Eco Friendly Mineral Makeup

If you are looking for a pro wedding application that is also friendly to the earth, then I recommend that you try mineral makeup. The huge benefit to mineral makeup in being friendly to the environment is that it has no harmful chemicals or additives, but it is made of all-natural milled minerals that come from the earth. This is a huge asset when you consider how many chemicals and harmful ingredients are found in your normal over-the-counter cosmetics. I would also caution you to read a lot of the over-the-counter cosmetic labels that do claim to be "mineral" because many still do have harmful dyes, fragrances, and parabens. True mineral makeup is made from ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides.

The benefits to using this type of all-natural makeup for your wedding day are many because mineral makeup is:

· Non-cosmedogenic (won't clog pores).

· Longer lasting for all day wear.

· More natural because you can control the amount that you put on in the powdered form.

· Able to lay on top of your skin in a way that your skin can actually breathe so it is still healthy for your complexion.

· Full of natural sun protection through the zinc oxide content to protect your complexion.

· Able to work best to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so that your face looks flawless.

· Best for sensitive skin or women suffering from rosacea because it covers redness effectively without irritation.

For all of these benefits and more, I recommend using mineral makeup for an eco-friendly wedding makeup application from my experience as a San Antonio makeup artist.

Another fantastic idea to keep in mind is that you can actually look at easy recipes on the Internet of how to mix your own mineral makeup at home, which is the most green option available to you because you are not only saving on packaging, but you have control of the pigments and natural ingredients that you are using on your beautiful face!

~I'm Bethany North, a San Antonio makeup artist, and I have been a leading makeup artist in my field for over four years. I am licensed as an esthetician, an expert in the field of skin care, and also well versed in the latest makeup styles and applications, but my real passion is bridal makeup!
http://www.facebybethany.com/

Fun Wedding Planning Ringtones from mSpot

With wedding season in full swing, mobile music site mSpot.com has pulled together a list of ten (and certainly there are many more) ringtones that speak to the craziness of wedding planning.

The beauty of these ringtones is that mSpot.com allows you to edit up to 30 seconds of your favorite matrimonial tone – you don’t have to download what the carrier pre-selected.

We went ahead and selected a few choice lyrics for you…

“White Wedding” – Billy Idol“It’s a nice day to start again, it’s a nice day for a white wedding”

"Psycho" - Puddle of Mud“Maybe I'm the one who is the psycho (yeah), maybe I'm the one…”

“Mother in Law Blues” – Memphis Piano Red“I know she heard me callin, she looked back and waved her hand… I heard her tell her mother, that golfer was no good man”

"Can't Always Get What You Want" - Rolling Stones”You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need”

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" – Poison“I listen to our favorite song playing on the radio, hear the DJ say love’s a game of easy come and easy go”

"It's my party” Lesley Gore“It's my party and I'll cry if I want to… you would cry too if it happened to you”

“Band of Gold” – Mel CarterI've never wanted wealth untold, My life has one design: A simple little band of gold”

“Ball & Chain” – Thunder“Kick off the ball and chain (get running), get you a ticket and board that train”

"Sounds Expensive" - Stephin Merritt“I would like for you to have this emerald ring, it was crafted many years before the ming”

“No Control” – Nervous Patterns”I can’t control it, I got no control…”

Eco Festival In San Ramon August 29 and 30 Will Offer "I Do Eco" Advice

ECO-FESTIVALS, INC. ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL SAN RAMON ECO-FESTIVAL
Bay Area Festival will be a Celebration of Environmentally-focused Entertainment, Education, and Eco-Friendly Inspiration

Eco-Festivals, Inc., an organization that encourages people to live simple and cost-effective green lifestyles, has teamed with leading environmentally-conscious vendors and experts to announce the first annual Eco-Festival being held at the San Ramon City Center in San Ramon, California on August 29-30, 2009. The free two-day event aims to provide “good green fun for everyone.” Event hours will be Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The San Ramon Eco-Festival will be designed in collaboration with eco-greenroom guru, Robert Craymer, best known for his elite-greenrooms backstage at the Oscars, Golden Globes, Bravo A-list Awards, Young Hollywood Awards, Sundance Film Festival and Al Gore’s LiveEarth concert series.

