What a fab day it was today. Just to remind everyone ...
Beautiful handmade cards and jewellery
Handmade soy & beeswax candles and loads of housewares
Vintage clothes
New Bamboo clothes
Bags and pictures
Re upholstered furniture
Face painting & hair beading
Badge making
Swap and rummage clothes
And of course meet the Daisy Green team - win the Goodie bag and LAUNCH TICKETS!
Come see us tomorrow and say hi!! x
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Pretty Rubbish
As I walked back from a rocking night in Camden as few weeks ago, I stumbled across many a smelly black bag that had been placed on the street awaiting collection. It was foul and made the streets look pretty grim.
Well, smelly black bag days may soon be over thanks to a chap named Adrian.
Adrian has created an interesting art project; you know one of those that you always think ‘gosh, why didn’t I come up with that’. The idea is to transform NYC’s streets, by providing businesses and consumers with artistic ‘trash’ bags. And my word, are they pretty. And what’s more they are 100% biodegradable and have a natural scent to keep away nasties! Awesome.
Check out his project at; http://anycoloryoulike.biz/info.html
You can even purchase your very own bags from the site too.
Laura
Editor
Well, smelly black bag days may soon be over thanks to a chap named Adrian.
Adrian has created an interesting art project; you know one of those that you always think ‘gosh, why didn’t I come up with that’. The idea is to transform NYC’s streets, by providing businesses and consumers with artistic ‘trash’ bags. And my word, are they pretty. And what’s more they are 100% biodegradable and have a natural scent to keep away nasties! Awesome.
Check out his project at; http://anycoloryoulike.biz/info.html
You can even purchase your very own bags from the site too.
Laura
Editor
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Lovecow
This is the cutest site ever!
Lovecow sell a range of different products but it is especially good for the little ones.
The cow is very cute but they have very sound ethical principles and even have their own rating system for the products they sell; the eco-cow rating!
We are just loving that cow!
http://www.lovecow.co.uk/
Lovecow sell a range of different products but it is especially good for the little ones.
The cow is very cute but they have very sound ethical principles and even have their own rating system for the products they sell; the eco-cow rating!
We are just loving that cow!
http://www.lovecow.co.uk/
Mainstream Green?
Earlier this month, Juliet Warkentin, of Drapers magazine, published her views on ‘green fashion’. She suggested that, no matter how much the consumer wants to support green issues, they will only buy green if it ticks all the boxes associated with any other fashion purchase.
Is it fashionable?
Is it a cool brand?
Is it value for money?
Very few consumers will put green first, even the most ardent eco-fashionista.
I have to admit that I agree with this sentiment. I still think green retailers have a long way to go before consumers buy their products as ‘the norm’.
Even if I look at the ethical purchases I’ve made myself, and analyse the rationale for buying them –a) they’re reasonably fashionable (in a laid-back way), b) they’re slightly quirky, unusual brands, c) they’re good quality and long-lasting. Would I have bought if the clothing didn’t fit with these criteria? Probably not.
It’s my belief that brands need to lead from the top to encourage other designers and high street stores to stock more ‘green’ clothing and support ethical manufacturing processes. Designers like Stella McCartney and Katherine Hamnett are already leading the way, with support from top models like Lily Cole.
We’ve already seen special lines from People Tree and Made for Topshop, the Woodland Trust for Dorothy Perkins and Howies have opened a store on Carnaby Street. Organic cotton ranges are available almost everywhere on the high street, even in supermarket clothing.
With widening appeal and a focus from those at the top of the fashion food chain, we are more likely to see environmental clothing grow on the high street, just as organic food has appeared on supermarket shelves.
Hopefully then it will become everyday and common to all purchases, not just a niche for the green to keep to themselves.
Katie
Is it fashionable?
Is it a cool brand?
Is it value for money?
Very few consumers will put green first, even the most ardent eco-fashionista.
I have to admit that I agree with this sentiment. I still think green retailers have a long way to go before consumers buy their products as ‘the norm’.
Even if I look at the ethical purchases I’ve made myself, and analyse the rationale for buying them –a) they’re reasonably fashionable (in a laid-back way), b) they’re slightly quirky, unusual brands, c) they’re good quality and long-lasting. Would I have bought if the clothing didn’t fit with these criteria? Probably not.
