Re-Launch Reader Giveaway 3! Win a FLOR rug!!!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered!! Congratulations to Kristina Julie, who entered via the Pure Green blog. (Winners are randomly chosen using random.org)

Reoriented



Soft Spoken

Suit Yourself

Yes, you read right!!! As I'm sure you know, the new issue of Pure Green Magazine is coming in just a few short days... 7 to be exact!!! We are so excited, I can barely sit in this chair to type! To celebrate our new issue we've hosted a little giveaway series here on the PGM blog. Readers have taken home a complete anti-aging skin care kit from Marie Veronique Organics, a modular living wall from Woolly Pocket, and finally, one lucky reader will take home a 5x7 rug by FLOR from their new summer collection!!

FLOR makes modular carpet tiles using recycled content, and the tiles themselves are recyclable too! Their patterns are bright or muted, edgy or soft, modern or traditional - something to suit any taste.  We fell for their new Summer Collection, and have selected three of our favourite patterns for you to choose from: Reoriented, Soft Spoken or Suit Yourself. To see more visit their site, FLOR.com or call 13866.281.3567 to speak to a representative.

To enter: You can either

1. Leave a comment here on the PGM Blog

2. Enter via twitter. Tell @puregreenmag you want to win.

3. Leave a comment on our Facebook page.

The contest will be open for 7 days. The winner will be chosen and announced Tuesday, May 24. Good luck!

Get to Know Pure Green! Kirsten Grove

You will know Kirsten from issues 2-4 as our fabulous Before & After Editor, as well as the author behind the well known blog Simply Grove.  Her ingenuity and creativity makes giving discarded objects a new lease on life a cinch! In our new issue she's creating something special for the backyard... the rest is still a secret, until May 24 that is!! 

Please introduce yourself.
Hi lovely readers! My name is Kirsten Grove and I am a contributor for Pure Green Magazine. You can find me most days being a Interior blogger/stylist/designer. My two main jobs is wife to Shane and mommy to Ethan and Eden Jo. We live right outside of Boise Idaho. I moved to Boise from Seattle, 12 years ago. At first it was a bit of a culture shock but I have come to love this city! We have a great art and design community. Our downtown, though smaller, has some of the yummiest cafes, stylish boutiques and events happening all of the time. This last year, I reclaimed furniture at a boutique, Brass Razoo, in Nampa Idaho, 20 min outside of Boise. The whole experience of reclaiming furniture taught me the art of beauty. You can take the most hideous object, put some love into it and create a gorgeous work of art. Though I loved it, working as a carpenter took its tole on me. I will still work on pieces here and there but not full time. Right now I am on focusing freelance styling and designing as well as running my blog, Simply Grove, that I started almost 4 years ago. 

Favorite all-time memory?
Meeting my son and daughter for the first time. Both of them were adopted at birth and both have beautiful stories. I will never forget the feeling when I held them for the first time. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

If you could do anything, you would...

Travel the world for one year with my family. I watched a program on TV where the whole family saved up funds for a few years to be able to travel the world for one full year. Their youngest was around 6 years old. I thought to myself that if they could do it, we certainly could too. Both my kids love to travel. I think the experience would be amazing!

Favorite movie?

Hmmmmm. Probably, Little Women. I am a sucker for the old version with Elizabeth Taylor and the new version.

What does living green mean to you?
For me its not being wasteful with what we have been given. I am trying to teach my kids to use exactly what they need and no more. It sometimes feels like baby steps, teaching your kids to be kind to our planet but everything helps!

Sources:

1. Iannone Design Cork Mosaic Sideboard

2. Brazillian Hanging Chair - Mocha from Byer of Maine

3. Paddywax Bamboo & Green Tea Eco Candle

Re-Launch Reader Giveaway 2! Woolly Pocket!!!

OK dear readers.... {rubbing my hands together with glee}... I'm excited about this one! You know Woolly Pockets, right? How many times have you wished you had one hanging in your living room? Maybe above your computer desk? You could be looking at one right now, as you read your favourite daily blogs or online mag. Well, this is your chance!! That's right, to thank you for your patience while we give Pure Green Magazine a little makeover, and to celebrate the imminent re-launch {May 24 folks}, PGM and Woolly Pockets is offering a reader giveaway!  Woolly Pocket is a LA based company that creates modular wall hanging garden systems out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Cool! You can grow food in the kitchen or orchids in the living room or whatever... your choice! How fun is that?

