LotusHaus

Unearth Malee } Asian Inspired Body Care

Thai Spiced Tea. Ginger Lemongrass. Kaffir Lime Rosemary. Lavendar Lotus Blossom. Cilantro Mint. Papaya Ginger. Mangosteen White Tea Bergamot. So many glorious scents, how does one choose? I recently had the honor of trying several of these luxurious Asian inspired organic soaps by Unearth Malee. Made with all Organic Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, let's just say that I didn't want to get out of the bath tub - the scents and suds were divine!

Marie Pechkam is the founder of Unearth Malee and her Thai American background sets the tone for an amazing variety of organic soaps, lotion bars, soy candles, bath teas, and essential oil diffusers. The packaging is also eco-friendly, made with flower seeded paper that you can plant later. "Malee” in Thai refers to a jasmine flower.  It is also a name passed down three generations in Marie’s family. We are very fortunate that Marie has created Unearth Malee! Now we can also experience the savory essence of Thai herbs and spices that she grew up with on a daily basis!

Also, if you are having an Asian inspired wedding or event and being organic and eco-friendly is important to you, why not honor your guests with these wonderful soaps that can be customized as favors! Love it!

Florendipity Photography

I just discovered the incredibly amazing floral photography work of Jocelyn Konarski, the Filipina-Polish photographer behind Florendipity Photography. Without the use of tricky filters or lenses, computer enhancements or processing, her work reveals the natural essence and mystery of flora by using a special technique which allows the flowers to expose themselves naturally in the existing sunlight to her NikonF2. Simply stunning! Also check out Jocelyn's exhibition page and you will be inspired by the modern use of her photography in posh restaurants and bars! Oh, and stay tuned for her upcoming anthology of flowers photography book!

  
 

Happy Earth Day from Raffy!

Here's my lil' green buddy, Raffy! (Wearing daddy's baby shoes!) He's now 5 months today, yay! Below is Raffy at age 3 months... sporting a soft and cozy organic cotton gown from one of my readers! Thanks Oresya from GinkoOrganic.

JL Designs creates her own Modern Wedding!

Wow! Carissa from JL Designs designed the most fabulous and modern wedding for herself at a private residence in Malibu, CA! The wedding cake above is by Vanilla Bakeshop with a custom stand designed by Carissa. See more from this incredible wedding at JL Designs! 

Rouge Tomate - Red Hot and Green Venue in NYC

I really would love a mini vacation to NYC! If I were there, I would check out the new eco-luxe restaurant Rouge Tomate. The food and decor are all sustainable and the venue boasts an impressive mult-level design... The Cranberry Pool is my favorite (pictured below) and this would be where I would have wanted my bachelorette party or bridal shower! At the Rouge Tomate site, click on the Event button to check out the very cool floor plans.

If you are in NYC, check out the Eco-Luxe / Go Green Expo on Sept. 22 to be held at Rouge Tomate. More info here.

Lotus Bambou } Organic Perfume by Acorelle

 

I'm enchanted by the idea of "Lotus Bambou" organic perfume! I wish you could smell through the internet! Check out this perfume and other wonderful scents by Acorelle at the Nimli Eco Boutique.

Kate Quinn Organics Summer Collection!

I LOVE KATE QUINN ORGANICS! Check out the new summer collection of sumptuous organic cotton options for you and baby!!!

Amy Butler for Welspun } A new collection of organic cotton bedding

Via Decor8 I learned that Amy Butler has designed a line of 100% organic cotton bedding for Welspun that will be available in June! See more photos here and a slideshow here.

Valentine's Day Must Gives } Organic Chocolate Bento Box and Bon Bons

This just in! Sweeten you tooth and your wallet with these fantastic organic chocolates on sale at Viva Terra!  Bento Goodie Box (this is a real Japanese Bento Box...reuse it for food, jewelry storage, or whatever!) and Organic Chocolate Bon Bons (set of 6pcs for only $5 a box!!! I'm getting these for my gal pals!)

