Flocking to Eco Nesting Tables

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Small table sets of three are my favorite occasional tables for feathering my own nest. These tables can divide and conquer my entertaining needs when lots of guests require places for lots of drinks. It’s not like we have the blender going every weekend, but when I throw my annual all-girl costume Oscar party or have the book club over, the room fills up fast and one coffee table doesn’t do the trick.
While I’m a sucker for lacquer, like the slick and boxy parson designs of Jonathan Adler, I know the material isn’t the healthiest for the environment. But …

Cast Iron Reasons to Go Back to Basics

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Silicone’s useful in all sorts of way (here’s an example) – as long as it’s not overheated. That means non-stick pans and silicone kitchen implements are a worry.
So let’s get back to basics. Natural clay vessels look and cook great, as Bonnie has noted. But let’s not throw the metal out with the non-stick – because recycled iron makes the hottest kind of cookware, in every sense. Chip or scrape a totally iron pan, and you expose…more iron. So how long it lasts depends on how thick …

How to Make Natural Pesticides and Fungicides for Your Garden

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One of the reasons I love gardening so much is that it’s a hands-on way to connect with Mother Nature. So, when insects and fungus infest my own little Eden, it just feels wrong to turn to harsh chemicals as an artificial solution to this pesky problem. The good news? It’s very simple to make your own natural pesticides and fungicides from home.

1. To eliminate unwelcome pests, soak a cup of loose tobacco overnight in a gallon of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Pour this concoction into a spray bottle,

And You Thought the Best Part of a Coconut Was Its Center!

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I’m always impressed by the resourceful nature of small artisan groups around the world. They take things that many would consider waste and transform them into beautiful, functional and sustainable artwork.
The community of Padang Besar in Thailand, near the Malaysian border, took a stand against the common practice of illegal drug smuggling by providing employment through the formation of Padang Coconut. Since the sweet fruit its name bears is abundant in this area, this proactive group’s creative members began crafting stylish kitchen ware from their shells. Their Don’t Toss

Vegetarian Foods That Build Muscle

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So you wanna be strong? You don’t need meat to build muscle. As long as you get enough protein (meat-free protein options here) and eat a well-balanced diet, you’ll be fine. If you’re not convinced, check out the website of America’s top vegan bodybuilder. If he can build muscle without dairy, then cutting back on meat won’t hurt you a bit.

Eggs: Eggs are the perfect protein, supporting your body’s protein needs even better than beef. And it’s the group of amino acids found in “complete” proteins that promote muscle growth.

Almonds: Two handfuls …

A Compassionate Performance

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"Outdoorsy".
The word conjures images of mega-layered flannel, polar fleece and gortex jackets. Ailin’s performance fashion elevates functional outerwear to eco chic, through its insistence on establishing deep quality and elegance in design. The company is dedicating to reducing their environmental footprint, while developing collections called "Yogi in Heels" and "The Mindful Traveller".Ailin, which is Tibetan for "compassion for nature", features pieces that range from workout gear to hybrid post-workout casual wear, like this brushed eco-polyester slip dress. Ailin’s pieces are meant to last for …

Bring Nature Indoors with the Vine and Leaf Panel

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If you have a taste for the distinctive when it comes to wall décor, you’ll get lost in the intricate forest-inspired theme of the skillfully hand-carved Vine and Leaf panel.
Made from monkey pod wood, an environmentally-friendly resource, this gorgeous wall hanging depicts a glossy thicket of nature’s splendor that will dazzle in any room. Versatile as well as modish, the piece can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on the wall space that you’re looking to embellish. If you love the elaborate details of this stunning panel, then make sure …

20 Amazing Organic Wines Under $20

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Carcinogens in your wine? It’s possible. When grapes are chemically sprayed, the residues end up in the wine, and the Eco Snob in me says that any true wine connoisseur has got to go organic. I won’t be having Cyprodinil in my Syrah, thanks. Besides, biodynamic is just the way to go. Wine is already a luxury, so you might as well go greener – without shelling out more green.20 incredibly tasty organic wines under $20:-X Winery Nova Organic Zinfandel is …