Credit: All above images by Suthi Picotte

You can enter to win a Wally Three...

Image Credit: Joshua White

AND the Tina from their new Islands Collection. Lucky Ducks!

Image Credit: Joshua White

Here's how to enter:

1. Enter via the PGM blog by leaving a comment at the end of this post.

2. Enter via PGM's Facebook page by leaving a comment under our giveaway post.

3. Get a bonus entry via Twitter by sending out a tweet about this giveaway, but be sure to mention @puregreenmag so we know about it!

The giveaway will close Sunday, May 1 at 5 p.m. EST. The winner will be announced Monday, May 2. Winner will be chosen at random and will have 5 days to claim the prize, after which time a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

In the meantime, read on for a little background on the awesome Woolly.

Get to Know Pure Green! Erica Midkiff

This week we're meeting Erica, PGM's Copy Editor.  Sweet as can be, Erica is dedicated to and loves what she does - from newsletter, blog posts, columns to articles, she's got your spelling mistakes covered. (Or, in my case, excessive abuse of the comma!) Get more from Erica here (website under construction)! In the meantime, get to know her a little better with PGM!

Hi Erica! Please Introduce Yourself!
Hi! I’m Erica, a copy editor who works with small business and individuals. I am a southern Virginia native currently living in Boston, but I’m moving to Birmingham, Alabama in a month. (Eek!) I am engaged to the love of my life, to whom I owe so much of my success, and I’m gaining two step-kitties in the process. (I could make this whole paragraph about them—but I’ll refrain.) I love editing, but I also have a real passion for visual creativity; I dabble in photography, and I love making my own jewelry. I read a lot, I love meeting new people, and I’m thrilled to be moving south again. (Yes, I know it’s humid! Brace yourself: I LIKE heat and humidity. Though, ask me again in August...)

How did you become interested in copy editing?

First, for those of you who don’t know (I can certainly recall the time when I didn’t), a copy editor reads and edits a document for correctness and consistency in grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and concision; the focus is on creating clarity for readers while maintaining the author’s voice and message.

I have been editing for what feels like forever, giving those in my path my very best editing advice—solicited and otherwise. The process of meticulous reading, of questioning every comma, preposition, word choice, of consulting the dictionary just in case (even though I know I have looked up a word seven times)--those things truly get my heart racing. I love editing. And I'm not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

I originally moved to Boston to pursue a career in publishing, but never did quite get my foot in the door—thankfully. I took another job, did a ton of research into types of editing, schools, career paths, and found the perfect fit. I love the work that I do with people like Celine. It is a much more individual process than working for a big company, and it is hugely gratifying.

What's next on your reading list?

Such a dangerous question! I read a LOT; I’m a Goodreads addict. Lately, it has been an escape from some of the stress in my life (the moving alone will do it). I have been really enjoying a lot of the books written for young adults lately. I’m not talking Twilight here, though I know that’s a big draw for many. But there are so many smart, well-written, thought-provoking books out there for a younger audience. If you want recommendations, just ask. (Please!) Right now, though, Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom is by my bed. I’ve heard so many good things!

Words to live by?
The following has gotten me through good times and bad. It is taped above my desk, and I imagine that it always will be.

Do not be impatient with your seemingly slow progress. Do not try to run faster than you presently can. If you are studying, reflecting, and trying, you are making progress whether you are aware of it or not. A traveler walking the road in the darkness of night is still going forward. Someday, some way, everything will break open, like the natural unfolding of a rosebud. :: Vernon Howard

What does living green mean to you?

So many things! Recycling; if I have a coffee while I’m out, I stick the cup in my bag to recycle at home. (I also grab the cups of those with me—and sometimes get strange looks.) Eating less meat; I only eat it once or twice a week. Spending wisely; looking at the practices of the company that you’re considering supporting (an area in which I could do better). Buying vintage; it’s fun, and you’re not sending yet another item off to a landfill.