To add to the sensory experience, the Eco-Festival will feature lively chatter from several HGTV stars, including six-time Emmy-award-nominated actor Ed Begley Jr. and his wife Rachelle Carson-Begley of “Living with Ed;” Nicole Facciuto, host of “Red Hot, & Green;” and Susie Coelho, host of “Outer Spaces” and reoccurring guest on “The View” and “Oprah.”

“The City of San Ramon is excited to welcome this groundbreaking event to help our local and bay area residents and business community experience the positive impact of a green lifestyle,” said H. Abram Wilson, Mayor, San Ramon , California . “The San Ramon Eco-Festival will offer attendees the tools to become more environmentally conscious in a fun and inspiring atmosphere.”

The Eco-Festival will provide no shortage of entertainment as the main stage and several themed ‘zones’ offer opportunities to experience aspects of eco-friendly living, such as:

Main Stage: listen to the sounds of well-known environmentalist rock band U2 through cover band Zoo Station, and additional performances by Bay Area talent.

Meet the Experts: learn about different green industries as experts share their knowledge in sessions designed to raise environmental awareness and provide take-home tips.


Kids Zone: play sustainable carnival games, ride solar/bio-fuel powered rides and enjoy performances by the country’s most famous children’s acts, such as nationally acclaimed PBS children’s performer SteveSongs, as well as the Happy Birds (featured on “The Tonight Show”).

Food Court: experience the future of organic dining while testing the latest tools for eco-friendly cooking, cleaning, and disposal.

Vendor Village: browse the latest sustainable goods and services for the home, garden and office.

Fashion Show: view chic, stylish fashions showcasing clothing, jewelry and beauty products made from organic materials.

Enchanted Island : explore the next level of sustainability for a healthier living.

I Do Eco: learn about sustainable wedding practices from green wedding vendors.

Auto Zone: discover the latest innovations in electric cars, hybrids and sustainable car care that don’t sacrifice quality or style.

Career Zone: learn how to make sustainability a full-time career at the on-site job fair.

“Today, average citizens are eager to minimize their impact on our planet,” said Robert Jacobs, Executive Director, Eco-Festivals, Inc. “The San Ramon Eco-Festival will provide a simple blueprint for sustainable living that demonstrates going green can be easy and fun.”


Anyone interested in participating in or partnering with Eco-Festivals, Inc., is encouraged to contact http://us.mc1100.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sponsorship@eco-festivals.org or http://us.mc1100.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=exhibits@eco-festivals.org. For more information please visit http://www.eco-festivals.org/.

Eco-Festivals, Inc. Eco-Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit organization seeking 501(c)(3)) status that aims to educate everyday people on how to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into every day life and live a green lifestyle. Eco-Festival events are designed to engage consumers of all ages through interactive entertainment and exhibitions that make learning how to minimize harm to our environment fun.

Enjoying Vintage Wedding Gowns by Tami Parks

When looking for ways to “green” your wedding, don’t overlook the tradition of wearing a family or vintage wedding gown. Perhaps your mother, grandmother, or an aunt saved her gown. It’s not your style? That’s ok; with the original owner’s permission and a qualified gown expert’s help, you can have the gown of your dreams with sentimental style.

I’ve had the privilege of preparing several wedding gowns and flower girl dresses for wearing by the second- and third- generations. Other of my customers have fallen in love with gown that they purchased from a vintage store or EBay. During the first meeting with the bride, I spend a lot of time looking at the construction of the gown, the fabric, and color; while listening to the bride’s expectations for the gown. Usually, I begin by cleaning and/or restoring the color of the gown. This can usually be done with lots of TLC, water, and mild detergent; I try to minimize the use of any harsh chemicals. Next, the bride tries on the gown for me and my seamstress and we begin to envision any changes, alterations, or restyling that needs to be done. The entire process can take from 2-6 months and cost $100-$500.

Unless you’re planning a “period wedding”; where all the elements come from the same decade, let me make a few suggestions. If the bride wears a vintage gown, keep other elements, such as the bridesmaid dresses, more modern or classic. Add a new veil and jewelry to your ensemble. The balance of new and vintage style can combine beautifully!