It’s my belief that brands need to lead from the top to encourage other designers and high street stores to stock more ‘green’ clothing and support ethical manufacturing processes. Designers like Stella McCartney and Katherine Hamnett are already leading the way, with support from top models like Lily Cole.
We’ve already seen special lines from People Tree and Made for Topshop, the Woodland Trust for Dorothy Perkins and Howies have opened a store on Carnaby Street. Organic cotton ranges are available almost everywhere on the high street, even in supermarket clothing.
With widening appeal and a focus from those at the top of the fashion food chain, we are more likely to see environmental clothing grow on the high street, just as organic food has appeared on supermarket shelves.
Hopefully then it will become everyday and common to all purchases, not just a niche for the green to keep to themselves.
Katie
Is this the end of fast fashion?
A House of Lords report has recently blasted Britain’s ‘throwaway society’. The growth of ‘fast fashion’ – where consumers continually buy inexpensive products to keep up with trends, has been particularly condemned.
It seems the Government is beginning to recognise that, with this level of consumerism and the level of waste being produced as a result – we simply cannot go on.
The Lords report as identified fashion retailers who offer stylish designer copies for cut-down prices as a key contributor to the current waste levels in the UK. In addition, the report stresses that the Government should turn its attention to companies that wrap products in layer after layer of packaging. Could this spell the beginning of the end for the constant impulse to buy?
It has been suggested that the Government also reduce taxes on so-named ‘green’ clothing, to encourage more purchases in this sector. VAT on repairs could also be cut, so people get their electrical appliances fixed instead of endlessly purchasing new ones.
Sounds like things could be looking up for some of Daisy’s favourite ethical fashion retailers! Lower VAT and more public awareness of where our clothes go when we throw them away is all music to our ears...
If you want to read more try...http://stylewatchcom.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/house-of-lords-criticises-fast-fashion/
Katie
It seems the Government is beginning to recognise that, with this level of consumerism and the level of waste being produced as a result – we simply cannot go on.
The Lords report as identified fashion retailers who offer stylish designer copies for cut-down prices as a key contributor to the current waste levels in the UK. In addition, the report stresses that the Government should turn its attention to companies that wrap products in layer after layer of packaging. Could this spell the beginning of the end for the constant impulse to buy?
It has been suggested that the Government also reduce taxes on so-named ‘green’ clothing, to encourage more purchases in this sector. VAT on repairs could also be cut, so people get their electrical appliances fixed instead of endlessly purchasing new ones.
Sounds like things could be looking up for some of Daisy’s favourite ethical fashion retailers! Lower VAT and more public awareness of where our clothes go when we throw them away is all music to our ears...
If you want to read more try...http://stylewatchcom.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/house-of-lords-criticises-fast-fashion/
Katie
Contents of our Gorgeous Goodie Bag....
A really big thank you to www.Simplyfair.co.uk for donating the jute bag, fair trade hand towel and make up bag. The delicious contents SO FAR are as follows:
Patently Obvious hand foamer
Naked shimmering body creme AND hair rescue AND hand lotion
Organic You bath essence
Organic surge conditioner
Bentley detoxifying soap
Juciy Lucy men's deodorant for men (something to keep him happy!
Various testers and sachets and a 10% discount voucher for www.Naturisimo.com
Come and see us to win this FABULOUS bag of treats! (To be honest we really want to keep it for ourselves but... ha hum it has to be won!)
DG team x
Patently Obvious hand foamer
Naked shimmering body creme AND hair rescue AND hand lotion
Organic You bath essence
Organic surge conditioner
Bentley detoxifying soap
Juciy Lucy men's deodorant for men (something to keep him happy!
Various testers and sachets and a 10% discount voucher for www.Naturisimo.com
Come and see us to win this FABULOUS bag of treats! (To be honest we really want to keep it for ourselves but... ha hum it has to be won!)
DG team x
Monday, 25 August 2008
Soil Association Organic Fortnight 6-21st September
If, like us, you try to eat organic food as often as possible, then you will be interested in the Soil Association Organic Fortnight. There are events happening up and down the country.
