Gifties and other Goods - Baby Style

So we've talked about the party, now what about the presents? Giving a baby gift is usually a very easy thing to do. Frankly, kid stuff is so adorable, and we grown ups are such suckers for cuteness, that pretty much any retailer with a decent stock of children's products is going to do ok. But it's also nice to get something that's not just any old baby gift, and even more importantly, isn't made in any old way. Buying something that's taken environmental responsibility, quality, and material use into consideration is helping parent's begin their infant's life with the best possible start. So here are a few great companies, and only a few of their fabulous products to give you some ideas...and me, since like I said, I've got baby on the brain! A bunch of presents to buy, and a whole lotta celebratin'!

Here are two baby books that I just love. Both are from Paper-Source (as are the products below these), and both are the perfect thing for the parents that want to document every 'first'...I think they even come with little baggies for 'baby's first haircut.' Regardless of what each parent decides to put in them, they're fun, cute, and whimsical - particularly the Lion book...I just love that drawing (and it's perfect if you're giving it for a Leo baby!).

Sometimes, a great gift is something that is easy to use, good to look at, and just as easy to get rid of. These next two are exactly that. The first are vinyl decals that make decorating a wall super fun, and super changeable. You can put them up, move them around, and take them down - adding a bit of flair and color without having to paint the walls. And these absolutely beautiful hand made butterflies are the perfect touch to make a little girl's room extra special. Just hang it along the ceiling, from a light fixture, whatever - a gift like this is sweet and inexpensive.


Ollie + Lime is all about fresh and funky - their modern baby products like clothing and bibs, bags and linens are all fun and totally fab. Giving any of their products is a good way to go - here's one example - their George collection (they have 4) changing mat or bib & place mat set are cute and useful. And all of their patterns are great. I especially love the colors of the 'egg' collection...though the name is a bit misleading.

Lester Harry is definitely a top stop for me when it comes to giving gifts to expecting mothers. Their shelves are filled with toys and clothing, bath and body, and lots of baby gear - all of which are great - as are their bamboo blankets! These soft and subtle baby blankets are a dream.


You may not immediately think of Gaiam when you're thinking baby, but eco-friendly is their thing, as is covering every category. And for new babies and moms, they have a great 'Growing Green Babies' kit, complete with an organic and non-toxic stuffed animal (which is also sold separately).



Buying decor can be hard for anyone, and even harder when it's for someone's nursery. Luckily, Branch Home has a few items that you can't go wrong with. This mobile is adorable and sustainable - as are the animal prints - beautifully framed and great on their own or in a set.




And finally, whether you're giving the gift or having the baby, 2Modern is a fantastic place to shop! Get all of your nursery needs here from their eco-friendly children and nursery collection. For the gift givers, these adorable onsies, or baby blanket would make any mommy happy.


And if you're looking to give something big and special, check out some of their kiddie furniture - something a kid can love and play with, but isn't necessarily a 'must' for most parents buying nursery items. I absolutely love all these options for children's lounge chairs. The first is definitely for the more modern parents - with a chair like this a baby is almost guaranteed to be super cool! This next lounge chair is the perfect choice for a growing kid - made from soft soy based foam and covered in micro-suede, babies can climb all over it without getting hurt, or inhaling VOC's. And last, but certainly not least are these bright, playful, and somehow bizarrely adorable bOble chairs/rockers/toys - and I use the slashes because they really are all 3!






Oh, and don't forget the Dodo! The rocker that is - first picture up top - another 2Modern fab find, and a personal favorite. I don't know, it might just be that I feel so few children get to have Dodo anything that this one is special. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that it's a rocker, recyclable, can be used outdoors, and wait, did I mention it's a Dodo?

Perfect Party - Baby Style

I've got baby on the brain... it seems that everyone I know is either pregnant or trying. So, in the spirit of expecting mommies everywhere (and to satisfy my own obsessive party planning penchant), I thought I'd pull together some cutie things for all the prego's and their friends that are planning these shindigs! Please note, I am not generally of the category of people that likes to get carried away with the super-duper cutesy and girlie things a baby shower might invoke, nor am I a fan of the games associated with said events, BUT I do think that a beautiful party, with a little bit of 'baby' is a great way to celebrate the start of a new life...and to do so sustainably is one of the best gifts you can give a mother and her child.