Photo A: A vintage gown, restyled for a modern bride.
Photo B, C: Jackie wore her mother’s gown, which we completely restored and restyled

~Tami Parks
http://www.septembersbride.com/
http://www.businessbytheblog.blogspot.com/

Wedding Dress Rentals on the Rise

Where’d She Get That Wedding Dress?

Wedding Dress Rentals Grow 7.5 Percent This Year According To IBISWorld Research


LOS ANGELES – Jun. 22, 2009 – Something old, new, borrowed and blue – that is the wedding tradition - but this wedding season getting something new may be a struggle. According to industry research firm IBISWorld, spending on rented bridal gowns is expected to grow 7.5 percent to $43 million - up from $40 million in 2008.

With brides renting dresses, sales of new wedding gowns are expected to decrease 2.8 percent this year, reaching just $973 million. While the decline is not as steep as the 4.2 percent drop experienced in 2008, the industry has seen declines since 2001. Brides who do purchase a dress will more likely buy their garments in high-end department stores, formal clothing stores, or online – like PreOwnedWedddingDress.com – opposed to a bridal store.

The one thing couples will not be renting this year is wedding planners. Compared to 2008, the amount spent on wedding planners is expected to drop 4.2 percent to $785 million. In fact, the average cost of a wedding is expected to drop eight percent in 2009 to just $20,000 – in 2007 the average was $30,000.

“The recession is expected to exacerbate the already declining marriage rate, as couples put off the ‘big day’ until the time is right financially,” explained Toon van Beeck, senior analyst with IBISWorld. “Spending will undoubtedly be impacted by such postponements, and these cost cutting measures will start from the purchase of an engagement ring, all the way to the end of the honeymoon.”

Tips for an Eco-Fab Fathers' Day from the Authors of Celebrate Green

Three Secrets to Having an Eco-Fun Father's Day

Let's face it, as much as we love dad, he can be a tad difficult to shop for. It's not so much that he's picky. It's more that his needs and even wants, tend to be simple. He's happy with less which of course, makes him a perfect candidate for green giving.

So this year, why not come up with great gifts that honor dad and the Earth and that cost little in terms of money or the planet, And whether we're talking about your dad (if you're reading this), or your kids' father or grandad, be sure to look for ways to put more meaning in the greening.

Start by focusing on doing instead of buying. What if your dad were king for a day? What would would his perfect day look like? Would he sleep late? Enjoy breakfast in bed, or brunch served outside? Would he like to work in the garden kids by his side, fly a kite or go for a hike? Would he love to see his bike sparkling clean or that light that's been broken for years, fixed? Whatever his wishes might be, consider how you can make them come true by planning the perfect day.

And before each activity, you can loudly proclaim, "By order of King ____, we, your loyal subjects are thrilled and delighted to accompany you as you ________." (And don't forget to make a crown and award it in a ceremony for which you--and/or your kids, write a heartfelt script.)

Make or embellish a gift. According to http://www.shoplocal.com/, more than 50% of those polled said they are never fond of their Father's Day gifts. So one more tie or pair of socks doesn't cut it. Again, look to your dad's likes for ideas. If he's into reading, make him a clock from a book on a subject to which he's addicted, or choose a favorite old CD and do the same. (You can purchase clock works for under $10 from a crafts store, or if you have an old clock and are handy enough to take it apart and recycle the works, all the better!)

Most dads can never have too many t-shirts. Purchase organic cotton ones, then have kids personalize them using fabric crayons. When a friend and and her brothers were small, her mom gathered all the children together for this project. Years later, when their dad had worn out the three tees, mom turned them into pillows.

Or why not repurpose a beloved, out-of-style shirt, into a pillow--no sewing required. If dad used to dig cowboy apparal and has a favorite fancy shirt stowed in the back of the closet, wrap it around a pillow and set on dad's favorite chair. Keep the memory, lose the embarrassment of him, heaven forbid, wearing the oldie out in public!

Think gifts from the heart. Whether you're six or sixty, you have personal gifs to offer dad. To make your offer even more meaningful, let him know you'll do something special for him once a month for a full year. You could make him a calendar with your monthly contribution written on each date or secretly add them to his PDA, phone or digital calendar.