It all kicks off in Bristol on the 6th with Europe's largest organic celebration and finishes on the 20/21st in Glasgow with an organic festival.
Can you knit?
When I was a girl, my Nana and Aunty were always knitting. In fact we had a family wool shop, dedicated knitters that we were.
Well now, if you love knitting, you could be doing it for a great cause.
Oxfam need your help with their "knitted petition" which they are presenting to world leaders in Septembers UN summit. They are trying to ensure that ALL mums get the correct health care that they need and deserve.
Nana tried fruitlessly to convert me to knitting but I just couldn't get the hang of it. This might just be the thing to encourage me to give it a go again.
For more details check out the Oxfam homepage http://www.oxfam.org.uk/
Simply Fair for all your Fairtrade and Organic goods
Lesley Nixon, is a little bit of an inspiration. She left her "day job" to set up Simply Fair, suppliers of all things fair trade and organic. The company has been established for 4 years now and sells an increasing variety of products.
SimplyFair are a family run business, based in the North East and are very proud that most orders will be dispatched on the same day that you place your order.
Go Lesley Go! We love a success story! Take a look at Simply Fair at http://www.simplyfair.co.uk/
SimplyFair are a family run business, based in the North East and are very proud that most orders will be dispatched on the same day that you place your order.
Go Lesley Go! We love a success story! Take a look at Simply Fair at http://www.simplyfair.co.uk/
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Win Win Win LAUNCH tickets and a PACKED goodie bag
Come and see us at the Newcastle Green Gathering and enter our competition to win 3 pairs of tickets to our official launch party on Thursday October 9th 2008 and a goodie bag PACKED full of ... well... goodies!!!
Cosmetics, moisturisers, vouchers, samples, all sorts of things will be packed into a Bag for life and one lucky winner will be able to take it home on Sunday afternoon.
See you there!
Cosmetics, moisturisers, vouchers, samples, all sorts of things will be packed into a Bag for life and one lucky winner will be able to take it home on Sunday afternoon.
See you there!
Friday, 22 August 2008
Daisy Green Magazine The Official Launch
Daisy Green the fresh new magazine dedicated to a fun sustainable lifestyle will officially launch on October 9th 2008.
And how excited we are!
In exactly 7 weeks, Daisy Green Magazine will host a launch party in Newcastle Upon Tyne at the Art Works Gallery, Ouseburn Valley. We are thrilled to be launching in this beautiful converted space in the heart of the most up and coming part of Newcastle.
Fashion
Beauty
Living
Daisy Green Room
Competitions
Events
Forum
Fun, sustainable living brought to you by the Daisy Green team.
Keep reading over the next 7 weeks for all the build up and launch gossip as the team get increasingly frantic!
Daisy x
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Tile tips....
When we moved into Daisy Green cottage, we were so lucky to have an old (and very heavy) roll top bath in the bathroom. There have been some major developments since moving in 12 months ago and there will be a feature article in the magazine in October.One of the tips I wanted to share now though, is a tile tip.....
White tiles everywhere, are just too boring for words. However, pulling them all off the wall, is both costly on the pocket and the environment (and as dad says, you never know what's behind them!)
The compromise for us was to dot old antique tiles, here and there to break up the monotony of the whiteness.
This was easier said than done, as old antique tiles are much thicker than modern tiles. This meant chasing out half the wall, to make sure that they fit in. Worth the effort as they look fab dotted about the bathroom.
Little tile tip no. 2
I found some tiles at the antique fair - 30p each! They make fab coasters and are currently on the hearth. They don't actually stop
drinks getting spilled but still, they look pretty!
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
NE1 FM Tonight 7pm
Yours truely will on our local community radio station tonight at 7pm.
Having a gift for talking (well, I think its a gift !!) I feel suprisingly nervous. Ho Hum, it will be very great fun.
Listen to me wax lyrical about Daisy Green on 102.5 FM
Daisy x
Having a gift for talking (well, I think its a gift !!) I feel suprisingly nervous. Ho Hum, it will be very great fun.
