eco-friendly

Ecosystem Advisor

gwen — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

I have been through many a planner in my life, from the small plastic-covered one with creepy kitten pictures, to one made of fake leather with a magnetic clasp. I prefer to keep it pretty simple when it comes to planners. But I’m also very picky about the amount of space I need to write down notes, not to mention the question of having a daily, weekly, or monthly view. Plus, it needs to be relatively light and easy to carry with me.

The sweet thing about Ecosystem books is that you can customize your purchase. There are four kinds of notebooks available: the Author (ruled journal), Architect (grid journal), Advisor (the planner), and Artist (blank journal). You also get to choose the cover (hard or flexible), the size, and even the color (with sassy names like lagoon and kiwi), since as the website says, "one color does not fit all." I have the onyx-colored Advisor, which has monthly and two weekly view options.

The price range is from $9.95 to $18.95, which is on par with Moleskin, the other company a lot of people go to when trying to find a quality notebook. However, the key difference and the reason you should consider going the Ecosystem route is that you are doing a great service to the environment. The Ecosystem books are 100% post-consumer recycled paper. If you go to the website, you can enter in a specialized pin code on the back page of your book and it will tell you exactly when it was made and where each part of the planner, from binding to the elastic band was assembled, the ecosystem attribute of each place, and even how many people are employed there!

Last year Ecosystem’s style of production saved 3,046 full-grown trees and over a million gallons of water. Furthermore, they are made in the United States, which helps the economy and saves on the energy it would take to transport them farther.

You can also check on their website to see how and where you can recycle your book when you are finished with it. There is also a lost and found, in case you misplace your Ecosystem book and want to see if anyone found it (and had the presence of mind to go on the website). Probably unlikely, but a cute idea!

As an avid writer of to-do lists and random bits of information that I must either jot down or forget, I like a good amount of space available for notes. On the left side of my Advisor pages was the week, with space for notes each day. On the right side was just a ruled page for notes. I really dug this set-up. It didn't make me feel overwhelmed like the monthly view does and I found it really helpful to still have a lot of space to write all the things I needed to get done. Other then that, the Advisor is pretty no-frills. But just knowing I was using something that was a benefit to the environment made me feel happy in the heart.

The only other bonuses are a small paper pocket in the back to keep perhaps coupons or receipts in. Plus of course, the random information always included in planners, the time zones, measurement conversions, international dialing codes. I am still convinced one day I will actually utilize these. Until then, at least I know I am not hurting the environment by having these extra pages!

Written by: Lesley Kartali, December 20th 2010

Bcute Curve

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By AdultSexToys.com

You know the panties you like: the old pair that look like they've had their time and then some; the ones you won't get rid of because they're so comfy, but would never dream of wearing for a first date? While they'll continue to live a lengthy drawer life, your personal massager—the only thing likely laying beside them—most likely will not.

Thus, you may need the Bcute Curve from B Swish. At less than four inches, this massager is true to its name. Small and smooth to the touch, it can easily find a storage place and is convenient for travel. With multiple speeds, you can choose your pleasure level and have plenty of room to experiment. With a waterproof silicone design, you can be as adventurous or naughty as you like.

If the Bcute Curve is not the style for you, don't be discouraged. B Swish offers an assortment of massagers that appeal to anyone’s desire for private time pleasure. Not only do the products impress, but the company's website is an experience in and of itself. Perusing the easy to navigate site, you'll find yourself feeling sexy just by looking. Equally satisfying is that B Swish cares for the woman's body. Their line of Pjur lubricants and essentials are gentle on irritated and sensitive skin.

In addition to the great designs and products, the price is right. B Swish does an excellent job of combining sexy with quality, while making it affordable. The company also believes in not harming the environment and only produces their massagers with ABS plastics that are RoHS and FDA compliant, which means you get the strength and reliability without harmful toxins.

Bcute, bclassic or bcurious, but whatever you be, be savvy with B Swish.

Written by: Irene Wazgowska, May 26th 2010

Marolsha Jewelry

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Marolsha Jewelry

When you live in a city like New York or Chicago, it's fairly easy to find your way around. For the most part, urban planners patterned these cities on a grid with numbered streets indicating one direction (East/West) and avenues or named streets indicating the perpendicular other (North/South). So if you're at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the East Village and want to get to my favorite all-veg diner in the Lower East Side, you can do so with ease simply by knowing the cross streets. Easy peasey.