Below are some ideas to use as a jumping off point. When you think about your relationship with your dad and your own talents, you'll come up with 12 perfectly tailored gifts.

* Send him notes in his lunch.
* Make him brownies or his favorite treat.
* Go for a walk together.
* Take a lesson from him in anything he likes to do (fishing? woodwork? cards?)
* Shine his shoes.
* Accompany him to an activity he enjoys.
* Teach him something you know how to do.
* Make a video about dad.
* Wash his car.
* Write poems or stories with dad as the hero.
* Go camping if he enjoys this, even if it's at home or in your yard
* Plant a tree, bush or flowers accompanied by a handmade wooden plaque with dad's name and date.

Eco-tips for Father's Day

Don't assume you know what dad wants, ask him! You may be surprised.

A meaningful and eco-friendly gift is a donation to a charity dad supports.

If dad loves to barbecue, set him on the road to sustainability by gifting him with natural lump hardwood charcoal.

Eco-picks for Father's Day- If you're going to buy, aim for earth-friendly

* Bicycle chain frame with a great photo of dad and kids together, http://www.eco-artware.com/ (recycled parts)

* For the guy who's not afraid to let everyone know he's a treehugger, t-shirt proclaiming the same from http://www.organigogo.com/ (organic cotton shirt)

* For the hip and truly green, a recycled, fair trade wallet from Global Exchange

~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

My Eco-Summer Bag

As I putting together my bag of stuff to take to the park while hubby goes fishing I realized I have a bag full of eco-stuff. Even the bag is green.

Here's my summer eco-bag:

Bring It In a Bag -Jute Tote

Bug Bam wrist bands to keep the bugs away

ecoSMART bug spray

Brittanie's Thyme bug bite relief in case we get bit

Psi Bands because my daughter's been feeling a little nauseous and under the weather the past few days

Jamar Labs wipes, these handy little things are made from 100% cotton and are biodegradable and contain no parabens or other gunk. They make for easy cleaning for the kids after playing in the park and grabbing onto icky fish from the lake

Vive Sana Sunscreen Solar to Polar Baby- this is what goes on the little guy and me, we are both very fair

KINeSYS Girls spray sunscreen goes on my 10 year old, she loves the scent

20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth is a great kids book by Michigan author Coach Pedro and his wife Susan Adam Rita. The book is bilingual and is a great way to further the kids knowledge of spanish and learning more about saving the earth. Currently the 10 year old is reading it to the 3 year old and they are having a lot of fun trying to figure out the Spanish words.




I am reading The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget. As everyone knows I am green, but being green on a budget is even better. This is Josh Dorfman's follow up book to The Lazy Environmentalist and is basically a shopping guide to help you find the best green products and the best green deals. Fab book. This one is going to take up residence right next to my computer as a go to guide when I am looking for the best green stuff.

So that's my green bag of summer eco-stuff for today's trip to the park.

My New Articles And Book Mentions

http://www.blogher.com/crafting-life-kids-crafty-tutorials my yogurt cup creations were mentioned here on Blogher

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/green-wedding-books-perfect.html The Everything Green Wedding Book mentioned on PlanetGreen

And last but not least I have an article in the July/August issue of Writers' Journal. Check out page 19 for an eco writing article by yours truly, Wenona Napolitano.

Terra Wellington's Tips on Reducing Toxic Chemicals in Your Everyday Life

“Toxics are currently found in nearly all consumer products – from food, electronics, household cleaners, clothes, water supplies, to personal care products,” says Terra Wellington(www.terrawellington.com ), frequent television contributor on healthy living issues and the author of The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins at Home.

"These toxics affect your health – both short and long term."

Here are Wellington’s tips on how to reduce toxic chemicals in your everyday life.

* No chlorine: Read labels of household products and cleaners, and stay away from chlorine because any product with chlorine harms your water supply and pollutes your air. Simple choices include chlorine-free paper, toilet paper, and cleansers.* No ammonia: This is a lung and eye irritant and can be an additional health risk if you have asthma or other respiratory issues.

* No VOCs: This is the short way of saying Volatile Organic Compounds, which are toxic gases that pollute your air. The most common VOC offenders are carpets, flooring, paints, some plastics, and household cleaners. Look specifically for the product to be labeled with zero or low VOCs – of course, zero is best.

