Scribbling to my heart's content

by Naomi

I LOVE notepads. I think it's the feeling of possibility that comes with a fresh page - the idea that I could use it to do anything from starting a novel to writing a shopping list.... (ok that latter is more likely!).

I LOVE to scribble, doodle and make lists. I LOVE to write down recipes, and ideas for gifts or crafts. And I'm a little bit addicted to organising things. Lorna knows this and found me the perfect eco solution: a reecovid notepad.

It's a refillable ring binder - which means I can scrawl to my heart's content. The notepaper is made from acid-free recycled paper and the printing is done with vegetable dye. The covers are protected with a biodegradable coating.

I've got the Joss one (above £14.99) but there are lots of other designs available here.  A donation from each sale also goes toward the reecovid foundation, which is working to assist women in their recovery from sexual violence.

Happy scribbling guys!

-x-

A free underwear Monday treat!

by Naomi

Fancy getting your hands on some funky new underwear? Read on!

We are launching an offer specifically for you Eco Goddesses, courtesy of the lovely peeps at PACT. The first 10 of you to enter the code ecogoddess1 will receive a free - yes FREE - pair of PACT pants! And for those of you that miss out on this, the code ecogoddess2 will get you a cheeky 25% off!

PACT donates 10 per cent of sales to environmental causes including the Sierra Club, Forest Ethics and Oceana. It uses organic cotton and manufactures responsibly. 
Well they do say that change starts at the bottom. Ahem.

Speaking of which, here is a sneak peek at some of the brand's designs for your derrière!

Get your hands some PACT undies here - just enter the code at the checkout!

Facts: PACT underwear, exclusive offer: free pair for first 10 customers and 25% off afterwards, subject to availability. PACT supports environmental causes. Offer does not include P&P.

A holiday must-have Monday treat

by Naomi

So I just got back from an absolutely gorgeous wedding in Sardinia, and wanted to share a little beauty find that has become an essential for holidays...

Being something of a sun-bunny (when I get the chance!) I am always on the look out for good moisturisers to keep my skin peachy on holiday. I do love Body Shop Body Butters - particularly coconut which smells like holidays in a pot! - but sometimes you need something a little lighter as well.

And so on this balmy Monday evening, I bring you Steam Cream!

It is an all-in-one moisturiser that smells yummy, due to the fact that it is made from natural, vegan ingredients like lavender oil, orange flower water, almond oil, rose oil. It is very concentrated - a little goes a long way - but absorbs quickly. It can be used on hands, face and body, and comes in handy 75g reusable tins - which means no more trying to cram loads of different products into your hand luggage allowance!

Oh and did I mention the tins look like this?!

There are also some pretty sexy designer tins by the likes of PPQ and it will only set you back £10 a pot (at time of posting there are some even cheaper on ASOS!).

Stockists include Boots, ASOS, John Lewis, Fenwicks, Selfridges and Oliver Bonas - alternatively a full list of stockists can be found here.

P.S. If you are going abroad on your hols, don't forget there are things you can do to make it a more environmentally-friendly adventure such as offsetting your carbon if you are going somewhere that requires flying.

Have a great week!

x

Facts: Steam Cream: vegan and natural, versatile moisturiser. Designer reusable tins, essential oils.

An all-white Monday Treat!

by Naomi

This one is short and sweet - a pretty dress that's perfect for the summer. The Pan Dress is fairly traded, with hand-knotted macrame straps a trade union in Gujarat, north east India. It's £69, available from Ascension.

Have a great week! x

Facts: fairly traded Pan Dress from Ascension.

A slightly delayed Monday treat!

by Naomi

Yes...I know....it's been a while. Unfortunately or fortunately the last few Mondays have been super busy and I haven't had the chance to post! But I am here at last!

So today I am posting about what Ecogoddess did on one of the aforementioned Mondays! In our neck of the woods, the first Bank Holiday Monday in May means one thing: Stilton Cheeserolling!

It's not the high adrenalin break-your-neck-and-legs event that those crazy Gloucester folk partake in. It does involve rolling cheese down a hill (well wood painted like cheese), but as what constitutes for a hill in these flat fens is what other people would look at as a gentle slope, it is much more..... laid back! It does however require fancy dress and is part of an all-round huge fete which the entire village and surrounding villages turn out for.

