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…”

Green Weddings in Michigan

Are you planning a wedding in Michigan and you are hoping your big day will be a shade of green?

Then look no further than the Traverse City area which boasts beautiful resorts, wineries, and bed and breakfasts-many that have gone green.

Click to Continue Reading

FTC Wants Full Disclosure from Bloggers

Attention all bloggers, blogger reviewers, product reviewers, etc if you get free products in exchange for reviews then you need to read this post at SheBlogs

From the SheBlogs.com site:

Why are these guidelines important to the blogging community? According to the new FTC guidelines, a blogger becomes an “advertiser” or “endorser” the moment that there is a “material connection” made between that blogger and the brand/product they are covering. These rules apply whether the blogger accepts payment, free product for review, or other forms of paid endorsement (read: sponsorships to travel to conferences). Further, the FTC Guides will affect posting by bloggers and consumers on other online media, including Twitter and other social networks. Pay-Per-Tweet services such as Ad.ly and Izea will be required to comply with these new guidelines.

While these rules previously focused on the companies releasing these marketing materials, these new rules affect everyone from bloggers and online content publishers, and contains very clear regulations and consequences associated with the use of paid testimonials in blogs, through several amendments to the FTC’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising and Blogging, which address the important need to disclose connections between advertisers and endorsements. Failure to comply with these new guidelines can result in fines of up to $11,000 per incident.

The decisions regarding fines for violations will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but it is important to note that any blogger who receives cash, free product, sponsorship to travel to events or conferences, free lunches or drinks to discuss a product, or any other form of material compensation will no longer be considered an objective publisher, but an “endorser.” These new guidelines pose a hazard to professional bloggers, who view their blogs as a legitimate publishing platform, and will affect everyone in the publishing industry, although they serve an important purpose to the public.

Read more: http://www.sheblogs.org/2009/10/failure-to-disclose-can-be-costly-to-the-tune-of-11000-per-post/#ixzz0TH2m0SSu

Download the new guidelines from the FTC here.

In case you didn't know, I review products that I receive for FREE. This includes books. A lot of books I receive directly from authors or publishers, sometimes I check them out from the library. Maybe 4% of the books I review are ones I purchase.

Now since I don't get married over and over again I don't have much use for wedding related products so those posts and recommendations are all items that I come across and think are worthy of a mention.

As far as other products sometimes I post reviews on products I come across or that I have purchased but 99% of the time the products I review have been sent to me by companies in exchange for a review.

So there's my disclosure. This will also be published in the sidebars of my sites. And from now on I'll be sure to include things about free products in my posts as well. You better too to avoid being fined.

‘Wedding in a Week’ Giveaway Event!

Wedding in a Week, a large-scale giveaway event, involving 23 of the industry's top wedding vendors, launches today, Monday September 28th on The Broke-Ass Bride (http://www.thebrokeassbride.com/).

With 11 separate giveaways for brides-to-be and beyond to enter, the event aims to give budget brides a (possibly huge) break.

The event runs the week of September 28 - October 5, 2009.

Dana LaRue, founder of The Broke-Ass Bride is giving readers a chance to win over $11,000 in prizes, donated from companies of all shapes and sizes, with new prizes being revealed and giveaways starting twice and sometimes three times, daily. Prizes include a free custom couture wedding gown, wedding photography packages, invitations, card boxes, dance floor monograms, custom maps, choreographed first dance and lessons, veils, garters, bouquets, flowers, ceremony accessories, skin care products and more!

Winners will be announced the following week on The Broke-Ass Bride.

“I'm ecstatic to be offering such a stellar array of prizes,” LaRue says, “I wanted to give away practically a whole wedding's worth of prizes over a week, and break them down into separate but concurrent events, so people can pick and choose what they want or need to enter and win. I was a broke bride myself, so its thrilling to now give back to brides like myself out there, who are desperately stretching their dollars to make their own weddings dreamy and memorable. Many generous companies helped me to have a spectacular wedding within my budget, so its a meaningful way to honor the vendors, too. It's a win-win, a way to help everyone! What could be better?"

Donating vendors include Next Exit Photography, Christianne Brunelle Couture Bridal, Princess Lasertron, Hazelnut Photography, Weddingish, Clarisonic, For the Modern Bride, Beau Coup Favors, Beach Body, California Blooms, Pantomime Papers, Kasia Fink Veils, EcoUsables, Ten23 Designs, Julianne Smith Garters, Bottle Your Brand, Best Wedding Sites, Good Gals Inc., E-Fin Wear, Dance Fusion Studios (c/o Hot Pink Petticoat), Customized Wedding Creations and Just Wenderful.

