A round-up of what we’re reading right now.

NASCAR and environmentalism? Stranger partnerships have happened… we think. [via Triple Pundit] 

Bill Clinton weighs less than he did in high school, and he has veganism to thank. [via Girlie Girl Army]

Looking to clear out your refrigerator? This vegetarian African peanut stew includes everything but the kitchen sink. [via Big Girls Small Kitchen]

Treehugger founder Graham Hill’s minimalist 420-square-foot studio incorporates every space-saving tip in the book. [via Curbed]

Before you dedicate your next vacation to playing with orphans or building a school, ask yourself if “voluntourism” is really the best way to make a difference. [via HuffPost Impact]

We always thought it was strange that Election Day falls on a Tuesday. Turns out, the answer is as dated as the horse and buggy. [via Take Part]

Image: The U.S. Army

The post Link Love: Vegan Diets and Voluntourism appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Happy Chair: a fortunate collision between NASCAR and design.

EcoSalon’s demographic doesn’t necessarily veer towards the NASCAR market, but Shawna Robinson’s line of salvaged furniture, Happy Chairs, could change all that. It’s what Shawna does after all: breaking barriers, taking risks, screechingly putting a halt to “the conventional” and so-called norm.

In 2002, the single mom raced in the Daytona 500 and came in 24^th place. In its 50-year history, there have only been three women to race the Daytona 500: Janet Guthrie in 1977 and 1980 (finishing in 12^th and 11^th place respectively), and today’s glamorous trailblazer Danica Patrick, who finished 38^th this past February, a full decade after Robinson competed.

Before that, she was named Rookie Driver of The Year in The Great American Truck Racing Series (GATR). When she raced in the Goody’s Dash Series (we had to look it up, too) she became the first woman driver to qualify first (pole position) for a race, later winning Rookie of The Year and Most Popular Driver of the Year. There was the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) and the ARCA Series.

And now, a series of very cool chairs made from old, salvaged and weathered pieces of furniture. Armchairs that would have otherwise been retired, kicked to the curb, disqualified on the back marker. Armchairs that are now back in groove, coasting through the victory lane.

“I love big, bold, crazy color. I love art. I love animals and as is evident from my past as a NASCAR race car driver, I love the thrill of taking risks,” she states on her website.

Her one of a kind pieces, built in her Charlotte, North Carolina studio, are available for purchase via her website. Customization upon request.

Images: Happy Chairs; Happy Chairs/Flickr

The post Shawna Robinson Design: NASCAR Meets Salvaged Furniture appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever thought of yourself in a jumpsuit?

Probably one of the most versatile pieces you could ever have in your wardrobe, the jumpsuit has been worn by aviators, Nascar drivers and almost as many edgy fashionistas as toned Olympic swimmers. However, the trick with wearing it is to make it look current (and hopefully not Nascar).

For this week’s Stylish Steal I found this one at Beklina that is perfect in all its silken glory. The Raasta Palua silk Jumpsuit is fully lined, has side pockets, a wide and comfortable elastic band along the top neckline and my favorite, a silk patched removable and fully adjustable neon pink, lime and navy tie belt. On sale at Beklina for $90.

You could wear lots of different shoes with your Raasta Palua jumpsuit including strappy, metallic heels, but these chunky heels from Olsen Haus are great too, and give you a little lift to lengthen the look. On sale at Endless for $110.52.

To make the look a little sweeter, try these Olsen Haus metallic flats on for size. On sale at Endless for $77.52.

Though not on sale, I love these Sun Earrings from Mociun to wear with this outfit (try hard to disregard the berry stained fingers holding them). Priced at $260.

Depending on where you live, you might be needing something to wear over your shoulders. I suggest grabbing your favorite cropped, maybe sheer, navy cardigan or blazer. Not to stay so matchy matchy would be to play with the brown in the heels, or the pink or green in the belt.

Fashion is all about what you make of it, so have fun!

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