After a hugely successful trial run last year, raising money for the EJF, this year Lorna and I ran our second charity bake sale. This year, it was to raise much needed funds for The Mustard Seed Project, which works to empower the people of a slum community in Mombasa.

We spent the weekend baking and icing and by the time we had finished, we had 180ish cupcakes, three traybakes, one loaf cake, 8 jars of chutney and lots of vanilla cookies and shortbread! We also sold some jewellery made out in Africa.

The pics here were taken after we had sold most of our cakes, but you can get an idea! We dressed the stand in ribbon and kitsch patterned fabric and tablecloths, and put cupcakes on pretty plates and cake stands.

The sun was shining and the fete-goers were loving cake - we sold out by around 2.30pm (which meant we could go and enjoy a nice cider in the sunshine!) After deducting costs, we raised a wonderful £310!

If you are thinking of doing your own charity bake sale, here are a few of our top tips:

• Presentation is everything - there were plenty of other stands selling cake and cupcakes, but our extra effort in dressing the stand and decorating the cakes attracted a lot of customers.
• Mix it up a bit - flavours should offer the classic favourites, but also something a little unusual. We did classics like Maple & Pecan, Coffee & Walnut and Carrot Cupcake, but also Oreo Cupcakes with a cookie at the bottom, Chocolate & Banana Loaf Cake, Lemon Cheesecake with a lemon curd centre, and Strawberry Cream Cupcakes with a jam centre and cream cheese frosting. Make flavours they can't resist!
• Know your audience - we tailored the cakes to appeal to both children, teenagers and adults. Some of the cupcakes were smaller, and so more manageable for children. We also did a rainbow sponge cupcake with bright glitter icing to appeal to kids and big kids! Not everyone likes chocolate or a huge amount of buttercream icing, so we did more grown-up flavours like Mocha, Lemon Drizzle and Orange Drizzle.
• Price it right! We needed to make a good profit over our costs, and knew that visitors would have varying amounts of money to spend. We sold little cookies at 25p each, then smaller cupcakes and slices of traybake at £1, and large deluxe cupcakes at £1.50.

Overall it was a great success and something we hope to repeat. We would love to hear about your bake sale experiences and any fundraising ideas!

Facts: Bank Holiday bake sale for the Mustard Seed Project. Cakes and cupcakes made from organic, fairtrade and free range ingredients.

A 'the-wedding-bells-are-ringing' Monday treat!

by Naomi

It's only a few days until the wedding of the decade, and it is sure to be an occasion that kicks of the wedding season in style!

Finding engagement and wedding gifts with a personal touch and a stylish finish can be tricky, and even more so when you want to pick something with good eco and ethical credentials.
So here at Eco Goddess, we figured that whether you are nipping down to rub shoulders with the Royals, or celebrating the nuptials of some loved ones, some beautiful gift suggestions could come in handy.

NotOnTheHighStreet.com is one of my favourite go-to places for amazing gifts - they support small producers by acting as an online portal and have a huge array of ideas perfect for such occasions.

I think I may have fallen in love with the following:

These Love Pillowcases (£29.75) are perfect for the couple that love to make a bright and funky statement. They are made in Britain.

Love Pillowcases image courtesy of NotOnTheHighStreet.com

This Personalised Hanging Sign (£34) is just the right amount of kitsch and a great way to help a couple remember their special day. They are made in Britain from reclaimed wood.


Hanging Sign image courtesy of NotOnTheHighStreet.com



Continuing on the personalised theme, this I Love You Tile (£18) is one of my favourites as it is romantic yet rugged. You can choose the names, the colour of the heart, and even add a date at the bottom. Made by hand in Britain.

I Love You Tile image courtesy of NotOnTheHighStreet.com



Of course, photo frames are always a popular option, and with good cause - the right one will win its place in the heart of the lucky couple. This Personalised Wooden Heart Frame (£25) is so cute and you can choose the message yourself. Made in Britain.

There were so many other ideas that caught my eye - but not enough space or time to show you them all, so be sure to check out the website. We would really love to hear your ideas for eco and ethical wedding gifts - tweet us at EcoGoddess1!

Enjoy the Royal festivities! -x-

Facts: Eco and ethical wedding gift ideas, NotOnTheHightStreet.com, made in Britain.