The Broke-Ass Bride is an entertaining and informative resource providing "bad-ass wedding planning" and lifestyle inspiration to broke-ass couples around the globe. Using her own creativity and a healthy dose of moxie, Dana LaRue, aka The Broke-Ass Bride and founder of Bride$hare (http://brideshare.net/), planned a magical, fully-customized and eco-friendly wedding worth three times more than her budget.

Known for her quirky style, progressive approach, practical advice, and sassy attitude, The Broke-Ass Bride teaches couples how to save green while being more green. Her relatable, honest and fun perspective on all things wedding planning and more have made The Broke-Ass Bride an award-winning and beloved resource, drawing readers at every stage of life back time after time to see what new advice or inspiration awaits.

Redbook Magazine and Me

I have a couple little reader comments in the September 2009 issue of Redbook Magazine on pages 166 and 168.

While googling Wenona Napolitano + Redbook I also found out I had a reader comment in the December 2008 issue of Redbook on page 142, good thing I still have that copy.

I guess I just never looked through it-holiday season left me busy and lost plus my book came out this past December and I was busy doing some promo work too so that's another reason I could have missed it.

Oh well, just glad I have the copy so I can add it to my "clips".

(The digital zinio page numbers are not the same as the actual print page numbers of the magazines since they don't match up.)

How to Organize A “Green” Wedding Guest Post By Emily Jacobson

From Wedding Ring to Honeymoon: How to Organize A “Green” Wedding
By Emily Jacobson

A green wedding is not difficult to organize. It can also cost less, depending on how green you go, and there are many green service providers to work with. You can go all-out green or just a little green. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly wedding.

Invitations and Gifts

Use recycled paper and calligraphy for your invitations or, even greener, send invitations by e-mail. Create a wedding blog for information and updates. Substitute digital proofs for wedding photos and post them on your wedding blog.

Ask guests to donate to an environmental cause instead of bringing gifts you don't need. Or register with an eco-conscious retailer so gifts will be environmentally friendly products you do need.

Rings & Clothing

Substitute family heirlooms, recycled rings or antiques for "blood diamonds" that endanger miners, disturb ecosystems and contribute to war. Or buy alternative gemstones or rings set with minerals like turquoise instead of diamond wedding rings.

Consider a vintage or second-hand wedding dress and tuxedo, and have them refitted. After the wedding, pass them along or sell them on consignment. You can also choose a wedding dress you will still be able to wear after the wedding. Let your bridal party select their own outfits (in your color scheme) in styles they can also wear for other occasions.

Food, Flowers & Reception

Hire a catering service that provides china, crystal, silver and cloth instead of paper and plastic. Cater locally produced, organically grown and organically prepared foods, beverages and cake. Donate any leftovers to a shelter.

Buy local and organically grown flowers and use the same flowers at the ceremony and reception. After the wedding, pass them along to guests or to a hospital. Use potted flowers instead of cut, and let guests take plants home afterward.

Hold the reception in a scenic outdoor spot to reduce the use of air conditioning, lighting, heating and to minimize the need for decorations. Schedule the wedding and reception during the day to save electricity. Use candlelight rather than electricity. Have the reception at a non-profit organization so the rental fee will benefit others.

Transportation

Schedule the wedding and reception at the same location, convenient for the greatest number of guests, to reduce travel costs. Ask guests who live in proximity to carpool to and from the wedding. Make your reception getaway on skates, bicycles, or skateboards.

Honeymoon

Plan a honeymoon close to home in a setting you've never visited. Activities like camping, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing are all ecologically friendly, especially if you include camping.

Consider a service honeymoon by "wwoofing." World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) connects volunteers with farms where visitors learn "sustainable ways of living." The farms are located world wide and provide food and board in exchange for volunteering. To have time off too, choose a farm near a vacation spot and do both.

Travel agencies offer ecotourism vacations at many hotels and resorts with earth-friendly accommodations, while eco-vacations feature adventure honeymoons like Himalayan mountaineering or hang-gliding.

Want to Win a Camera or Plasma TV

PANASONIC’S LIVINGINHD.COM CELEBRATES SUMMER’S END WITH INSPIRATIONAL, INFORMATIVE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
AND A CHANCE TO WIN TOP HD PRODUCTS

Each Time Members Upload Photos or Videos Illustrating Four
Weekly Summer Themes, They Are Entered to Win
a LUMIX GH1 Camera or VIERA G10 Plasma TV


SECAUCUS, NJ (August 10, 2009) – To inspire existing community members and engage new ones on its growing social networking site, www.livinginhd.com, Panasonic announced today the End of Summer Celebration, a month-long weekly giveaway, ending Labor Day, marking memorable summer moments through online photo and video sharing. First-time users are automatically entered into the sweepstakes by visiting www.livinginhd.com, joining the community, and submitting their favorite summer photos or videos that meet the weekly theme. Entrants can also include a caption that provides viewers with helpful information about the content’s subject. The photos and videos uploaded to the site will spark ideas for summer weddings, vacations and foods, while giving members the chance to win their choice of either the critically acclaimed LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera or a 50-inch VIERA G10 Series Plasma TV.