New Ikebana Creations by Baiko of Zen Images

Aren't these images wonderfully pleasing! Capture the essence of these works of art by purchasing a glicee print from Zen Images and learn more about the artist Baiko, a Sogestu Ikebana master from the South of France.

Amenity Home } Hemp/Organic Cotton Christmas Decor

This Amenity Home collection of Christmas decor made from a blend of eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton is simply fantastic! Check it out here. Via re-nest.

Organic Cotton teddy bear for grown folks! Kuma Bear by Fauna

The Kuma Bear is a hip, modernist and organic cotton bear that features movable joints and hand screenprinted patterns! Created by New York designer Ross Menuez for his line Fauna, you can get your own bear at Design Public. I love that the joints can be positioned to express your every whim! Take one along with you on location and make postcard pics ala the Travelocity Gnome or Amelie's Gnome!

My Design Work } George Organic Cotton Baby - Back on the Block for $5

I was at Walmart the other day and was so giddy to see that the George Baby organic cotton sets I worked on were back after being gone for awhile. Now they're on the shelves again and selling for the perfect holiday price of $5 (Instead of $9.99)! Choose from either a bib/burp cloth set, a sleeper/bib set or a pack of 3 kimono style onesies. I have another baby shower this weekend for my mom's friend so these will be perfecto!

VerTerra } Modern, Natural, Compostable Tableware Made from Palm Leaves

Check out VerTerra, a modern and sustainable single-use tableware collection...Inspired by plates used at roadside stands in India, these unique plates, platters and bowls are made using only fallen palm leaves and water. Each piece is 100% compostable, can be used in the microwave or freezer and are perfect for sending leftovers and treats home with guests. Plates that don't find a home can be rinsed and tossed in the yard. After about 60 days the plates will completely compost! I'm loving the hexagonal plates and have a great post-meal idea that involves paint (or decoupage) and mounting the plates as wall decor like this.

Deloss Webber } Incredible Rattan Weaver from Seattle

Absolutely incredible! I am blown away by the work of Seattle artist Deloss Webber, a second generation rattan weaver influenced by traditional Japanese and Native American basketry, wicker furniture, loom weaving, fly-tying, and nautical knotting. I am so in awe of of his stone and basketry work... Each stone is selected and wrapped with a unique design made of various materials including bamboo, cane, rattan, and reed. The smaller stone pieces are called "Small Blessings" and I would be so blessed to have one of these treasures in my little family. You can purchase them in Seattle for $185 at Kagedo Japanese Art Gallery.

Meet the Joobles! } Fair Trade and Organic BFF's for kids!

The Joobles are the softest, most adorable, squishiest, organic-iest animals around! They are guaranteed to be your new Best Friend Forever (BFF)! These fabulous knit toys are made from pure organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes! The Joobles are made fairly in Lima, Peru at a family-run facility where dad grows the cotton and moms runs the sewing operation. See the whole collection here at Fair Indigo! Oh and check out the matching sweater sets too! I love the Mel the Monkey and Buzzy Bug.

Pick Your Design Mood at Stylkist } Naturally Modern Styling

Get emotional with your decor...Pick Your Mood at Stylkist, a naturally modern online decor boutique based in Mumbai, India. I love the calming colors and natural materials found at this easy to use website. Today, I'm seeking inner peace via An India Summer, one of my favorite blogs.

Pangea Organics } Organic Body Care Line for Kids featuring the Lorax

"I am the Lorax and I Speak for the Trees."
Via Sustainable is Good, I learned that one of my favorite organic body care lines, Pangea Organics, will be launching a new kids line featuring Dr. Seuss's eco-friendly character the Lorax! This new line will be available exclusively at Target around May 2009 and will include items such as children’s toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and more! How exciting!

Eco Notes by Fabulous Stationary } Save the Date Invitations

Be modern. Be green. Be quirky! I love these Eco-Notes from Fabulous Stationary! Not only are they made from 100% Recycled and 80% Post Consumer Waste, but these Eco-Notes come in many organic and modern looking designs that are customizable to your party or special event. Create your own modern Save the Date or Thank You Card, or send out a fabulous invitation to your birthday party or shower. Gotta love 'em!

