2. Attach hanging shoe store - Use strong hooks or wire to attach the shoe store. They must be strong enough to support the weight of the compost, plants and water.

3. Test Drainage - Pour water into the pockets to check the drainage, if they don't drain then make a few small holes in each of the pockets.

4. Fill each pocket with compost - Add a good moisture retaining compost, fill to 1" below the rim so that water does not pour out over the rim.

5. Add or plant seeds - Sow seeds or add seedlings. Suggested...herbs thyme, sorrel, chives; salad mixed leaf, mustard, cut and come again, or spinach; minibel tomatoes; or petit pois peas you can eat the young leaflets and tendrils.

6. Drip Aid - Use a piece of wood to make sure the excess water drips into the trough below.

7. Maintaining a healthy hanging veg plot -

- Water slowly with a gentle flow, or you may wash soil and plants out of the pocket and it will dirty the crop below.

- Add water retaining crystals to the compost. HINT... add water to some crystals in a container and allow them to swell then add that to the compost and fill your containers, otherwise when the crystals swell they can grow so much that they push the compost, seeds and plants out!!

- Plants like tomatoes will need regular Tomato fertilizer (and use slow release granules) as the fertility of the compost will soon get exhausted.

- Do not over pick salad leaves, so the plant regrows.

- It is important to keep a look out for aphids, slugs, caterpillars and other pests.

- Remove diseased , infected or damaged leaves... compost them.

- Remove unproductive plants and compost them.

- When reusing pockets add some fresh compost.

So there you have it, your very own vertical herb garden. There's something special about walking into your backyard for ingredients. Reconnect with the earth and get yourself an herb garden! And have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Eventful Wednesdays: The Cherry On Top

2011-03-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! My name is Brianna Davis and I am an intern with Laura for Green with Envy. I only started 3 weeks ago but have come to love the fast pace business and the commute into DC. With that said I wanted to let you know about something that is near and dear to my heart. Despite today’s uncharacteristically cold weather here in DC, we are gearing up for one of spring’s most traditional and exciting event.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to kick-off this Saturday, March 26^th and continue through the trees peak bloom period, slated to end on April 2^nd. This tradition began in 1912 in order to celebrate the 3,000 tree gift that came from the governor of Tokyo. Since then this event has exploded into a festival with art, theater, sports, family fun, food and beverages.

This year the event that really caught my eye was a Sustainable Sushi Tasting on March 30^th. It’s a fun spin on incorporating Japanese culture into the festival and offers a really great food alternative to the everyday meal. You have to be 21 or older to attend because there will be sustainable wine and sake to sample as well. If you just like to go for the scenic walk around the tidal basin or you want to catch the parade we urge you to check out the official website at http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/.

Fun Friday - Game for Adults? Yes please!!!

2011-03-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! If you're like me (and most of my friends and family) you enjoy the thrill and competition of playing games. Well then you're going to love this!!! The Go Game is kind of a combination of all your favorite games. It's a little bit of Charades, a little Amazing Race, and lots of excitement, creativity and silliness. The Go Game is based out of San Francisco, but due to the high demand for their innovative scavenger-hunt style game production, they are now available across the globe. These games are for just about any occasion. They offer Team Building experiences, games for Conventions, Training and Marketing Campaigns, and Pure Fun Games that are perfect for any event - Weddings, Private Parties, Flash Mobs, Bachelor parties, Reunions...or anything you can think of.

The experiences are themed, and each team is given phones, cameras, video cameras, and other gadgets to help them complete their missions. Then when it's all over, everyone gets together and watches all the pictures/videos and calculates the winner! Have you ever seen a group of people, dressed in silly costumes, running around your town? Well it might just be The Go Game.

During the weekend of my wedding in 2006, we signed up our entire wedding guest list for our very own Go Game in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. And it was a huge hit!!! To this day I still hear from our wedding guests that The Go Game was one of the coolest experiences they've ever had. So if you're looking for something different to do for your upcoming event, I recommend checking out The Go Game! Where else do us adults get to act like crazy kids for a day? Take a look at some of these pictures, and you'll see what I mean.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! xoCarlee

Event Wednesday: Pop Up Shop

2011-03-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to invite everyone to come to an extremely fabulous Pop-Up Shop Event in DC, the weekend of April 1-3. Trina Turk, who has been a great supporter of NEST, a non-profit that is very dear to our hearts, will be hosting this fabulous event at The Donovan House, one of the swankiest hotels in DC. You'll get to shop the newest spring collection, mingle with an exciting group of women, sip some bubbly, pick up a resort piece or two, and meet the one and only, Mrs. Turk herself.

And besides, we'll be there, so what more could you ask for?

FUNinspiring Friday: Some girls have all the fun...and creativity

2011-03-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

I've been obsessed with Terrariums since we discovered Tend Living a while back and did a posting of it here on our blog. So it was to my great delight when I discovered that a Green with Envy Intern also created these works of arts (amongst many other things). And it should have been no surprise, since she's extremely talented and creative. This chandelier-turned-terrarium from Ariel is so clever, and a great way to repurpose an otherwise out-of-date fixture. Not only do the paned panels recall the look of traditional terrariums, but the piece also includes a convenient door — originally for changing light bulbs — which is perfect for the occasional rearrangement of the plants and rocks.

Ariel is currently studying at Corcoran College of Art & Design, and does it all! Illustrations, concept design & installation, branding and logos, and she even creates her own textiles with repeated patterns based on photos she's taken. AMAZING!

And as if she wasn't busy enough,she also explores with jewelry design, like these found metal pendants on gold plated chains.

You know how they say some girls have all the fun? It's really true in this case( note to mention she's got a ton of energy, creativity and she's gorgeous). Make sure you check out the rest of her stuff, here.

Happy Findings!

Wedding Wednesdays ~ Thread Design = To Die For!!!