Each photo or video submission will help build an engaging and interactive community resource for ideas and conversations about four common summer themes:

(Week 1) Weddings: Between the creative cakes, colorful flowers, beautiful dresses, and exotic venues, weddings can be a work of art. Submit your favorite photos or videos from your own big day or someone else’s to inspire brides and grooms to be. Don’t forget to include an informational caption so other couples can benefit from your experience.

(Week 2) Great American Roadtrip: With wallets feeling tight all around, many people traded flights to far off-places for an old-fashioned Route-66 road trip this summer. Share favorite U.S. landscape shots you took while on the road and tell us where to go for that picture-perfect view. Also during this week, look for a Webinar on ideas for capturing great landscape photos.

(Week 3) Vacations for Two: From a quiet beach to a cabana hideaway, we want to know the coziest places you’ve vacationed this summer – just the two of you. Share a photo or video to fill us in on some insider secrets or travel tips so others can enjoy a getaway of their own.

(Week 4) Food Creations: There’s nothing better than a delicious barbecue or afternoon picnic under the summer sun. Show us the gourmet treats you’ve been enjoying that will make us want to light up the grill or get back into the kitchen! If you’d like to share family secrets, include your recipe as a blog post or cite your favorite cookbook in the caption of the photo or video so we can taste your creations.

LivinginHD.com is a social networking site designed to demystify High Definition and “unconfuse” the consumer. Members share insights, opinions and advice with others interested and enthusiastic about the world of HD. The site also helps people find creative inspiration on how to use their HD products in exciting ways, as well as interact with technical experts, view a wide range of useful member-created How-To Videos about products and projects, and participate in in-depth communal conversations about experiences, ideas and creative discoveries.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH1 digital camera is the newest member of the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System offering professional-level still photos and HD Video performance while still consumer friendly enough for entry level DSLR consumers. This 12.1-megapixel camera has been awarded the 2008 Camera of Year by Popular Photography & Image magazine and offers groundbreaking technology as the world’s first entry into the Micro Four Thirds Standard system camera segment for advanced imaging capabilities. The Panasonic LUMIX GH1 camera is valued at $1499.95.

Panasonic’s VIERA G10 Series Plasmas are THX® Certified and deliver a 40,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio for deep, real black reproduction and 1080 lines of Moving Picture Resolution for the ultimate in picture quality with no motion artifacts to distract the viewer – ideal when watching fast action content such as sports and action movies or when playing video games.
The G10 Series models also feature Panasonic’s proprietary VIERA CAST® technology giving consumers access to a growing range of targeted web sites including Amazon Video On Demand, You Tube™, Picasa Photo Album™, Bloomberg News and a weather channel. The Panasonic VIERA G10 46-inch Plasma TV is valued at $1499.95.

More information about the sweepstakes, including complete rules and requirements, can be found online at livinginhd.com

In addition to the product giveaway, Panasonic is now accepting applications for additional Living in HD Family program participants. Eligible participants for the program can be a family, couple, single person, group of friends, co-workers – anyone who is enthusiastic about becoming a part of this special HD community. Interested individuals and groups can apply online at http://www.livinginhd.com/hd/app/registerForm.htm.

Save 20% At Brittanie's Thyme

Throughout the month of August you can save 20% on all Brittanie's Thyme products.

"Because of the rampant “green washing” that has taken place throughout the personal care industry, Brittanie’s Thyme LLC decided it was imperative to become USDA Certified Organic. It is the only means of proving to users that a product is what it claims in terms of organic."

"The company has realized its goal and is now USDA NOP certified. Its manufacturing facility and 85% of its products are now certified at 95% or higher."

You can get facial cleansers, scrubs, serums and more at Brittanie's Thyme.

High quality products with an intimate home made feel that are easy on your budget. Their high qaulity organic products don't cost the high doallr amount that so many organic beauty products do.

Drop by and check them out and save 20% during the month of August.

Greening up baby showers

First comes love, then comes marriage then comes...the green baby shower.

From Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family offer advice to help green the baby shower.

No one deserves more to be celebrated in an earth-friendly way than moms-to-be and their babies. After all, everyone wants the best for their children and the best, as we now realize, is to make healthier choices for people and the planet.

Throwing a "green" baby shower doesn't take extra work, just planning.

Start by thinking about the various aspects of a shower and how you can apply the 3Rs--reduce, reuse, recycle.

For instance:

Reduce the amount of decor you buy, the amount of food you purchase, the amount of disposables, whether for wrapping, plates or table covering.

