DIY Terrarium

I've been fond of terrariums for some time now; however, I've never worked up the courage to create one myself. Last year I attempted to have a small pot of succulents in my kitchen and I somehow managed to kill every last one (cause of death is believed to be a water overdose). It was tragic.

I was delighted to find the step-by-step guide compiled by Nicole Balch and featured on West Elm's blog Front & Main. Her tips and the details provided make me feel like this is a project I could complete successfully. Visit Nicole's blog Making it Lovely for more DIY projects and ideas.

Wouldn't this make a nice gift?



(Image and DIY courtesy of Making it Lovely).

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

Although I don't have plans to decorate eggs this Easter, I appreciate the fact that there are so many recipes for natural dyes in circulation. Gone are the days of chemically-mutated tablets; for gorgeous and unique colours, look no further than your pantry!

After reading through quite a few recipes, the following were the most intriguing...

- All-Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes by Better Homes and Gardens
- Natural Egg Dyeing Techniques by Martha Stewart
- Natural Easter Egg Dyes by Bon Appetit
- Dyeing Easter Eggs the Natural Way by Two Men and a Little Farm

They sound like safe yet beautiful options, especially for little ones. Are you beautifying eggs this Easter?


(Image courtesy of BHG.com).

Earth Hour 2012

Are you celebrating Earth Hour this evening? We've spent the day spring cleaning and assembling a collection of candles that we'll use between 8:30 and 9:30 pm tonight to take part.

As far as activities go, my plan is to pour a glass of red wine and relax, chat with my fiance about wedding plans, and maybe play a board game. What are you up to?

More ideas: how we spent Earth Hour 2011.




(Image courtesy of Earth Hour).

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day.


Today is the day we must all make a conscious effort to look at our day-to-day routines, habits, and diets to see where changes can be made to better ourselves and the world around us. There are so many simple ways to accomplish change. Empower yourself with the knowledge to move forward in your own home and share it with those around you. Start by asking yourself what you can give up...

Earth Hour Activities

It was so nice to spend time with Matt + Jen this weekend. We caught up by candlelight with red wine and scrabble. It was a lovely evening.






Did you celebrate Earth Hour?

Earth Hour & Weekend Fun

Friends, what are you doing this weekend? I am overly excited for our house guests to arrive. We have a weekend full of catching up, invitation crafting, wining, dining, and earth houring. What are your plans for Earth Hour? (Our plan is to play board & card games by candle light).

Happy Earth Hour Day. Make sure you turn your lights out from 8:30 - 9:30 tonight. Find out why, here.



Photo via Earth Hour.

little girl love

A certain couple we know is expecting their first child.

I can't wait for this baby, affectionately known as Delilah (short story: mama + papa bird are keeping the baby's name under wraps so I gave their unborn daughter a pretty name for the interim), to be born... particularly so I can dress her in outfits from The Measure's Midsummer Nights Dream collection.




Not only are these outfits adorable, they are also ecologically sustainable: many of the pieces are made with 100% upcycled, repurposed men’s button-up shirts. With that I have to ask, when did little girl's clothing become more fabulous than women's?


Photos courtesy of The Measure via The Senses Five.

Spring Bulbs

As "I am ready for Spring" may be the understatement of 2011 thus far, I enjoy anything that hints it is in our near future... the snow in my driveway begs to differ.


Although the white stuff will be around for a few more weeks, freshly potted bulbs add a much needed pop of green + life to a tired windowsill. I plan to pot some for the window off our kitchen. These vintage tins would work nicely.


A cost-effective and environmentally-friendly DIY project, these up-cycled vintage tins are playful and fun. I love the colours and agree that they would make a perfect favour idea for a wedding or shower.


Photos and DIY instructions via Once Wed.

Vancouver's First Bridal Swap

I am thrilled to share the event details for this fabulous event: Vancouver's 1st Bridal Swap!

Psst... Jen, Jaime, and Sam: take note!! The swap is scheduled for Sunday February 20th from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Brides to be... make sure to get their early to survey the tables for the pieces you need and meet the participating vendors. If you are a 'past bride' looking to unload the 18 cake stands or garage full of mason jars you're hanging onto, register now for a table ($50 or $100).

Presented by Vancouver's DreamGroup, the Bridal Swap is the first of its kind in our fair city. I am a huge fan of this cost-effective and environmentally-sustainable initiative; what a wonderful resource!

