Commitment #2: Take baby steps to a healthier home.

One very simple baby step is taking off your shoes as soon as you get inside.  You walk around through dirt and grime all day, why bring it into the house?  I'll even ask my guests to take off their shoes as they enter.  They may think I'm crazy, but they'll understand.

Now who wants a pile of shoes sitting by their front door for everyone to see?  Forever ago I posted our old shoe holder we had before moving.  If you need a refresher it's here.  For our new shoe gatherer I have two challenges.  One, the lil' fella has a shoe fetish.  Exhibit A.

Please ignore my messy closet.

So we need something where our kicks can be concealed or he will go through every pair trying them all on.  Two, budget.  Shocker.  I think 99% of us are on a budget.  Need something that won't break the bank, so craigslist here I come!  Here's what I'm on the prowl for:

Campaign chest (so hot right now)

And paint it a fun color like one of these

  

Cool old trunk or chest

This little guy is cute. 

Or something taller

Even this option from Ikea could be cool.  I like that they aren't full drawer dressers, but on hinges which is a good space saver for our little abode.  I'd want to jazz up the hardware to give it some life.  

Funny side note...we have a friend in Memphis who was way ahead of me and always made us take our shoes off upon entering his apartment.  The first time we went over I either had on some hole-y socks or mismatched laundry day socks.  Either way I remember being embarrassed and from then on knew to wear presentable socks over to his place.  I promise a judge free sock zone at the Anderson household if you ever want to come by :)

Manic Monday (Even though it's Friday)

Howdy do everyone!  I'm back with a vengeance and greener than ever!  I have made a few commitments to myself to improve my home life and community by becoming even MORE green, and will let you in on all the highs and lows.  I'm so excited to get the ball rolling after taking too long of a hiatus.  Here is just a hint of the things I have been up to that I can't wait to share:

 

Let's start with commitment #1: This year will be spent only purchasing thrift or vintage clothing!  I admit, I draw the line at undies and shoes, but everything else will be previously owned!  Buying used is of course a great way to reduce waste and will also keep me from throwing all my money at Fashion Island ;)  I'll be on the prowl for the best vintage shops around, will be conducting interviews, and posting all my amazing finds!  My first find was all the way down at the San Clemente Salvation Army.  I stumbled upon it thanks to my trip to the DMV.  Who knew something good could come from a visit to the DMV?  What is so awesome about this particular Salvation Army was that on Mondays all clothing items that are over 10 days old are $1.  ONE DOLLAR people!  Needless to stay, I stacked up, and here is one of my fancy finds:

Here's to Manic Mondays at the San Clemente Salvation Army!

Thank you, thank you very much

My friends recently put on the sweetest baby shower for my growing family.  Boys were invited, and they even had a good time!  I wanted to thank my loved ones with hand made cards, and committed to only using what I had in my house.  I used cardboard from the box my new fancy stroller came in, tissue paper from one of my adorable presents, and a couple of other familiar things I had lying around.

And this was the outcome!

I think creativity can really flourish when you are limited with your resources.  We're looking forward to many fun impromptu art projects with our little one.

Food for Thought

Do you think you could commit to shifting $1,000 you already spend to eco friendly goods?  It's actually not that hard.  For ideas on how to shift that cash, and to join other women in an effort to be "one in a million", check out this link on the Big Green Purse website.

According to the website "if a million women intentionally shift at least $1,000 of their existing budget to environmentally-friendly products, we can have a noticeable one billion dollar impact in the marketplace."

I found all this info in this article on Shine from Yahoo's website.  It's all about a gal who took the "One in a Million" challenge, and actually ended up saving more than $10,000!

Talk about some GREEN

Marmol Radziner, way cool

When you get a free moment during this hectic summer, you should check out the architectural firm Marmol Radziner.  There are so many beautiful images on their website that I could have gone on all day, but here are a couple of pics just to get you interested:

They beautifully and seamlessly integrate the building and interior with its natural outdoor landscaping, and I am a huge fan of their philosophy on the materials:


"We believe a good building becomes richer with the passage of time. Whereas many contemporary buildings are in tatters after ten years, historic buildings were constructed to absorb the stories of a hundred years. Architecture that is built to last minimizes the consumption of resources. The use of indigenous materials creates a connection between the architecture and the site. Natural materials such as stone, concrete, and wood will improve with age."  


And if all this didn't make me happy enough, they also take leftover scraps from their buildings and make really cool, simple, and modern jewelry. 

Brings a smile to my little face.

Another Flor Sale....and another day to celebrate the environment!