2011-03-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today we're very excited to share with you one of our favorite dress designers - Thread. And for those of you lucky enough to be in the New York City area, Thread presents their Thread Weekend Wedding Pop-up Shop featuring their new 2011 collections from Thread Bride, Thread Classic, Thread Bridesmaid and Thread Social, one-on-one personal consultations with the designers, a special 20% off all orders, and oh so much more! The Pop-up Shop will be open March 25, 26 & 27 at 26 West 17th Street, Suite 301, New York. It's by appointment only so rsvp to amy@threaddesign.com.

Thread Designs offer some of the most darling dresses for Bridesmaid, Brides, Flower girls, and party-goers. They have a huge selection of colors, designs, shapes, materials, etc. There really is something for everybody. And what I love most about Thread is these aren't your typical, run-of-the-mill bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are high-style, unique, and very fashion forward. Here are just a few of my favorites. I love all of their dresses, it was so hard to choose.

BTW, can i just point out that this light green dress above is in Seersucker!!! How adorable is that? If you're not in the New York area and want to check out their collection, try and make it to one of their upcoming Trunk Shows -

March 10-13

Bella Bridesmaid, Orange County

Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

949.717.7800

March 17-20

Bella Bridesmaid, Richmond

Richmond, VA 23226

804.658.0105

Happy Shopping!

Eco-Monday: Sweetlife Festival 2011

2011-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here at Green with Envy Events, we are all about making our events sustainable and making sure we are aware of the impact our choices make. With this in mind, I wanted to mention the Sweetlife Festival, and event we are working on at Merriweather Post Pavilion on April 30, 2011.

The Sweetlife Festival is an annual celebration of flavorful music, wholesome food, and thoughtful living. A festival with soul, the day will not only feature top national talent, The Strokes, but will incorporate dining and entertainment options that embody sweetgreen and additional festival partners ethos towards healthy, sustainable living.

The Sweetlife Festival is presented by sweetgreen, a Washington D.C. based restaurant group that leads the national charge in sourcing delicious local and organic ingredients, with an underlying commitment to the environment and community.
The festival will raise money for Jamie Oliver’s Food Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving America’s health by changing the way we eat and DC Farm to School, which sets out to improve child health, reconnects students with where their food comes from, and connects local farmers with schools in an effort to get more healthy, local foods into school cafeterias.

The festival will also have a minimal carbon footprint and feature delicious local and organic foods. This is a celebration with a purpose and we are expecting over 10,000+ attendees throughout the day.

It's important we all support events and organizations that make an effort to minimize the carbon footprint. We hope to see you all there. Visit http://www.sweetlifefestival.com/ for more info. and to preregister for access to pre-sale tickets. Live it with us!

Happy Monday, Laura

Fun Fridays ~ Rain in the forecast

2011-02-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hello world. This weekend many parts of the country are expecting rain, lots of rain! Even here in sunny San Diego we're expecting a wet one. In hopes to send all of you into your weekend with a positive attitude...I have gathered some of my favorite "dancing in the rain" photographs to brighten your spirits. There is no reason to stay indoors and be a Debbie-downer all weekend. Get out there and jump in a puddle, kiss with rain drops falling on your face, sing, dance...enjoy! Because...

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness, has never danced in the rain!"

Wedding Wednesday: TOMS shoes are made for walking--down the aisle!

2011-02-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

If you are ready to walk down the aisle, look no further for footwear. Launching in early March, TOMS Wedding Collection will offer a selection of refined fabrics for brides, grooms and the wedding party. Whether you are a classic bride, love a little sparkle or want to go retro, TOMS will have the right shoe to suit any brides's taste. With so many stresses leading up to the big day, everyone should walk down the aisle in comfort and style.

And with every pair you purchase, TOMS will also give a pair of new shoes to a child in need, so you'll be happy to take those new steps as husband and wife knowing you made a difference.

Grossgrain ribbon can make any bride blush

All that glitters is not gold

Crushed velvet for the retro in you

Leather to go with any look

Something Borrowed, Something Blue (and sparkly!)

The look in action

Enjoy!

Xoxo, Laura

Eco-Monday: Recycled cashmere for your little one

2011-02-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Although I'm on the West Coast at the moment enjoying the beautiful sunshine, I'm well aware that I won't be so lucky upon my return to the East Coast this coming Saturday. I'm prepared to pull out the jeans and cashmere once again, and rock my staple wool dress with legging and boots. With this cold weather in mind, I wanted to give a shout-out to a company that does recycled, cold-weather style for my little one seem effortless and oh, so chic.

Luvette is a small eco-responsible, mother owned design studio in Berkeley. She does up-cycling at it's best, taking repurposed felt cashmere and old wool sweaters and creating beautifully designed, handcrafted baby and toddler clothes. These cast-offs are chosen for color, quality and softness of material, and are reincarnated into special little things for your bunny. The line includes simple cashmere dresses, felted wool bibs, soft wool and cashmere pants (called longies and shorties), skirts, overalls and baby blankets.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Bibs too cute to mess up!

Bloomies to die for! I want a pair.

A chicken is the new Fido, at least in my house.

The attention to details is amazing, and every piece is a unique work of art, sewn with a lot of love, one by one. She also does custom pieces, so if you have a sweater that's of sentimental value that you just can't part with, she can make it into something magical and long lasting for your little one. Check out the rest of her stuff, here.

Happy Monday! xoxo, Laura

Wedding Wednesday ~ The Fabric Florist

2011-02-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

At Green with Envy Events, we are always on the look-out for floral alternatives for weddings and special events. And I'm ecstatic about my latest discovery - the gorgeous fabric flowers of Jane Joss on Etsy. Jane Joss is an alias for Alyssa and Joslyn Krismer, sister-in-laws (married to twins!) who share a love of interior design and crafting. Visit their shop and you'll see there is no shortage of love put into these beautiful designs.