Rustic Romance

Some things just go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong. Two of those things are the masterful photography of Max Wanger and the unique + rustic stylings of Bash, Please. Yet another collaboration (recently featured on Style Me Pretty) has me giddy with excitement.

This couple has mad style which is only accentuated by this creatively brilliant pairing.


Now... onto the details. Paige + Kelly of Bash, Please describe this couple as down to earth and organic people. The details of their wedding embody these sentiments brilliantly and are incorporated into every last element.




One of my favourite details is the venue's fireplace which was filled with candles in mason jars to up the romance ante.


apple pie pops might be one of the most brilliant things ever invented and the mini clip boards used to hold the menus are particularly sweet.


Evening ceremonies are so underrated. This one is absolutely stunning.


A moment stolen by the newly married couple.






Photos by Max Wanger and Design, Florals, & Coordination by Bash, Please. Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

An eco-fabulous wreath.

As I previously mentioned, Vancouver's body politic has one of the prettiest wreaths around. They've just shared a few shots of this year's holiday decor on their facebook page and the store looks absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to visit during my Christmas trip to Vancouver.

Follow up note: Check out the rest of the decorations on bp's blog.

Gift Wrapping: Fabric

Moving right along with more holiday-themed posts (I do hope you understand how much I love this time of year)... in addition to repurposed embellishments, there are many creative ways to wrap and adorn your gifts. One of my favourite, sustainable, options is fabric!

Poppytalk featured this awesome DIY gift wrapping project by Arounna of Bookhou and I just LOVE how it turned out.



If I received such a pretty package I would be tempted to turn the wrapping into a pillow case. It's fantastic.

DIY, here.


Photos by bookhou via poppytalk.

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

When I received word of this event via my monthly WWF Panda Mail I began arranging plans to be in Vancouver to take part + cleanup the coastline. To my delight, I discovered that there are 100's of 'Cleanups' taking part all over the province (+ country) along our many lakes, rivers, and ponds!


Although the Kamloops Cleanup isn't until the 22nd, Vancouverites can take part starting this weekend!

Search for the clean up nearest you, here.


Bring your gloves, bring your kids, and bring your love for the natural beauty that is Canada.


Rock on, mother earth.

Have a fantastic weekend.


Photos via the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup event page

Bouquet Love

Beautiful flowers rule my world. I always enjoy finding gorgeous and unique bouquets, especially when they're sustainable (+ in one of my favourite colour palettes, to boot)!



Flowers by Local Flora in San Anselmo, California.
Photos by Silvana Di Franco Photography.
Found via Green Wedding Shoes.

eco shops for a cause

Although I am quite upset I'm going to miss this fabulous event, I would love, love, love, for you to attend. If you are passionate about environmental sustainability, fashion, and yummy smelling hair & skincare products and you're in the Vancouver area you need to attend eco shops for a cause.

The event is hosted by my favourite Vancouver boutique, body politic, with proceeds going to the David Suzuki Foundation. With the opportunity to shop some amazing fall lines, win some amazing prizes (Note: I've seen the swag they're giving away and it's impressive) and sip delicious wine, it's an evening you don't want to miss... oh, and it's tomorrow.

Check out the facebook event page for more information and while you're at it, enter the contest at Granville Online.

Psst... if you can't make it out, you can still shop online.

Cinder Block Love

Cinder block centerpieces? Yes, please!


I always look forward to checking out what creatively fabulous spreads Kelly (of yes, please, succulent love, and the newly incorporated bash please) has put together. Many of her tablescapes and design concepts have been flagged in my personal folders; however, this one was too perfect not to share.

Check out Kelly's DIY instructions here.



This gritty industrial block pairs so perfectly with the pretty natural stems, doesn't it?


C'est Magnifique!

{Designer Love} NIXXI

The sunshine and melting snow have me yearning for comfortable-yet-stylist clothing in soft and sustainable fabrics. Luckily, I didn't have to look too far to find my answer...

I became smitten with NIxxI after visits to my favourite Vancouver boutique Body Politic and I have fallen.in.love with their 2010 Spring/Summer Collection.

NIxxI, a Vancouver based eco-conscious designer, will be featured at this year's Vancouver Eco Fashion Week. I am trying to work some scheduling magic so I can be in attendance; regardless, there will be some serious BP shopping in my near future. {These pieces will fit perfectly in my closet}

Here are a few of my favourite everyday pieces from Spring/Summer 2010:







. . .

Check out the Vancouver Eco Fashion Week website for featured designers, ticket information, and schedule.
Follow them on facebook + twitter.