vintage collection 2

Grandmothers'  good style: right and left pieces are from J's Gandmother, center is a charm bracelet from my Nana. 

{Vintage Collection is a photographic series based on cataloging pieces found in my everyday life.}

Don't forget to enter our Woolly Pocket giveaway this week!

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

Vintage: Collection

I couldn't resist. Vintage perfect. The gold staples especially.

Never Before Seen... Hindsvik Part 2

As promised, welcome to part two of the unpublished Hindsvik shots.  If you didn't catch part one see it here, and here's a little re-cap: You may remember Daniel & Valeria's home from PGM Issue 3, the duo behind the infamous Hindsvik (be sure to check out Valeria's vintage purse collection on the blog this week!).  Their home is a veritable treasure-trove of vintage delights, which made shooting the details so much fun!  In fact, there were too many to post in one go... follow up post to come soon!  Enjoy these goodies, never before seen.

Enjoy!

All photos were taken by and are copyright Erin Monett of EverImages

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

Never Before Seen... Hindsvik

You know, one of the things that has always irked me about shooting a space is that you only include so many photos, really only a fraction, into the final layout.  There are so many great, unused shots just begging to be seen.  So I've decided to roll a few out from some of my favourite shoots.  You may remember Daniel & Valeria's home from PGM Issue 3, the duo behind the infamous Hindsvik (be sure to check out Valeria's vintage purse collection on the blog this week!).  Their home is a veritable treasure-trove of vintage delights, which made shooting the details so much fun!  In fact, there were too many to post in one go... follow up post to come soon!  Enjoy these goodies, never before seen.

Okay, the above shot you've seen, but I love it so much I couldn't resist re-posting!

All photos were taken by and are copyright Erin Monett of EverImages.  See more of her goodness!

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.