Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Latitude - a Great, Green festival

Latitude Festival
Daisy Green’s heart is based in eco-fashion. To us, this extends further than the clothes we wear and recycling our old bottles, we’re trying to make lifestyle choices too.

So, it was with delight I heard about Latitude Festival in Suffolk. It’s been described by The Guardian as the most ‘middle class’ festival going, and with a Pimms field and poetry tent, I could see why.

However, it was the dedication to supporting green issues that I was really impressed by. Ranging from solar powered showers to an eco day-spa and compostable food packaging, you really couldn’t deny their efforts were good.

The real stand-out benefit was the recycled plastic cups. After putting two pounds’ deposit down, you returned your cup to the bar to be given a new one. This meant that there was no litter on the site, all the cups were recycled and there were even special bins to put your cup in at the end to return the money to charity!

Aside from the ‘green’ element, there were also fantastic bands including Blondie, Elbow and Interpol. Simon Armitage was a highlight in the poetry arena, and Ross Noble met riotous applause in the comedy tent. The unsigned bands eager to be discovered and late-night raves in the woods were secret elements to be stumbled upon and not to be missed.

The festival worked towards giving green issues a higher profile without being too preachy or forcing the environmental message down party goers’ throats. I’ll definitely be going back!

Katie

Daisy Green travels up and down the UK

This last week I have been lucky enough to have been to both London and Reading on 2 separate occasions, both purely for fun. The first journey I took the train from Newcastle to London, followed by the tube to Hampton Court where my little brother lives.

A relaxed, 3 hour journey provided the chance to chat to anyone who would listen (thankfully a chatty male physiotherapist was sitting opposite me!) and the ability to type up some articles. Every second of the train journey was put to good use. A frantic 20 minutes on the tube and then a sedate train journey to Hampton Court followed, but thankfully I was accompanied by “our kid” who had kindly come to Kings Cross to meet me.

Now, the following weekend, I chose to drive to reading simply because of my perceived CLART ON, getting to Reading from Newcastle on the train. Never again.

Far from the relaxed journey of the previous week, I was stuck in numerous traffic jams due to the high maintenance that the entire M1 needs, then of course the permanent car park that is the M25, and then onto the packed M4. Delightful, I do not think. I spent the entire journey getting very cross with all those people who simply refuse to pull over out of the middle lane (what is it with people sitting in the middle lane anyhow?) and panicking at the cost of petrol.

The travel time to Hampton took only 4 hours in total, even with all the changes; to Reading took 5 and a half. My perspective of my fellow humans was radically altered on both journey from “isn’t is lovely to meet new people and chat away” to “GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE LANE YOU ************” (fill in the missing blank with any word you feel appropriate.)

As for monetary cost, train booked the day before £99 + £14 for tube passes, total £113. And the car, £85 petrol plus 600 miles added. I used www.co2balance.uk.com to work out my carbon emissions for both journeys. On the train it was 0.05 tonnes and 4kg for the tube and by car 0.18 tonnes, more than 3 times as much.

All in all, for my sanity, time taken and carbon emissions, it was far more preferable to get on the train. Even though it was nearly £30 more, it was money well spent. And to be fair, I booked the tickets the day before I travelled, had I been a bit more organised, it would have been cheaper to get the train too.

Spending money..

Hmm. Having just looked at the Howies sale, I have bought a dress. I am easily persuaded and even more easily led. But, lets hope, as Katie has said, the quality will be brilliant and it will last for ever.

daisy x

The Howies not-so-secret fan club





This is my first review for Daisy Green, and I have a confession to make.

It’s going to be a biased one.

When I told Daisy I’d been buying from the Howies website, and she asked me to write a review of what I received, I knew I wouldn’t be able to write the well-balanced, mature piece I’m capable of.

Why?

I love howies.

I’ve been buying jeans, t-shirts, hoodies and even a bag from the Howies online shop for the last few years, ever since I was introduced to the label through friends at work.
I’m extremely pleased to report that every item, every last stitch, hasn’t seen even a tiny bit of colour-fade. There are no rips and tears where other jeans have fallen by the wayside. Nothing has stretched or shrunk and every item I have is effortlessly comfortable. Brilliant.

Apart from the fantastic clothes, there are other reasons to love Howies too. They are committed to producing ethically sustainable, cruelty free clothing. The beautiful soft organic cotton is not only lovely against the skin but kind to the environment too. The Cardigan Bay based company are also committed to raising green issues through their blog, seasonal catalogue and free lectures.