* Reduce fragrances: Many household and personal products have fragrances. But oftentimes the more fragrant a product is the more chance it has stronger chemicals and/or VOC’s because the fragrance can contain VOC’s or mask the smell of other toxic chemicals. So look for “fragrance free” whenever possible..

* No PVCs. Plastic labeled #3 is made from polyvinyl chloride, also called PVC. PVC releases harmful chemicals during its lifetime that can affect your health. Look for zero-PVC labeled products, including shower curtains, children’s toys, plastic food containers, electronics, and artificial plants.

* No BPA. Currently a hot-button issue, Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic chemical that is used to make plastic #7, lines the cans of many of our canned foods, and is found in a multitude of other consumer products including electronics. It is best to not buy any plastics for food or beverage that are made from plastic #7.

* No mercury. Only eat safe and sustainable seafood on a limited basis to protect yourself against mercury poisoning. Additionally, take extra care with storage and disposal of compact fluorescent light bulbs.

* No toxic fertilizers. Many home-landscape, artificial fertilizers have been found to contain heavy metals, which are toxic to people and soils. These fertilizers also contain high amounts of other chemicals that are not only toxic but also run off into our waterways and kill marine life. Look, instead, for organic fertilizer options.

* No toxic herbicides or pesticides. Most herbicides and pesticides are toxic to humans, pets, and to wildlife, including necessary pollinators. And our food supply depends on healthy pollinators. Instead, practice preventive and organic gardening, as well as integrated pest management.

* No PFCs. These are perfluorinated compounds. Any product that is grease resistant probably has a coating of this compound, including stick-resistant cookware, microwave popcorn bags, dental floss, and carpets. Look for PFC-free products.

For more about Terra Wellington and her eco-tips visit: www.momsandtheplanet.com

and

www.terrawellington.com

DIY Eco-Invitations from InviteSite.com

I briefly wrote about InviteSite in The Everything Green Wedding Book.

They offer fabulous eco-friendly invitations and eco-DIY invitation kits to help couples go green for their weddings.

I think what I love most about the eco-paper (other than the fact it saves trees) is the texture. The fabulous textures of recycled, seeded, hand made, and tree free papers are so sensual. Thick, textured, grainy, seedy, fabric...these papers just feel amazing and the look is something that you just can't compare to a regular, boring, flat piece of paper.

I really love InviteSite's Seedling Wedding Invitations

"Plantable Booklet Invitation made from tree free, handmade papers with real, plantable Cosmo OR Marigold seeds. Perfect for a Green Wedding. Original custom artwork letterpress printed on cover. Recycled white envelopes.

Details About the Seedling Invitations:

DIY booklet invitation.

Diecut pocket for RSVP set and enclosures.

Diecut binding holes as scored for easy folding and assembly.

USES REGULAR POSTAGE.

PAPER FACTS:

Portfolio wrapper made from recycled cotton rag and silk handmade paper from India.

Diecut and letterpress printed in Pasadena.

Inside invitation sheet made from recycled cotton rag and silk handmade paper.

Envelopes made from recycled paper, 30-50% post consumer recycled, made in the U.S.

Overall Size: 7 1/4x 5 1/4

finished invitation measures 5"x7"

Colors: Green, off white, natural paper raffia for binding

A charming booklet invitation that opens to a wide landscape of 14 inches.

Included in the DIY set are:

Invitation sheet: Recycled 100% silk and cotton rag paper

Booklet Cover: Die-cut and scored portfolio wrapper made handmade heavy weight paper embedded with real Cosmo seeds.

Letterpress printed original design.

Mailing Envelope:Recycled white A7 envelope.

gluestick:For gluing pocket.

awl: for binding.

Ribbon: Half yard of natural paper raffia per invitation.

Extra DIY papers: MS Word printing templates if you plan to print these yourself.

10% extra printing sheets and envelopes for printing errors

Instructions

Assembled reference sample

Check out InviteSite.com for other fabulous eco-wedding invitations and DIY invitation kits.

Wedding Favors Are Going Green: Smock Joins with the Amazon Conservation Association

Help Save Rainforests with Amazon Conservation Association and Smock

The Amazon Conservation Association, one of the environmental groups that Smock supports, has started encouraging couples to bypass traditional wedding favors at their receptions and go eco instead.