Like most things in India, however, navigating the chaotic streets of Kolkata isn't so simple. There is no helpful grid to indicate the desired direction, and good luck finding anything in its proper place on Google Maps. In order to get where you're going, one must rely on the kindness of strangers who live or work locally to point you in the right direction. But sometimes that direction isn't clear. I mean, how do I know I'm still walking south when the street I'm following seems to have veered to the left?

Instead of going the route of a Boy Scout and carrying around some clunky chunk of magnetized metal, Marolsha has come up with a solution to help you find your way in style: the Vintage Compass Silver Ring. Lightweight with an adjustable band, the silver compass ring is a utilitarian's dream. I tested it out in a place where I am direction literate to be sure it works, and sure enough, it pointed north. Although the aesthetic is a little reminiscent of something you'd get out of a machine for a quarter, the construction is vastly superior and ensures a significant cost per wear lifetime of getting you where you're going.

The compass ring isn't the only offering from Marolsha that piqued my curiosity. I was also interested in two seemingly opposite feathered finds: Twin Owls Earrings and Mod White Love Birds Earrings. Owls are birds of prey, which means they are solitary by nature to facilitate their livelihood, and, based on their appearance in Hieroglyphics, that rugged individualism has kept them around a long time. Love birds, on the other hand, form long-term, monogamous bonds marked by a social demeanor and affectionate nuzzling. But you won't find their likeness in Egyptian caves. Despite their differences, both birds make regular appearances on adornments, as they captivate the human imagination.

Twin Owls Earrings are made of a sturdy antique brass and fall two inches below the earlobe on a thin kidney earwire that is easy to attach and detach. Their color is so bright it could be mistaken for a matte gold. The Mod White Love Birds Earrings are about a half-inch in length and dangle from silver plated leverback earwires. The color is painted onto the pair with a white enameled finish. Like the compass ring, both set of earrings are well-constructed.

Based in Singapore and created by Canadian fashion lover and jewelry designer Maddy, Marolsha peddles unique, vintage-style jewelry that is inspired by the natural world. Whenever possible, Maddy repurposes and recycles her findings in the process of creation. This eco-friendly sentiment is also found in the paper box in which the pieces arrive along with a handmade gift card that resembles a postcard. All of which is to say that Marolsha's jewelry reminds me of both the abundant joy of travel and the warmth of returning home.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, April 20th 2010

Apricot Freesia Soap

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By The Soap Factory

Since I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2000, I have been shopping at The Soap Factory. Supporting a local, woman-owned business is a pleasure, and using the store's products always feels indulgent. Prior to finding this company, I had given up on scented personal care products, due to allergic reactions. What I learned from The Soap Factory's owner, Dawn Gregg, is that cheap chemical ingredients were likely causing a bad reaction with my skin.

Based in Longview, Washington, the shop offers products that are cruelty-free and made on-site. The Soap Factory uses high-quality ingredients that don't disturb sensitive skin. Most of the soaps and lotions are also free of animal products.

Another perk that comes with ordering from The Soap Factory is that you get a gift with every $50 you spend. My last order came with a bar of Apricot Freesia Soap, which retails for $4.25. That may seem costly, but it's worth it. I have enjoyed every bar of soap from this store, and the Apricot Freesia Soap was no exception.

An olive oil-based soap, the Apricot Freesia Soap was soft, buttery, long-lasting, and gentle enough to be used as a facial soap as well as body soap. The scent was pleasant without being overpowering or smelling “too girly,” as my partner put it. The minimalist packaging was environmentally-friendly, and the shipping was very prompt – my order went out on the same day I sent it.

The business has grown quite a bit since Gregg started it out of her house in 1997, but she has kept the personal touch that makes supporting her business a pleasure.

Written by: M.L. Madison, April 14th 2010

Fight Global Women's Organic T-Shirt

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

By Autonomie Project

If you’re going to be a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl, you’ve got to go out of your way to make sure your tees have something interesting to say. If you’re going to be a t-shirt and jeans girl who lives in New York City, that message should make a statement about art or politics. The Fight Global Women’s Organic T-shirt from Autonomie Project does both.