Red Crocosmia } Perfect for the Modern Garden

With joy I discovered that we have some Crocosmia in the backyard...Also known as Coppertip or Falling Star, Crocosmia is a member of the Iris family and is native to South Africa. They must really enjoy summer in the Northwest, because I am seeing them in everyone's gardens! I love the red orange color and the shape of the blooms and stems. They add flair and texture to floral arrangements and remind me of the way orchids sprays look. The photos shown here are of an incredible garden design using crocosmia, the color red, and some really cool geometric walls and cut-outs - from the 2007 Royal Horticulture Society Flower Show in the UK. Check out the panorama of the garden here.

Xeritown } A Sustainable Urban Complex in Dubailand

Via Inhabitat, you can check out Xeritown, an amazing new sustainable urban community in the new part of Dubai, which is based on the concept of a xeriscape - "an urban garden area designed to minimize the use of water." The community was designed so that the cool sea breeze is sucked into the town and the hot desert breeze is blocked out. Read more here. I love the artist renderings and the architectural details infusing traditional graphic elements with modern sustainability!

Modern Excursion } A Neutral Palette

Today I'm inspired by the idea of eco-travel in Africa...Here's what I found on my web safari hunt... khaki trouser suit by Stella McCartney | floral sculpture by Junko Miura | mango wood vases by LA-Decor | bamboo cloud chandelier by Roost | lace horses by Viva Terra | sustainable sectional sofa by RC Green | Stockholm leaf chair by Ikea | and pillows by Inhabitat.

Krislyn Floral Couture } Organic Modern

Krislyn Floral Couture is based in LA and this incredibly innovative team creates beautiful, modern and organically inspired designs and floral sculptures. Nothing short of awe-inspiring!

Baby Bunch } Organic Gift Set that looks like a flower bouquet!

I was shopping around Madison Park today after an appointment with my Naturopath and saw this great organic baby gift set from Baby Bunch. I wish I would have picked these up for all the baby showers I attended this year! This beautiful gift set includes organic cotton baby essentials presented in a floral bouquet with wood veneer roses, faux foliage and a lovely decorative lidded box!

FabricPot } Fashionable and Sustainable Planters

I'm really liking these funky and eco-friendly fabric planters by FabricPot. Instead of a ceramic or plastic container, these pots use high tech, breathable fabric made with 100% recycled polyester. The fabric material provides proper aeration and makes these planters collapsible and easy to store. On sale now for $24.

GlobalFlora } Coral Fixation

Featured Event Theme: Coral Fixation via ThirteenMinutes Magazine

This post is inspired by an amazing fashion spread I saw in ThirteenMinutes, an avant garde Asian American magazine. I just love this sleek and modern take on the traditional "Seaside" theme. Coral is fascinating with it's varying textures and dynamic forms. Hair styling by Philippe Paschkes, photography by Richard Warren, and makeup by Viktorija Bowers. Seashell takeout favor idea by Pink Pearls, rare black coral ring by Art Deco Rings,  modern seashore tablescape by Rebecca Thuss, and coral sea shell arrangement by Zofia Design.

Organic Floral Decor } On a Mission to Celebrate Earth Day in Style!

Uphold the well being of the planet & celebrate Earth Day in style...enliven your inner space with some modern organic green! Treat the planet, it's inhabitants and yourself to these charitable & eco-chic floral arrangements. Each of these beautiful organic bouquets not only support the environment, but they give back to the beautiful people of the world. Pick up some flowers this week and feel good about the world you live in! You'll be happy to know that these blooms are also delivered in gorgeous sustainable packaging. Trust me, this will be an awesome experience! Don't forget to compost these lovely things of beauty and they will be enjoyed forever.