Instead of traditional less-green “keepsakes” for your guests, help save the Amazon rainforests instead.

For a $5 donation per guest, you can thank your loved ones with a contribution to help protect the Amazon.

Couples will receive one beautiful favor card per two guests, sustainably letterpressed on Smock's bamboo paper, to display on tables at their reception explaining how your donation has helped create a better livelihood for local communities and to help conserve the biological diversity of the Amazon basin.

Because Smock wants to support the good work that ACA is doing, they have donated the design and letterpress printing of the favor cards, which are based on our Engadine letterpress wedding invitations.

Smock will gladly personalize these favor cards for free for those couples who have chosen Smock for their letterpress wedding invitations.

Learn more at http://smockpaper.com/blog/2009/04/07/wedding-favors-go-green-help-save-rainforests-with-amazon-conservation-association-and-smock/

Stylish and Eco-Friendly Invitations and Stationery From Linda and Harriett

Brides are you looking for stylish invitations, notecards, stationery or other bridal paper goods?

Check out Linda and Harriet for custom letterpress creations that are stylish and affordable.

Linda & Harriett offer completely custom-designed letterpress invitations. They will work with you one on one to incorporate a certain theme or feel that is completely unique and all your own.

And the great eco-thing about Linda and Harriet? All of their letterpress ink is soy-based and all note cards & greeting cards are printed on 30% post-consumer & 100% carbon neutral paper.

I had the chance to sample a notepad and I am in love. How can I go back to plain paper after such luxury?

Even being the treehugger that I am I am a paper addict. I can not give up my addictions to notepads, journals and fine art paper. However I try to balance all that by using eco-friendly recycled paper and/or tree free paper options. Great companies like Linda and Harriett make that possible.

Green Wedding Tips from Ideal Bite's Heather Stephensen

Like most women who are looking forward to their big day, Heather Stephenson, co-founder of Ideal Bite, is all wrapped up in the planning process.

From the registry right down to the DJ and honeymoon, Heather is sharing her secrets for throwing your very own “Big Fat Green Wedding”, biter style.

Let’s start with your guests:


* Use recycled or plantable paper for your wedding mailings. This way, you can save the date AND a tree.


* Opt for a “green” registry by having guests help finance your honeymoon (think African Safari) or in lieu of gifts, contribute to your favorite eco-charity.


* Reserve rooms for your out of town guests at an eco-friendly hotel or resort.


Here comes the bride:


Here comes the bride, all dressed in GREEN.

* Skip the crinlon and opt for fabrics that are sustainable and easy on the earth.

* When it comes to glamming up your hair and makeup, say “I don’t” to chemicals and use a salon that offers organic and paraben free ingredients.

Party Time:

* Be sure to choose a caterer who uses seasonal, organic and or local food.

* When it comes time for your wedding toasts, make sure you have organic wine and beer on hand.

* Choose a DJ who is sings a greener tune by using paperless billing, solar powered equipment, MP3’s and LED lights.

* Stick to locally grown, organic flowers for your bridal bouquets and center pieces.

For more Ideal Bite green wedding planning tips check out http://www.idealbite.com/guides/wedding/if-nothing-else-try-this

The Everything Green Wedding Books In E Magazine

The Everyting Green Wedding Book was recently reviewed in E Magazine's latest issue. You can view what was said here at E Magazine's website or just keep reading below.

It looks better in the mag but I just had to post the great little review.

"THE BIG, GREEN DAY "

"The Everything Green Wedding Book: Plan an Elegant, Affordable, Earth-Friendly Wedding (Adams Media, $15.95) is true to its title, covering just about anything the eco-conscious couple could possibly need to know in order to tread lightly down the aisle. Author Wenona Napolitano hits all the wedding-planning marks, from prenuptial pampering to eco-friendly wedding apparel, jewelry and decorations (including informative shakedowns of the diamond and floral industries); from tree-free invitations (elephant-dung paper; e-vites) to compostable tableware and plantable favors. This comprehensive guide includes a wedding-planning timeline and checklist, and lest you think she’ll leave you at the alter, Napolitano also helps her newlywed readers plan their eco-honeymoons and manages to dispense with green cleaning, nest-building and baby-prep info as well. "
—J.R.P.