Living green means remaining conscious of what is happening in the world around us, and taking what steps (small and large) we can take to preserve the resources we have.

Sources:

1. Paper Flower Tutorial, Etsy

2. Eco Friendly Recycled Journal, Etsy

3. Vintage Sheaffer Pen

Get to Know Pure Green! Petra Boykoff

Hi Petra! Please introduce yourself. 

Hello lovely readers, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Petra, contributor for Pure Green Magazine. I have a passion for hotel design and all things travel, so you'll often see my name next to the travel feature. I'm an interior designer by day and eco blogger by night for Pretty Little Green Things. I grew up in Minnesota, went to college in Wisconsin, and lived in LA for a number of years, but I've always been a true New Yorker at heart. My husband and I live in the East Village, close to the Union Square Farmer's Market and tons of amazing restaurants. A few bits of trivia for you: I can't fall asleep without reading, I'm obsessed with wallpaper, my favorite food group is ice cream and you'll rarely find me without some fun piece of jewelry on.

Which mid-century design classic would you most love to own? 

An Eames task chair would be a practical choice, since we don't really have a great desk chair. But if I could pick anything I'd go with the Bibendum chair from Eileen Grey. As much as I love iconic designers like Bertoia & Saarinen, their pieces are everywhere. The Bibendum chair is so unique and such a fun accent piece, not to mention a great conversation starter as well!

If you could go back to high school, would you?

No way! There's no need to repeat that awkward stage again. Although if could send my high school self a message, it would be to care less about what other people think. The opinions and advice from family and friends are so much more meaningful.

What skill or trade would you love to learn one day?

 What wouldn't I love to learn how to do? Right now I'm fascinated with furniture making, especially reupholstery and wood working. I would love to have enough space in my home to really experiment and make a mess. Unfortunately, living in a one bedroom apartment, that's not really possible right now. So until that day comes, I'll stick to painting furniture, sewing and making jewelry.

What does living green mean to you?

For me, living a more natural and less consumption driven lifestyle is the best way to be green. As much as possible, I try to buy locally grown and in-season fruits and veggies from the farmers market. We cook and entertain at home a lot so the quality and healthfulness of our food is really important. I also try to buy vintage before new because for me it's the most eco-friendly way to go. You get a lot of character, a little history and no waste. As my grandmother would say, "what's not to love?"

Sources:

1.  Rosette vase from Perch!

2. Eco picnic basket from Bambeco

3. Cork foldable fruit bowl from Bambu (sold through Branch)

Get to Know Pure Green! Bess Callard

Today we're meeting Bess Callard, Pure Green Magazine's official Illustrator.  Bess' work is clean, timeless and fun - you can see more from Bess via her shop English Muffin, which specializes in children's illustrations.  Her playful yet sophisticated illustrations will be gracing the pages of our new issue (coming May 24 in case you didn't know, wink wink!!!), adding a new layer of fun and detail to the magazine.  We can't wait for you to see! 

Hi Bess! Please Introduce Yourself.

Hello Pure Green Magazine readers! It's so nice to meet you. I'm Pure Green's new illustrator, Bess, and as I type this have a desktop full of PGM illustrations that I'm working on for the next issue! I live in the lovely city of Montreal with my wonderful husband, Charles, and our lovable albeit slightly nuts dog, Tyke. We moved to Montreal last summer after having spent three years living in Vienna, Austria — one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where we ate apfel strudel, spoke rudimentary German and strolled in the hillsides. Before our move to Europe, I lived in Toronto, the city everyone loves to hate, but I love to love. I just turned 30 last month and am proud to say that illustration is my second career. After years of studying and working as a contemporary dancer, I made the decision to go back to school for graphic design and began the transition to this new and exciting life. I am passionate about what I do and so thankful that I get to wake up every morning and set about making the pages of Pure Green a little brighter. I can't wait to share with you everything we've all been working on for the next issue!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

That's easy! Merikarvia, Finland. The world is full of amazing places, places to explore and learn from, to be inspired by and to discover, but one of the biggest things that I realized when we were living in and traveling around Europe was that without friends and family even the most amazing of cities can feel lonely. My mother's side of the family is Finnish and my aunt, uncle and cousin live in Finland. Merikarvia is where their and my grandparent's cottages are. Two wooden buildings among tall spruce trees on the edge of the sea, fresh fish, a traditional sauna, days spent blueberry picking and in the winter ice swimming, and my family. It really is a little slice of heaven.