So let's get the party started - invitations anyone? I know we live in the world of evites and the like, and yes, it prevent wasting paper BUT, it isn't always the most eco-conscious way to go...your laptop takes energy to get that screen to light up and the keys to work! Plus, I am stationary kinda gal. I love it. The feeling a beautiful, hand written note imparts to its recipient is, well, to be cheesy, heart warming. And of course, where else but one of my favorite stationary stores would you find sweet, but not too sweet invitations that are made from recycled paper and non-toxic inks, but Paper Source?


And for the prezzies, well, it can't hurt to get a little cute here. Check out these specialty wrapping papers, also from Paper Source.





Now for the actual party, well, you gotta eat! Isn't that what the point of a party is anyway? So here are some great, stylish and sustainable ways to decorate the table - starting with your dishes. Since we all know no one wants to wash dishes after a huge party, why not get some funky, sustainable dishes like the ones from Green Planet Party, made from Palm Leaves? I love the natural look and the variegated colors. They're biodegradable and compostable. And to add to the compost pile, don't forget these corn based utensils!

And if you want to add a little color, why not mix in these funky bowls from Green Party Goods? They too are made from corn, and would compliment the Palm Leaf plates perfectly.



Speaking of eating, another essential to any good daytime party is the dessert. And given that cake can get messy and cupcakes are all the rage, I thought these biodegradable cupcake wrappers from Green Planet Party were awesome! They had some more 'baby' ones, but I liked these - funky and full of flair (and really, very usable for any occasion if you don't go through the whole pack)...having a whole bunch of these on a table is decoration enough. Paired with some gorgeous (and obviously organic) floral bouquet's and you're done with the decoration!



And in case you are a traditionalist, and feel that no guest must leave without a little sumptin' sumptin' then these next two are for you. Instead of using a paper bag, these reusable cloth gift bags are fantastic. 9 designs ranging in color and pattern, and inexpensive to boot, these are a great way to say 'Thank You for coming'. And to fill it, why not this adorable 'duckie' - a plantable, paper, filled with wildflower seeds - 'duckie'.

Heavenly Heath - Part 3

And last but not least, Heath Collection's amazing tile collection. Made from the same amazing proprietary clay that allows them to fire their pieces only once and at lower temperatures than other manufacturers, this expansive collection definitely has something for everyone. The colors, the styles, the earth friendly manufacturing [meaning they reduce waste, recycle, reduce energy use and just generally try to reduce their impact on the environment]...yay! I love companies like this!





Here's a diagram of the vast array of shapes available - and the color options, well, there are a' plenty!


Now for the fun stuff - inspiration! Check out some of the amazing images from Heath's website below.

One of the first places you think about for beautiful tile is in your Kitchen. Picking something to add that special pizazz and 'wow' factor is definitely easy if you're shopping at Heath. The first image is of a custom tile that is just phenomenal! Not only is the variation in the glaze a gorgeous mesh of yellows, but the actual design of the tile is stunning. The fact is, if Heath can make a yellow subway tile interesting, modern, and stylish, then in my book, they definitely know what they're doing.

The second image above is from their Kiln collection and even though I'm not so sure about the Kitchen itself, the tile is outstanding. The size of the subway tile is bold and unusual for most, but the real beauty is the color. I am just a sucker for a beautiful turquoise and they seriously got this color right. And below - check the mix of the matte & glazed chocolate brown tile. It's a great way to add a new dimension to your tile design without going crazy with a bunch of different colors or styles or patterns. Love it!


These images are of Heath tiles applied in various outdoor applications - from a Residential courtyard complete with reflection pool, to a backyard BBQ, to building exteriors. Now this is what siding should look like!




Below are three of their featured bathrooms - each as fabulous as the next. The first image is from a showroom display of the creme de la creme of high end tile shops, Ann Sacks. Move over Angela Adams - Heath is giving you a run for your money! And in the second image? The vertical application of these simple and gorgeously jade colored thin subway tile, paired with the dark wood and 3Form panel - absolutely Zen, non? And last but not least, the Bowtie & Diamond tile, in a sumptuous and sexy 'Volcano' red - now this is the way to make a bathroom say va va va voom!


Um, talk about Spa - these first two pictures are from the Clear Creek Spa (I think in Montana? Not sure - but wherever it is, I'd like to spend some relaxation time here!). And the third image of a cool, simple and contemporary shower is actually from someone's bathroom - lucky someone.

And if you have a minute, check out their tile collection PDF - the images are GORGEOUS! So many fantastic options, colors and inspirational photos. Gotta love it.