Specifically made for a female body, this soft-cotton tee lightly clings to my curves while still providing room to breathe. I'm an XL wearin' gal, so this seemingly small detail is important. I love my body and all, but I'm not trying to show my goodies to the globe, ya know?

The cap sleeves and scooped neck design breathe a smidge of femininity into this traditionally genderless top. The deep charcoal color flirts with a kind of rock 'n roll sex appeal that is enhanced by the stencils-and-spraypaint DIY-esque design. The additional length of the shirt suits my above average height; instead of creeping above my belt like other tees, the bottom seam of this one remained at my hips.

True to its own message, the Fight Global Tee is made with eco-friendly dyes through a Fair Trade and sweatshop-free business practice. The message is also an apt fit for this particular time in my life. After living in India for two years, I’ve decided to shift my grassroots organizing work toward one with a focus on international needs. Perhaps wearing this tee when I interview will give me a bit of an edge; at the very least, I’d make an impression.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, March 8th 2010

Black Tagua Ring

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:28:00 +0000

By Muichic

As a society, we are constantly becoming more aware of how many beautiful materials we use in our attempts to make ourselves and our homes beautiful are incredibly harmful to the environment. After years of mining for silver, harvesting for mahogany, and slaughtering for ivory have taken their toll, we’ve started seeking out more viable fashion options. Organic is replacing synthetic and sustainable is replacing rare.

Yet, many of us must guiltily admit that despite our desire to be eco-minded, equally appealing substitutes can be hard to find; however, Muichic has overcome this obstacle with the tagua nut ring. In layman’s terms, dubbed vegetable ivory, tagua nuts come from an ivory-nut palm that grows in the humid rainforests of South America. This raw material can be harvested without negatively affecting their habitat, and provides an economic alternative to destroying the rainforests for farming.

The best part, however, is the natural beauty of Muichic’s products. Smooth and substantial, the shapes and designs of their rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings embody a natural vibe. All products are 100% handmade in Colombia, and each tagua nut has its own unique grain and shape, making every item one of a kind. The ring is comfortable to wear and compliments anything from a tribal print dress to jeans and a funky t-shirt. The company is based in Vermont, which makes buying and shipping within the United States easy and affordable.

As we all become better buyers with a conscience, Muichic's tagua accessories are a great, organic, eco-friendly option. Companies like Muichic are advancing the movement to reconcile our vanity with our scruples, which is a great thing for fashion and our planet.

Written by: Melissa Ablett, January 3rd 2010

Pheasant Skirt

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

By Mata Traders

Before I moved to India, a friend of mine joked that I should send her a full wardrobe at the start of every season. She was more than a little jealous of the items I'd picked up on a trip before—particularly the scarves with sparse silver threading that are difficult to find in the States—where I made my way East to West across the subcontinent from Kolkata to Varanasi to Delhi. My sister made me promise to buy her a few stylish hippie-cum-hipster skirts while my boss hinted at her desire for intricately designed jewelry. I was all too pleased to have my holiday shopping list laid out so neatly.

A reflection of the global economy, a great many women's empowerment NGOs in India have added employment and job training programs to their organizational structure that consists of textile making and exporting. In Kolkata, ex-prostitutes (Sari Bari and Freeset), women living in slums (Connexions), girls and women who have escaped sex trafficking (Made By Survivors), and rural women (Jeevika Development Society) are all carving out a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities by creating clothing, bags, plush toys, and other items that are desirable to those in the West. But in order for these items to make their way from the hands of their creators on one side of the globe to the person who uses the goods on other, there must be an entity facilitating that transaction. Enter Mata Traders.

Although I can't say for certain from which India-based NGOs Mata Traders receives their wares, it is clear this is their system of operation. They pay women workers a livable wage to make handmade clothing, jewelry, bags, and accessories that are then bought in a retail location in Illinois, through their online store, or purchased at the Women Thrive Worldwide World of Good shop. Alternatively, any individual or group can also sell their items as a fundraiser or a home show... kind of like an eco-friendly, fashion-forward, global economy consciousness raising Tupperware party, if you replace the passé pastel plastic with eclectic yet practical attire.

