{eco} style: Last Minute Christmas Ideas

I know we're really getting to the wire here for Christmas decor.... but if you're like me, you are constantly tweaking and adding things until the very end when you're opening your stockings or having dinner.  I saw these really simple ideas from this beautiful European home, and I was really struck - sometimes less really is more.  Have a peek and you'll know what I mean.  Natural elements speak for themselves in such a classic and elegant manner.  It's inspring to me.  It also gave me ideas... re-pot some Amarylis for some instant, old-fashioned charm.  Here's another one, inspired by the soft and adorable wreath (pictured in photo #3, draped over the candlestick) - White pine usually has soft, flexible branches.  When I get home tonight I'm going to harvest a few long branches and using twist them into a wreath shape.  You'll probably need to layer a few branches in there so you mask the start and finish, but I'm excited to give it a try.  I've got some magnolia leaves and eucalyptus I can layer in for a little extra.  Secure the ends with floral wire and some pliers.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you find the time to enjoy peace and relaxation with your loved ones, and have a weekend filled with joy.  Thank you for helping make Pure Green special....

xoxo

Celine

{eco} style: Christmas at my House

Here's a little snapshot of what I'd like Christmas to look like at my house!  It's getting there!  Oooh - and go check out my guest post on Re-Nest today - thanks for the invite Cambria!

From top left:

1. Image via Pure Green Magazine - this is from my actual table!

2. Organic Bay Leaf Wreath - brought these into the store this year, and they are delightful!  I've got one set aside just for me!

3. Golden Star White Jasmine Tea, via Green Goody

4. Handmade Paper Garland from Kristina Marie

5. Washi Tape from Tinted Mint

Pure Green for iPad

Finally!  After many requests, and much more beating my head against the wall, Pure Green Magazine is now AVAILABLE ON IPAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And the worst part is that the answer was right in front of my face the whole time.  It was so simple!  Isn't that the worst when that happens?  So, I'm forgoing my planned post today to tell you to read away, please, to your heart's delight, on your iPad.  Now you can take Pure Green anywhere!  On the bus, in a cafe, on a park bench, at the beach, at the dentist office, wherever!  Yippeeee! 

 



Pure Green for iPad



I will post the link on the official site very soon.  For now access the mag here by clicking on the cover.

Pure Green Magazine - sneak peek of our shoot at Theives

Isn't Erin cool?  I want to be like her when I grow up!  Seriously, my mom can attest that photography has always been one of my dream jobs, and I'm so lucky to have Erin!  You are looking at images from our latest shoot for the next issue of Pure Green Mag.  We're on location in Toronto at Thieves, a sustainable clothing boutique featuring pieces created by Sonja den Elzen.  In fact, I have a treat for you!  We're introducing a whole new section of the mag next issue... you guessed it! Fashion!  Eco fashion, that is.  With the help of newly appointed fashion editor Kate Black {the voice behind Magnifeco, a daily eco fashion inspiration blog}, we'll bring you style picks, photo shoots, interviews and more.... including a sweet segment on Thieves in the next issue - with an interview, a close look at her clothes, shots of her amazing boutique and studio, and so much more! We're kind of excited about it!!!  At any rate, I thought you might enjoy a sneak peek at our photo shoot... I love the journey behind the scenes, and the transformation from my crappy little shots to the Erin's finished product in the magazine.  Stay tuned everyone!

And this is Mali, my wonderful and beautiful sister, who accompanied me to the shoot.  I had to treat her to lunch at the Drake Hotel Café after a long afternoon.

design: M.Elle Interiors

I've been trying to relieve my serious addiction to magazine's lately.... giving myself the 'do I really need this?' treatment, but the experience has been quite traumatizing.  I had a moment of weakness yesterday and stopped by my favourite shop, which has the best selection of International design mags!  I knew I had done myself in the second I saw the stacks.... I just can't help it.  I love the images, and they are one of my primary sources of inspiration and content here on Pure Green!  At any rate, I knew I was taking the latest issue of Elle Decor home when I spotted their cover featuring the stunning rustic mountain home by M.Elle Design.  You may have seen it around by now, but in case you haven't... take a peek.  It's wonderful.

Is it eco?  In it's entirety, perhaps not.  However, it does have some great eco elements... all my favourites in fact.  Rustic, reclaimed barnboard..... it's everywhere, and concrete.  The bathroom's boast beautiful concrete vanities.  Mmmgood!  If you wanted to acheive this look, but wanted to ramp up the eco, here are a few ideas:

1. Non-toxic, eco friendly soft furnishings from Lee Industries or Cisco Brothers.

2. Non-toxic, zero VOC paint from Mythic or Safecoat.

3. Natural wool area rugs from  Merida Meridian.

I could go on... if you are looking for an eco source for something in particular, just ask!  Send me an email or leave a comment, I'll do my best for ya.

Cannelle et Vanille: Style Envy

You know, Pure Green mag has created something of a monster in me..... I'm constantly on the lookout for inspiration, wondering how I can do things better, researching stylists.  One area that I really want to work on is the Organic Kitchen - figuring out how to make Jonathan's delicious recipes show off how good they really are!  While researching for a guest post on re~nest {more on that next week!}, I came across the flickr feed of Cannelle et Vanille, which led to the blog of the same name, which led to a very serious case of style envy.  Featuring the work of the incredibly talented Aran Goyoaga, a photographer who happens to be VERY skilled at the art of cuisine!  Her images are inspiring, and this is exactly the direction I'd like to go with the Organic Kitchen.  One of my New Year's resolutions is to learn my away around taking decent pictures.  I've been struggling a little bit with content on Pure Green, mainly because I'm so inspired by things around me and I want to share it with you!  However those experiments usually leave me frustrated and annoyed.  So, I think we'll soon see a new column here on Pure Green... the photo and styling escapades of Celine....  perhaps with a little help.  We'll see.  In the meantime, I could not resist sharing with you these photos from Cannelle et Vanille.

