Archive   |   July, 2009

site we’re psyched about: howyoueco

Posted by in living green, surfing

howyoueco
We all seem interested in going at least a little greener, but the amount of choices — and the possibilities of greenwashing — can be overwhelming when you’re trying to be responsible. HowYouEco could help you out. The site is a clearinghouse for the eco-friendly, from appliances to clothing to vacation spots. Content includes a breakdown of green certifications and what they mean, the latest green news, and user-generated reviews of green (or not-so-green) products and companies. Check out HowYouEco here.

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stitch wars: star wars gets crafty

Posted by in crafting

stitchwars
Like your Wookiees extra fuzzy? Think Princess Leia’s weird hairdo would be enhanced with bunny ears? Then check out Stitch Wars, the handmade tribute to Star Wars at Lauderhill, Florida’s Bear and Bird Gallery. With work by artists like Yummy Candy, John Lacko, and Pinkypunk, Stitch Wars is full of fun interpretations of Star Wars characters. Many of the works have been sold, but you can still buy from quite a selection at the Bear and Bird site (I kind of like this pillow — though OMG they misspelled “Wookiee”). You can also view the entire exhibition on Flickr. And as the gallery owners themselves say, may the farce be with you. –Mary T.

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this week’s decor events from our sponsor one kings lane: Iosis, signoria di firenze, yves delorme, more

Posted by in decorating, shopping

stripebed
Shelterrific sponsor One Kings Lane offers great savings to our readers on designer home decor. Sign up if you haven’t already for access to exclusive, three-day online sales of designer home goods. Remember, these aren’t seconds or extras, but top-line items from leading designers. That’s why the sales don’t last forever. So sign up now! Here’s what’s happening this week:

Now through Thursday, July 23, 11 a.m. EDT:
Signoria di Firenze: Founded in the 1930s by the Cappelletti family, Signoria di Firenze was known initially for their hand-crafted Florentine embroideries. In the years since, the company has expanded their line to include a full range of luxury bed linens, each designed, cuts, and sewn in the same artisanal tradition that first set them apart.
Shown: Stripe Bed, Original Price: $62-570, One Kings Lane Price: $29-229 — Savings of up to 60%

Now through Friday, July 24, 11 a.m. EDT:

goldsham
Iosis: Imported exclusively by Yves Delorme, the Iosis line of traditional decorative pillows draws its inspiration from exotic botanicals, art deco, folklore, and fairy tales. Designs are executed in cotton tapestry, elegant silks, and embroidered linens.
Shown: Gold Silk Vanda Sham 26” x 26”, Original Price: $160, One Kings Lane Price: $79 — Savings of 51%

barbizonredtable
Yves Delorme: Internationally acclaimed for fine linens, Yves Delorme has an eye for detail and commitment to quality that is truly on par with the most iconic French couture fashion houses.
Shown: Barbizon Red Tablecloth, Original Price: $155, One Kings Lane Price: $78 — Savings of 50%

Now through Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. EDT:

chateaupillow
Skout Pillows: All available in 24” x 24” and 20” x 20”.
Shown: Vintage Screen Chateau de Versailles White, 24” x 24”, Original Price: $245, One Kings Lane Price: $109 — Savings of 56%

tibetanrug
Woven Accents
Shown: Tibetan Beige/Light Blue Rug, Original Price: $3780, One Kings Lane Price: $1899 — Savings of 50%

Going live Thursday, July 23 at 8 a.m. EDT:

pineapple
Grainware
Shown: Hospitality Pin Gold Ice Bucket, Original Price: $260, One Kings Lane Price: $129 — Savings of 50%

flowerweight
Mariposa
Shown: Twist Cocktail Box with Blossom Weight, Fuchsia

Going live Friday, July 24 at 8 a.m. EDT:

stripepillow
Fred Red
Shown: Black/Gold Modern Stripe Leather Pillow

Sign up at One Kings Lane now and enjoy 50-70% off these perfect designer goods. Remember, each sale runs for just three days, and you have to be a member to access the savings!

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real life test kitchen: herbed summer squash and potato torte

Posted by in cooking

torte
This recipe is one that seems way too simple to taste so good. There are only four main ingredients (squash, potatoes, parmesan, and green onions) and a handful of seasonings (salt, pepper, and thyme). It’s from Bon Appetit, but I saw it over at one of my all-time favorite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen, whose pictures actually made my mouth water. Because I only wanted one torte, I halved the recipe. I used my not-so-nice mandoline to slice my potatoes and squash, and unfortunately couldn’t adjust the blade to the recommended 1/8 inch. Therefore, my torte only had four layers instead of six. Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly except for bumping the oven temperature up to 400 degrees for the last 25 minutes of cooking — I really wanted a crispy brown crust! One torte serves four, but two of us ate nearly all of it the first night. The reheated leftovers the next day were even better. (I kid you not!) Check out the herbed summer squash and potato torte recipe and take advantage of the sweet summer squash at markets right now. –Erica P.

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i tried flushable dog poo bags

Posted by in living green, living with pets

fidos

Am I obsessed with dog poo? You might think so, but the truth is, when you have two mastiffs who weigh as much as the average human, you spend a lot of time cleaning up the output. That’s why I was so excited to find Fido’s Flushables at a street fair over the weekend. I bought a starter set of 25 bags for $6.95 after founder Tracey Fleisher assured me that they’ve been tested even with very large dogs. The Fido’s Flushables bag feels a bit like plastic, but they’re not made from plastic or even the same material as a non-flushable biodegradable bag. Fido’s Flushables are made of Poly Vinyl Alcohol, a water-soluble material that breaks down quickly and completely and is even safe for septic.

Unfortunately, my first try with flushing a loaded bag wasn’t exactly stellar. I followed directions as advised and only used one deposit, but it still proved to be a bit much. It didn’t clog up, but it didn’t go down, either. Only after letting the bag, er, dissolve a bit did everything flush away. My second try worked like a charm — tossed it in, flushed, and it was gone forever! I think the key with big dogs is that you have to be sure it’s not too wide of a load. (Are you loving my euphemisms here?) For regular-size or small dogs, I don’t think you’ll have a problem at all. Here’s what Fleisher had to say:

I did have a customer say that she dumps hers in first out of the bag and then throws the bag in on top of it. She mentioned that the large load (195# Great Pyrenees) had a tough time flushing because it was larger than the drain hole and with human waste, the waste separated while flushing and the bagged dog waste could not do that. This is not my preferred method, but may be necessary. Also, please remember, that for any reason, the bags are 100% Guaranteed! But I would like to see you be able to use them of course.

Regardless, if you want to be able to pick up the poo without having to revisit it every time you open your trash can, I recommend Fido’s Flushables. I should mention that the bags should not be used for cat waste as water treatment facilities aren’t equipped to deal with what that might contain. Learn more here. –Mary T.

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