Rainforest Green Bouquet The mission of Rainforest Foundation-US is to support the efforts of indigenous and traditional populations of the rainforest to protect their environment and fulfill their rights. The Foundation helps indigenous communities secure land rights, manage natural resources and strengthen their capacity to defend and sustain their ways of life. Now you can support the Foundation through the purchase of these magnificent chartreuse colored roses. With each one dozen purchase 5% will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation-US. $49.95

Earth Share Oriental Lilies Earth Share is a nationwide network of America’s most respected environmental and conservation non-profit organizations. Earth Share is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting the vital charities that work to protect the environment and our well-being every day. Now, you can help support Earth Share in its vital mission simply by purchasing this unique and fragrant bouquet of Oriental white lilies – 5% will be donated to Earth Share for each purchase. $59.95

A Bouquet to Save Plants United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant and renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Now you can support United Plant Savers through the purchase of these beautiful mauve colored long-stem lavender roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to United Plant Savers. $49.95

Asiatic Lilies that CARE CARE’s mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from CARE’s global diversity, resources and experience, CARE promotes innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. Now you can support their humanitarian efforts with the purchase of these vibrant yellow and orange Asiatic Lilies. Each bouquet is hand selected and shipped fresh from the farm. Plus a portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to CARE. $59.95

Healthy Child Healthy World Roses Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, specifically parents and caregivers, about environmental toxins that affect children's health. Goals are met through increased scientific research, government policies which are more protective of children, and educating and mobilizing individuals around the country. Support Healthy Child Healthy World through the purchase of these spectacular bright pink roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to HCHW. Includes two-dozen long stem roses. $69.95

Zen Images & Art Prints by Ikebana Master - Baiko

Create a mindful corner of your home centered around one of these beautiful Zen Images by a Sogetsu Ikebana master named Astrid Stadt or Baiko, (the Japanese name for "plum blossom" that was awarded to her when she became a Sensei). You can purchase Baiko's work as a fine art giclee print here and here. Also, be sure to read the Zen Images blog for some wonderful floral inspiration!

Ann Demeulemeester Boutique } Green Seoul

Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.

Lather Spa NYC } Plant Wall & Nice Gift Card Packaging

The latest online version of Organic Spa Magazine came out and I saw this great spread on the Lather Spa in New York. I love the punches of color, the plant wall and the beautiful gift card packaging for those special occasions!

I'm in love with my Organic Cotton/Bamboo blanQuette™!

What's a blanQuette™ you ask? Well, it's my favorite blanket of course! The blanQuette™ is a lightweight blanket that looks like an oversized plush turkish towel and is made from the highest quality 100% certified organic cotton and bamboo fibers. This amazing new collection of organic cotton/bamboo blankets by Yumi & Laurie is simply fantastic! The one that I have is from the Furano collection and features a zen-like pattern in an assortment of soothing colors. When it's not snuggled around me, my blanQuette lounges nicely on my reading futon! Get a Furano blanket this week, because there just happens to be a special going on now for 20% off!

A Sweet and Sustainable Bedroom Bench!

I just love this sweet bench made of reclaimed Chinese Fir! Check out this lovely bench and many other inspiring lifestyle products for your Body, Spirit and Home at Acacia.

Easter Party Favor Idea } Organic Chocolates in Natural Sinamay Pouches

Here's a sweet idea for an organic Easter Party Favor! Wrap up some tasty organic chocolate easter eggs and bunnies from Sweet Earth using some colorful and natural fiber Sinamay pouches (A product of the Philippines!) from Plum Party, add some raffia ribbon plus a Bloom card and convey your sincerest Easter greetings! Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

Jim Denevan } The Zen of Sand Art

Take a deep breath and plunge into the beautiful work of Jim Denevan, a phenomenal artist that makes larger than life freehand drawings in the sand. Truly in touch with each moment and the law of impermanence, Jim's labor of love usually takes hours to complete. Once his freestyle design is done the ocean washes in to reclaim its canvas and to reinforce the awesome power of nature.

Lily Lodge } Organic Floral Boutique in LA

Via Style Court I discovered Lily Lodge, a truly unique organic floral boutique experience in Los Angeles. With a family history of creativity and a background in fashion, proprietor Ariana Lambert Smeraldo takes flower power to another level! At Lily Lodge you will find pesticide-free flowers from local and organic growers and an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind vintage vases, set in a truly beautifying atmosphere. Finally floral decor gets the elevated status it deserves! Check out the glorious parlor like furnishings and the custom designed flower cooler which was designed to mimick artwork in a gallery or museum setting. Simply stunning.

