This month I was on a mission to discover and unveil who, what and where is “now trending” through the eyes of the environmentally conscious consumer; And you won’t believe what I’ve found. Come along and ride on my fantastic “green” voyage.
Dawg-Gone Awesome! – Are you a pet owner looking for a super-cool, smart and economical way to carry your belongings when you and your pampered pooch are on the move? Then consider the DawggieGoPack for your next adventure. Dawggie Go Paks have lots of design details to choose from and with this new organizing pouch, you’ll never forget your cell phone, credit cards, drivers license or doggy snacks again. Small but incredibly functional you can pre-pack poop bags in the side dispenser, hook your keys on the inside loop, and then attach it to your leash and your ready to roll. These products are made in the USA and are perfect for gift giving because they are stylish and practical. Check the website to see the latest fashion accessories for your best friend at www.dawggiegopak.com.
Because rubber bands are so yesterday… You need the new Q-Knot Multi Purpose Reusable Ties for your home or office. Their award-winning design is a colorful, reusable multipurpose tie for just about anything that ultimately systemizes cluttered messes in the home, office, craft room, garage and/or garden with ease. You’ll never have to use the makeshift rubber band again. Stretchable, flexible and durable, these resealable packages are available with 12 or 25 assorted pieces. I really like the bright and colorful combination, which includes Yellow, Green and Red knots, but they also offer the Q-Knot Pro in a neutral and earthy combination with White, Wintergreen and Black. The Q-knot is not your average Cord-organizing Solution; they look great and offer a color for all occasions. Say goodbye to household/office clutter and hello to an earth friendly product with non-slip gripping “teeth” and a smart self-locking design. You can purchase a pack of Q-knots locally at major retailers like Menards and the Home Depot.
What’s NEW-ks? – Located at 2650 East Beltline near Woodland Mall there’s a new and happening joint called Newk’s that offers an “express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere”. Serving up the goods like fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes, moviegoers and mall shoppers alike can enjoy more options in dining. You can dine-in, grab-and-go or have your next event catered from their extensive menu. I am a huge fan of the Black & Bleu salad which is a healthy serving of mixed greens, choice beef tender, gorgonzola cheese, pecans, grape tomatoes and sliced red onion tossed with bleu cheese dressing. And when it comes to dessert, I can also completely appreciate the opportunity to buy their mouthwatering cakes by the slice or whole. If you are looking for a healthier alternative on a Friday night, you just got to try Newk’s Express Cafe!
It’s in the Bag – If you or someone you know just happens to be a new mom who’s way too stylish and environmentally conscientious to be seen carrying a bulky, plain diaper bag, then I’ve got just the trend for you! Kalencom, one of the oldest diaper bag companies in the United States, combines style, function and affordability for moms in a fabulous and fashionable new collection of eco-friendly diaper bags and accessories. Designed to accommodate the needs of every mom, these bags have an easy to clean laminated exterior and roomy interior with multiple pockets. From conservative to chic, Kalencom bags are available in over 300 of patterns and color combinations to compliment just about any mom’s personality. But not only that, Kalencom diaper bags are now AZO and Phthalates/DEHP free, thereby manufactured to be better for you, your baby, and the world we all share because of the elimination of harmful chemicals in the production process. Support local first and shop Kalencom bags on-line at www.meijer.com.
Au Natural Eco-Friendly Furniture and Rugs – Looking to introduce eco-friendly elements into your home? Consider Pure Inspired Design, where the goal is to “effortlessly blend comfort, beauty and functionality seamlessly with eco-friendly furnishings, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency”. Pure Inspired Design is a Midwest based full-service interior design firm offering a variety of services tailored to fit the needs of environmentally conscious clients. They offer just about everything from Fabric and Paint Color Selection services to “Green” Home consulting. They even offer superb organic fabric and eco-friendly furniture in the Pure Inspired Design Home Store. The designs are fun, modern and high quality. So whether your ordering a trendy organic fabric pillow, flat weave wool rug or organic cotton drapery, you’ll be in PURE bliss over your purchase. You can “shop all” on-line today by visiting www.pureinspireddesign.com. Go ahead, start fresh!