I was quite taken with the bold colors of the Pheasant Skirt, which is made entirely of a comfortable fair trade certified cotton. On most women this skirt would no doubt hit just below the knee, but at 6'1", I'm not most women, so my legs a tad more exposed. No matter, though. The hand-stitched, block-printed bird and swirly designs on the thigh are what attracts the eye. I can already hear the envy in my friends' voices. Luckily, this time, I can tell them how they can get one of their own without shelling out the cash for a plane ticket across the world.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, December 23rd 2009

Winter Dreidle Dress

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Mata Traders

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of Western counter-cultural icons traveled to India in order to broaden their knowledge of art, music, literature, and philosophy by speaking with some the country's intellectual and religious figures. Among those world travelers were musicians (The Beatles), writers (Allen Ginsberg), and academics (Joseph Campbell), who incorporated what they learned into their respective fields of influence. One area that was indirectly affected by these now-famed travels was fashion. From the Nehru Jacket to tie die to sandals, utilitarian staples of Indian attire were brought back to the United States by pop culture heroes and quickly became en vogue.

Today, Mata Traders continues this practice of global fashion exchange. Since 2003, Michelle King and Maureen Dunn have run their women's clothing and accessories business from Chicago, IL. Instead of simply co-opting the bright, offbeat colors and floral patterns seen across the Indian landscape, this woman-owned company moves past an aesthetic focus toward one of social consciousness by employing groups of Indian women worker in a well-worn model of transcontinental economic exchange. Mata Traders is an import/export business whose foundational desire is to facilitate women's financial empowerment.

Working with fair trade women's cooperatives and artisan groups that employ individual women who work either from home or in collective spaces to create handmade clothing in safe conditions while earning a living wage, Mata Traders contributes to a growing consumer trend of fighting the worldwide feminization of poverty by "giving women economic power and viable working skills [in order to] transform a community (and so the world)." According to the Nike Foundation's "The Girl Effect," women earners reinvest 90% of their income back into their families while men earners reinvest just 35%. The idea behind Mata Traders is that bringing women into the workforce will be a catalyst for positive global change.

And that is just the groundwork. Beyond the excellent crafts(wo)manship of the hand-embroidered floral appliqué on the three-quarter length sleeves and hemline of the elastic empire waist Winter Dreidle Dress is the knowledge that the garment is made of 100% fair trade certified cotton that is "grown on small family farms that...follow environmental standards that restrict the use of agrochemicals and encourage sustainability." And the beautiful color (mauve in my case, though the dress is also available in black) is gained through the use of eco-friendly vegetable dyes. All of this enviro-feminism contributes to my feeling very good about myself while wearing this trés cute dress. How many birds can you hit with just one stone?

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, December 16th 2009

BooBoo Unisex Wrist Bracelet, Orange

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:35:00 +0000

By Truth

Functional. Fashionable. Fun. The BooBoo wrist cuff from Truth is oh-so-cool—according to me, anyway. It’s a deep orange—a colour that has grown on me over time—and has an almost faded look. Created from distressed acrylic and cotton webbing, this BooBoo is size small, fitting me with ideal precision.

These genuine non-leather bands, amusingly named “BooBoos,” are manufactured in Canada by a company called Truth. Appealing to the vegan audience, designer Renia Pruchnicki takes an environmentally friendly approach to her many products, which include t-shirts, belts, and necklaces in addition to these trendy wristlets. All come in a variety of colours, textures, and looks—woven, mess, faded, and shiny prints—and can be fastened with a simple click of two adjacent buttons.

The BooBoo gives the wearer a definite punk rock air, and the great part is that it’s unisex! There have been times when I’ve disliked that tag because I’ve found, especially when shopping for t-shirts, that the unisex label really means "made for men," as these products tend to cater to a larger, male-shaped body. Whilst most of my friends loved the orange band around my wrist and the way the shade contrasted well with my turquoise outfit, one comment went like this: “That looks like a guy’s band! It’s manly, and it doesn’t look like it should be on you.”

But so what? It’s interesting how we assign things to that “masculine” or “feminine” construct, the implication of that comment being that a female should stick to “feminine” products. Don’t you just get frustrated when people absentmindedly think like that? I do! Especially since men seem to get the best commodities sometimes. On this occasion, I don’t feel the BooBoo is “manly”; it looks equally stylish on a girl!