At Jane Joss, they create fun, original floral designs using handmade fabric leaves. Mix and match stems or request a special fabric to create your perfect arrangement. Jane Joss accepts custom fabric orders at no additional charge. They can also use your own fabric to make a custom arrangement. Consider old baby blankets, quilts, tablecloths, or even clothes to create a unique keepsake!

Can you imagine how beautiful a bouquet or centerpiece out of these beauties would be at your next event? We love these fabric flowers because they're reusable, they reduce floral waste, and they are simply darling. So next time you need flowers for a special occasion, consider using one of the many floral alternatives that are on the market today. Not only will it give your party a unique and interesting touch, you're helping save the planet...one flower at a time.

Eco-Mondays ~ Show some LOVE @ Earth-List.com & GoGreenPress.net

2011-02-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Eco-Monday everyone, and Happy Valentines Day! Today we'd like to show some Eco-love to our favorite online green resource - Earth-list.com. Earth-list.com was founded in 2008 by our good friend Mike D'Ascanio, and it has quickly become the world's premier informational resource for all things GREEN! They are on a mission to unite the Green Movement by providing the most centralized resource on the practices of sustainability and going green. Their goal is to make Going Green easy for the average person by providing the most comprehensive list of late breaking Eco news, media, products, services, and information. And that's exactly what they've done. Anything and Everything you could possibly need to live green can be found at Earth-List.com.

And as if running one website wasn't enough, they've recently launched the newest member of the Earth-List family - GoGreenPress.net. GoGreen Press is the perfect media solution to help your Green business get publicity. They specialize in breaking the news on Green businesses, offering specialized press writing and distribution services that will get your Green business highly effective and targeted publicity. And we can personally testify to the quality of their services...GoGreen Press just did a press release for Green with Envy Events about our upcoming event, Where the Wild Things Are, a Food & Wine Celebration benefiting the Chula Vista Nature Center. Check it out here.

And you may have seen these guys out and about in the community. Our favorite Eco-Celebrities - Green Man and Blue Man. Leveraging their universal appeal for good, Green Man and Blue Man are being put to work as the headlining mascots for Earth-List.com to raise awareness of sustainability, recycling, environmental responsibility, and everything related to Going Green. Green Man has become so popular, that Earth-list has recently launched the Green Man Shop where you can shop for hundreds of your favorite Eco-Products. I encourage everyone to stop in and check out their amazing selection - think of it as your very own Eco-Amazon.com.

For all of you out there who are just beginning your journey of going green or who are already living it - Earth-List.com is one of the best resources on the web to guide you to Green enlightenment. Green with Envy Events is proud to work with the Earth-List family! We thank you for all your hard work and for helping us stay green!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Fun Fridays ~ In ♥ with Organic Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2011-02-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone. With Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought I'd send you into your weekend with a sweet and organic treat to bring some love into your life. Who doesn't love Chocolate Covered Strawberries? They're easy to make, delicious to eat, and in my opinion...one of the best ways to get your daily serving of fruit. And now, you can not only show your love to that special person in your life...you can show some love to your mother earth by using all organic products to create this special indulgence. For all you lovers out there...follow these easy steps to become a Valentines Day hero.

What you'll need:

- Organic Whole Strawberries, stem on

- Organic Chocolate (i love Dagoba!)

What to do:

- Wash the Strawberries

- Melt the chocolate

i like using some dark chocolate and some semisweet chocolate for a nice balance.

break up the chocolate into small bite-size pieces and melt in a saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly.

- holding the strawberry by the stem, tilt the pan and dip the strawberry into the chocolate, twirling it around until the entire strawberry is covered.

- place the strawberries on a plate with wax paper and put in the fridge for a bit until chocolate hardens.

- enjoy!

Wishing everyone a very happy Valentines Day!

Engaged with a Cause

2011-02-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

As part of our Wedding Wednesday Series, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate a new friend of mine, Julie Gerdes and her hubby-to-be, Andrew Becnel on their recent engagement. I met Julie a month ago, when she joined the DC Chapter of NEST, a non-profit that is close and dear to my heart. In many regards, Julie is a traditional bride; she's giddy about her special day and spends countless hours poring over the details, wants that magical dress, the favors, the photos, and the lovely venue. But what really impressed me about her was her desire to give back to the community and those less fortunate, all through her wedding.

Working in development for a non-profit, Julie is well aware of the barriers that NGO's go through to raise that last dollar. She has experienced first hand the difficulties of the fundraising process and has vowed to make a difference through 'Wedding Philanthropy', or how to GIVE BACK via your wedding.

Julie's philosophy through the planning process has been simple: you are spending the money anyways for the big day, so why not make vendor selections who take your money and give 100% of it back to charity or find other creative ways to help out the surrounding community with your payment.

Unfortunately, Wedding Philanthropy is not on the forefront of trends, like how to Green Your Wedding, for example. But through her blog, Julie highlights a number of vendors (businesses, non-profits, corporations, and plain ole' good Samaritans) who have found creative ways to 'Engage' in Wedding Philanthropy.

She writes about places like The Bridal Garden, the ONLY non-profit bridal boutique in New York City, where 100% of the profits go to helping fund education programs like the Brooklyn Charter School.

AND

She highlights people like Walter Grio, from Shoot For Change (SFC), based here in DC. Walter does something extraordinary...in his spare time, he shoots events, special occasions, family outings, editorials, yet does not collect a single dime for himself. Instead, he asks that his clients donate 100% of what they would be paying for his services to a selected charity. Last year alone, SFC raised over $19,000!

Here at Green with Envy, we encourage our clients to be both environmentally and ethically responsible when selecting choices for their event (whether it's a wedding, a corporate event, or even a fundraiser). I think we'll be adding third 'enouragement' to our list.