Go for SELF with Shea Moisture! This entire product line is too die for. Shea Moisture Argan Oil and Raw Shea Bar Soap and Scrub can only be described as all-natural- spa-quality organic bliss. The Shea soap is a luxurious 8 oz bar that can be used for your face, hands, body and/or hair. It is anti-aging, softening and contains certified organic ingredients without sulfates and parabens. Additionally, the minimalistic packaging helps reduce environmental waste. The Shea scrub, which is equally luxurious, is rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids and formulated to help regenerate the skin with its high vitamin content. Infused with Frankincense and myrrh, which are renowned for healing properties, the scrub offers aroumatheraputic benefits that make you feel cool, calm and collected.
For a wonderful all-in-one product that can be used as a moisturizer try the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Infused Butter. It is all-natural without parabens, mineral oil, gluten, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance or artificial color. This Butter aids in soothing and healing symptoms of eczema and psoriasis; helps prevent stretch marks; and even works as a diaper cream. In terms of great practices for self-care the spring, you simply can’t go wrong with Shea Moisture. These products are widely available at retail chain stores like Target and Walgreens nationwide. Do yourself a favor and pick up some in your neck of the woods this season.
Green Restaurant – Say hello to Mike Meyers and not the audacious character from the hit movie, Austin Powers. But rather, he is the owner of the new and ultra-hip hot spot Green, a 65 seat, and 2,200-square foot restaurant offering organic and natural sandwiches, burgers, steaks, seafood and more. If you are interested in exploring the latest and greatest in organic dining adventures, this is certainly a restaurant to try. Green is located on the East Beltline in Knapp’s corner and they offer an intriguing menu that includes such rarities like an Ostrich Burger and Elk Patty. Serving the very best in certified organic and all-natural foods, Green emphasizes sustainable farming practices and treating animals humanely. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten-free meals. The ambiance of Green is light and airy, providing patrons a delicious opportunity to actually watch the chef prepare their meals. With eco-friendly design and economical prices, visiting Green for lunch or dinner this month should be high on your priority list. After dining in this awesome establishment, your friends will be GREEN with envy.
Natural Naughty Novelties – SOS Novelties 3-in-1 Scented Candles are unique, eco-friendly, soy candles, crafted using ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Apricot, Coconut and Jojoba oils to create a sensuous experience you wont soon forget. These beautifully simple candles can be used in three different ways, which include an emollient when cold, a candle for the home and soothing massage oil when warm. The soy wax is both paraffin and lead-free and the wick is 100 percent cotton. SOS Scented Candles are free from sulfates, petro-chemicals or animal byproducts and are offered in three distinguishable signature blends: Lueur Mon Amour (Glow My Love), Mer Du Rougir (Sea of Blush) and Un Baiser (A Kiss). These extraordinary candles retail for $49.99 and can be purchased at SOSNovelties.com. Can you say Oh La La?
Green-Inspired Fragrances for Trendy Fashionista!
Hey you, yeah you… did you know that in the spirit of conserving this month, you could save up to 60% on your purchases from Fragrancenet.com! If your looking to turn heads this spring, consider these earthy scents.
Fig by Marc Jacobs
DKNY Be Delicious Juiced
and Burberry Brit Sheer
Green Trend Tip
Are you in the process of remodeling your local business or home? Check out Odom Re-Use Co. in Grawn, MI for reusable building materials. With the catch phrase “as LOCAL as possible”, they offer materials like doors, flooring, lumber, windows, cabinets and more for all of your remodeling needs. They offer store, consulting and field crew services. They even host a creative re-users bragging page where you can share with us how you re-used your materials for your new project. Visit them on-line today at www.odomsreuse.com
About the Author:
Latesha Lipscomb is the quintessential authority on all things hip, hot and happening NOW in West Michigan. From stay-at-home moms to diva fashionistas, Latesha influences all types of women with her vision of the latest trends. She has devoted herself to helping women unveil their inner and outer beauty and uniqueness while inspiring them to live out loud. Contact her at Latesha@womenslifestyle.com.
Awesome article, Latesha. So very interesting!