In need of a new eco-friendly outfit? Send us your recipes!

Our friends at Horny Toad are as food obsessed as we are, so to celebrate the start of autumn, we’ve teamed up to put together a fun food contest that’s inspired by celebrating fall days with friends, steaming cups of coffee on crisp mornings and new recipes with seasonal goods.

All you have to do to enter is send a recipe that is influenced by the photo:

• For the Adjunct Hoodie (top photo): Your best pie recipe that you simply can’t live without.
• For the Heartfelt Sweater (middle photo): A delectable breakfast pastry or baked good.
• For the Women’s Mixologist Shirt (bottom photo): Pomegranates are in season October – January, put them to use any way you please!

Send your submissions to food@ecosalon.com, with “Food Contest” in the subject line, by Thursday October 4, 2012.

The winning culinary masterpiece for each recipe theme wins the product featured in the picture, and you’ll get your recipe on EcoSalon and Horny Toad. Note that we can only ship to U.S. addresses.

As an added bonus, Horny Toad will offer free ground shipping to EcoSalon readers on all online orders until 9/30 with the code “ECOSALONSHIP.”

Good luck!

The post Recipe Contest: Send Us Your Favorite Seasonal Dishes appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s Marketing Manager and resident foodie Anna Brones shows us how she plans to accessorize her favorite little black dress this summer.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Here’s how our Marketing Manager Anna Brones is planning to accessorize her favorite dress by Horny Toad this summer. A consummate foodie and playlist maven, Anna also has a crafty side, which she uses to create beautiful earrings from used bike tubes. Anna’s style is simple and laid-back with a distinct feminine vibe, she likes to stick to simple basic clothing and let the accessories to the talking.

Mulu: Black and White Striped Infinity Scarf by Raven + Lily
This light and airy scarf is the perfect choice for summer. Made from locally sourced cotton and hand-loomed by Ethiopian women who were former fuel laborers, this black and white infinity scarf wraps one, two or three times. Through Raven + Lily’s partnership with Connected in Hope Foundation, the women receive economic and educational opportunities, enabling their families to thrive.
$57, Raven + Lily

Upcycled Leaf Earrings by AB Designs
These pretty leaf-shaped earrings are made from upcycled bike tubes by Anna herself. She carves the shapes by hand and cleverly lets the natural curve of the tubes be part of the design.
$19, AB Designs/Etsy

Prairie Underground Undone Shrug
A great layering piece like this is a must have for those cold summer evenings. The edges are raw and unfinished and, instead of buttons, it’s got fun string ties. Do like Anna and wear it over a dress, or pair it with denim for a more casual vibe. Made in Seattle, from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.
$128, Embodies

Shannon South ReMade in the USA OOAK No.1 Clutch
Color-blocking is a trend that is still going strong. The similar hues in this one make it a highly versatile choice.The OOAK is a one of a kind clutch that, like all Shannon South’s designs, is made from vintage leather sourced from old jackets. This one has a vintage suede lining, brass zipper and a knotted leather pull.
$195, Shannon South

Gold Leather Slit Cuff by Fahmina
This cuff by Topanga-based eco-designer Fahmina is a great way to add some flair to an outfit. Metallics are highly versatile since they tend to go with everything, which means you can get by with less. Wear it on the outside of your sleeve to really show it off. Made from upcycled pre-consumer leather waste, salvaged from factory cutting tables.
$96, Fahmina

El Naturalista Senda Sandals
Anna’s not afraid to add a pop of color to her wardrobe. The best way to dress up a simple outfit is to add a distinct pair of shoes, preferably in a bright color like these from Spanish shoe label El Naturalista.
Approx. $150, El Naturalista

The post EcoSalon Editor’s Picks: Anna Brones appeared first on EcoSalon.

Friend-crushing on the voice of Horny Toad.

We here at EcoSalon are huge fans of Horny Toad Activewear, not just because of the Santa Barbara-based company’s infinitely wearable line of inspired outdoor clothing, but also because of the passion Horny Toad infuses into their messaging and branding. That must be why we adore Safia Radha Ohlson, the woman behind Horny Toad’s social media and content. According to Safia, we’re at the top of her blogroll too. Let the lovefest continue.

Name: Safia Radha Ohlson

Website: http://www.hornytoad.com

Why do you read EcoSalon?

At work I curate much of the content we use in our social media. This means I spend a decent amount of time cruising the internet for relevant, funny, inspiring material – an experience that can range anywhere from satisfying to horrifying. Even on a good day EcoSalon trumps pretty much everything I come across. It’s like having cocktails with your funniest, smartest, most literate girlfriend. It knows when to go deep and keep things super real, it’s outraged when appropriate, but it’s not afraid to dish a little dirt and compare lip balms either. Plus the playlists and recipes… God, I can’t imagine life before kale quinoa cakes.

Tell us a little bit about Horny Toad and its mission.

Horny Toad is a clothing company based in Santa Barbara. We make the kind of stuff you’d wear when, for example, you’ve got a date that begins with a hike and ends with dinner and there’s no time to change in between. Perfect for when you want to look cute but you also want to be casual and are probably going to get a little sweaty. Most of our fabrics are eco-friendly and we try to keep our styles timeless enough that our customers will want to wear them for years and years. We also make some of the best yoga pants I’ve ever owned (and, for the record, I pretty much LIVE in yoga pants).

What do you do there?

Like I mentioned, I do a lot of the social media stuff for Horny Toad. But I’m also the copywriter and editor of all our written content.

How do people embrace the values of the organization within the office?