Best book you've ever read?

When I met Charles, ten years ago, we had both just finished reading Ann-Marie MacDonald's novel, Fall on Your Knees. It is a poignant story about the relationship between the Piper sisters and their father set in rural Cape Breton. I remember on our first date we were both so surprised when the other listed this book as their current favourite, so of course it has held a special place in my heart ever since.

The one item of clothing you own that you couldn't live without.

Uh-oh. Now the truth comes out. There exists no piece of clothing that I couldn't live without. After getting rid of over half my wardrobe when we moved to Vienna and the other half when we moved back to Canada, I pretty much live on the essentials. Skinny jeans, long sleeve t-shirts and cardigans. Would you believe that my mom is a fashion designer?!

What does living green mean to you?

To me, green living means respecting and loving your environment. At our house we take small steps to do what we can, that means recycling, washing clothes in cold water, hanging laundry outside in the summer, choosing items at the grocery store that do not come with loads of extra packaging, buying organic when we can, using cloth grocery bags, cleaning with eco-friendly products, etc...

As we gear up to vote for a new federal government in Canada next month, I think that's another place where we can do our part for the environment. While I may not be able to change policy and make large scale decisions on the future of the planet, the leaders of the government sure can. Being environmentally literate and exercising my right to vote is another way that I strive to live a greener life.

Sources:

1. Vintage Apple Crate, from Etsy

2. Eco Pencils, from Cute Tape

3. Windsor Oxford Deluxe Bicycle from BikesDirect.com

Get to Know Pure Green! Anile Prakash

In today's Get to Know Pure Green post we're introduced to Anile Prakash, PGM's Design Director.  Anile, also the woman behind Girlfriday, is responsible for PGM's unique new look and logo, which you will get to experience in full May 24.  She's full of passion, and one talented lady! Be sure to visit her brand new site to get a better idea of what she can do.  AND, there couldn't have been a better day to introduce Anile, because today is her BIRTHDAY!! Happy Birthday Anile, from all of PGM!!! We love you!

Hi Anile! Please Introduce Yourself
Howdy! I'm a born and bred Montrealer - I love Montreal! I live in a cozy apartment with my beloved husband Christian, dog (Panda) and two cats (Slinky and Blue). We have poured our hearts into renovating our place and are really proud of our hard work. I run a happy little design studio called Girlfriday - my days are filled with graphic design, illustration and web design. I'm absolutely thrilled to be Pure Green's design director and I can't wait to share what we've been working on!

What will you always remember?
The kindnesses of family and friends. I wouldn't be where I am today without it. I am a blessed, blessed girl and I will never forget it.

Favourite past time?
Oh that's hard. Relaxing at home, eating good food, watching a favourite movie or an old Law & Order (Lennie Briscoe forever)... sun-strolling through town... dreaming of future road trips... planning our next reno... how many favourites do I get?

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would absolutely love to learn the art and techniques of letterpress printing.

What does living green mean to you?

To me, living green means making the effort (within your means) to be respectful of what you're taking and of what you're giving back - whether it's with food, products, or lifestyle. Added bonus: making adjustments to the way you live can lead to wonderful discoveries and better quality of life! For example, we subscribe to a vegetable basket every summer - initially I wanted to try it out of a sense of responsibility, but quickly discovered how beneficial and wonderful it was to eat delicious, freshly-picked, hazard-free local produce, get more creative in the kitchen, and build a relationship with a farmer and his family. It's been amazing.

Sources:

1. West Elm Diamond Jute Rug

2. Hammermann Antique Spoon Markers

3. Colourful Wood Bangles from People Tree

Re-Launch Reader Giveaway! Marie Veronique Organics

This giveaway is now closed.  @JustFabulousGem, who entered the contest via twitter has been chosen via random.org as the winner! But stay tuned, more great giveaways to come! Thanks to everyone who entered, and to MVOrganics for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway.