Howies profess to make clothes for those who love outdoor sports – whether it be beating down the door at 5am to catch the first waves of the day or dashing out for a run. I’d argue their clothes are brilliant for the laid-back eco-fashionista too. Loose-fitting boyfriend jeans look great with a casual top for daytime shopping, and statement t-shirts mean you can really wear your heart on your sleeve.

In conclusion, you might have gathered I’m a bit of a fan. I’d recommend Howies to anyone who’s after long-lasting eco-clothing. One last tip: keep an eye out for the sales on http://www.howies.co.uk/, you can snag a real bargain!

Katie Coward (Daisy Green contributor and Founder of the not-so-secret Howies fan club!)

Friday, 25 July 2008

Daisy Green takes Krista's Advice









Messy shelves in the living room were driving me crazy (my husband's very helpful response, "they are bookshelves." Do boys SEE mess??)





Taking Krista's advice I have organised the top shelf into white books, the second is blue to green and have grouped all the wooden antiques in the middle shelf.
I didn't think that it would make that much difference but the shelves are definitely tidier and more appealing now.
The only problem in that I struggle when the books are not organised by author. We will see how long it lasts!

Speaking to Krista has inspired me to look at the space in the room to see if there is a better or just different way to use the space. I think the rest of the room is going to get a major overhaul!

The Snapshot Interview: Krista Puranan, Eco Stylist and Interior Designer.

Name: Krista Puranan
Country of Birth: Finland
Age: 37
CV: Stylist/interior Designer.

A fashion designer in her native Finland for many years, Krista came to the UK to complete her Interior Design degree (and also to chase a man!) She has designed kitchens, worked for major interior design companies and is currently setting up her own freelance business;
http://www.kota-designs.com/

Krista specialises in customising furniture that her clients already own and redesigning their space to maximise it’s potential. Her own home is furnished with antique furniture and that which has been donated to her!

Favourite thing about the UK: The people – everyone is so upbeat all the time!

Describing her own style: I go with my mood and don’t worry about labels too much.

Eco design tip:

If you are looking to refresh your space, imagine that you have stepped into someone else’s home and are looking at it with fresh eyes. Try and do that in your own home. Don’t be afraid to colour co-ordinate: for example, group books on shelves according to colour and see the difference it makes!

Krista will be contributing to Daisy Green on a regular basis with all her super eco-design tips and room make-overs.

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

Hey You Old Bag

The problem: Cheap black bag that is still very functional but the plastic handles have started to snap and crack.

The dilemma: Can’t give it to charity as it is damaged. Also, the bag part itself is absolutely fine. What do I do with it as surely the handles will eventually snap?




The solution: Customise the bag. Sew on a number of buttons, to change the appearance and freshen it up. An old scarf from a local charity shop was a great find to make new handles. Simply enough, the scarf was cut in two, and wound around the existing handles to reinforce them.

The result: A customised bag that has been saved from landfill. Hoorah. Easy to re-customise again when bored with bag again.

Total cost: £1.50 for scarf (to charity.)
Time took: 1 hour.

Feel great.









Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Sundials made from old plastic cups? Yes please!

Here I am sitting in the gorgeous, hot sunshine in the back garden at Daisy cottages. There is nothing quite like working from home AND getting a little bit of afternoon sun and enjoying your garden.
As I ponder, I have realised that something is missing from my garden. I would love a sundial.
I can imagine one nestled in between the strawberries and the grasses just to my left. Now, I have been keeping an eye out in the reclamation yards but to no avail.

Thankfully, www.Ecocentric.co.uk keep me up to date with their recent innovations and a sundial just happens to be one of them....


Sustainable style for the Garden
Carry on the modern style through to the outdoor space, making a feature out of this sundial with the same slate-like appearance.

Set to UK latitude, it is ideal for long days spent in the garden. Easy to clean, so don’t worry about the birds taking a walk over it.
The original carbon neutral clock, each sundial saves 32 cups going to landfill. The perfect gift for a garden enthusiast.
Will have to have a chat with dear husband to see what he thinks but it looks like a good addition to our garden to me.

Monday, 21 July 2008

You Love, We Love Vintage

Sister in law bought the MOST beautiful, exquisite vintage dress yesterday. She looks truely stunning in it and is rest assured that there will be no-one else dressed in anything similar at the posh do she is going to.

Vintage - you either love it or hate it. But we absolutely love it. If you are like us, this new site is for you....

"Want unique, one-off vintage pieces without having to trawl around marketsand fairs? http://www.iwantvintage.co.uk is the answer! This virtual vintage town showcases a selection of the best vintage pieces from unique suppliers, shops and vintage specialists across the UK. www.iwantvintage.co.uk transports you to a street lined with quirky looking shops, each divided into individual boutiques, from soft furnishings andfurniture to art and accessories.