Please check out Julie's Engaged with a Cause Blog to learn more about Wedding Philanthropy and how you can make a difference on your big day.

Happy Reading...xoxo, Laura

Save energy, water and reduce laundry time!

2011-02-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Our Eco-Monday Tip of the Week:

Have you ever had that morning where you are in a hurry, you look in your closet and realize a) you didn't pick-up your dry cleaning and b) you forgot to do laundry so you literally have nothing to wear? If you are a busy mom like me (or even better, have a very full social calendar with tons of commitments), you've had many such mornings. But don't fret, there's a very simple solution, one that can be found in your liquor cabinet.

Using a spritz or two of vodka to freshen up clothes in between laundry loads is a must try! Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry. Not only is it an easy solution to that hectic morning, but you can reduce the amount of laundry you end up doing, saving time, energy, water and cleaning chemicals (make sure you do a spot-test first to be safe)!

So instead of wearing that hideous sweater you swore you'd never wear again or doing a rush half load of laundry in the morning, spritz your duds with a little bit of vodka, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area.

You may even be tempted to start your day with a vodka infused concoction. If that is your thing, at least make sure it's organic vodka. Here's a list to get you started!

Happy Monday! xoxo, Laura

Fun Fridays ~ A little Public Art to brighten your day

2011-02-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! Today we take a visual adventure through some of the coolest public art pieces that are scattered across our country. One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering new things...and there is nothing better then walking through a new city or driving through the country and coming upon a huge piece of art just sitting there in front of you. Some are very modern, some are quirky and comical, and some are just classic. But what ever they are, they can always add a little humor and happiness into your day. See if you can guess where some of these sculptures are?

Wedding Wednesday: No Words Needed

2011-02-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

I love all things old; vintage clothes and jewelry, antique furniture, classic cars and old movies. It was to my delight, then, when I stumbled upon this 'old' movie.

Kahli and Potsch, an extrmely creative couple from LA, wanted to put their love into words. Er..action. As daunting as the task seemed, they created this silent movie with the help of their friend, in one weekend. And it premiered with great approval at their reception.

Here's "Falling for You" by Kahli & Potsch. Enjoy, I sure did.

Falling For You from Khali & Potsch on Vimeo.

Happy Wednesday. xoxo, Laura

Eco-Mondays ~ go au naturale at Babies By The Sea

2011-01-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

On our very first Eco-Monday, I'm very excited to share with you the most adorable (and Eco-friendly) baby store that I just discovered. Babies by the Sea boutique is located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea in San Diego. With so many friends and family members having babies these days, I've been doing my fair share of baby shopping. But up until now, it's been rather ordinary. When you walk into Babies by the Sea, it feels as if you're walking into an earthly fairytale. Every organic detail has been meticulously perfected to offer the most enjoyable shopping experience for babies, toddlers and their parents.

The concept of the Babies by the Sea Boutique was conceived by San Diego Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Robert Biter who has been a proponent of natural women's and babies’ health care for years, and Laura Ann Fairchild, an entrepreneur, retail fashion consultant, and the creator of the successful L.A. Fairchild Boutique and L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar concepts. They realized that with Dr. Biter's medical expertise and passion for health, and with Laura Fairchild's cutting-edge eye for retail fashion, buying ability, business knowledge, and familiarity with corporate start-up operations, a partnership between the two of them was a match made in baby boutique heaven! In addition, Laura's sister and business partner, Julie Fairchild, enthusiastically decided to join the team to handle marketing, events, and human resources for the store. And I must say, this collaboration is perfect!

Their Mission Statement says it all: Our mission is to empower healthy beginnings and support sustainable families by offering cutting-edge natural-living resources and products, in-depth educational opportunities, and fashion-forward organic and boutique apparel; and to create a nurturing, open-minded, non-judgmental, accepting of difference, multi-cultural social network to meet the evolving physical, developmental, intellectual, and emotional needs of all mothers, babies, and toddlers.

And check out how they designed the boutique: The store build-out was thoughtfully designed based upon a sustainable and environmentally-friendly "green" premise. Materials and themes incorporated into the build-out include the use of bamboo for shelving, recycled pallets for display tables, burlap coffee sacks for wall covering, reclaimed and salvaged urban wood for display tables and beams, recycled glass for the counter tops, no VOC paint, energy-efficient lighting, and other non-toxic materials wherever possible. The store incorporates the use of earth-friendly office supplies, bags/packaging, water for customers, and other daily use items. The boutique also encourages customers to re-use bags and to participate in environmentally friendly family events, in order to raise awareness with respect to sustainable living in the community.

I know what you're thinking...amazing! This is definitely my kind of store!

Along with their amazing selection of organic and designer baby goods, Babies by the Sea also offers classes for soon-to-be and new moms. I'm not pregnant yet, but when I am...I would love to live close to this store. If you're looking for a gift for a young one in your life, or if you're expecting your own bundle of love...and of course those of you with little darlings already - you MUST check out Babies by the Sea. To experience it for yourself, visit the boutique at 2007 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 or visit their website to learn more.

A New Year's Resolution - by Blog with Envy

2011-01-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning Blog with Envy readers. I hope this posting finds all of you happy, healthy, and off to a great start in 2011. Here at Green with Envy Events, we've made our own New Year's Resolution to blog more and blog less in 2011. Sound confusing? Well don't worry, we are going to be making some positive changes around here. And today I'm excited to tell you about our new weekly format. In efforts to give you MORE exciting tidbits, we will be blogging 3 times every week. And...we'll be keeping it a lot shorter and a whole lot sweeter. Here's the plan:

Eco-Mondays - Every Monday we will post a fun piece of Eco-Goodness for you to enjoy. And there are no restrictions here...it could be anything. From cool products to exciting Eco-Events, to important Green News...or maybe just a useful tip. Whatever it is, it will keep you informed and help you expand your inner green goddess (or god?).