Our values are well articulated in the phrase “Find Fun. Do Good. Be Comfortable.” Each of us embraces this ethos in our own, personalized ways. Living in Santa Barbara is so ridiculously good that the urge to give back becomes inherent, and I think we’re all living our lives with a huge amount of gratitude and happiness and balance. The Horny Toad company culture reflects this too. We do beach cleanups and other community outreach on a regular basis. We make a big lunch together about once a month as a way of staying connected in a playful, non-work way. Inter-departmentally, we help each other out whenever necessary. Our dogs come to work which keeps the atmosphere light and sane. We’ve also formed several great partnerships with outside organizations and local companies. For example, all of our products are shipped by a Chicago non-profit Horny Toad help found called Planet Access Company which provides work opportunities and beautiful, safe group homes for adults with developmental disabilities.

What hobbies do you pursue when you’re not working?

Right now I’m learning how to be a good meditator, which is a lot like learning how to do magic. When it’s working you can literally transform ignorance and suffering to wisdom and freedom. Pow! Shazam! Also I do a lot of yoga and am learning how to paint and photograph stuff. And I spend an embarrassing amount of time adoring my dog, Jade, who is current reigning queen of the fairy dogs.

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Allie Bombach of Red Reel Films takes us on a journey to find the simpler things in life.

When we grow up we want to be our readers.

Allie Bombach blew our minds and won our hearts from the first time we watched the trailer for her film, 23 Feet. The documentary, released earlier this year, follows Allie and two friends as they cross the country in a 1970 Airstream, meeting with people who have ditched their traditional lifestyles for the open road and the great outdoors. A director, producer, and videographer, Allie uses her gift for storytelling to promote simple living and respect for the environment – things we definitely dig here at EcoSalon, along with Allie.

Name: Allie Bombach

Website: www.23feet.org

How did you get introduced to EcoSalon?

I started reading EcoSalon because of Foodie Underground and the fabulous Anna Brones, and I’m hooked on the home design tips and interviews with rockin folks. For me, it’s a wonderful source of inspiration and at the same time a guilty pleasure during the work day to check out the recent articles.

Tell us about 23 Feet.

23 Feet is a short documentary about people who live simply to do what they love outside. We set out across the west in the summer of 2010 searching for the community of people who live in cars, buses, and other small spaces ditching the creature comforts of today’s society to raft, surf, and climb. The name 23 Feet comes from my own 1970, 23-foot Airstream that I live in and took from Colorado to Oregon during the production of the film. After the film was finished, we took the Airstream back on the road for an outdoor theater tour in the summer of 2011 that screened the film off the side of the Airstream. We had about 30 screenings in a variety of landscapes from the middle of wilderness to the middle of cities. For me, the whole experience was an exploration in the meaning of home, community, and ultimate happiness and passion in what you do.

The Airstream has a name. What is it, and why?

Roma is her name, and besides all the roaming she does, she just seemed like a middle-aged old woman that would give you great advice. Hence, Roma. Perfect.

You tricked out Roma with recycled and reclaimed materials. What are some of the highlights?

Roma’s got some snazz to her for sure. Her cork floors are pretty awesome and she has reclaimed wood for the desk and bed. What I am excited about is the upcoming improvements to make her really cozy and sustainable. I’m hoping to add a wood stove, solar panels, and one fine day, a composting toilet. As of now, she’s pretty simple with no plumbing, and the truck charges the batteries in the Airstream after a drive. So lots more to do!

I imagine there was a fair share of magical moments on the road. What was the craziest?

The production was wild. We had no idea if what we set out to do would actually work! We didn’t know if we would find characters, or even if we would make it to Oregon. The truck pulling the Airstream broke down several times, and it seemed like surprises were around every corner. And because most of the budget came after the film was edited, we found ourselves sleeping in a lot of random spots. It was pretty adventurous. The film screening tour was one moment of bliss after another. We were on the road for four months, winding in and out of national parks and major cities. Connecting with so many people who have lived (or want to live) the lifestyle documented in 23 Feet was very magical. To tell a story is one thing, to have that story compel people to tell you their story is a whole different gift. It made all that hard work worth every moment and then some.

What five items/products made life on the road easier?

In a small space, the things you own are few, but very important. From your toothbrush to your water bottle, everything needed to be sturdy and worthy of the road.

Innate Gear Thermos – I swear you can put your coffee in hot and it will still be piping 8 hours later. It’s a miracle bottle.

French press – Any appliance that doesn’t need electricity is a great find. Plus, my favorite way to make coffee.

Slippers – Just because you are on the road, doesn’t mean you can’t be cozy. I travel with slippers everywhere I go.

Horny Toad dresses – They don’t wrinkle, they are super comfortable, and they are super easy to clean. I love me some Horny Toad.

Dr. Bronner’s soap – All purpose awesomeness. Just a few drops and you’ll shine like a new penny. It’s way better for the environment too. (Ed. Note: We love their hair conditioner too.)

What creature comforts did you miss the most?

The only thing I can think of is plants. I miss having little plants around. It’s like a class 5 earthquake in the Airstream when we are on the road, so no plants have been able to take that kinda shock! Other than that, you won’t find me missing TV or a dishwasher.

Any plans for a sequel? In other words, what’s up next?

My business partner Sarah Menzies and I run a production company called Red Reel. We had such a powerful reaction to the outdoor theater tour last summer that we are excited to be able to continue the grassroots unique distribution for projects to come. As far as the stories in the works, we’re sticking with character driven pieces, and pointing our lens to the movers and shakers of environmental and social change. Right now Roma is sitting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with my family, and Sarah and I are calling San Jose Del Cabo, Baja, home for the winter. We’re filming in the water and editing our 2012 spring films. If there were a sequel to 23 Feet, I think we might take it onto sail boats, but right now, 23 feet of home has turned into about 3 feet of suitcase, and life couldn’t be better.

The post We Heart Our Readers: Allie Bombach, Documentary Filmmaker appeared first on EcoSalon.