Valentine's Day } Organic Rose Basket

This is a lovely eco-chic rose gift basket that I made from my Organic Bouquet order on Valentine's Day. The wrapping cloth is a beautiful and vintage Furoshiki that was a thrift store find and the woven basket was purchased at Daiso. Both packaging items are elegant, eco-friendly and completely reusable. For the floral arrangement I lined the basket with plastic and a shallow square piece of floral foam (I can't wait until a more eco-friendly version of this nasty spongy green stuff hits the market), and inserted the organic rose blooms. Finally, I added silver crimped wire for embellishment. If given more time I would have added one colorful ribbon around the basket but in the end, I like how this gift turned out.

Happy Valentine's Day in Organic Style!

Let me just say...I LOVE ORGANIC STYLE and ORGANIC BOUQUET! Last May, I wrote about Organic Bouquet acquiring the Organic Style brand name. This Valentine's Day I have the pleasure of writing this glowing praise for Organic Style's product and service. I ordered flowers and gifts for me and my hubby, and I am so thrilled with what we received!   

Organic Style flowers have some amazing must-see packaging! What arrived with FedEx this afternoon was an eco-elegant recyclable box with bright purple and green graphics along with a certified Veriflora sticker. Upon opening the box I was greeted with the words "beautiful flowers. naturally." plus care instructions and information on how these flowers are Gentle on the Earth.

A wonderful booklet about Organic Style and it's mission was included along with my order of the You Take My Breath Away mixed roses bouquet. I also ordered add-ons like a plush organic bear and some organic chocolate truffles. To my surprise the bear was a miYim plush toy (available at Whole Foods in the lifestyle section)! It's so soft and cuddly! The truffles came in a heart shaped box that I can't wait to get into with some Jasmine Green tea.

The roses came with a vase and were kept wet with a sponge filled with water. The bouquet was carefully wrapped and the rose blooms were separated by corrugated cardboard. When I removed the plastic and cardboard the roses were clean, undamaged and robust. I only had to remove a couple of the outer petals and some torn leaves. I'll show you how I arranged them later *wink! Update 2/16/08 - Click here to see what I did!

Overall, this was the best experience I have ever had ordering flowers online! I highly recommend Organic Style as your go-to source for sending stylish and sustainable flowers and gifts to your loved ones and associates!

H&M } Blesses Seattle with Affordable and Fashion Forward Style!

H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), the Swedish fashion department store chain is finally coming to Seattle!!!! It's like IKEA for fashion...seriously! I just read that H&M will open three stores this Fall. One in the University Village, one downtown Seattle and one at Southcenter mall, in my own backyard! Oh man, this is big news for Seattle fashion. I have been to the many H&M stores in New York and it's madness. You can expect to wait in line for a dressing room and then again to check out. I always love their textile prints - you can imagine the awesomeness of finding a plethora of summer wrap dresses in prints reminiscent of Marimekko, Orla Kierly or Dianne Von Furstenberg for $24.99! It would make any mild mannered fashionista's heart race and blood pulse. Oh and don't feel too bad. H&M is also working on their corporate responsibility & sustainability initiatives by providing its followers with affordable organic cotton options too.

My Vegan Divine Valentine

Conscious Gift Giving is what Seattle-based Vegan Divine is all about! With an amazing and creative selection of 100% vegan goods lovingly arranged and sustainably packaged by  two lovely sisters you are sure to find the perfect gift to match your ideal values.  I have met the eco-divas behind this incredible business and they are absolutely divine! Make sure to place your Valentine's Day orders now! My favorite gift baskets are Chocolate Desires and Exotic Luv! Thanks Santamrit and Simran!

Why I Love Aveda!