Listen to me wax lyrical about Daisy Green on 102.5 FM
Daisy x
Eco boutique hits Green Gathering
Fresh new magazine to host the festival’s first environmental fashion tent
The north east’s newest fashion magazine, Daisy Green, will be hitting Newcastle with a bang this month. Perfect for any budding eco-fashionista; it’s ethical, environmental and champions a green goddess like lifestyle.
The web-based publication will be bringing hot new fashion and style, tips on ethical living, advice for home and work and much, much more.
The best bit? Unlike many other eco-style magazines Daisy Green doesn’t preach or stand on ceremony. It’s written by real women for people just like them; people who subscribe to the green agenda whether on a small or massive scale.
This year, Newcastle Green Gathering, the town’s newest festival, will play host to Daisy Green’s own special marquee. The festival takes place on 30-31 August and Daisy Green has been invited to host the tent in honour of its green credentials and commitment to all things eco.
In the Daisy Green tent you’ll find a beautiful laid-back atmosphere with stalls and environmentally kind goods galore. Pure Candles will be stocking elegant, handmade candles, whilst the fabulous Sammy Loves Vintage is bringing her own twist on old-fashioned glamour and classical charm. For eco-performance wear, BAM Clothing can’t be beaten, and will have plenty of eco-fashion staples on sale.
Izzy Lane, endorsed by the Daily Telegraph, will be a highlight in the Daisy Green haven. Her beautiful ethical fashion is woven from the wool of rescued sheep, and very on-trend this season.
For a fast and free fashion fix bring items from your wardrobe to swap, as the Magpie Swop It girls are bringing their unique pre-loved clothes exchange to the event.
This and more will be stylishly presented in a luxurious, boudoir marquee, prepared by KOTI eco designs. The lavish Daisy Green area is going to be the perfect place to pick up environmentally considerate clothing and home-ware, and an opportunity to relax from the rest of the festival in a boutique environment.
Daisy Green is predicted to be the best eco-style magazine on the market, and Green Gathering is sure to attract hundreds of those chasing a greener lifestyle. Working in partnership, they make the perfect team!
The north east’s newest fashion magazine, Daisy Green, will be hitting Newcastle with a bang this month. Perfect for any budding eco-fashionista; it’s ethical, environmental and champions a green goddess like lifestyle.
The web-based publication will be bringing hot new fashion and style, tips on ethical living, advice for home and work and much, much more.
The best bit? Unlike many other eco-style magazines Daisy Green doesn’t preach or stand on ceremony. It’s written by real women for people just like them; people who subscribe to the green agenda whether on a small or massive scale.
This year, Newcastle Green Gathering, the town’s newest festival, will play host to Daisy Green’s own special marquee. The festival takes place on 30-31 August and Daisy Green has been invited to host the tent in honour of its green credentials and commitment to all things eco.
In the Daisy Green tent you’ll find a beautiful laid-back atmosphere with stalls and environmentally kind goods galore. Pure Candles will be stocking elegant, handmade candles, whilst the fabulous Sammy Loves Vintage is bringing her own twist on old-fashioned glamour and classical charm. For eco-performance wear, BAM Clothing can’t be beaten, and will have plenty of eco-fashion staples on sale.
Izzy Lane, endorsed by the Daily Telegraph, will be a highlight in the Daisy Green haven. Her beautiful ethical fashion is woven from the wool of rescued sheep, and very on-trend this season.
For a fast and free fashion fix bring items from your wardrobe to swap, as the Magpie Swop It girls are bringing their unique pre-loved clothes exchange to the event.
This and more will be stylishly presented in a luxurious, boudoir marquee, prepared by KOTI eco designs. The lavish Daisy Green area is going to be the perfect place to pick up environmentally considerate clothing and home-ware, and an opportunity to relax from the rest of the festival in a boutique environment.
Daisy Green is predicted to be the best eco-style magazine on the market, and Green Gathering is sure to attract hundreds of those chasing a greener lifestyle. Working in partnership, they make the perfect team!
Monday, 18 August 2008
Charity Shop Challenge - a definite success
Thanks to the Daisy Green team for a fantastic day out on Saturday. Pleased to know that everyone bought something.... yes, that's right even our Editor Laura! I even think that some of our opinions and conceptions may have been tweaked, if not certainly challenged.
