My best from college was having her birthday party on Saturday. I arrived at her house around six to help her prepare for the party. Her co-worker/friend, Todd, was also coming to help out. We needed to pick up the keg, birthday cake, and balloons, so the three of us took Todd’s car and headed towards mainland. The first stop was Party Station to pick up some balloons. Yen picked out a girly and beautiful arrangement of pink, red and lavender colored balloons. It came artfully adorned with long strands of ribbon curls, however there was nothing to hold it down. I got handed the balloons and was in charge of taking care of it.
Next stop was the keg from the wine and liquor store. We picked up the keg and got it to Todd’s VW. At first he opened the driver’s side rear door. Then he decided that he didn’t want to risk scratching the car next to him; he went around and opened the passenger side since there wasn’t a car parked next to us. After much huffing and puffing, we got the keg in the car. I came around to get in the driver’s side back seat. I looked inside and the balloons were missing. Puzzled, I came to the trunk where Todd was trying to get the keg supplies in there.
“Did you see the balloons?” I asked him.
“No
I came back around again and looked inside once more to see if they would magically reappear. I asked Yen if she had seen the balloon. She started looking for it too. To an observer, It must have been odd to see three people looking up at the sky dazedly searching for something {the missing balloons in our case}. The balloons had floated away… dissipated like they never existed. I hope that someone looked up and saw the beautiful balloons and…. smiled.
Jolly Green Girl has concluded that the bicycle is the Eco-friendliest transportation of them all; however it’s a bitch when trying to lug your groceries, or maybe even children around. Madsen has come up with the perfect solution in their urban utility bicycles. I love their vintage look as well as colorways. The 40 gallon, LLDPE rigid plastic bucket contains seats for your wee ones and has included seat belts for safety. I am sure your children will love getting rides in this charming transpo. These are a definite throwback to the 50’s or 60’s. The seats are removable if you need to lug something bigger and you are sans kids. Madsen also carries a rack style bicycle; however I did find the bucket style a bit more charming.
Even though I am a fan of period pieces; I never get excited by the costumes. Well, maybe exception of Marie Antoniettte by Sophia Coppola {underwelming film but beautiful cinematagraphy} . But then I saw The Duchess with Kiera Knightly and I changed my mind. I am just enamored with the movie. The costumes are inspiring and it was like watching 110 minute couture show. But not only is it visually appealing; the story was fascinting as well. Although I think Keira Knightly is a very talented actress; she can be over the top at times. In the Duchess, she was flawless. She was very believable as the beautiful and captivating Georgina Cavendish who is beloved by everyone except her cruel and exacting husband. Considered the fashionista of her time; not only was Georgina stylish; she was influential in helping the Whig party establish their political power.
Handmade recycled paper lamp shades that are breathtaking, innovative {yet rooted in tradition} and just stunning. The Cloud Lamps are by a very talented London based designer…err Architect, Yu Jordy Fu. Her dream is to make this world a better place and her aim is impeccable. Not only is it stunning in design, but sustainable as well. The designer developed an ancient technique to create these whimsical and ethereal pieces that would surely to a centerpiece to any room. Their uniqueness, sustainability and beauty is very remarkable
I won’t lie to you, fatherhood isn’t easy like motherhood Homer Simpson
How we mothers wish this was true, however; I have to say that being a mother would be 1000 times more difficult without fathers. I do not know how single mothers do it. The father is the other half of parenthood; He’s the baseline of the music. Here’s a Green father’s day Gift guide for the Eco-conscious fathers or crunchy moms who are trying to convert their Enviro what? fathers into a greenie. With these stylish and modern Eco options; I don’t think that will be a difficult endeavor.
- For the history buffs: Give your father a piece of history with the recycled cuff links that is made from Authentic Washington, D.C. streetcar tokens which are set in sterling silver or silver plate findings. There are also recycled tokens from {Boston, Chi-town, San Fran, NYC}
- Here’s a beauty tip for fathers: For men who experience bumps after shaving, try exfoliating with a gentle scrub prior to shaving with hot/warm water. Also, try using a conditioner instead of shaving cream. Conditioner softens hair, any hair, and makes shaving all the easier. With John Masters Jojoba and Ginseng Exfoliating facial cleanser, you get a clean smooth shave while hydrating the skin for a flawless skin.