If you've ever been to an Aveda Concept Salon or an Aveda Retail Store you'll know why I love Aveda. The Aveda approach to beauty, wellness, aromatherapy & ecology is so inspiring. When you go into a retail store you are offered hot tea and a complimentary hand massage. When you have a styling appointment at the salon you receive a scalp and neck massage with essential oils before your service, and a hand/arm massage while your hair is being shampooed/ conditioned. Aveda's environmental mission is displayed everywhere and even the stylists and sales staff are excited to talk about the environment while showing you the latest things in hair and makeup. I personally love Aveda's fragrance and makeup lines (especially the Uruku Lip Color Line.) The makeup products are stylish, simple, sustainable, great smelling, great tasting, and beautifully packaged.

This goes for all of Aveda's products and services! Aveda also has a really cool Pure Privilege program where you can rack up points to score really cool green products and service. I'm saving my points up for the Destination Spa Stay in Jamaica. I had the chance to work with Aveda in a third party kind of way when I designed last year's Earth Month collateral for the Columbia Riverkeeper, Aveda's 2007 west coast environmental partner. Recently, after Christmas while redeeming some gift cards, I found out that Aveda is now 100% Wind Powered! Another reason to love Aveda! The company has funded wind turbines that generate enough wind energy to offset 100% of the electricity used by Aveda's primary manufacturing facility in Minnesota. The best part about this wind power push is Aveda's super couture looking ad campaign! I just love the juxtaposition of beauty, style and environmental concern! Beauty is as Beauty does. I love it!

Modern Picks for Scentual Gifts

Get one for you and one for a friend! Fragrant and stylish ceramic reed diffusers from West Elm beautifully packaged in an espresso holiday gift box.  Red Current, Grapefruit-Mandarin, White Flower...

Enhance your inner beauty with sensual, natural and organic perfumes from Tsi~La Organics, which are certified organic and use GMO free alcohol. These beautifully adorned bottles come packaged in a signature black lotus box. Combinations of Vanilla Orchids, Juicy Tangerine, Jasmine Petals, Bergamot, Ginger, Clove, Nutmeg and more...

Fill up your stockings with products from the hip body care line from Pangea Organics available at a World Market near you! Give a gift that grows by planting the eco-friendly soap carton and watch sweet basil or amaranth spring into your new year! Lemongrass with Rosemary, Lavender with Cardamom, Tunisian Olive Oil with Coconut...

For your home spa, take cues from the ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Rest your neck on this shiatsu pillow made with bamboo slats and soothe your shopping sore eyes with this eye pillow made with kimono silk and filled with lavender and flaxseed. Available at Takashimaya NY.

Watch flowers bloom in the winter! Enjoy a cup of fragrant tea and give the gift of serenity with these organic flowering teas by Numi, available at VeganDivine. White Tea or Green Tea with Jasmine, Chrysanthemum or Amaranth flowers...

A special treat! Coming soon! LotusHaus Vintage Edition Lotus Bowl Candles - reclaimed ceramics from Japan handpoured with all natural and sustainable EcoSoya.  Email me for more info! Cedar & Saffron, Grapefruit & Vanilla, Greentea, Lemon Verbena...

Organic & Fair Trade Chocolate for a Sweet Holiday

I would love to receive any of these decadent and artistic chocolates as a gift! The selection of small "tasting bars" on the left are certified organic chocolates that are hand decorated and dairy free. On the right are fair trade truffles that infuse chocolate from Costa Rica with organic regional ingredients from Oregon. Buy them here!

Wintergreen snowflakes } DIY or buy an eco-gift

These wintergreen snowflakes are so lovely and naturally whimsical! Make your own using this DIY guide from Sunset magazine or jump on OrganicStyle.com and send an Organic Pine Snowflake or a Pine Peace Wreath to your favorite person! 

Ecolect } Sustainable Materials Library

For all you sustainable designers, check out Ecolect, the first sustainable materials community! Via Treehugger.

Tsi-La Organics } Fanciful Fragrances

Tsi-La Organics is my new favorite perfumery! If only you could smell through the internet! "Bewitching blossoms, exotic spices and precious woods are steeped in beauty and seduction, leaving an alluring and addictive trail..." The Eau Du Parfum Collection features 4 perfumes in a base of coconut oil infused with the botanical extracts of pink orchids. Packaged in beautifully decorated cubic glass bottles and their signature black lotus box, I'm definitely putting these on my wishlist!