The article will be featuring in the first ever edition of Daisy Green which will go live on October 9th. You will be able to see all the fantastic photo's of the day then.
x
The article will be featuring in the first ever edition of Daisy Green which will go live on October 9th. You will be able to see all the fantastic photo's of the day then.
x
Friday, 15 August 2008
Thanks for the Swap Magpie's
Last night the Magpie Swop It's, held their party in Newcastle, raising much needed funds for a support worker to pop out to Africa. Well done Magpie's !
You can see the girls at the Newcastle Green Gathering where they will be hosting a swap event all weekend long!
Swap your way to a new wardrobe! Fantastic!
(Oh and thanks for the lovely shirt too! ) Daisy x
1 more sleep...
Oh yes, charity shop challenge is imminent. Tomorrow, 6 of us will be scrummaging through those prizes that other people have tired of.
Some words of encouragement to the team -
I met the most wonderful old lady in a charity shop who offered to loan me her rain hat due to the rain. She laughed and acknowledged that I probably wouldn't want to wear it but why didn't I buy an umbrella? So I did. She was absolutely lovely, reminded me of my granny and gave me a warm feeling all over.
There are some cracking finds you just need to look!
We are going to have an absolute giggle. This may have more to do with the cocktail stops!
For those of you pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.. well done. And good luck!
Daisy x x
Some words of encouragement to the team -
I met the most wonderful old lady in a charity shop who offered to loan me her rain hat due to the rain. She laughed and acknowledged that I probably wouldn't want to wear it but why didn't I buy an umbrella? So I did. She was absolutely lovely, reminded me of my granny and gave me a warm feeling all over.
There are some cracking finds you just need to look!
We are going to have an absolute giggle. This may have more to do with the cocktail stops!
For those of you pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.. well done. And good luck!
Daisy x x
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Magpie Swap IT - Trent House Pub, Newcastle, 14th August
The Magpie girls are hosting a Swap It event at Trent House tomorrow night. It's all for a very good cause.. if you live in or around Newcastle, hope to see you there.
Daisy x
Prince Charles and the "GM Disaster"
Prince Charles is all over The Times today speaking very passionately about the benefits of organic farming and GM crops being the environmental "biggest disaster of all time." You can read the whole article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7557644.stm
Whilst listening to the Vine Lunch time show on BBC2, funnily enough at lunch time, there was a (very balanced) chat about organic vs GM and whether Prince Charles was the right person to speak out against GM farming.
It seems to me that he is fairly well placed to have an opinion as he runs his own organic food industry. And we are all entitled to our opinion are we not?
Thankfully, he is well known enough to spark a debate worthy of front page news.
Good on yer, I say. Daisy Green are huge supporters of local farmers, organic food and growing your own ( my gorgeous red tomatoes are testament to how different home grown produce is) and therefore any debate on how we are going to maintain the food chain in the coming decades is good news. Sustainable produce that hasn't travelled half way around the globe seems sensible to us.
Of course, there are things that we can't grow ourselves, the bananas in my fruit bowl for one, and therefore we will always get them from other countries. And don't forget, buying fair trade supports so many people around the world that if we stopped doing so, it would have a devastating effect.
But, our staple fruits and veg ? Well, I would much prefer them from the bottom of my garden, Laura's allotment or the local farmer than flown in across the planet.
Let us know what you think.
Daisy x
Whilst listening to the Vine Lunch time show on BBC2, funnily enough at lunch time, there was a (very balanced) chat about organic vs GM and whether Prince Charles was the right person to speak out against GM farming.
It seems to me that he is fairly well placed to have an opinion as he runs his own organic food industry. And we are all entitled to our opinion are we not?
Thankfully, he is well known enough to spark a debate worthy of front page news.
Good on yer, I say. Daisy Green are huge supporters of local farmers, organic food and growing your own ( my gorgeous red tomatoes are testament to how different home grown produce is) and therefore any debate on how we are going to maintain the food chain in the coming decades is good news. Sustainable produce that hasn't travelled half way around the globe seems sensible to us.