Within each shop is a selection of that particular product. When something catches your eye, simply click on the description, which opens up the sellers website, enabling purchase of the product directly from the original source at no extra cost."

Brilliant ! For those who are now in despair at the amount of new tat that has made it onto sites such as Ebay, this offers a real alternative for finding, one off quirky goods.

Thanks Mel for telling us all about it!

daisy x

Does my bum look big in this?

The simple answer was Yes.

I was very excited to receive my little parcel from www.Greenfibres.com
containing my promised friendly knickers. With trepidation (I have been disappointed in the past and I so wanted to love them) I opened the packet. My mission to buy knickers that are pretty, comfy and eco friendly is all consuming.

Not wishing to make immediate judgement, I handled my new pants with care. They looked a little like the briefs that my husband sometimes wears. Hmm. Not to be put off, I examined them a little more and was pleased to confirm that they ticked a number of my specific criteria.

Their ethical credentials were great:
Fairly produced. Organic cotton. No nasty dyes. Comfy too. A good start.

But pretty? Unfortunately not. They certainly didn’t pass the husband test. His exact words were,

“ The more material there is, the bigger your bum looks. Take them off.” Nice. Love affair over.

I explained the predicament to Phil. Functional pants. That’s what they are. Great in so many ways but please could I have some … well pretty pants?

On Friday, another parcel landed on the doorstep. (If nothing else, I would recommend Greenfibres for their swift delivery services and willingness to help.)

From the 3 pairs, my favourites are the black silk knickers. They are normal knickers , the type that you can just pull out of your drawer and wear everyday. They are a little bit sheer (oooh la la), fit really nicely and are certainly better for the environment, than most of the knickers I currently own.

Knickers are a very personal matter. They have to be right. Recently, Suezii had to strip off her entire outfit just because her undies weren’t right, and start again.

As yet, I haven’t found a pair of ethical knickers that I would rave about, non- stop to anyone who will listen. But these nicely fitting, silk knickers are definitely a good start.

RAK : Random Acts of Kindness

Are great. It's official.

Yesterday in sunny Horsham, a lady and her son were in the predicament of having a flat battery in her car and no jump leads. Havin been in this position more times than I care to remember, I was eager to help.

Out jumps my little brother ( officially known as "our kid") and jump starts the car. I took about 3 minutes to do and everyone was happy.

Now, the young lad, offered us some money for our help. He actually out a note on our car seat! A generous gesture, a way in which to thank us for our help.

But it made me feel somewhat sad.

When did we (and I mean our society) get to the point that we can't just help people without an expectation that we must do something in return. It was our pleasure to help them.

I have been inspired.

Today, I gave someone my all day tube ticket when I was finished with it. It will save that particular man £7. Brilliant. And our kid, always gives his car parking tickets to someone else, and if there is no-one there he sticks them to the machine!! Brilliant.

I am now completely committed to performing one random act of kindness each day. The look on people's faces makes it worthwhile.

Go on get on the RAK and make someone smile.

Daisy x

Little bottles of STUFF

I have been obsessed with little bottles of stuff for as long as I can remember. It has long since been a tradition in the Daisy household, to charge to the January sales, and raid the shelves of all the lovely, reduced price skincare and cosmetic products.

Preparing to launch Daisy Green, I have certainly learned the error of my ways. However, the thrill of buying remains; albeit slightly changed. So now I get my little bottle thrill, courtesy of those nice people who want us to test their products.

This time though, the products are organic, mostly paraben free and definitely not tested on animals. The whole Daisy team get to share them, ensuring that not a drop is wasted.


is one of the ranges we have been playing with. Loose eye shadow, creamy shadow, lip gloss atomiser, lipstick to be precise. The packing is certainly a little different. Jewelled, beaded and wooden pots give an Eastern feel.

My favourite was the loose eyeshadow. Certainly the little wooden pot with screw lid meant that for the first time since loose eyeshadow was invented, it didn’t end up all over my floor. A major plus! I used a brush and the product slid on nicely and more importantly stayed put for the rest of the night.

Although the lipstick was not my colour, the packaging, consistency and texture were all appealing. And it didn’t budge. At all. This lipstick is definitely a stayer!
B have excellent ethical credentials, being the sister company of Lush. They have a full range of makeup, fragrances and stuff for boys too.
Go have a look, you may find something pretty!

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

10% OFF 10% OFF 10% OFF!!