Truth values vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. The company’s website reads, “Live your truth, and respect others”—a simple yet powerful philosophy.

Written by: Payal Patel, December 7th 2009

Ladies Certified Organic White T-Shirt

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +0000

By Truth

Green is the new black, and no, we’re not talking about that vintage Chanel dinner party dress. From cosmetics to clothing, the determination to be more earth friendly is not just a celebrity fad, but a way of honoring Mother Nature. Many may not understand or care about what going green means, but if we research what really went in our daily couture, perhaps we would think twice before spending our green.

A recent _Seattle Times_ report claims that common fabrics, such as cotton, nylon, and polyester are either grown with a strong dose of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or are even petroleum-based. Consequently, how can our Sunday sweats, a fall sundress, or silky lingerie made with insect poison make us look or feel good? Going green does seem like a pain, or is it? What if there’s an all-natural thread made from the fastest growing plant in the world that can sooth problematic skin, is breathable in even the hottest temperatures, and can please nearly any budget-conscious shopper? Pandas thrive on it and one Canadian designer believes it’s the key to discovering the Truth.

“When I started this company, I was not a vegetarian and was not even thinking of pursuing anything along those lines in terms of a market,” explains Reina Pruchnicki, owner of clothing company, Truth. “But the path that I took opened my eyes to many things and over the years my diet slowly became mostly vegetarian. I have become more aware of making healthy and sensible choices when it comes to food and I love how much better I feel!"

Truth, which began in 2001 in Toronto, first started as a line of leather-looking belts, which became popular among the Canadian vegan community. However, it’s her t-shirts that are gaining attention for being made with bamboo. According to the Truth website, this biodegradable fibre has “natural antibacterial properties and prevents allergies and skin irritation.” In addition, these t-shirts can reportedly absorb and evaporate up to four times quicker than other alternatives without losing its silky smooth feel. Unfortunately, these claims aren’t enough to make Truth t-shirts a must-have.

While Truth t-shirts are famous for being made with bamboo, it isn’t fully accurate. They’re actually produced with “Bamtex,” making them 66% bamboo, 28% cotton, and 6% spandex. Yes, Truth t-shirts are so velvety that you just want to wrap yourself in them, but it seems that only pencil thin girls can truly appreciate this irresistible benefit. More voluptuous women must suffer the wrath of spandex, creating a tight, snug feel that accentuates every undesirable curve, making even the most confident female self-conscious about being exposed. While Truth t-shirts seem perfect for hitting the gym or bearing sizzling hot temperatures, sweat can actually cause them to ride up. The thickness of a Truth t-shirt feels as if it’s retaining more heat even though it’s not. The top’s too-tight collar can easily smudge makeup and anyone who can’t leave the house without applying foundation for a flawless face understands how annoying this can be.

Most importantly, why is it that Pruchnicki’s latest line isn’t 100% bamboo when a few clicks of a mouse can lead shoppers to a vast world of designers providing this feature for a similar or more affordable price? If clothes make the man, then what of women? Should they suffer in the name of beauty and their environment? With so many independent online vegan shops to choose from, the troubles one must face with Truth t-shirts are unnecessary and may even discourage others in thinking that bamboo clothing is uncomfortable when it’s supreme compared to standard cotton.

Pruchnicki’s Truth t-shirts may leave eco-friendly fashionistas disappointed, but her new invention shouldn’t be tossed aside like dirty socks. Her willingness to provide healthy choices for women are admirable and hopefully she’ll offer shoppers a more improved version of her line in the upcoming future. For now, it’s certain that the truth indeed hurts.

Written by: Stephanie Nolasco, December 1st 2009

Green Arm Cuff with Wooden Marble Buttons / Flax Farm Hoop Earrings / Face Scrubbies

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

By Le Chat Crochet

I have a proud family history of hand-me-downs, secondhand stores, and thrift. My mother once had a bumper sticker: “This car stops for yard sales.” I am familiar with “rummaging” as a sanctioned, communal activity for acquiring goods; have visited flea markets in several countries; filled paper sacks at $1 “bag sales”; and as a child, I often accompanied my realtor father to tag and estate sales. For years, I have longed to visit the Highway 127 Yard Sale. My grandmothers—who stayed friends long after my parents split up—used to convene every summer in my hometown to go “saling”—that is, to buy a local Thursday/Friday/Saturday newspaper, circle the best garage sales in pen, and drive around all day looking for bargains. They didn’t need a map. Thrift is bred early.