Scratch Patch } Organic and Natural Healing through Gem Stones

I opened up the latest Seattle Conscious Choice magazine and was magically inspired. Amanda Lamprecht is an amazing woman that helps others heal through many mediums. As the founder of the Joyful Healing Arts Center in West Seattle which offers wellness through yoga, music and sound therapy, Amanda has added another dimension of healing inspired by her South African roots.

Scratch Patch is a sensory experience in the Roosevelt district where you can immerse yourself in a sea of smooth, colorful gemstones and enjoy a sense of beauty and connection with nature. The experience is simple but oh so serene. Grab a plush flower basket, plop down and "scratch" around the thousands of beautiful gemstones that cover the floor, all the while listening to the sounds of birds chirping.

I surprised my hubby with a little trip to Scratch Patch yesterday (camera phone photos suck! oh well). As a DJ, I thought it would be fun for him because he "scratches" on the turntables. For me, it was the ultimate creative experience in color therapy. I'm the type of gal that likes going to the bead and jewelry shows for the sheer pleasure of handling the smooth surfaces and taking in all of the natural sparkling colors. Anyone who has seen Amelie's guilty pleasure of sliding her hand into a barrel of smooth beans, knows what I'm talking about. I had a lot of fun creating different color combinations and learning about the properties of the different stones. Amanda was such a wonderful soul and had such a positive and comforting vibe. Definitely an organic and natural experience! Take a friend and get to scratching! Oh and don't forget to check out Amanda's gem stone jewelry and her new children's jewelry collection!

Seattle's First Ever Green Fashion Week!

This week Seattle will have it's very own Green Fashion Week! Check out the event schedule for some pleasantly unexpected fashion events like style consultations, green panels, book releases and spa pampering. I hope to attend some of these events and will be back to report on them!

Remedy Teas } Organic and Modern Tea Cafe in Seattle

I'm loving the modern and organic Remedy Teas cafe tucked away on Capitol Hill off of 15th. We popped in one day and enjoyed some nice organic green tea and cucumber sandwiches. The look is fresh and modern with white tiles, a shot of chartreuse, walnut veneer and chrome finishes...I'm also in love with the oh so cool use of the classic Helvetica typeface. Remedy's numbered tea storage jars are also cool and seem to just float on adjustable dowels. Check out the website to see their full menu of organic tasty treats, teas and "spiked" tea cocktails. While we were in there, Seattle native Ishmael Butler from the Grammy winning Digable Planets strolled in for a shot of hot tea...cuz he's cool like that! (Sorry, I couldn't resist, Ish!)

Organic Baby Fall Collection @ Wal-Mart } My Work Featured in the Tab!

Hooray! The George Organic Baby collection I worked on with the Sustainable Textile Network at Wal-Mart was featured in the "Tab" flyer during Labor Day weekend. Isn't that baby boy so darling and sweet! The ad tagline says, Better for our world. Better for your baby. Better for your wallet. I can't agree more.

Speaking of taglines, just yesterday Wal-Mart gave up it's 19 year old slogan "Always Low Prices," in order to give us a better lifestyle motto "Save Money. Live Better."  This collection has so many pieces from playsets to creepers, onesies, bibs and burb cloths, etc, so here are a few more photos for your enjoyment!

Save Our Elephant Friend } Walk softly. Tread lightly.

Save The Wild Mountain Sheep } Keep them counting.

Daily Dump } Composts with Indian Charm

What is that, you say? These beautifully crafted & painted vessels are compost centers by Daily Dump in India. Daily Dump is a wonderful & hygienic composting system that helps households to manage biodegradable waster matter and convert it into high-quality compost. Not to mention they look like natural additions to your home and garden. Visit the beautifully designed Daily Dump website to see the full product line and to learn more about how these elegant compost vessels are used. For a review of Daily Dump visit the Inhabit blog.