All Daisy Green readers can now claim 10% off any products from Naturisimo. Now you have another great excuse to try and buy more of your favourite beauty products and friendly cosmetics.

Go on, treat yourself!!

The discount code that you need to enter is NATDAISY78. And if there is a particular product that you absolutely love don't forget to let us know and we could publish your review!!

Daisy x

Tomato worries

Apparently, watering tomatoes is crucial. The frequency, that is. And I don't think the Daisy household is getting it quite right. Some of the (still green) fruit have a nasty brown patch on the bottom. Waaaaaaaah.

I have been eagerly waiting for what seems like an eternity, to stop buying them from the shops, and eat my own.

Oh, and the flies are driving me crazy.

Still, we persevere.

(And in the meantime, eat peas.)

Sunday, 13 July 2008

Izzy Lane - Revolutionary?

How's this for an idea? Save sheep, let them live out their lives, collect oodles of wool, make high quality clothes from it and sell them. All in the UK.
Doesn't seem so revolutionary to me. But yet, having searched and searched, we can only find one company doing exactly that. (Happily correct us if we are wrong.)
Izzylane, based in North Yorkshire, is the brain child of Isobel Davis. We had the pleasure to meet Isobel yesterday and wish to thank her for her time.
Isobel is a committed vegetarian who likes animals. She busies herself, rescuing sheep destined for slaughter, lets them live out their natural lives and uses their wool for her beautiful clothes.
What a refreshing idea. Traceable and sustainable fashion? Oh yes, it most certainly is. And it's kind too.
There was something very appealing (and relaxing) to have stood in a field of sheep chatting about their welfare and then to examine, fondle, (and in Suezi's case - stroke her face with!) the jumpers, scarves, suits, coats, produced as the end result.
90 minutes later, we were absolute fans. Izzylane products are simply gorgeous, we wanted to run away with as many as we could!
Izzylane is definitely one of the more exclusive, ethical manufacturers in the UK.
I live in the knowledge that I will have to save a little to buy one of their fabulous coats. It will not be a rash decision.
But, in this age of cheap and nasty throw away fashion, I am more than prepared to do that. Because the clothes are such high quality, that they will outlive the sheep from where they came! (15 years on Izzy's farm!!)
Revolutionary? Not really, more like kind, caring, common sense. Well done Izzy. A role model for us all.
Daisy x

Wednesday, 9 July 2008

Star and shadow market this Sunday!!! 11 - 4pm




18 STALLS OFFERING:Handmade/customised and good quality second hand clothing
Beautiful and unique jewellery
Second hand books and music ( you may find that rare piece of vinyl or hard to get hold of book you've been searching for)
One off treasures for your home
Funky and alternative accessoriesArtwork/Graphics and Photography
"A cross between a flea market & craft market, there will be plenty of bargains to be had as well as lovingly handcrafted goodies which you won't see on anyone else.Not only is this a place to showcase emerging creative talent but it's also a fundraising event for the cinema (run by hard working volunteers), so you can feel like you're doing your bit, while you shop.The bar will be open so you can warm yourself up with a hot drink whilst listening to some ace tunes. There will be a DJ from 1pm.The Star And Shadow is at the top of Ouseburn Valley, opposite the Tanners pub at the city end of the Byker bridge, so not far from town. Only 5 mins walk from town and the venue is wheelchair/buggy friendly."
See you there!
Daisy x

B Never Too Busy To Be BEAUTIFUL


After all the palava with the Body shop wrapping, I have been searching for a new make-up alternative. I think I may have found one in B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful. Its a bit of a mouthful, but their products look cool.

"B NEVER TOO BUSY TO BE BEAUTIFUL is an Aladdin’s cave of eclectic gorgeousness and wonderment specialising in colour cosmetics and fragrance...B offers a magical, yet accessible shopping environment. Each counter tells a different story and is positioned so that WE can wander around unhindered and experiment with everything to find exactly what is right for the them – or that certain someone."

Sounds great. And whats even better - the range is totally Vegan and organic ingredients are used throughout. As B says " There really is now, no better time, to never be too busy to be beautiful, no matter what your ethical choices are. "

But the proof is in the pudding... will post product reviews on the blog as soon as we can!

Greenfibres...

Starting this blog, has given me the opportunity to speak to some of the most lovely people in the UK. I mean it. And when they offer to send you some knickers, well it's just the cherry on the cake (so to speak!!)
So, thanks to Phil at Greenfibres, some lovely knickers are on route to Daisy cottages. Of course, a full testimonial will appear on the blog in due course.