When one of my grandmothers moved into an assisted living community several years ago, I was sent in to sort her closets jammed full of old magazines, spools of ribbon, shoe horns, and half-burned candles. At the time, I lived across the country, yet there was no one better for the job. I sat in heaps of recipes, plastic bags, and cloth scraps for days, sorting old letters, checking sell-by dates on canned food, and reclaiming a childhood record player found hidden in a large leaf bag in the pantry. In the end, we donated, sold, and shipped antiques and knick-knacks to relatives in several states.

After I’d gone back to my East Coast home, my father called from Indiana. “I’m sitting in grandma’s garage!” he announced. “Dad, I already went through that stuff,” I said, wary of his excitement. “You threw away things that could be recycled!” he hollered. He went on to explain that he had brought back all of the garbage bags from the dumpster in the alley—seven, he chided—and at that moment, sat pulling out the plastics and metal cans while listening to a sports game on the radio.

Despite the eccentricities passed down in my genes, I understand that reclaiming an old sweater to make new wearables is not only currently en vogue but also intelligent economics. It should also come as no surprise that I marvel at the exquisite and interesting ways artists and craftspeople upcycle. Le Chat Crochet, a modest Etsy shop based in Amsterdam, is one of the best examples of this modern reclamation I have found. Astrid, the shop’s mastermind, offers a simple selection of upcycled goods, from earrings and arm bands to hot pads and face scrubbies.

My awesome selection from Le Chat Crochet’s shop includes a deep green armband with marbled wooden buttons and hoop earrings with fifty-year-old reused flax yarn crocheted on the bottom edge for dainty decoration. I also received four face scrubbies that are modeled after coaster crochet patterns and are perfect for the astringent that removes dirt and oil from my slightly cranky face. If you’ve ever used a facial tonic, you know how quickly you can get to the bottom of a bag of cotton.

Astrid’s philosophy is more than eco-friendly. Her commitment to reuse is thoughtful beyond fashion, anti-consumerist, and truly without waste. My goodies came wrapped in reused packing paper and cardboard. She also keeps an inspiring blog about her trash digging, used goods swapping ways. Stories about reclaimed bathtubs housing turtles and curbside books going to a local cat spaying charity are among my favorites, though a meditation on the usefulness of a dot matrix printer is especially relevant since it prints the lovely Le Chat Crochet cards that come with every order.

With such a thrifty family, you’d think it would be hard to impress me by recycling. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. The frugal, upcycled finds from Le Chat Crochet make me feel a little closer to home.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, November 29th 2009

Sagebrush & Pinon Soy Candle

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:44:00 +0000

By Soy Candles by Phebes

My reasons for reviewing the Sagebrush & Pinon candle from Soy Candles by Phebes were somewhat self-serving. I was intrigued by the name, and I wanted to try my hand at writing a product review. Ama encourages reviewers to do a little research before requesting items for review, but I happily assumed a candle that smelled like sage would be a welcome accoutrement to any abode. So it was to my great amusement when I discovered the candle scent described on the Soy Candles by Phebes website as “a rich and earthy scent that will fill your room with the scents of the great western desert. Woodsy with the particular evergreen scent evoked by the images of cactus and sagebrush tumbleweeds. A true one of a kind masculine scent.”

By the time my candle arrived in the mail, my curiosity was piqued. The 8.5 oz. candle arrived in a small brown cardboard box with a colorful label illustrating sagebrush and pinon. A white candle in a glass candleholder, it reflected simplicity and a lack of pretension. I’m a converted believer in aromatherapy—upon lighting the candle, the air seems to take on the scent of a natural western setting at dusk, or what I might imagine it to be. When I burn this candle, I can almost see the cowboys riding back through the sagebrush and pinon to the campfire after a hard day’s work.