Wedding Wednesdays - If you couldn't tell, we love weddings around here. And there are so many amazing wedding ideas, companies, blogs, products....etc. So every Wednesday we will give you some inspiring wedding delight! But weddings aren't our only specialty...we plan all sorts of events at Green with Envy. So if it's alright with you, we might slip in some tidbits about the other events we're working on too.

Fun Fridays - We are party planners after-all...so obviously we love to have fun! And what's not fun about Friday? So every Friday we'll send you into your weekend with a little amusement and joy. Something that will make you smile. Life is short, and it's our belief that we should have as much fun as we can while we're here. You only live once, so make the most of it. And we'll do our best to help you do just that.

Deals for Deeds: A new way to give back

2011-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

With all the recent news Groupon and LivingSocial has been making, I thought it'd be nice to give a shout-out to a new type of Deal-of-the-Day Site; one where you not only get the disocunt, but you also do a good deed.

At Deals for Deeds, a Washington, DC based disount site, things are done differently. Way differently. Unlike the traditional disount sites, Deals for Deeds partners with local businesses to connect them with new customers while also helping out local non-profits to reinvest in the community. With each and every discount deal you purchase, you also make a difference. Here's how it works:

1. YOU SAVE: Visit their site, browse through their daily offer, and get great disounts on local restaurants, spas, sporitng & entertainment events.

2. GIVE BACK TOGETHER: Deal for Deeds works with local businesses to feature exclusive offers on a product or a service and agree ahead of time that a portion of the deal will go to the featured non-profit (This week, Miriam's Kitchen, which provides meals for the homeless). So when you buy a deal, a percentage of YOUR MONEY goes directly to a charitable organization.

3. WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE: From the funds raised on their site, Deal with Deeds helps non-profits achieve a certain goal. Whether it's 500 meals for the homeless or a new swing set for the neighborhood park, you can see exactly what you helped make possible.

I commend Josh Hoffman and Harrison Miller for adding a creative twist to the discount business. Not only are they choosing local businesses to showcase on their site, but they also look to partner with businesses who incorporate an element of environmental responsibility and awareness. Everyone loves to get a good deal, but now you can enjoy that discounted massage knowing you did your good deed for the day.

Happy week! xoxo, Laura.

Do It Yourself ~ Wedding Flowers

2011-01-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

A few months back, Green with Envy Events made their way to a beautiful, small Massachusetts town for the wedding of Shannon & Chris Boeckelman. This was no ordinary wedding. This was rustic, romantic elegance at it's finest! What made this wedding so extraordinary (other then the amazing bride & groom and their lively friends and family) was the FLOWERS!!!! Our bride Shannon chose to do all the flowers herself. With her amazing artistic vision and our design expertise, we pulled together a stunning floral presentation. And of course...I just have to share it with you. Enjoy!

First step, the bride collected dozens of antique glass bottles (thanks to her uncle) and a bunch of bell jars. How cool are these bottles?

Next up...the flowers. Our bride ordered all of her flowers from FiftyFlowers.com. This awesome site offers over 2000 flowers choices, at wholesale prices. Delivery is timed perfectly for optimum freshness of your flowers. Shannon and I worked together to choose the perfect combination of flowers. Our inspiration ~ Romantic, Rustic, French, Elegance. I think we nailed it!

The Flowers

Chocolate Cosmos
Patience Ivory Garden Rose
Queen Anne's Lace
White Hydrangea
Peach Peony Garden Rose
Black Dahlias
China Berries
White Ranunculus

What you'll need: A team of eager-to-help aunts, sisters, and bridesmaids, a bunch of large buckets, lots of stem-cutters & sharp knives, stem stripper, vases, rubber bands, paper towels, ribbon, green floral tape, pearl tipped corsage pins, and a good 5-7 hours to put it all together.

Now you're ready to go. What made these flower arrangements so pretty, was that they looked effortless. Large bunches of hydrangeas, black cosmos, ivory garden roses and china berries went into the bell jars.

A beautiful combination of peach and ivory garden roses, chocolate cosmos, and white ranunculus went into all the antique bottles. How darling are these? Our beautiful bride is getting excited for the big day!!!

Next up, the bouquets. There are tons of DIY wedding bouquet articles all over the web; we like this tutorial from Wedding Bee. For the bouquets, we used all the different flowers and gathered them in a loose, flowing style. Rather then packing them into a tight ball, we had little bunches of china berries hanging out, Queen Anne's lace popping up, and some chocolate cosmos dripping out. They were stunning!

And now...the final product. Check out these next few pictures from the amazing photography husband & wife team of The Goodness. Lisa and Geoff are some of the most talented photographers in the business. And on top of shooting pictures, they also do incredible design work.

I absolutely adore the centerpieces we set up. A combination of 3-4 antique bottles, one bell jar, small votive candles, and a stack of sliced tree trunk (courtesy of Richie, the father-of-the-bride) topped with an adorable acorn with the table number. LOVE!!!!

Thank you to Shannon and Chris for letting us be a part of your big day and congratulations on your marriage! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

As you can see, when you put your thinking caps on, a get a little creative - the result can be breath-taking! We encourage anybody who's in need of flowers to consider doing it yourself. You'll not only save money, but you'll have a lot of fun doing it.

Have a wonderful week everyone! xxoo Carlee

We want to hear from you in 2011

2011-01-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our Green with Envy Events fans!!!

As we say goodbye to another year, and welcome in a fresh new one...we at Green with Envy Events are ready to put a fresh face on our Blog. What does this mean for you? How about more postings, better articles, guest appearances, special offers, and so much more. The blogging has slowed down a bit over the past couple of months...and we apologize for that. But not to worry, we are back in action and ready to Blog our way through 2011.