Zulu Grass Jewelry for Your Wedding

Looking for something unique and sustainable to wear for your wedding or perhaps give as attendant gifts? Then check out Zulu Grass jewelry.

This jewelry is made sustainably in the Kenya area of Africa by Maasai women and sold through The Leakey Collection

Zulu Grass is affordable and fun. The strands come in hundreds of colors and can be worn as bracelets, necklaces, even belts. Matching earrings are also available. And it is all made from actual grass grown in Africa.

Save Money on Your Wedding Story: Do-It-Yourself Photo Books from Freeze Frame Publishing!

Today I have a guest post from Laura at Freeze Frame Publishing. She gives some great ideas for creating DIY wedding memory books.

How will you remember your wedding story?

Your wedding story is just as important as your wedding day.

How did you and your future spouse meet? What was your courtship like? Who are the friends and family important to your story? Were there showers and parties held in your honor? Where and when did you exchange your vows? Who shared your day with you? Did you take a honeymoon?

With a little pre-planning YOU can create customized photo books commemorating YOUR wedding story.

You have several opportunities to put your creativity to use building a photo book series to chronicle your wedding.

Some ideas for personally created Wedding Story photo books:

1. Guest Book:
In addition to having a record of all of the attendees you will have a memorable record of some of the items used in the wedding as well as places where the events were held. Leave plenty of room for signatures and have plenty of Sharpie-style pens available for signing.

2. Attendants’ photo books:
Photo books make terrific “Thank-You” gifts! You can create:
· several copies of one book of shared memories for all of your attendants.
· personalized books with a common shared memories section for each attendant.
· individual photo books for each attendant.

3. Pre-Wedding photo books.
Blend your histories! Dedicate a few pages to the Bride as a child, a few pages to the Groom as a child, a few pages to you as a couple. This book might also serve as a wonderful gift for your parents.

4. Wedding photo book.
Perhaps your photographer offers a professionally created wedding book. You can also create your own made of pictures your guests have taken of your wedding and reception. Have lots of cameras available throughout your wedding day events. Place cameras on tables and let your guests snap pictures of your big day from their vantage points. Provide collection centers for the cameras near the exit areas when your guests leave. Have these pictures burned to CDs or other digital media. You now have many pictures, taken by your guests, to choose from as you create your own Wedding Photo Book

5. Honeymoon photo book.
This would complete your Wedding Story Photo Book Collection. Your honeymoon is your first vacation with your new spouse. Take lots of pictures! If you travel with a laptop, you can create your honeymoon photo book with Freeze Frame Publishing’s software while on the plane home. You do not need internet access to frame your memories while using our FREE software. You can even order your photo book while waiting in the terminal for your luggage! Can’t wait to show your friends and family? There’s a “share online” feature that allows you to email a virtual honeymoon photo book to your friends and family.

You can create landscape, square, or lay-flat photo books through Freeze Frame Publishing. Prices begin at $29.99 for 20 pages (additional pages are available!). Several binding options are also available. Please check our web site for our complete product offerings.

We invite you to download our FREE software and give it a try as you frame your memories forever.

If you have slow internet connection, or no internet connection, request a disc and we will send our software to you! You can also sign up to receive our blog posts emailed directly to your in- box!

What's Different About Freeze Frame Publishing?

* Unlike building your photo books in large, brightly-lit chain stores or uploading your photos one by one to a web site, our software is available as a FREE download from our web site.

* The software resides on your computer.

* Your digital pictures remain on your computer. You do not upload your pictures to a web site.

* There are no memberships or passwords required to use our software.

* Each page of your photo book is COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE. You can change backgrounds as many time as you like; you can put captions anywhere you like; you can change fonts, font size and font color any time you like. We even offer Full-Bleed pages at no extra cost!

* When you are ready to have your photo products printed, you can upload your photo product file directly to our digital printer, or, if high-speed internet is not available where you live, you can save your photo product file to a CD or other media device and mail it to us.

* You have the option of paying by check or credit card.

* No internet access necessary! Since our software resides on your computer's desktop, you do not need internet access to 'frame your memories' with Freeze Frame Publishing.