New Sponsor

I'm very excited to introduce you to the newest member of the Pure Green family!  I'm so thankful for the support I get both from my readers and from my sponsors!  I love nothing more than to see Pure Green grow!  It's a dynamic process that gives me joy everyday! Enter Rebecca of BananaSaurusRex!  Rebecca gathers recycled items that need a stylish new life, and creates wonderful things for your home.  Her designs are heartfelt and genuine, and inspire a post-modern, bohemian feel.  Pay her a visit.... she'd love to 'meet' you!  (pssst..... Rebecca's design's are available for wholesale purchase too!)

This adorable bunting is my favourite!

One more thing.... Pure Green has been undergoing many changes as of late... growing by leaps and bounds!  If you are interested in sponsoring/advertising on Pure Green, I would be absolutely delighted to have you!  I am raising funds to help pay for a redesign of the blog, as well as Pure Green Magazine's site.  I would love to integrate them, give them a stylish new face and make it nicer for you to look at!  I try to avoid commercializing Pure Green too much - this isn't why you visit every day.  But we're working on some very exciting things, and in short, I would be happy to have you! So, if you have an eco/handmade business, don't hesitate to send me an email and enquire: info@puregreenliving.com

Have a happy Monday evening!  I'm off to trim my Christmas tree! Finally! (I was starting to worry it wouldn't happen!)

{vintages}: 1st dibs

My friend Elka (you may know her from Casa Sugar!) introduced me to 1st dibs last week, as part of her round up of submisions for Pure Green Magazine.  While collecting her links, I became lost in the labyrinth of goodness that is 1st dibs.  I don't even know what I was looking for, but I enjoyed these jackets... each of which are vintage from the 1920's on. 

What are you getting up to this weekend?  I'm sitting down to work on layouts for issue 4, and hoping to get my Christmas tree up!  Yes, I know, my decorating isn't done, and it has crossed my mind that I might not even get it done, I've been so busy.... which also accounts for my lack of posting.  Sorry about that.  I will try and post some eco deco ideas for the holiday's next week.  Enjoy your weekend!

{eco} DIY - paper wreath

I made this using paper!  It was supposed to go in the last issue of Pure Green Mag but it didn't make the cut.

 It was easy! Try it!

1. Using some recycled cardboad, cut a 16" circle.  Within that circle, 2" from the outside edge, draw another circle and cut out the center.

2. Measure cut 4.5" squares of paper (the amount will depend on how big you want it), but for a 16" wreath you'll need about 36.

3. Gently shape the squares into cones and use clear tape to secure. Glue onto the wreath about 1" from the edge, using a hot gluegun.

4. Cut 36 more squares of paper, this time at 4", shape into cones and layer intween your first row.

5. Cut 36 more squares at 3.5", shape into cones, and again, layer in between the previous row. This time, leave a short tail hanging off the inside edge of the wreath.  Wrap the tail under the wreath, and secure.  This will finish your inside edge.  You're done!  Easy!  It'll take you 2 hours.  I used recyled kraft paper, but it would like nice with bit of left-over wrapping paper too.

Home Feature on Casa Sugar

Fun stuff today!  Check out my home feature on Casa Sugar!  When the lovely Elka asked if I'd be interested in doing this, I immediately thought 'goodness, my home's a mess, but sure'!  It's a work in progress to be sure, and is far from perfect, but it's our home and we like it! Take a peek! 

Also, Casa Sugar is doing a poll of online magazines today.  I'm up against some pretty heavy hitters, but stop by and give my little mag {Pure Green Magazine} some love!

Thanks Elka for your support as always.

p.s. - if you love Elka's posts on Casa Sugar, don't miss our next issue, out January 15!  Elka will be contributing her style picks for 2011!

{green} traveller: Urnatur & Anthropologie

Often, my favourite part of the day is taking Rusty, my beloved pup, for a walk after a long day.  He's an active dog and won't settle for less than an long walk off the leash in the woods.  Even if I don't always feel like going, once I'm there, the day melts away and I feel more focused.  I often do my best thinking and feel the most creative on those walks.  Which may be why, after curiously reading yesterday's email from Amanda, who works on Anthropologie's PR team, I felt so drawn to the their latest feature on The Anthropologist, a site where Anthropologie features "the inspiring works of inspiring individuals. It {the site} is a testament to the idea that revealing the passions and pursuits of one person can result in the progress of many."  If you've had a gander at Anthropologie's gorgeous December catalog, you may have noticed the breathtaking, ethereal set location - the swirling mist, emerald greenery and dappled light, only a few of the things that makes the actual location, nature retreat Urnatur, hand built by proprietors Håkan Strotz and Ulrika Krynitz, so spectacular.  Urnatur in Swedish means "ancient nature," a principal that is embraced and embodied by the retreat (which has been awarded 5 green stars by Eco Hotels of the World)... the green roofs on the cottages look aged and ensure the landscape is uninterrupted; the tree houses give you new perspective on your surroundings; the interiors are simplistic and organic, emphasizing that the outdoors is your playground. "Urnatur is a refuge from many of the trappings of the modern world. Its approach extends not only to the pace of life at Urnatur, but also to its design. It has been said by guests and Urnatur’s creators that you must experience Urnatur to understand it. The video and photographic series {on The Antropologist}does just that. It brings viewers into the magical simplicity of Urnatur’s world."