Happy Halloween!

I hope you are all off having a lovely, green, Halloween.  If you need a few refreshers, here is a vintage post on greening your Halloween.  Happy Haunting!

Back In Time

Sorry for my absence. I have been celebrating. Both my anniversary and birthday were this week. So I spent some time here, on Mackinac Island.

On this tiny piece of land there are no automobiles allowed.

I forgot how much noise and smog my body had grown accustomed to until it was gone and I was left only with relief.

The waves sang me into relaxation.

It's as if the universe was painting me perfect present.

Product Review :: Sprout Watch

Going back to work, I was in need of a watch.  Since I didn't have an eco-watch in mind, I Good Searched it and came up with Sprout watches.  I chose the model above on appearance and price and got it from Zappos because they have both the best customer service and selection.

The watch is made with conflict-free diamonds, corn resin bezel, mineral crystal lens, and mercury free battery.  While I am happy with the way the watch wears and the look of it, I did have some confusion on the strap.  Online it is says faux leather, but on the (eco-friendly) packaging, it claims, genuine.  I certainly wouldn't have purchased genuine leather of any sort.  Beyond this confusion, the watch has been a good buy.

Does anyone else have a Sprout watch?  Which style?

A word on product review

Thrift Find :: Striped Shirt and Camel Handbag

On my big thrifting spree a couple weeks ago I found two classic, versatile pieces.  Together they cost me less than $10.  This Christopher & Banks striped shirt has roll up table sleeves, a mandarin collar, and of course those elongating stripes.  The camel Liz Claiborne bag is the perfect neutral piece for any outfit and looks great with fall boots!  What thrifting finds have you come across lately?

Product Review :: Brush Scrubber

I've mentioned before that we are a hand-washing household. As such, I am always on the search for the perfect (long lasting, effective) scrubber. I recently ordered the brush scrubber from Eco Cleaner Collection at Viva Terra. While I can't speak to the longevity just yet, so far we are loving the way it works. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else. The heads are interchangeable and the scrubber holds dish soap. It has made for some happy sudsing around here...well as happy as hand-washing dishes can get.

Have you come across any great green cleaners lately?

P.S. A word on product review

Glorious and Rare Autumn

 Glorious is the only way to describe the atmosphere here this weekend.

 Temperatures are hovering around 80...in MICHIGAN...in OCTOBER.

The sun has been shining through nearly cloudless skies for over a week straight.  

The leaves are burnt sienna, rust, golden rod, fluttering and falling in the most beautiful display.

The last of the songbirds are singing their goodbyes.

We are outside, soaking up every perfect moment of it.

An Autumn such as this is rare as diamonds and not long for the world.

Thrift Find :: Banana Republic Sweater

I made out like a bandit at the thrift store last weekend.  Our village consignment shop has combined home goods and wearables...which means a whole lotta goodies in one trip.  I am going to start sharing them with you as I pull them out and wear them/use them.

First up, Banana Republic sweater.  $5 and 20% off!!!

Sorry about the picture.  My 3 year-old is my new photographer.  What can I say?  He loves doing it and I can't deprive him the joy.

What has been your best fall clothing thrift find so far?

Harvest Festival

This little village I call home makes me smile.  Last weekend the smile came with the yearly Harvest Festival.

I am grateful for a community is brought together around an ancient celebration honoring the change of the seasons and the source of our food.

I am grateful for a Heritage Garden that the whole community can take part in.

I am grateful that I can celebrate history with my kids in our tiny historical village.

I am grateful that three generations of my family can come together to marvel at the art forms that use to clothe us and the animals that gave for that creation.

I am grateful that for the vision of my eldest standing on the caboose of a retired train, watching an active one move goods across the fields of fall.

I am so grateful for this time of year.
What is your favorite thing about harvest time?