An almost-on-holiday Monday treat!

by Naomi

The bank hols are just around the corner and that holiday feeling is slowly creeping up on everyone!

One of the things I love about time off is that, when the weather is warm there's nothing better than chilling in relaxed summery casuals. Barbecues with friends, that balmy breeze and the smell of suncream - ooh it's almost like being on holiday!

I've been keeping my eye out for pieces that ooze that chilled summery vibe and I think I have found a few gems!

The ASOS AFRICA range has some pretty tasty looking designs, like these peg-leg trousers with a leaf print (£45). OK, so you may not actually be on safari or stood in a vibrant African market, but with trousers produced in Mombasa and championing a Kitenge print from Tanzania, they are enough to make you feel like you could be!

I also LOVE this jacket and shorts combo, both also made in Mombasa. Perfection in peach!

The cropped jacket is a linen mix and I love the way it drapes - so elegant yet laid back (£50). The shorts are lightweight cotton with a soft handle finish, and a gorgeous rustic stripe and stylish cut that makes them great for day-to-night socialising (£30). Oops - I think I may have talked myself into buying these!

Last but not least, this Maradufu dress by Lalesso is simply gorgeous (£85). Lalesso is all about care-free summer style; it champions the talent of African artisans and created "an independent, charity based, eco and ethical clothing production unit," which it uses for all of its production.

If you're detecting a slightly African theme, it's no coincidence! I think I have been subconsciously inspired by my recent involvement with the charity The Mustard Seed Project, a UK registered charity which works to improve the lives of those that live in the Mgongeni in Kenya.

They are a really passionate and hardworking team, and fully believe in the ethos of empowerment not aid. More about my work with them in due course, but please do visit their website to find out more, and donate if you can. :)

Have a great week and some great days off!

-x-

Facts: ASOS AFRICA: supporting African artisans and production; Lalesso: uses an ethical factory and African prints; The Mustard Seed Project in Mgongeni, Kenya - empowerment not aid.

A fashion-fabulous health conscious Monday treat!

by Naomi

Wow - what beautiful sunshine this weekend brought us Brits! Everyone was out enjoying the heat and delving back into their summer wardrobes for the first time.

The sunshine always inspires me to try and get fit (try being the operative word!) and be a bit healthier in my lifestyle, so it's quite timely that this week's Monday post is about two new collections supporting some important health campaigns.

H&M's soon-to-launch Fashion Against Aids 2011 collection will be hitting shops on April 26, and is all about the androgynous street style mixed with casual essentials. 

Lots of celebs are supporting the campaign, including Keri Hilson, Selma Blair, Penn Badgley, Akon, Ginnifer Goodwin and the Scissor Sisters, and 25% of the sales are being donated to the charity Designers Against AIDS (DAA) and various other international HIV/AIDS prevention projects.


Ginnifer Goodwin (T-shirt £19.99)

 

Keri Hilson (Jumpsuit - £29.99)

Some of the pieces certainly aren't for the faint of fashion-heart, but that's kind of the way we like it here at Eco Goddess! The great thing about the collection is that it incorporates designs for those that want to wear their heart on their sleeve, and stylish essentials for those that just want fashion that gives to a good cause!

So you can say it loud and proud...

Vest - £6.99

 Or just have a warm glow in your heart knowing you have made a difference and got a lovely item of clothing at the same time...


Trench Coat - £34.99


There are plenty of pieces for the boyshapes and girlshapes as each design has been interpreted into menswear and womenswear.


Penn Badgley (Hooded Jacket £24.99, Scarf £6.99)


The new limited edition Tommy Hilfiger bag, supporting Breast Health International, has also just been launched, with Renée Zellweger as the face of this year's campaign. Made from vegetable-tanned leather, with a soft suede finish, it is the perfect everday bag, and €100 from each sale will be donated to the Fund for Living, supporting those affected by breast cancer.


Plenty of food for thought! -x-

Facts: Fashion - health campaigns; Fashion Against Aids and H&M - available from April 26; Tommy Hilfiger and Breast Health International, limited-edition handbag made from vegetable-tanned leather.

