New Home for The EcoDiva


Please visit our new site at

TheEcoDiva.com

Featuring eco-fabulous reviews, giveaway and much more.


See you there!

Hey EcoDiva's...What's Your Message?



As the cold months of Autumn and Winter descend upon us, it's the perfect time to grab a warm cozy sweatshirt and bundle up with your honey bunny. For the sake of the environment and for your health, make sure the one you choose is organic. Make it even better with your own personal message. Here is a great little company called Cafe' Press Bingo Fashion which lets you design your own t-shirt, sweatshirt, and much more. They even carry organic options for babies and pets.

You can choose from some of the pre-made designs above, or create your very own. Check out the entire organic section & choose your favorite...I bet you can guess what mine will say.


Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva

Students Are EcoDivas Too!!


The EcoDiva blog has been listed as one of 100 Great Blogs for Green Students. I am thrilled to hear about all of the amazing programs around the country that have sprouted up at Universities focusing on green business, infrastructure, environmental sciences etc. The next generation is poised to save the human race and I am excited to be part of the future green movement.

I am honored to be part of this wonderful list of blogs and writers who share my passion for green in their own niche - this includes News, Fashion, Activism, Food and Diet, Design and Green Living (as well as others).

Enjoy the list, and make sure to pass along #49 (yours truly) with your friends:

100 Great Green Blog For Students


{Image Credit: WallyG}
Enjoy!


Signing off...EcoDiva

Happy Hallow"green" To All You EcoDivas

Happy Green Halloween everyone. I hope your journey into the magical world of dress-up and imagination was as silly, fun and joyful as mine was. Here are some of my favorite images from my EcoDiva camera that I have snapped this past month - filled with harvest, warm cider, and LOTS of pumpkins, I couldn't ask for a better harvest season to share with my own little pumpkin, Mr. EcoDiva and my amazing friends...both on and off the inter-web ;).

I look forward to sharing my journey with you into the next snowflake filled dazzling winter glow. And I look forward to hearing from and learning from you as well. Cheers~!
xoxo
The EcoDiva ;)





















What are your favorite images? E-mail me at theEcoDiva@gmail.com and I will share them in a future guest photos post.


Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva

{Giveaway ENDED} Becoming a Raw Diva With Kristen Suzanne


The Raw Deal
Over the last year, I have become borderline obsessed (maybe not so borderline) with learning all about the amazing benefits of the raw food lifestyle. Much MUCH more than just a diet, the raw food lifestyle is a way of looking at food, your health and the world of nutrition that completely take everything you know about eating, and turns it upside down...then right side up again. Confused?? I was too.

When I first heard about the raw food lifestyle, my first response was "what about my hot bowl of soup? my roasted veggies? my GOD!! what will I do without the HEAT??" And truthfully, I still feel that way. What I've learned about going raw is that it is not an "all or nothing" adventure. There are no rules about it how you "must" do it, and like with any major dietary change, it's important that you learn about it before jumping into it 100%.

Over the last several months, I've introduced you to some of my favorite raw chefs and resources - Ani Phyo, The Boutenkos, Sarma Belngailis and Purely Delicious Magazine. If you are ready to learn more about this incredible way of eating, which I am addicted to, here is your chance to jump in feet first.

The Raw Diva
Thanks to Kristen Suzanne, Raw Food Chef, author and spokesperson, I have three incredible books to give away to my fabulous readers. The first giveaway begins with this post. Here is a bit about Suzanne from her bio:
"Kristen Suzanne is an accomplished Raw food chef and former competitive bodybuilder. Through radio, television, books, classes, and her blog and email newsletter, Chef Kristen Suzanne helps people live life to the fullest with the healthiest cuisine in the world."

The Raw Book
The first book ready for your hot little hands is titled Kristen's Raw - The Easy Way to Get Started & Succeed at the Raw Food Vegan Diet & Lifestyle.

"Unlike Raw recipe books, this one-of-a-kind Raw Lifestyle guide provides expert advice and super easy tips and tricks for changing your habits and succeeding with the world's healthiest diet. You'll learn what to expect physically, what to expect emotionally, how to get started, how to handle cravings, how to order in restaurants, how to travel, how to handle questions from friends and co-workers, and how to deal with family members or introduce them to the Raw food lifestyle. In this friendly, funny, candid, and sometimes shockingly irreverent volume, Chef Kristen becomes your best friend, Raw food guide, and mentor, helping to ensure your success in what promises to be one of the most physically and mentally rewarding journeys of your life."