We're super excited to be offering this reader giveaway prize, the first in a series to come over the next few weeks to celebrate the re-launch of Pure Green Magazine. {If you could see me, Celine, right now, you would see that I'm smiling ear to ear... I'm SO EXCITED and hope you are too!} We were so delighted that Marie Veronique Organics, the sponsor of this wonderful giveaway, agreed to introduce you, our reader, to their product - if you win, you will receive a complete Anti-Aging kit as well as a bonus Kid Safe Screen. At PGM we're really careful and conscious of what we put on our skin - MVO understands that and speaks to it very well: "Intelligent Ingredients is more than just a tagline. It’s the overriding principle that guides every formulation at Marie Veronique Organics. That’s because science tells us that what goes on your skin ultimately penetrates your skin and goes into your body. The right ingredients can do a world of good and the wrong ones quite the opposite. Before an ingredient gets added to a product we make sure it does the right thing, efficiently and without causing harm to you or the planet. It’s probably no surprise that our entire company is dedicated to sustainability. Wherever possible we use natural, organic and fair trade ingredients, packaged in 100% recyclable materials. And we source them as close to our Berkeley headquarters as possible to keep our footprint super small."  Click here to get the full background on all of their ingredients.

You can enter the contest 3 ways:

1. Leave a comment on this post! Remember to include a way to contact you if you win.

2. Follow us on twitter and send a note to @puregreenmag and let us know you want to win! BONUS ENTRY: Re-Tweet about this giveaway!!!

3. Enter on Facebook by leaving a comment.

Keep Reading for more on how MVO got started.

Get to Know Pure Green - Michelle Carangi

In today's edition of Get to Know Pure Green, the last of the week, we're introducing you to Michelle, PGM's Style Director. Michelle is a true sweetheart, and self-professed design fiend.  You'll love her style... read on to get to know her a little bit better.

Hi Michelle! Please Introduce Yourself

Hi everyone, my name is Michelle from Montreal and I'm the Style Director at Pure Green Magazine and in case you haven't heard, I live for design. I started in the realm of fine arts and illustration, turned to web and graphic design and now also find myself in a very happy place writing and blogging about interior design at Holley & Gill My motto, as they say, is to always follow your passion wherever it leads you and I have been lucky enough to have found that sweet spot in Pure Green Magazine, where I can share this design passion with you.

What has been your proudest moment?

I think my proudest moments have come in many forms. I've conquered my fear of driving by getting my driver's license only last year (!), I've ridden on a plane alone on three separate trips even with my fear of flying and I finally let go of several insecurities when I became a Mum to my two little ones in order to be able to provide them with everything that they deserve. I used call myself a creature of habit, yet over the last few years as I've gotten older, I've found a confidence which has allowed me to push my boundaries more than they ever have been and it is in these instances that I feel at my most proud. 

Coffee or Tea?

In the morning, I am definitely a coffee person. The promise of a new day with a warm coffee in my hands brings me nothing but excitement and happiness. With my British husband and heritage however, tea is just as important in our family. It is a total comfort drink for me.

Best way to spend a weekend?

With my family. Friday nights to us have officially been christened as 'Family Movie Night' and because our two children are both under the age of five, an animated film is always the movie of choice. This might mean watching Madagascar or Toy Story for the hundredth time, but because we lead busy and often frantic lives, my husband and I will simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the view with some popcorn in hand.

What does living green mean to you?

I believe that living green is acknowledging every single choice, big or small, that you make on a daily basis that will undoubtedly improve our environment. Every time I place an item into our recycling bin, choose an organic product or simply turn off the lights, I feel a sense that these conscious decisions I've just made are what my children and this planet will be able to benefit from.

Sources:

1.Blazer: H&M Conscious Collection

2. Virginia Johnson Luggage Sack: Beklina

3. Key West Platform Heel: Olsen Haus

Unveiling the new Pure Green Logo!

Hi there! Anile here from Girlfriday, honoured to be the newly minted design director for Pure Green! I’m thrilled to be unveiling the new Pure Green Magazine logo to you on the Pure Green blog today!