A double-whammy dazzling-discount Monday treat!

by Naomi

Hi guys. Firstly I must apologise for the lack of Monday treat last week - I was poorly sick and not up to thinking, let alone blogging. But fear not as I am going to make it up to you with a double-whammy Monday treat!

I found this sexy little vest at Silvr Lining, an American eco-conscious design company. It's $120, made from organic cotton, and ultimately is grunge-chic meets gothic-hotness! In fact methinx my fellow blogger (and lover of all things sexy and punk), Lorna may particularly like it.

It's perfection layered over hotpants or skinnies and for day or night.

The second treat I bring to you is a special offer!!!!

Black Dog Publishing is re-releasing the wonderful Eco Chic: The Fashion Paradox, written by Sandy Black and is offering all Eco Goddesses 40% off!

The book is a great introduction to the way that the fashion industry operates and the many complex issues surrounding the notion of eco-fashion: from the natural vs synthetic debate to the issues involved with donating unwanted textiles to third word countries.

It has some really interesting insights into companies such as THTC and Gossypium, and is packed with beautiful photography of eco-fashion creations, making it a great coffee table number and one to leave out for your friends and family to flick through!

RRP is £24.95, but for you guys it is available for only £14.97 - simply email jess@blackdogonline.com and quote 'Eco Goddess Fashion Offer' to take advantage!

Have a great week!

-x-

Facts: Silvr Lining Soft -Torn Eco Goth Tee Top made from organic cotton -  $120. Eco Chic: The Fashion Paradox by Sandy Black, on special offer to Eco Goddess Readers.

A handmade Monday treat

by Naomi

As promised last week, this Monday I am bringing you something I made with my own two hands!


Yesterday it was the birthday of my beautiful friend Emma.
I wanted to get her something special, and wasn't sure what...but then I saw this fabric and thought 'Oh Wow!' It's so cute - I knew she would love it!

I was given my first sewing machine (a beautiful shiny red number) for Christmas, and so decided to make a couple of cushion covers. Having passed textiles GCSE by the skin of my teeth, I knew I would need to find an easy-to-follow 'how to' guide. It came courtesy of the wonderful Cherry Menlove, who's blog on cooking, crafting and life in general is completely addictive!

I used her simple cushion cover guide and scaled it to the size of my cushions. I added in the bow detail by stitching two strips of ribbon across the corner of each cushion, before stitching the cushion panels together face-to-face.

Et voila!

I was really pleased with how they turned out and Emma looked very happy with them. The fabric was bought on eBay, but you could easily upcycle sheets and tablecloths found in charity shops. The cushion insides were taken from some old cushions and the zips and ribbon was bought from a local market.

Oh, and because birthdays always require something sweet, I made some scrummy Oreo Cheesecake Truffles (very easy and totally worth it!):

160g sleeve of Oreo cookies

100g full fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
150g cooking chocolate, broken into pieces

Put the Oreos in a food processor and whirl until they're powdered and then mix them with the cream cheese. Put the mixture in the fridge for about two hours to chill. Once cold, remove the mixture and roll it into small balls and place them on greaseproof paper. Once you've made the balls, chill them again for about 20 minutes. Melt the cooking chocolate, then roll the Oreo/cream cheese balls in the melted chocolate and place on clean greaseproof paper to cool.

 

Have a great week!

 

-x-


Facts: handmade cushion covers using recycled cushions and locally bought accessories.

A Fairtrade Monday treat

by Naomi


We all need a little lift on a Monday; something to make the week start well. For me it tends to be chocolate, the latest episode of Glee (yes I am a Gleek!), getting the update from my favourite blogs or a fashion find.


To help all you Eco-Goddesses avoid the post-weekend blues I have decided to make sure that all you have something lovely to look at every Monday!


You may well know, it's the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight so in keeping with this, I bring you a piece of magnificent Fairtrade goodness in the shape of this handwoven Cory Tie Top by People Tree, £48.

The daffodil yellow reassures me that summer is on the way and the tie detail manages to be playful yet chic at the same time. I want it and I want it now! 
I hope you enjoy! -x-


P.S. The folks at the Fairtrade Foundation have lots of fun things going on this week, check out Fairtrade Fortnight here.


Facts: 
Monday treat: Fairtrade Fortnight; People Tree Cory Tie Top, £48, handwoven, Fairtrade.