Pronunciation: a'näv-a-lista. Function: noun. A writer of novels, non-fiction and screenplays; entrepreneur; beauty junkie; history buff; foodie; fashionista; un-fashionista; bookworm; Christian; Lt. Uhura namesake; Oprah-holic; Coffee Fiend; Hopemonger; Black Forest Berry Honest Tea Lover; Newark-born, South Jersey-raised New Yorker;
Copyright 2005-2008 Nichelle Gainer.Ordering cleaning products from New Zealand? I may just have to do it. I saw these eco-sexy products by B.E.E. - Beauty Engineering Forever on Swissmiss and fell in instant like!
If you live in New Zealand, Hong Kong or Australia, you're in luck, but the rest of us will have to wait until they at least get an online store up. Wouldn't these look great in your laundry room or kitchen?
I had a burst of energy last week and cleaned my entire apartment from top to bottom. I had to do it because I couldn't think straight with all of the clutter. Since I was out of cleaning products, I figured that it was the perfect time to take the green plunge.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I've tried eco-friendly cleaning products before, but I found them to be way too weak. They smelled nice, but they didn't do the job. I made out much better this time, especially with method. My favorite is easily the lavender-scented all purpose cleanser, but I was also impressed with their dishwashing liquid because it didn't dry my hands out.
method All Purpose Cleaner in French Lavender $5.49. method All Purpose Wipes in Lavender $4.99.
method Dish Soap Liquid in Pink Grapefruit. method Tub + Tile, Soap Scum + Stain Remover in Eucalyptus Mint $5.99.
method High Efficiency Laundry Detergent in Fresh Air $17.99. method Softener Infused Dryer Cloths, Renew, Water Lily + Aloe $5.49.
Although I generally pick up Seventh Generation at Whole Foods, I have also been pleasantly surprised by Sun & Earth laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner, which I picked up on sale last week and so far so good.
Next order of business? Light bulbs!
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid in Free & Clear $14.39. Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener Liquid in Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender $5.99.
I bought a few tumblers and a pitcher from Crate and Barrel last week, but I missed these fabulous wine glasses! Thanks to the Hostess With The Mostess (love her!) these Cheers Wine Glasses ($19.95) are on their way home to me.
And look at these Zombie Tumblers
Cute!
I also like these Satellite Dishes
Now, I know the word dishes is used in the description, but clearly they are ready for double and maybe even triple duty from cocktails to dessert. Wine-flavored sorbet anyone?
Ah, but you need eco-friendly chic you say?
These Float Red Wine Glasses were handblown by master glassblowers in the Czech Republic and the suspended bowl design at the bottom is meant to "elevate condensation away from the table" which means you won't need a coaster. The glasses are also fully recyclable and packaged in hard-walled cardboard tube packaging.
And they're pretty hot.
Bunny Maxwell is a former Bond girl and Martha Stewart stunt double - or so she says.
Whoever she is, she's hilarious and she's got a great online store full of fun, kitschy things to help you live loud and decorate accordingly.
Doo the Dishes (set of 4) $42.00. Wallpaper Plates (set of 4) $42.00. Fashion Plate (set of 4) $42.00. Folklore Tea Towels (set of 2) $28.00. Spring Day Set Tea Towels (set of 2) $28.00.
Marilyn Apron with Bandeau Top in Sorbet Colors $46.00. Dorothy Apron in Sorbet Colors $38.00.
Have you gone Green yet?
I'm working on it. I'm still trying to remember to unplug my computer every night and I'm going to start toting my morning coffee in a cute pastel stainless steel bottle.
I'm also going to tote this adorable cotton Anya Hindmarch bag (that you will see everyone with this summer) that I found thanks to Natalie over at Coquette. It won't be available in the US until May, but you can pre-order it - and it's only $15!
If you're not a bag lady like me, you can keep it close to home and light this deliciously scented organic Bulgarian Lavender Candle by Aveda - for only $10 - and help protect clean water in the process.
Who said it's not easy being green?
High Heels Pillow by Sherri Designs $45.00. Alexander Girard Love Pillow $49.00. Plush Living Brown/Purple Nook Pinup Silk Pillow $64.00. Plush Living Brown/Purple Nook Rider Silk Pillow $64.00. Thomas Paul Coral Scarlet Linen Pillow $96.00. Thomas Paul Chinoiserie Corn Linen Pillow $96.00. Martini Olive Throw Pillow (small, medium, large) $28.95 to $48.95. Plush Velvet Playing Cards Pillow Set $109.95 (sale). Jonathan Adler Studio 54 Disco Lady Pillow $165.00. Jonathan Adler Sins Needlepoint Pillow $165.00.
Sheila Bridges is the designer best known for designing Bill Clinton's Harlem office, but her latest project is far more impressive in my mind.
After searching for the perfect toile for her home to no avail, Sheila, also a best-selling author and host of Sheila Bridges: Designer Living, decided to design it herself. The result is the gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Harlem Toile de Jouy which is available as wallpaper and bedding. There is also an exhibition featuring the wallpaper at The Studio Museum in Harlem through March 2007.
Sheila recently told the Washington Post and other media outlets that she designed Harlem Toile de Jouy "to tell a somewhat satirical story about African American life as seen through the sometimes distorted lens of the media." In other words, to make people think a little harder about the various stereotypes that are continually associated with African-Americans from all walks of life. Sheila's design bypasses traditional (white) pastoral scenes and revolutionizes toile with black girls jumping Double-Dutch, black men playing basketball and black ladies doing their hair (hello!) And will you check out the couple jamming to the boom box!
My kind of fabulous...