And we want to hear from you!!! Let us know what you want to see more of on our blog. Send us your ideas, recommendations, critiques, etc. Our goal is to satisfy our readers, but we can't do that unless we know what you want. So tell us! =>

We're looking forward to hearing from you, and we wish you the most happy, healthy, and prosperous 2011!

With love from your Green Gals,

Carlee & Laura

Happy New Year Card

2010-12-19T22:02:00.001-08:00

Unlike most people, I save all the cards and birth announcements I've received through the mail. I actually store them all in a hat box, and cycle them through an album. It's gives me a warm feeling to look back through the years, and see photos of my friends travles, their children and reread the (sometimes) cheesy messages I receive; I can't help it, but I'm a sucker for the holiday cheer. I am well aware that most people are not like me, and end up sending the card into the recycling bin, or worse, throwing it in the trash once the New Year rolls around. Because of this, I've avoided sending holiday cards out for the last few years. I've felt so guilty that I even failed to send out a birth announcement when my little one was born earlier this year.

However, I just couldn't resist this year. I came upon so many options, and since I was on a tight deadline to get them out, I was so excited when I learned that there are now more options to print through the user-friendly Shutterfly on either recycled or sustainably forested paper. So, I decided to bite the bullet and do a combo birth announcement/Holiday card.

If you get one from me or anyone else, please keep it for the memory, find a creative way to reuse it, or just plain ol' recycle!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Through The Seasons New Year's Card

Click here to browse Shutterfly's holiday card collection.

View the entire collection of cards.

xoxo, Laura

Hair Candy

2010-12-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

I'm in the mood for something sweet, and since I'm still trying to shed those last few pregnancy pounds, I'm better off keeping my hands out of the cookie jar. So, I think I'll do the next best thing and feast my eyes on sweet somethings that aren't full of calories, but are sure to satisfy my sweet cravings, while being really pretty to look at!

Made by hand from Twigs & Honey by Myra Callan and using only the finest ribbons, lace, hand dyed silks, beads and jewels (and many more accoutrement's), these bridal hair candy are to-die-for. The attention to detail is truly stunning and leaves me wishing for another big day, just so I can sport one, or two of her creations!

I'm in love with this next Chantilly lace and rhinestone self tying headband. The roughness of the stones and sweetness of the lace is a perfect blend of harmony. Love it.

As for these next two pieces, I love the silvery hues and sparkle--they could definitely be worn after the Big Day. Perhaps for a festive party of New Year's Celebration?

A little color goes a long way, just ask a blushing bride.

Have a great Wednesday everyone! xoxo, Laura

In the spirit of giving • charity: water • charity: ball on December 13

2010-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

The past few years have been a wake-up call for so many people. Gone are the days of buying tons of expensive gifts for all of your friends and family. Although it's nice to receive, we've all learned how important it is to give...especially to those who are in need. In the spirit of giving, I want to share with you an organization that is truly making a difference. And with your help...they can elevate their mission to a whole new level.

charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund sustainable water projects in areas of greatest need. In our day to day lives, it's hard to imagine not having clean water; something we as a nation take for granted. But right now almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. That's one in eight of us!!! 80% of all sickness on the planet is caused by unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation. It kills more people each year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more that three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. These facts are overwhelming, and completely heart-wrenching. It's time to pay attention to this devastating situation! It's time to do our part. As little as $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years! We can't afford not to give!!!

Over the years I've given to many causes...but really never saw the actual effects of my donations. One of my favorite things about charity: water is they are closing the loop. They are proving each water project by connecting donors here with people they've helped in developing nations. Using GPS technology, photography, video and the Internet, charity: water proves all work done in the field, telling stories of communities changed by clean and safe drinking water. I don't know about you, but that would make me feel pretty darn good!

In it's 5th year, charity: water is hosting their annual charity: ball on Monday, December 13th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. And for the 5th year, Adrian Grenier is hosting this multimedia exhibition and gala evening to benefit the work of charity: water...an organization very dear to his heart. It's no secret that Adrian is a champion for environmental and social causes worldwide, and that's why he continues to be one of our favorite Eco-celebrities. But what can a night out on the town really accomplish? A lot more than most people think. charity: ball 2009 proved this - 1,200 guest attended, 125 volunteers gave their time and guests donated more than $1.8 million. By the end of the evening, charity: water had raised enough money to serve a million people with clean, safe water. That's a lot for just one night, even in New York City! And guests had a chance to participate in the Waterwalk, where they lugged Jerry Cans full of water across the Waterwalk to get a taste of life in rural Africa. They wrote notes to be hand-delivered to a community in Ethiopia that will receive a well this year. The event was a huge success, and this year is shaping up to be another triumphant occasion. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased here, and 100% of the price of your ticket will benefit the work of charity: water and help them grow. If you are in the New York area, the charity: ball is one not to be missed. Guest will team up with celebrities and businesses to LEARN, GIVE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

To learn more about how charity: water builds water wells and how these wells improve the lives of millions of people, visit their website. It's not just about providing clean water to bathe and drink. These wells are the catalyst to disease prevention, gender equality, improved food supply, better hygiene, putting kids in school, and building a sustainable future for these developing nations.

This is such an inspirational cause and I urge everyone to get involved. Please take a look at the work charity: water is doing. It will warm your heart and you WILL want to get involved. Find out how you can help by volunteering or making a donation. Everybody can afford to give $20.00. Please reach into your hearts and your wallets and let's help charity: water continue to make a difference in the lives of millions!

Thank you for your support and happy holidays from your Green with Envy girls!

Love is in the Sand...

2010-11-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate my dear friend, Serena, and her hubby-to-be, Josh as I share their engagement photos and inspiring love story; one that began in a maze of Geico cubicles, softball fields and ended with Love being written in the Sand.