Of course, there are things that we can't grow ourselves, the bananas in my fruit bowl for one, and therefore we will always get them from other countries. And don't forget, buying fair trade supports so many people around the world that if we stopped doing so, it would have a devastating effect.
But, our staple fruits and veg ? Well, I would much prefer them from the bottom of my garden, Laura's allotment or the local farmer than flown in across the planet.
Let us know what you think.
Daisy x
The Organic Life
I love food. It’s one of life’s really rather large pleasures. I love fresh, tasty, organic food.
Out with my love, my fella decided that it would be a fantastic idea to use the patch at the back of the garden to grow our own beautiful organic veg, and fruit for that matter. I agreed, and our journey began sometime around the turn of the year.
In all honesty, I didn’t really get too involved in the muddy planting bits, just selecting the pretty packets of seeds; some peas here love, spinach over there. Soon our garden was looking allotment like (which will probably bring me on to another story sometime).
So, alas, we’ve (he’s) been tending to our (his) crops for months now, and last weekend involved some harvesting. In comes the spinach. Out comes Laura’s scream. I have never for the life of my seen a red creepy crawly thing so large in my life. And coming out of the plant I’m about to eat (no way does thing beast live in England!)
My word! Freaked out! The leek was next in line, this came along with a little worm like creature, somewhat cuter than the fiend I’d earlier encountered, but never the less a living thing in my food!!!
Organic is harder than I first imaged, but once you get around the pests, and your fella agrees to wash all produce before cooking, then the taste is enough to make you tingle (mmm). To know that your food comes straight from the garden and is cooked wonderfully within an hour of being picked is amazing.
To date I’ve (we’ve) cooked, creamy leeks, black current pancakes and I also whacked some of the berries in a cheesecake! Bye bye supermarkets, hello allotment.
(Keep your eyes peeled for the allotment diaries – the fella and his mate have just picked a plot... many amusing times to follow!)
Laura
Editor
Out with my love, my fella decided that it would be a fantastic idea to use the patch at the back of the garden to grow our own beautiful organic veg, and fruit for that matter. I agreed, and our journey began sometime around the turn of the year.
In all honesty, I didn’t really get too involved in the muddy planting bits, just selecting the pretty packets of seeds; some peas here love, spinach over there. Soon our garden was looking allotment like (which will probably bring me on to another story sometime).
So, alas, we’ve (he’s) been tending to our (his) crops for months now, and last weekend involved some harvesting. In comes the spinach. Out comes Laura’s scream. I have never for the life of my seen a red creepy crawly thing so large in my life. And coming out of the plant I’m about to eat (no way does thing beast live in England!)
My word! Freaked out! The leek was next in line, this came along with a little worm like creature, somewhat cuter than the fiend I’d earlier encountered, but never the less a living thing in my food!!!
Organic is harder than I first imaged, but once you get around the pests, and your fella agrees to wash all produce before cooking, then the taste is enough to make you tingle (mmm). To know that your food comes straight from the garden and is cooked wonderfully within an hour of being picked is amazing.
To date I’ve (we’ve) cooked, creamy leeks, black current pancakes and I also whacked some of the berries in a cheesecake! Bye bye supermarkets, hello allotment.
(Keep your eyes peeled for the allotment diaries – the fella and his mate have just picked a plot... many amusing times to follow!)
Laura
Editor
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Too many bags?
I have never thought of myself as a girlie girl. True, when I want something I can use my feminine ways to (generally) get it, but until recently had always considered myself more of a tomboy.
But, my absolute love of bags and shoes proves once and for all that I am in fact A GIRL.
So here are couple of pictures from one of my favourite "bag lady" Jane Irving, who will be joining us in the Daisy Green Marquee at the Newcastle Green Gathering. Jane makes all her bags in her studio in Newcastle, mostly from old textiles that have been discarded or sourced from charity shops.
Her bags are unique, and beautifully crafted.
If you would like something absolutely unique, kinder to the environment and made to last then you can contact her at noisynora3@hotmail.com
But, my absolute love of bags and shoes proves once and for all that I am in fact A GIRL.