Enjoy this special time in your life; enjoy the memories you create. If we can be of any assistance, please email us at info@freezeframepublishing.com, or me at laura@freezeframepublishing.com.

Freeze time… Frame your memories forever!

Laura Hughes
Freeze Frame Publishing
10383 36th Street
Lowell, MI 49331

www.FreezeFramePublishing.com
laura@freezeframepublishing.com

Winner of 250 Cards from Uprinting.com

Well today is the winning day for Uprinting.com 's 250 card giveaway. These are designable, custom cards that can be used as invitations, thank you notes, anouncements or whatever.

Where are all the brides? No one signed up for this. You all missed out.

I can't believe more people did not sign up for this. Everyone probably thought shipping would be expensive but I don't think it is. Well, worth the 250 cards.

Too bad, everyone missed out on a great deal.

Since only one person actually followed the rules (Roxanne) I'll pay for her shipping expenses so she gets the cards totally free.

Nikken Organics True Elements Facial Products

Ladies are you looking for skincare products that will give you a beautiful glow for your big day?

Then look no further than Nikken's True Elements Swiss Organic Facial Care products.

I had a chance to try True Elements Daily Perfecting Cream, Intensive Night Cream, and Contour serum.

I could instantly feel the difference. My skin became more soft and supple without feeling greasy. Within a day of use the tiny lines that have started to plague me were gone. And my skin didn't break out.

Nikken True Elements line of skincare products are EcoCert certified which means they are at least 95% organic, they contain no mineral oil, no silicon, no emulsifiers made from PEG, no parabens, no phenoxyethanols, and no synthetic dyes, colors or fragrances.

True Elements products are made with plants native to the Swiss Alps region and natural oils such as olive, jojoba, macadamia and shea butter.

These are some of the best organic facial products that I have tried. I would love to stock up on them. They are available through Nikken Wellness Consultants- like an Avon lady though this is the Nikken Consultant.

You can check out Nikken products at www.mynikken.net/joanspear

The Eureka EnviroVac

In honor of Earth Day I received a Eureka envirovac to try out for a couple of weeks.

Somehow the people at Eureka must have known I have a vacuuming fetish. Strange I know, but I like a clean house and I swear my family members are some of the dirtiest people who can not comprehend the simple request of "remove your shoes". So that means I vacuum...a lot!

The envirovac is Eureka's way of going green, at least greener than your average vacuum.

The envirovac uses less energy than your average upright vacuum, up to 33% less energy while still providing power and performance equal to or exceeding a regular vacuum.

The envirovac also features a bag less canister- so no extra resources are used to create bags and the filter is reusable, washable and hypoallergenic and everything is packaged in recyclable materials.

I love this vacuum. It is easy to use, picks up great and is easy to clean out. My regular vacuum always gives me trouble when I empty the canister, this one is so easy to empty, pull it out, snap it back on. Simple as that.

Two things about the envirovac bugged me though-

1) the on and off switch is low on the handle. I am used to the on and off switch to be on the base so I can hit it with my toe. I like it like that, it is awkward finding the switch on the side.

2) The other thing that bugged me a little was the Power Paw Rise Visor and the other cleaning attachment kept falling off the vacuum while I was vacuuming. They need to attach those things more securely.

Other than those two minor things I love this vacuum. I wish I didn't have to send it back.

Oh well, I am considering buying one.

The Eureka envirovacs are available exclusively at WalMart and Walmart.com for around $72.22.

These vacuums would be something great to add to your eco-registry or for those shopping for presents consider one of these.

My House Stinks Contest By Dutch Boy Paints

Dutch Boys Paint is looking for people with uninhabitable rooms in their homes to submit a picture to http://www.myhousestinks.com -

The owner of the worst-looking room wins $5,000 and 50 gallons of Dutch Boy's new Refresh paint to help rejuvenate their living space! Refresh is "an innovative new line of eco-friendly, VOC-free paints from Dutch Boy which neutralizes common household odors."

The 2nd prize winner get $2,500 and 25 gallons of Refresh

The 3rd prize winner receives $1,000 and 10 gallons of Refresh.

Check out http://www.myhousestinks.com to enter or for more information about the contest