- For the techie fathers: Is he up on the latest gadgets? Then Solar Gorilla Charger would be the perfect father’s day gift. This is the ultimate renewable power station for all his rechargeable gadgets.
- Edun Tropical Woven Shirt is the perfect way to stay cool yet stylish. Made with 100% Organic cotton; It’s Eco-fashion at its best.
- Entermodal: Although Entermodal utilizes leather, they use cradle to cradle and sustainable methods which is worthy of mention here at Jolly Green Girl. The bags are quite sophisticated, beautiful and the quality of the workmanship is to last at least a lifetime.
Working with the indigenous people of Ecudor, designer, Amanda Judge, is launching her new socially conscious and environmentally friendly jewelry line. The Andean Collection is all handmade by the Ecudorian women. Judge designs the pieces, and the women make them. The Andean Collection uses natural material like seeds from the rain forest that is found no where else in the world. The seeds are sustainably harvested meaning that the forests are not harmed for these unusual beads. “Some of these seeds I have never seen in the US jewelry market before. They’re a wonderful alternative to the popular synthetic materials,” said Katrina Pennington, who is the spokesperson for The Andean Collection. Although the seeds might be a new material in the US; they have been used for centuries in traditional Andean jewelry making. What’s even better is that the indigenous women are given fair wage, so not only is it Eco-conscious but fair trade as well.
Although this mini-camper is only in the conceptual stage; this is what the future of Popup campers can be. Modern, fresh, and designed with ingenuity in mind, it’s perfect for road trips. Summer vacations with the family or friends have never been so appealing with this modern interpretation of mini campers. This futuristic and minimalistic design is by Stephanie Bellange with help from Maury Watine, François Gustin & David Dethoor. Inspired by John Lautner’s villa Chemosphere, the camper consists of a bathroom, living room, bedroom, kitchen and an office all in the 252° Living Area! Talk about maximizing a small space.
When it comes to food, I have a bit of an obsession. My best friend is a Chef. My fiance works in the food industry, and I have worked in the restaurant industry {including some best places like the Mercer Kitchen and the Delano in Miami} off and on for eight years. I really consider myself a foodie. I even love the dirty dogs that hot dog vendors sell in the streets of NYC. I love food and food loves me. However, there are times, albeit, without really wanting to; I wonder how food is made. With something like a hot dog, It’s probably best I don’t know where and how it’s made. But as a naturally curious person, it does cross my mind at times. Well wonder no more. From the producer and the author of Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser {who also happens to be an investigative journalist} along with director Robert Kenner, comes a new film which answers that eternal question. What EXACTLY is in our food? Food Inc. is a book turned film that looks into the practices of the food industry. “It presents honest, sometimes shocking accounts of practices in our country and how the food industry is truly the number one health threat to our country.” said a spokesperson for the Food Inc.
As a nation that values speediness, efficiency, and technology; it is no wonder what we easily reach for that processed food that cooks in half hour rather than slave away at the stove for hours. As a modern woman; I poo poo the idea of being at the helm of the kitchen and spending all day to prepare foods to serve to my family. The feminist movement after the 50’s did away with those shackles. For us modern women, that is taking us back to the dark ages, so it is no wonder that the food industry has insidiously impermeated our lives. We need those modern conveniences, and the food industries are so willing to provide it to us, with a definite yet invisible cost of our health.
- something surreal: {Lara Miller Kelleigh Flip}
- a decorated leg: {Stella McCartney}
As someone who dreamed of being a photojournalist for National Geographic at tender age of 16; I always had an affinity for Leica. Reminds me of traveling somewhere out there where no one else has been. Traversing the Earth and taking beautiful photos. Now I can finally own my own Leica. Leica has finally gone digital and compact with Leica C-Lux 3 is 10.1 Megapixel - 5 x optical zoom which powerful in itself. Let’s not forget the world famous Leica lens which is why most photojournalists choose Leica over and over.
Every picture taken with the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a story to tell. The unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style
The slim shape is a beauty in itself with sleek frame and high gloss finish. With these powerful features yet pocketful design, capturing that perfect moment is just a click away. At under $500; this will the most affordable Leica available anywhere. Available in black and white. The White one is just stunning, truly a work of art in itself. Sleek, stylish, and affordable; this is truly a jollylicious find.
Must get before my trip to Paris for my birthday.
{elsewhere}