For those Americans looking for a homegrown soy candle, look no further. Per the website: _Soy Candles by Phebes are made in Atlanta, Georgia. We hand pour your candle at the time of order, using only essential oils and premium plant derived fragrance oils. We blend this with 100% American grown soy beans...Soy Candles by Phebes are biodegradable, hypoallergenic, almost completely soot free, eco friendly and vegan owned and operated._I didn’t have much familiarity with soy candles before receiving this product. I discovered after a little research that soy wax is environmentally friendly because, unlike paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum, soy candles are made from a renewable source—burning of soy candles doesn’t increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Among other advantages, soy candles last up to fifty percent longer than paraffin candles. If you’re not entirely convinced, gift yourself with a soy candle from Phebes, or add a few to your holiday shopping list. Shipping is free, which is always a great selling point.

Written by: Gita Tewari, November 3rd 2009

Skinny Scarves

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:02:00 +0000

By Masala Tee Collection

The first time I came to Kolkata, I was swindled by a little girl who couldn't have been more than six years old. While trying to find a pair of shoes in New Market, this cutie pie grabbed my hand as I was walking, turned her grinning face toward me, and cheerfully said, "Hello! What is your name?" Caught off guard, and a little stupid from lingering jet lag, I said, "My name is Mandy." Her eyes grew wide and she dropped my hand. Holding her hennaed palm to my face she squealed with delight, "Mehndi!"

I laughed and agreed, "That's exactly right: mehndi." I then proceeded to allow this tiny tout to drag me into her father's (so she said) scarf shop where I promptly bought two "pashmina" scarves for what I now know to be triple the actual price, a common skin affliction my partner refers to as a "cracker tax." I knew I was being taken for a ride, but I couldn't bring myself to care. The miniature mehndi charlatan was doing what she had to do to get by, and she was so darn good at it that I felt obliged to play my role as the "dumb American tourist."

Ultimately, it turned out to be a good thing I did because after leaving Kolkata, my partner and I took a fourteen-hour long overnight train to Benares... in the second class sleeper car... in late-December... with nothing more to fight the cold wind that readily seeped in through the cracks than a hoodie and those two scarves. Easily the most miserable fourteen hours I have ever spent, I gained a deep affinity for scarves and swindlers that very long and uncomfortable night.

These days I act on that affinity by scooping up scarves left and right, and my most recent acquisition is from the Dehli-based, woman-owned Masala Tee Collection, whose designer organic cotton t-shirts adorned with Swarovski crystals have already been mentioned in the Indian editions of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire magazines. Inspired by the feminine beauty of their homeland, the Tee Wallahs (Sheikha Mattar-Jacob and Noelline Besson) founded the company less than a year ago while chatting over (what else) a cup of tea. They design the Masala Tees with screen-printed faces of five women (Divya, Sapna, Pia, Sitara, and Maya), and this fall they have added Skinny Scarves made of organic bamboo fiber into the mix.

Offered in either gray or sage, the Skinny Scarves are 50 x 180cm of gauzy goodness as soft as clouds of kittens. The eco-friendly accessory can be worn in a variety of ways—such as a proper scarf or a head wrap—making it a most versatile simple yet stylish addition to your urban outfit. For every sale made, the Tee Wallahs donate a portion to humanitarian organizations serving women and children in India under the social justice mantra "Masala Tee is for Humani-Tee."

The fashion industry is exploding right now in India, and designers are using the boom to bring both political awareness and casual chic clothing to the country's growing middle class. Though they don't have a web-based store set up just yet, the Masala Tee Collection is sold in boutique stores throughout India—including Ogaan, The Neemrana Shop, The Box, Bombay Electric—and can be purchased through a secure Paypal link by shooting the Tee Wallahs an email. For the dudes out there who think Masala Tee is hot, they're working hard to unveil a men's collection soon.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 2nd 2009

Chocolate Rain Soy Candle

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:25:00 +0000

By Soy Candles by Phebes

To say I was ill prepared when I moved to Denmark for love is quite an understatement. I did not research the stereotypes; when people starting shoving past me on public transit, I was surprised. The prices still startle me. And while I have a working knowledge of geography, I was not prepared for the darkness that accompanies winters so close to the Arctic Circle.