To Enter Simply do the following:

1 - Leave a comment about why you want to learn about raw foods AND

2 - Tell me what Kristen's very cool career was in her 20's


Extra Entries {let me know which you did by leaving a comment}:

* Share this giveaway on Twitter and follow @theEcoDiva
{you can tweet daily, just remember to leave a comment each time you tweet.}

* Share this giveaway on Facebook

* Add theEcoDiva to your blogroll.

* Follow this blog

* Email a friend about RAW {Giveaway}

One Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced November 15th, 2009.


Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva

Not Your Everyday Organic Cotton Bag...by GreenOne Ventures


I had the pleasure of meeting GreenOne Ventures founder, the passionate and lovely diva Melissa Blythe. Here is a bit about Melissa in her own words:

"My journey to Green[One] began at a very early age growing up in Rural Ontario. More out of necessity than a moralistic or environmental concern, my parents were green before green was cool.

I believe it’s the small choices we make every day that make the biggest difference to our health, our families, and ultimately our planet. Choosing conscious products (organic, local, fair trade, live food) is a critical part of the path, although I think the most profound impact we can have on our environment is to start from within: live out our dreams and passions, BE our unique expression, and BE a positive force in the world.

Being an avid traveler, and having lived in numerous places in Canada and in the UK, I was inspired to design bags with a style and functionality that works no matter where in the world we are. There is a moderness and simplicity to European style that I love, along with the utilitarian considerations in design. I wanted to combine these elements to create bags that would express individual style and allow us to carry out our busy lives with ease and simplicity.

I think it’s very exciting that GreenOne bags were born out of a necessity for a stylish alternative to plastic bags, and have ended up being one of the coolest, most functional and accessible carry-all’s on the planet!"

The certified 100% organic cotton bags from GreenOne Ventures are beautifully crafted, roomy and truly beautiful. I LOVE the side pockets just perfect for my favorite bottle of organic wine. The handles are thick and sturdy, as well as long enough to carry sling over my shoulder. Check out the beautifully designed organic cotton bags and t-shirts today.

Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva

Greet Winter Winds...In EcoDiva "Swap It" Style


As I opened my door this beautiful Autumn morning, I could feel the blustery winds of the Pacific Northwest blowing past me. This is my fourth winter in this region and I am starting to truly get the hang of finding the balance between staying true to my inner EcoDiva while being comfy enough to run after my (cuter-than-the-average bear) toddler. The key is.....drum-roll......accessories!!!

As divas who realize the impact of buying more STUFF, we can't simply go out and buy a new wardrobe each season, even if is it from a consignment shop or thrift store. One of the best way to a new seasonal look is to switch out a few key accessories with your diva buddies. I'll bet you 10 dark chocolate bars that you have at least one buddy who has a scarf that you covet, and that buddy might just love yours as well. Go ahead and set up a seasonal swap:


Step 1 - Invite your best buds

Step 2 - Tell each diva to bring 2-3 winter accessories - gloves, scarves, hats, even coats...etc.

Step 3 - Pop open a bottle of organic wine, and let the swapping begin

And ladies, let's all please be civil. If there are a few highly coveted pieces, you can do what I tell my toddler to do..."you can take turns". Where a piece for one month, then swap again. I bet you'll get into it and discover other categories of items you would like to swap out each season.




{Images Courtesy of smittenkittenorig}

Have your own ideas for Greeting Winter in EcoDiva style?
Have you been swapping with your diva friends?
I'd love to hear about it in the new "diva thoughts" section below.

Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva

Are You A West Coast Green Blogger?


If you or someone you know writes about environmental issues and lives in Los Angeles (or just likes to travel) join EcoStiletto at Environment Furniture, located at 8126 Beverly Boulevard, on November 6th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., where Green Works Natural Cleaning Products presents the first-ever Green Blogger Convention.
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. you’ll meet and greet other green bloggers, writers and editors, while you sip organic Cafe de Olla and nibble piping hot churros from the Border Grill Truck and enjoy first-come, first-served sustainable beauty treatments from Steam Salon, mini-makeovers from Terra Firma Cosmetics and polish changes by Sheswai Lacquer. Thirsty? Water is provided by NIKA, which donates all proceeds to communities in need.

Fabulous EcoDiva Panel
From 10 a.m. to 11:30 discuss the past, present and future of green blogging with a panel that includes:
  • Kim Barnouin, co-author of New York Times Bestseller Skinny Bitch and founder of HealthyBitchDaily.com.

  • Starre Vartan, environmental journalist, editor and publisher of Eco-Chick.com and author of the site’s companion book, “The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green,” who also writes for the Huffington Post, The Daily Green and Greenopia.

  • Jen Boulden, co-founder of IdealBite.com.