In the meantime, click on the banner and have a look at their lovely products for yourself!

Daisyx

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

Get in!! National shed week!! I Love my shed...as featured on MSN!

Whilst searching around "tinternet" (MSN Environmental section to be precise) I found this little gem. Oh it made me smile and think of all the fun we had putting the shed up. Clearly, it is not a place that I am allowed to enter, no it's definitely a man's domain.

Still, lets all have some Shed Love.

NATIONAL SHED WEEK
A whole week devoted entirely to the English shed - now that's eco-thinking gone mental. But with seven days for you to get your own little 'home away from home' sorted, you might find that a garden shed - be it a mousetrap or a palace - is just the thing you need. Unfortunately, the 'Shed of the year' competition has already closed, but you can find out more and meet other shed-lovers by visiting http://www.readersheds.co.uk/


(Have just had a look and it's mint!! Fancy that there are so many people loving their sheds!! The world is truely a unique, wonderful place)

x

Sunday, 6 July 2008

Win a beautiful Soy candle for 60 seconds of your time!

It's all very well deciding to launch a fabbie new magazine into the online market place BUT we absolutely have to know what you, the lovely reader, wants to read!
By completing the online survery, this will really help us to understand what our readers actually want.
And of course, teaming up with our lovely friends at Pure Candles again, we have another of their lovely soy candles to win.
Be lucky and thanks, thanks, thanks for your help and time.
The Daisy Green team x

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=41WuEWOMgILfemuT50Af3A_3d_3d

Saturday, 5 July 2008

Daisy debates... Charity and Fast Fashion

Within the Daisy camp there is a clear divide... those of us who LOVE rifling through the charity shops with a keen eye for brilliant bargains, and those who prefer new, sustainable fashion.

The mission I have chose to accept, is to convince the other Daisy gals, that charity shopping can become as addictive and thrilling as buying from their favourite shops.
A tall order, I understand.

But I am dedicated and committed and therefore the challenge is on!!

Having only this morning, purchased a number of lovely items including a Monsoon top, and a wicked wooden picture frame, I have had my buzz from buying, donating and preventing more items, going into landfill.

I have heard it suggested that charity shopping, vintage or even ebay for that matter, are a little bit of a cheat in the world of green. But, personally, I disagree. The damage has already been done in the production phase. The challenge now is keeping these items out of landfill for as long as possible, and the best way of doing that is to use the item for the purpose it was intended.

Also, the buzz I get from these shops has somewhat replaced that weekly high I used to get from purchasing cheap, fast fashion.

And with that, I am off to get changed into some of my "new" clothes and go visit my little brother!!

Happy hunting
Daisy x

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

Daisy recommends John Masters @ Naturisimo


A wee while back, I wrote about John Masters Zinc & Sage Shampoo and conditioner and also the Vanilla & Blood Orange body moisturiser (and how much I loved them!)

Thanks to Naturisimo, I have had the delight of testing a number of different products (Shampoo - Lavender & Rosemary – Normal Hair, Primrose – Dry Hair and the Citrus & Neroli Hair Detangler).


Suffice is to say that each one of them left my hair VERY clean, soft and shiny when dried with cool air. The Detangler, most certainly detangles; my hair felt so soft I had to stop myself stroking my own head!

Having scrubbed and cleaned and moisturised with more than half a dozen John Masters products, I have to say that I would recommend trying something from the range. I haven’t been disappointed. Some scents I prefer to others – but this is just personal preference.

And the beauty of Naturisimo, is that you can buy the little tester packets first. Brilliant!


Delighted Daisy x

Tuesday, 1 July 2008

FaCshion - Unique and Inspired!


Daisy loves .....all things gorgeous & green, ethical & elegant..... Daisy LOVES FaCshion!

The inspirational team at FaCshion are organising an event that brings all things great in the Eco Fashion world to the mainstream.

This is what they have to say.....

What is FaCshion?


" FaCshion is a trade show where retail buyers can place orders and shoppers can purchase on the spot. The event is ideal as both a brand building and retail opportunity to connect with key buyers and distributors. FaCshion promotes emerging and creative designers from couture to customised fashion, lingerie and accessories including handbags, hats, jewellery and footwear.

FaCshion is also a great place for the fashionista seeking cutting-edge independent fashions and a sneak preview at some of the hottest collections before they get snapped up on the high street."


If, like us you love the idea of wandering around a HUGE fashion event, and having your pick of the gorgeous, ethical and green designs, then check out the FaCshion site... and of course we will keep you up to date with all the latest FaCshion news.