So here are couple of pictures from one of my favourite "bag lady" Jane Irving, who will be joining us in the Daisy Green Marquee at the Newcastle Green Gathering. Jane makes all her bags in her studio in Newcastle, mostly from old textiles that have been discarded or sourced from charity shops.
Her bags are unique, and beautifully crafted.
If you would like something absolutely unique, kinder to the environment and made to last then you can contact her at noisynora3@hotmail.com
Charity Shop Challenge - the details...
7 girls
A dozen charity shops
£20 stake
The challenge:
To find an outfit to wear for our night out that evening. The girls
are evenly split between charity lovers and charity haters.
Everyone must try and buy something.
Even Laura, Daisy Green Editor.
Planned cocktail breaks throughout the day.
Let the fun commence!
The challenge:
To find an outfit to wear for our night out that evening. The girls
are evenly split between charity lovers and charity haters.
Everyone must try and buy something.
Even Laura, Daisy Green Editor.
Planned cocktail breaks throughout the day.
Let the fun commence!
Random Acts of Kindness - one step too far?
Ok, so having comitted myself to being generally more kind towards my fellow man, I was more than happy when husband declared we were babysitting our 2 nephews and niece recently, to ensure that their mum and dad could have a well earned night off (the first in years.)
Aged 5 months, 2 and a half and 11 it was to be an interesting experience. As my brother in law said, "No kids to 3 kids in one easy step."
How hard could it be? I look after 50 kids everyday. And these are family.
Our 11 year old niece was absolutely no bother. Took herself off to bed without any drama. Suprisingly, our oldest nephew decided he would go to bed too.
But the baby woke up and had other ideas.
Getting up every 2 hours is a novel experience for a person such as myself who can wallow, happily and soundly, for 10 hours a night.
The first few hours were torture. Not because they were difficult - they were not - but because I was terrified of the enormity of the responsibility I felt for these gorgeous, little people.
The second best moment for me was at 4.40am playing in the early morning light, in our conservatory with the baby. I won't ever forget it. Magical.
But the best moment, was when I saw mum and dad. They had had, an undisturbed night's sleep and looked well rested. And happy. And they were delighted to see their children again.
And that made me feel great. (As did the nap that I had to take in the middle of the afternoon!)
Not so much a random act of kindness. More a planned one. But well worth it.
Aged 5 months, 2 and a half and 11 it was to be an interesting experience. As my brother in law said, "No kids to 3 kids in one easy step."
How hard could it be? I look after 50 kids everyday. And these are family.
Our 11 year old niece was absolutely no bother. Took herself off to bed without any drama. Suprisingly, our oldest nephew decided he would go to bed too.
But the baby woke up and had other ideas.
Getting up every 2 hours is a novel experience for a person such as myself who can wallow, happily and soundly, for 10 hours a night.
The first few hours were torture. Not because they were difficult - they were not - but because I was terrified of the enormity of the responsibility I felt for these gorgeous, little people.
The second best moment for me was at 4.40am playing in the early morning light, in our conservatory with the baby. I won't ever forget it. Magical.
But the best moment, was when I saw mum and dad. They had had, an undisturbed night's sleep and looked well rested. And happy. And they were delighted to see their children again.
And that made me feel great. (As did the nap that I had to take in the middle of the afternoon!)
Not so much a random act of kindness. More a planned one. But well worth it.
Credit Crunch - Toilet Roll Tip
By far the cheapest, recycled toilet roll I have found is in the Pound Shop (this particular one was in the Metrocentre, Gateshead.)
That institution of tat and cheapness (which comes in very handy at Christmas and Easter when making things with children,) is selling 4 rolls of recycled paper toilet rolls for .... you guessed it £1!
Added bonus, the wrapper is completely compostable too.
12 rolls for £3 is by far the cheapest I have found to date.
And don't forget, the cardboard rolls can be composted too.
Winner.
That institution of tat and cheapness (which comes in very handy at Christmas and Easter when making things with children,) is selling 4 rolls of recycled paper toilet rolls for .... you guessed it £1!
Added bonus, the wrapper is completely compostable too.
12 rolls for £3 is by far the cheapest I have found to date.
And don't forget, the cardboard rolls can be composted too.
Winner.