  • Jane Buckingham, trend forecaster and president of Trendera.com, founder of CA’s The Intelligence Group, author and host of “The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life” books and series on the Style Network.

  • “Green LA Girl” Siel Ju, contributing editor to BlogHer.com, blogger for MNN.com and Lime.com, and former editor of the Los Angeles Times’ environmental blog, Emerald City.

  • Lauren Selman, founder & producer of Reel Green Media & “Sustainable Sirens;” associate producer of EcoDivas” TV.

  • Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, founder & editor of EcoStiletto.com.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. take in a Vegan Fashion Show featuring sustainable designs from ecoSkin, Doie, Deborah Lindquist, Stewart + Brown and Wasteland.

Space is limited; here’s the link to register: http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/green_blogger/

{Product Review} Organic Essence Shea Cream


Submitted by the fabulous Eco Mama

It's that time of year where you really start looking around for lotion. At least I do. But a decent body cream, that's truly organic and free of toxic chemicals is not an easy thing to find. Organic Essence is a super eco friendly company (their biodegradable packaging is unheard of) that makes the most luxurious body products that really are good for you and the earth. Their Vanilla Orange Shea Butter Cream completely fits the bill with its comforting smell and yummy texture.

Shea Butter comes from the African Karite Nut and is known for its healing properties. Organic Essence Shea butter (the key ingredient in the cream) is hand made by a group of women in Ghana who literally crack open the nuts, cook them, and grind them into a paste in a centuries old process. Traditionally the paste is formed into balls and carried in hand made baskets.

Organic Essence Shea butter is ethically sourced and supports 600 women in Ghana with fair trade wages. If a fraction of body care companies were this responsible and green, it would have a huge impact on the earth and its inhabitants. Organic Essence is setting a wonderful example and by supporting them we can encourage other companies to follow suit.

It is just a little spendy for my budget (though ridiculously cheap when you consider what goes into it), so I've been wondering how I'm going to continue my habit. I recently spotted it on LuckyVitamin.com at a pretty big discount, so I will be using this all winter long. A little goes a long way, so even if you pay full price, I think it's still a great value. Their lip balm is also fantastic, so check that out too.

Enjoy!

Weekend Etsy Find - Handmade Halloween Costumes


Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Not so much for the candy (I could take it or leave it - I'm more of a dark chocolate diva), but for the chance to transform into something oh so completely different from my daily life. Here is a brief rundown of some of my past outfits:

7yrs old - the mom from the Adam's Family - my mom handmade the black floor length gown with extra long sleeves, my black hair, plus some white face powder and blood red lips...I looked FABULOUS and totally SCARY.

8yrs old - same as above - I know, not very original but very loyal and thought my idea was brilliant.

9yrs through 11 yrs - Cindy Lauper - think orange hair, striped tights, lots of bracelets...and gum popping as I alternated between "girls just wanna have fun" and "time after time"

12yrs old - not sure exactly what I was but my mom handmade a silver jumpsuit and most of my classmates though I was a female martian...still as I look back, I'm not sure what I was thinking on this one.

The thing I remember most about each Halloween was that I was totally original and that my mom handmade my costume each year. It didn't take all that much time or effort, but it was burned into my memory. As you think about creating memories this year, think about skipping the store bought synthetic junk and creating an original idea Halloween get-up. If you don't have time to cut and sew yourself, check out some of these creative Etsy finds to get spooky, sexy or silly for Halloween:

This first Etsy find is a fabulous little accessory that will instantly transform you into a Halloween Diva. You can easily wear this one to the office to turn up the celebration. The Etsy artist NevaPlume uses vintage jewelry to adorn each original handmade piece. Check out her entire collection here. She even created sweet feather pieces for the little divas in your life.

Skip the toxic plastic masks and go for one Reimagined Musing's original up-cycled masks whose creations are made from nearly all recycled, up cycled or salvaged materials. She even " specializes in fine junk mail creations!"

I simply had to include this tutu in my list. Mostly because, well, tutus are fabulous, flirty and fun. And why should five year old girls have all the fun? This little number is made by hand by Etsy artisan Zachary Dickory Dock and even comes with an antennae. And yes, she makes tutus for sweet babes as well.

Whether you are dressing up or simply handing out tricks & treats to local kiddo goblins, please take time to green your Halloween.

If you are thinking about alternatives for filling those pumpkins with sugary treats, check out my fabulous sister-in-law and her incredible mom Lynn's site GreenHalloween.org. You'll find great ideas on everything from tricks & treats to celebration ideas.


{Top Image Courtesy of MyDearDelilah on Flickr.com}

Enjoy!

Signing off...EcoDiva