Neecy Designs

Who knew I had a neighbor who can not only can make a killer scone but can sew absolutely anything! Well Neecy, of Neecy Designs, can! Today I was given a sneak peak of her latest designs. A fabric covered head-board, side tables made of salvaged materials then covered in chic fabric, fabric wall-hangings, and pillows galore. I have included some pictures of her designs. She is local and does custom orders as well. Interested? Stay tuned for her contact information....

Charleston Green Fair Today

Don't forget to check out the Charleston Green Fair today from 12-6 pm in Marion Square! Green products, information, and sustainable restaurants will be featured at the event. Fun for kids as well. Find out how to be more environmentally aware in Charleston.

Another Waste Free Lunch Box

Check out this great lunch box from Kids Konserve. It is completely waste free. The system includes a sandwich sack, 2 stainless steel containers, a stainless water bottle,organic cotton napkin, and sack to carry it all. Their web site is full of ways to decrease waste and protect the environment. If you have ever been to lunch at your child's school you know how much gets mindlessly tossed in the trash. This is a great way to get kids involved in conservation, let them set the example in the cafeteria. Knowledge is power!

DIY modern storage cans - UPDATE

I am still working out the kinks so be kind....

Here are some pictures of the  first cans I made today. I still need to add ribbon to the pink one, but part of me likes the simplicity. I will attempt the larger cans tomorrow. Stay tuned for more pictures....

Aluette’s Cafe - Organic local food

This past week I had the joy of going to lunch with a dear friend of mine. Living downtown she always knows the best places to eat. Most of the time they are tucked away and off the beaten path. So on Thursday we heading down Reid Street to Aluette's Cafe. A tiny peach building is the home of an absolute gem. Think local, organic, healthy, yummy food with a touch of soul. The cafe was packed at noon, so I suggest getting there early for lunch. They do have an outdoor patio so now that fall has arrived it would be an ideal spot to dine. 

P.S I was especially inspired by the voter registration forms placed right by the door, just in case you need one....

Modern DIY Storage

As you know I love new and innovative ways to store things. Recently I came across these great DIY storage cans on Design Sponge. I thought I would give them a try with some beautiful paper from Lesesne on King Street. The shop located on upper King has a beautiful selection on modern paper that will work perfectly. If you have not been in and love stationary it is the place to shop. Yummy candles, beautiful table linens, and lovely paper all in one shop. I will keep you posted on the storage cans as the project progresses. 

Updates on Lap Top Lunches and Meal Exchange

Here is the low down on the Lap Top Lunch Box and my neighborhood meal exchange. First of all I love the Lap Top Lunch. Zero waste and because the compartments are on the small size the kids eat everything I pack. Having 5 compartments also promotes variety. I can pack a fruit, veggie, snack, and sandwich. Best of all the kids love them. One more plus is that they are flat and keep their backpacks flat minimizing the bulk. 

Now onto the meal exchange. Three weeks of meal exchanging has proved successful and fun. We have all tried new foods and the kids have learned they like the unexpected. The exchange has saved time, money, and energy. Cooking once instead of three times has freed up time to spend with family and decreased my stress. My goal has always been to simplify and this fits right in. If you are interested in the details let me know. 

Upcoming Show at the Real Estate Studio

Bloom' in Art Party to Benefit Art Programs in High Need Schools

On November 7th, 7-10pm, Bloom' in Art will host a party at The Real Estate Studio, 214 King Street, to benefit art programs in local high need schools. 

The mission of Bloom' in Art is to "grow local artists" while donating a portion of the proceeds to art programs in local schools. This traveling art show, featured in the Post and Courier,  will have the work of local painters, potters, textile artists, and jewelry makers on display. It is a great way to purchase art while supporting local schools. Light food and beverages will be served. 

The Real Estate Studio, 214 King Street, Charleston. Friday, November 7th, 7-10pm. 

Yummy EVO Pizza

Before heading to the Hootie and the Blowfish concert a few weeks ago we checked out Evo Pizza up in quaint Park Circle. Yummy! We started with a plate of olives and local summer squash with feta cheese. After enjoying the salad and olives we moved on to the pizzas. Not only was the crust the perfect thickness but the cheese was so fresh! Great friends, local beer, and pizza what could be better? Alright, the concert was icing on the cake, or should I say topping on the pie.

My Neighborhood "Meal Exchange"

In the triangle of homes in my alley way lives three families totaling 6 adults and 8 kids. We have decided to experiment with taking turns cooking dinner three nights a week. On each night one family will prepare enough food for all three families, thereby cooking once instead of three times. Not only will this save on trips to the store and time, you will save on energy as well. We met for tea and picked a menu for a month of meals. Basic guidelines were also set: meal must be ready by 5 pm, healthy and organic, and dietary restrictions to respect. I will keep you posted on how it goes, so far so good, my meal was delivered across the fence promptly by 5:00.

Lap Top Lunch Box

The mission in my home is to simplify everything, from the laundry to the lunches. I recently purchased the Lap Top Lunch Boxes for my kids. I love how everything is contained in little compartments and minimizes waste. All of the containers and the bag are free of phthalates, lead, PVC, and BPA.  This is a test run so I will keep you posted on how they work for my kids. Any thoughts or reviews let me know....

Green Glasses

Here is one of my recent ANTIQUE MARKET finds. Can you believe these great glasses made from reclaimed soda bottles? I purchased four of them for a whopping $2 each at the local antique market. I love the color and that they are unique in shape. Two other local shops to purchase glasses made from recycled materials are Dwell Smart and Global Awakenings.

Mowing your Lawn the "green way"

One day I am on my front porch and I notice my neighbor mowing the lawn. Do I hear noise? No. Do I smell gas? No. That is because he is, he has just purchased a Brill manual reel mower. It actually makes mowing the lawn appear to be a peaceful experience.  This gas-free, eco-friendly mower is truly the wave of the future, and best of all you don't have to wait till 9 am to mow the lawn. 

De-cluttering your Closet

Here is a great tip for pairing down your wardrobe to what you really wear. Turn all of your hangers in the opposite direction (hook in) and after you wear an item put it back the right way (hook out). At the end of six months all of the items still facing the opposite way need to go! Simple and very honest! You can do the same with shoes turn them all toe out on the rack and as you wear them return them heel out. This is a great way to see what you really wear and what needs to head to Goodwill or the local consignment store. 

Simple Living Manifesto

While browsing one of my favorite web sites, Zen Habits, I came across this amazing manifesto. The topic is simple living and it includes 72 ways to simplify. I have attached the link below, check it out.  Start with a few items and work your way down the list of 72 ways to make life easier. 

Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life