A South African co-worker recently asked how I survived last winter in Copenhagen. Terrified as it is her first cold season in Scandinavia, I shared with her the tactics of the Danes: huddle in warm blankets, play boardgames, and light candles. By December, the sun will be setting at 3PM. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Some folks fear the estrogenic properties of soy, and those folks are not necessarily misogynist dudes. Women may fear high estrogen because we fear breast cancer. Then again, others claim that Asian women are at lower risk for breast cancer because of their high soy protein intake. I’m vegan, so I’m sort of stuck hoping the skeptics aren’t right.

When it comes to candles, I admit that I used to hate on them. I thought they were a default gift given among co-workers and frenemies on unavoidable holidays. Yet this year, I’ve learned to love them for their heat and light but continue to struggle with the beeswax issue. You see, we oppress the bees; their colonies are dying at a terrifying rate. While their pollination tactics are essential, perhaps taking their honey and wax is unnecessary. Can’t we give the little buggers a break?

Imagine my total delight upon discovering Soy Candles by Phebes. Run by friendly vegan partners Mike and John, their delicious candles are the very best I have ever encountered. It’s high praise, but it’s true. Minutes after lighting my Chocolate Rain candle, my house was full of chocolaty aroma, putting asthma attack-inducing shops like Yankee Candle to shame. The only scent possibly stronger was my tiny, unlit Phebes Festive Fruits tart, a sample from their holiday collection that will save my sanity during the dreary winter months.

The Soy Candles by Phebes chandlers offer pretty much everything I want in a candle. In addition to being vegan (and thus cruelty-free), they are eco-friendly, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, soot-free, and made to order. One color and one size—8.5 ounces—keeps the focus on selecting from their range of over ninety scents rather than on the design. So far, my soy candle has burned significantly slower than paraffin competitors. Soy Candles By Phebes offers free shipping on every single domestic order from their base in Atlanta, Georgia.

Chocolate Rain may make some people think of the viral video of the same name. For me, it simply brings to mind the glorious aroma of my apartment that matches the dark bitters stashed in my cupboard. Soy Candles by Phebes will get my vegan self through this dark winter with style. My partner’s Danish mother, a true master of surviving the frigid darkness now in her sixty-seventh year, may also be receiving a few of these cruelty-free votives for Christmas.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, October 23rd 2009

Cherrystone Earrings

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:09:00 +0000

By Cherrystone Earrings

When I was a kid, my mom would stop at the same gas station every week to fill the tank. The spot was a local affair with a tiny convenience store attached that housed assorted odds and ends. I always looked forward to those trips to the pump because my mother's way of occupying my sisters and I during the seemingly endless flow was to give us a quarter each to buy ourselves a piece of candy. My favorite were the giant chewy Sweet Tarts.

Before leaving the store, I would start salivating just thinking about the taste of the round sour chews, and by the time we got home, I would have gobbled all four of them up. On the rare occasion that sweet tarts were unavailable, I moved on to my second choice: a sour apple Jolly Rancher stick. Despite the stick being second to the chew in taste, it easily won out in aesthetics. The hard candy was slick, green, and deliciously transparent—not unlike Moonrise Jewelry's Cherrystone Earrings.

Made from deep green recycled glass beads and fair trade sterling silver ear wires, the Cherrystone Earrings ($25) are a perfect accent piece for outfits both casual and dressy. Adaptability is a common theme among the stylistic and ideological vision of this progressive, eco-friendly jewelry maker. Whether rolling up your sleeves to build a habitat for humanity or hosting an art auction fundraiser for charity, this pair would be perfectly at home in your ensemble. In fact, they may well steal the show.

Handmade in Virginia, I wonder if these lightweight yet sturdy earrings aren't named after Cherrystone Campground, a nature getaway alongside the Chesapeake Bay where luxurious cabins and tent-style "roughing it" cohabit nicely. Another possibility of the moniker's origin is a throwback to a particularly small type of quahog that was used as currency by some Native Americans, but given the latter's decreased geographical relevance—and my own irrational bias against crustaceans—I'm going to bank on camping over clams.

As further demonstration of its social justice mission, Moonrise is providing Feminist Review readers a 15% Discount off anything and everything on their website. The discount code is 'FEMINIST' and there is no expiration date. Anyone up for some holiday shopping?

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, October 4th 2009