When I first met Céline back in January, I had already spent some time getting to know her by email and by perusing the pages of Pure Green’s first four issues; I felt that I had gathered a good sense of her values and priorities, and I was really impressed by her hard work and dedication. Finally meeting her in person was a real delight because on a personal level she is vibrant, enthusiastic, and an absolute sweetheart!

Over the past few months the ideas have been flowing a mile a minute - together with Céline, Michelle Carangi, Bess Callard and Marie-Eve Best, I have been privy to some amazing teamwork. We’re all dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Pure Green while boosting it to the next level. With that in mind, I developed an identity that was deserving of Pure Green.

My branding process involved getting to know Céline and Pure Green Magazine, getting to know the people that love Pure Green, and getting to know what it means to live a Pure Green life. I prepared a set of questions to get to know Pure Green’s history and objectives, and as an added bonus I got to meet Céline in person. I looked at other magazines and publications (both in print and online) and determined what worked and what didn’t. I word-played, sketched, and brainstormed to my heart’s content. Following the necessary weeding-out process, I presented Céline with a total of three choices and we settled on this little charmer – modern, clean with a touch of vintage, confident lettering with a hint of softness, and a textured bookmark to remind readers to come back again and again – Pure Green is, after all, a resource and guide to all things stylish and eco!

This example shows versions of the logo in black and white, but as you’ll see with Pure Green’s Twitter profile, and in the days to come, we will be pushing the logo in various colour and layout directions to really take advantage of its flexibility. We’re currently working on the new look for the magazine and I couldn’t be more excited. We can’t wait to share it with you!!

Get to Know Pure Green!

In our last post you read all about our re-launch plans... we're all just so excited!!! We thought it may be fun for you to get to know us all a little bit better while you anticipate the launch of our new issue (May 24), sporting our great new look!  You'll get to know each of our permanent team members and editors, from what is their favourite colour, candy, moment, to what inspires them, and finally, what's caught their eye this Spring. First up is me, Céline MacKay, Editor in Chief and founder of Pure Green Magazine.  

You are...? 

I've lived my 28 years here and there, but mostly in Hunstville, Ontario, in a region otherwise known as Muskoka, surrounded by lakes and nature.  My childhood and surroundings have played a big part in sculpting and fostering my passion for the environment.  I love colour and beauty which has driven me to create Pure Green Magazine, as I knew that there must be others like me who want to be eco but must do it in style!! I live in a small, 1950's bungalow, which my husband and I have painstakingly renovated and made our own, using nearly 100% vintage and upcycled items.  I have a dog, Rusty, who is like my child.  I take him everywhere! And a horse too... her name's Annie.  You may have seen her in Issue 2...

What will you always remember? 

Spending the entire day with my first horse, Rapscallion, Rap for short, basking in the sunshine.  I used to sit on him bareback, letting him graze, while I literally laid down on his back and suntanned. Crazy! I would never do that now... it's kind of dangerous! But I will never forget him.

If you could eat anything... 

It would probably be spaghetti, with my husband's homemade sauce, or maybe samosa's, which I make, or maybe sweet potato pancakes, or maybe mango, or bread, or cheese... can you tell I love food?  Hahaha!!!

Best way to spend a lazy Sunday? 

On the couch, snuggled with my dog, my husband, a great book, a steaming cup of coffee, and absolutely NOTHING else to do!

What does living green mean to you?  

Many things... I try not to define living green too much as I feel that it's really a lifestyle or a state of mind rather than a specific thing.  Having a healthy respect for nature is paramount... every time I take the dog for a walk in the woods near my home I'm in awe. It just fills me with so much love!!  But truly, I think each person needs to find their own definition of living green. That's the only way it will be meaningful to you, as well as easy!  With regards to interiors, I love exploring ways to re-use things.  A good coat of paint and some imagination can go a long way.  It's also important to me to source products that are non-toxic and healthy.

Sources:

1. Responsibly Made Plastic Rug by Pappelina

2. Briar Owl Silver Wallpaper by Abigail Edwards, made using non-toxic, water based ink.

3. Fair Trade Panama Hat by Pachacuti