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Too many jam jars? A Home tip from Eco-Stylist Krista
You have been collecting all those jam & pickle-jars, like every eco-conscious person does, but now what?.......AND you need a box to store your cotton buds... 1 + 1 =Voila!
Step 1: pick the jar that is the correct size for the cotton buds and remove all extra labels (sinking it in soapy water should do the trick.)
Step 2: Choose your label; wallpaper or any other lovely image you desire, cut it to size and attach using double sided tape to the jar. Easy!
Step 3: Fill jar with your cotton buds.
Result: A great re-usable solution for your little necessities with little cost implication or need to buy new! PLUS TIP: you can add text & customise jars as you wish, as often you want…
GREAT!
By Krista
Eco-Stylist
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Charity Shop Challenge - a note from the Editor
It is two weeks before Charity Shop Challenge. I am nervous. I am also pretty sure that the girls won't be able to sway me towards buying from Charity.
Snob? Maybe a little.
Books, DVD, videos from such outlets are fine. I've purchased these before... from the one on Clayton Street, Newcastle that distinctly separates the books from the clothes...
Dresses. Forgive me, but I prefer new. Shoes. I think I'd cry, after being a little sick. Extreme, but true. I hate feet and I certainly don't want my toes going where other (unknown) toes have gone before.
Because of my anxiety towards our group outing, I decided to pop into the British Heart Foundation. Today. Alone. It's a lovely Charity. I once did I sponsored skip for them and raised the most amount of money in my class. They gave me some swish skipping ropes. Pink. With blue handles. Lush.
I thought I may find a nice necklace, or something small. You have to start somewhere. One step at a time. But the smell was over powering. I lasted about 2 mins in the shop.
Good luck girls and let the challenge begin.
Laura Fitzpatrick
Editor
Daisy Green
Snob? Maybe a little.
Books, DVD, videos from such outlets are fine. I've purchased these before... from the one on Clayton Street, Newcastle that distinctly separates the books from the clothes...
Dresses. Forgive me, but I prefer new. Shoes. I think I'd cry, after being a little sick. Extreme, but true. I hate feet and I certainly don't want my toes going where other (unknown) toes have gone before.
Because of my anxiety towards our group outing, I decided to pop into the British Heart Foundation. Today. Alone. It's a lovely Charity. I once did I sponsored skip for them and raised the most amount of money in my class. They gave me some swish skipping ropes. Pink. With blue handles. Lush.
I thought I may find a nice necklace, or something small. You have to start somewhere. One step at a time. But the smell was over powering. I lasted about 2 mins in the shop.
Good luck girls and let the challenge begin.
Laura Fitzpatrick
Editor
Daisy Green
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Newcastle Green Gathering 30/31.08.08
Newcastle Green Gathering
The Newcastle Green Gathering looks set to be one of the coolest festivals of the summer.
Totally free, it is possibly the best music, arts and environmental festival in the UK.
Dates: 30th and 31st August, Exhibition Park Newcastle upon Tyne.
Daisy Green Marquee
Already confirmed to feature:
Beautiful, new "friendly" clothes
Vintage Clothes
Handmade bags, jewellery, purses
Homewares and candles (soy/beeswax)
An Eco Interior Designer
Magpie Swop IT
Competition to win Daisy Green Launch Party tickets - October 08
The Newcastle Green Gathering looks set to be one of the coolest festivals of the summer.
Totally free, it is possibly the best music, arts and environmental festival in the UK.
Dates: 30th and 31st August, Exhibition Park Newcastle upon Tyne.
Daisy Green Marquee
Already confirmed to feature:
Beautiful, new "friendly" clothes
Vintage Clothes
Handmade bags, jewellery, purses
Homewares and candles (soy/beeswax)
An Eco Interior Designer
Magpie Swop IT
Competition to win Daisy Green Launch Party tickets - October 08
We will be hosting a SWAP IT EVENT all weekend so this is your chance to clear out your wardrobe and bring it to our event. In return you may just get a whole "new" outfit for FREE!! please ensure that all the clothes/shoes and so on that you would like to swop are in good condition.
Any leftovers will, of course, be donated to the local charities.
Any leftovers will, of course, be donated to the local charities.
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