Serena and Josh both work in the Geico claims department. Serena has worked at the SD location for over 7 years, and Josh was a recent transfer from the Virginia office. The lovely bride-to-be is very active and had noticed a "hot, new addition" to their office softball league. From the corner of her eye (and hiding behind her sunnies), she'd observe this new player changing clothes from his tie and shirt combo into something a little more comfortable to run around in. And yes, she'd catch a glimpse of some skin! She mentioned to her friends and good work colleagues, her interest in this new boy with California Tan, and the telephone lines began their work from there. Word got back to Josh, and being the man that he is, he walked by her desk and caught sight of her (from the corner of his eye as well), and immediately liked what he saw.

As fate would have it, a good friend of Serena's ran into Josh a few days later, at a local bar. Putting two and two together, she realized this was "the hot, new addition" Serena had been swooning over, and took it upon her hands to set up a group date. And the rest is Geico history.

Almost a year-to-date of their official courtship, Josh took Serena on a walk to the beach, and proposed.

Moral of the story: Persevere (from the corner of your eye) if you see something you like! Subtleness and a little bit of fate goes a long way!

To my dear friends...Congratulations! We can't wait to help you along the way and be there in the end to celebrate with you.

Thank you to Vaylia Photography for capturing the true love and essence of my good friends. They really are this cute together!

xoxo, Laura

Are you the next "Green It Girl"?

2010-11-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Could you be the next "Green It Girl"? Could I?

Well if you don't already know...you need to know about Project Green Search! In their second year, Project Green Search is looking for the next "Green It Girl". Project Green Search is an annual campaign to inspire people to align their careers with their environmental, social, and humanitarian ethics. The competition highlights the brightest personalities interested in a career as an eco-minded model, spokesperson, actor or host, serving as a conduit to connect mission driven talent with sustainable businesses, organizations and entertainment.

Do you have what it takes? They are looking for the woman who wants to take a stand, get noticed, and align her career endeavors with her personal beliefs, to be an advocate for the environment, animal welfare, fair trade, and human rights. She's a model, spokesperson, host, brand ambassador and all around green model citizen for progressive, sustainable, ethical companies, from fashion & beauty to cars & computers.

Season One was a huge success, encouraging Green Women everywhere to stand up and speak out. Check out this dynamic group of 10 finalists! These women are beautiful inside and out...and they're all winners in my mind!

And congratulations to the Season One winner, and fellow Green Girl Guru @ The Green Girls - Rachel Avalon. Rachel is an expert in holistic nutrition, detoxification and eco-living. Through her private sessions, published articles, lectures, local and national shows, and now as the 2009 Project Green Search Winner & Activist, Rachel is raising awareness for sustainability, animal welfare, and social justice everywhere! To learn more about Rachel, visit her website or read her biography and interview at Project Green Search.

The Season 2 Project Green Search entry period, OPEN NOW, ends at midnight on December 31, 2010. Public voting will begin on January 3rd, 2011 and close at midnight on January 10th, 2011. Judges will weigh in on the vote and then 10 finalists will be announced on Monday, January 17th. The finals will take place is Los Angeles, where the finalists will participate in a series of challenges related to developing a career as a model, host, or spokesperson in the sustainable living sphere. And, the winner will receive an amazing prize package, including model/talent agency representation, shopping sprees, beauty make-over, cooking classes, eco-living library of books, professional photography, and tons of features! And...the package is continuing to grow!!! View all the contest details here.

This is a huge opportunity for us Green Women to speak up, get involved, and work together to spread the Green word. I commend Project Green Search for creating such an important contest. Mr. Trump got it all wrong...this is THE REAL MISS AMERICA!!!

Good Luck ladies!!!!

Say Cheese!

2010-11-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

If you plan to have a photo station at your next event, here's one sure way to make it stand out: Hire Thomas Marlow Photography to design a deluxe, 3 dimensional photo set (raised stage included!). It's a new twist on the one-dimensional photo booths we have all squeezed into. So, instead of hamming it up against a plain backdrop, your guests can pose against a custom image, designed specifically with you, the occassion, time and place in mind.

As the old saying goes: A picture is worth a thousand words.

Enjoy.

Art Nouveau inspired...with custom copper lighting fixtures!

A little of this and that has never hurt anyone. Get a room!

Colorful backdrop for a bubbly gal.

Hollywood inspired, done with Graffiti.

Living room madness.

and LOVE ♥

I hope these images brought a smile to your face! Have a great Wednesday. xoxo, Laura

Congratulations to our Winner!

2010-11-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winnerof the UPrinting Giveaway,

JONNATHAN WIGHT!!

Please email laura@greenwithenvy-events.com

for further instructions on collecting your prize.

Say what you really mean with Hard Cards

2010-10-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Sorry for the shortage of postings lately, I've just returned from almost a month of back to back trips. One of which was for a very special wedding in the Boston area for our dear friends Shannon & Chris. Pics will be up soon! But until then...let's have some fun!

With the holidays coming up and so many baby/bridal/wedding events in the near future, I have cards on the mind! But not your normal, run-of-the-mill cards. I want cards with personality. I want cards that make you laugh out loud! Hello Hard Cards! Their slogan "Times are hard and so are we" basically sums it up.

Founders Randi Rulayne Picarelli and Stacey Leigh Rifkin started Hard Cards because they couldn’t lie to their friends any longer. They were tired of pretending that they were happy about your babies, thrilled you’re turning another year older, or that they actually care about your problems. They saw the need for greeting cards that make people laugh at the truth. Their cards are snarky, funny, and irreverent while also being beautifully designed. Based out of Los Angeles, Hard Cards is committed to creating a line of products with minimal environmental impact. Every Hard Card and envelope is printed with soy ink and made from 100% Post Consumer Waste Paper. That means no new trees are cut down, and no bleach, acid, or chlorine is used. They are also concerned with employing local designers and printers, and supporting local businesses. That means you can feel good because they're 100% Made in the USA. And for that, Green with Envy Events is a big fan!!! Here are some of our faves:

Front

Inside

Front

Inside

Front

Inside

Front

Inside

Front

Inside

And guess what! Hard Cards are sold in hundreds of stores all over the U.S. To find your nearest retailer, visit their website and make sure to become a fan on Facebook! Hard Cards ~ Thank you for making cards that are honest, hilarious, and nice to our planet!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Carlee

Giveaway: Who doesn't like Free Stuff?