Reuse by repurposing items for decor. For instance, if you're giving the mom cloth diapers, hang them on a clothes line strung along one wall. Intersperse with colorful pieces of cloth, cute dresses or tops or pre-used ribbons. After the party, she takes everything home (including the clothes line).

Recycle everything from the event. Pass on decor items, compost what leftovers cannot be sent home with guests.

Most showers involve food and maybe some games. But almost inevitably, the focus is on opening gifts. While everyone loves giving and receiving, especially when it comes to adorable baby items, how about a little more emphasis on mom and a little less on "stuff?"

Showering mom (and dad, if he's present), with loving, thoughtful gifts from the heart costs almost nothing and will help her (and him), feel amazing.

Some ideas (note that these are alternatives--not every parent or group of guests will be interested in every one):

Create an calming atmosphere by dimming the lights, perhaps lighting some beeswax candles, settling mom into a comfy chair, offering her socks or slippers if she'd like.

Ask someone to create a CD of mom's favorite relaxing music to be played during the event, then gifted to her.

Offer mom a rosewater footbath or a massage for hands, feet or neck. If the guests are comfortable with this (as well as mom), each one can take a turn offering mom a "touching" gift.

Prepare a selection of drinks--made from fresh organic fruit in summer or organic tea in cooler weather.

Have everyone bring a bead. Guests sit in a circle and string the beads one at a time explaining their choice as they do. Perhaps the color reminds them of the mom's eyes, or a place she loves. Maybe the bead came from a broken necklace inherited from a beloved grandmother. Guests also can write their explanations on a piece of paper that mom can keep with the bracelet or necklace.

Encourage mom to wear the item or keep it nearby when she gives birth, or if she's adopting, when she receives the baby, as a reminder of the love that surrounds her.

Make mom a special plate of food. Each item can represent something about being a mother. (Remember to choose local and organic when possible, and of course, respect mom's tastes and/or allergies.) Some ideas include: a carrot representing family "roots," a mushroom representing "shelter," a cluster of grapes respresenting "closeness," blue cheese or another "smelly" one representing some of the distatesful things moms have to do etc. The items can be brought out on a plate, an example of what one represents offtered, then guests can toss out their own ideas.

Ask everyone to bring a stone from where they live. They can write a wish for the mom or baby or write their names in permanent ink. Add the stones to a pot in which a small live tree has been planted. If appropriate, parents can plant the tree with the stones around it as a lasting memory of the event.

Be sure to make laughter a part of the event. Maybe guests will recount cute things their kids have said or the silliest thing they ever did as a parent, or the time they "lost it."

Ask the mom and/or dad-to-be, to bring a piece of clothing, baby book or photo from when they were babies and talk about their childhood memories, how they perceived their parents, and/or the most important things they want to do for and with this baby.

If the parent-to-be's mom or dad is at the shower, encourage them to share memories or humorous anecdotes about the expectant parents as kids.

Eco-tips for choosing green baby shower gifts

Select clothing items without chemicals (which are readily absorbed by a newborn's thin skin). Look for organic cotton, hemp, wool or silk.

The safest toys are made from natural, pesticide-free materials such as untreated wood or the fabrics listed above. Seek out products made locally, and/or that are handmade and that will last.

Give a gift of yourself such as preparing meals for the family, driving or doing errands weekly for the first months after the baby is at home, offering to rent a movie and preparing a "parents night in," along with babysitting, or doing a year's worth of car washes.

Choose to wrap your gifts in items that keep giving--baby blankets, crib sheets, towels, scarves or other reusables.

Here's a freebie that would be wonderful to include with any gift.

It's a pdf of a brochure, Simple Steps for a Happy Baby, a Healthy Home and a Better World. Download, print out one copy (on recycled paper of course.)

Eco-picks for green baby shower gifts

Gift certificates for baby massage classes or "mommy and me" yoga

Items that encourage bonding like slings made from organic fabric

LED night lights

Organic cotton bath towels and wash cloths

Diaper bag made from recycled plastic bottles

Books on parenting like The Green Parent by Jenn Savedge

Natural rubber duckie

~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

Creative Wedding Planning for the Budget Bride

In case you haven't noticed I have a new blog dedicated to all things creative and budget friendly for weddings- green and even not so green. It's all about planning a fun, creative wedding on a budget. I hope to start posting DIY projects and more on there as I really get into it.

The blog is called Creative Wedding Planning for the Budget Bride. And while I don't have a lot of links or banners on the site what I do have is many posts filled with wedding planning advice. I also have photos of some of my wedding crafts and creations.

I hope you'll drop by and check it out. Add it to your link love lists and please become a follower. It's new and I haven't done much advertising for it yet so it isn't getting much traffic. Please help spread the word.

I am also looking for anyone who would like to guest blog at Creative Wedding Planning, submit DIY wedding projects, or send wedding planning books for review.

Thanks so much for your support.

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.