2010-10-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to quickly give a nod to a company that has been extremely generous and giving these last few months. When I was planning NESTination: Morocco, an event for NEST, (a small, non-profit organization that provides interest-free, microcfinance loans to women in developing countries), I ran into a lot of hurdles working with a very limited budget. One of those hurdles was the high cost of printing. And while we did try to limit our paper usage, printing signage and flyers/posters for distrbution were a necessity, so we looked for ways to cut this cost.

In came UPrinting. Through their UCommunity Program, UPrinting helped us out by sponsoring printed materials for our fundraising and promotional needs. They covered about 75% of our printing costs, with their service AND product being top notch!

And yes, folks, they keep on giving. They are sponsoring a Postcard GiveAway on our blog, for the following:

100 4x6 postcards on 14 pt. cardstock gloss with 4 color/2 sided print!!
*Limited to US Residents only, 18 years and above*

So, if you have a business, want some postcards for Save the Dates, or need some Holiday "Post"cards, enter our Giveway by posting a comment on this blog by Monday, November 1, 2010. We'll select a winner (at random) that day and post it on our next blog entry.

Happy Monday and Happy Commenting!!! xoxo, Laura

My Big Fat Green Wedding Series: The Day is Here!

2010-10-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation on all ends, the day we've all been waiting for finally arrived. The bride was glowing, the groom was, in his usual way, quiet and full of reserved happiness and the details...AMAZING! Nothing says it better than photos. Enjoy.

The Bride wore a beautiful silk gown, rented from One Night Affair and a birdcage veil, made exclusively for her by...

The flowers? To Die For. Bursts of bright yellow billy buttons, spider mums, calla lilies, mixed with brilliant white daisies and calming dusty miller leaves and succulents. And the best part? They were all arranged on-site by the groom's mother and friends of the bride, with a lot of love and attention.

Two stone place mats represent the bride and groom. Dining together, forever.

The Centerpieces: perfectly placed succulents in circular bowls on some tables and some burst of color with ferns picked the day before (off the side of road) on others. A perfect blend of this and that.

The family of the bride.

Both the Maid of Honor's dress and the Aunt's dress were made from recycled fabrics. And what better way to accessorize than with an Emerson Made Bag, a Green with Envy Favorite!

Girls just want to have fun!

And the best part? My daughter, Siena, getting lots of love from Auntie Janine and mommy.

Perfect way to end the day, with kisses all around.

Hope you all have a fabulous Thursday! xoxo, Laura

Eco-Celebrity of the week - Willie Nelson

2010-09-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today I'm excited to tell you about one of my favorite musicians...who happens to be ranked as one of the top Eco-Celebrities ~ Willie Nelson! Known for his legendary outlaw country music, long braids, and pro-marijuana stance; Willie is also a long-time advocate for family farmers and environmental causes.

25 years ago, Willie began his activism career by teaming up with Neil Young and John Mellencamp to organize the first Farm Aid Concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid has raised more than $37 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on their land.

Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews will be performing at Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 2. Buy tickets and check out the rest of the incredible line up here.

The eight-time Grammy winner, has toured so extensively he’s on his fourth tour bus, Honeysuckle Rose IV, which runs completely on biodiesel. That brings us to another of the causes Nelson is known for - BioDiesel! Willie became interested in biodiesel when his wife purchased a Volkswagen Jetta that ran on vegetable oil. He says at the time he had no idea what she was talking about, telling an interviewer he thought “she’d been in my stash a little bit.” Nelson now peddles his B20 biodiesel in several U.S. locations. BioWillie, as it’s known, is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. It’s been found to have a positive environmental benefit with minimal cost increase. Willie says demand is there, but more product is needed to keep our highways smelling like French fries. Earth Biofuels, maker of BioWillie diesel, boasts a board of directors that includes Morgan Freeman and spokesperson Julia Roberts.

info via therenewableplanet.com

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Farm Aid, coming up on October 2 and the AWESOMENESS that is Willie Nelson...we raise our glass to you Willie - our Eco-Celebrity of the week! Keep up the great work!

My Big Fat Green Wedding: Favors

2010-09-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

The wedding day is fast approaching and as we all know by now, we have a pretty resourceful bride on our hands. Most aspects of the wedding incorporate a green or sustainable element (from the venue and locally sourced food/produce to the bride's gown), so of course the favors for the guests were to be no exception.

As a token of their appreciation, the bride and groom have chosen to come full circle with their favor creation. Since the actual ceremony and luncheon will be an intimate affair, in lieu of the traditional flower boutonnieres, the couple chose to present the men attendees with a Beer Buttonaire, made by the bride herself with so much love and care.

The women will also receive special Beerings, crafted with the same design on the watercolor invitations; images of beautiful yellow and green California Poppies that embody the spirit of Big Sur.

Guests will also receive a foot soak to ease the pain after many hours of dancing. Unbleached muslin bags, purchased from Save on Crafts, will be filled with a scented, organic chamomile and Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, a perfect blend to toss into the tub to end the day at this beautiful resort and spa.

As we know from this previous post, the bride creates these Beerings to not only save bottle caps, but also as an additional way to give back and create awareness. If you want to make a difference, other creative Beering designs can be purchased at Beerings for Change.

Have a great week. xoxo, Laura