The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the 9th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Elizabeth:

An eco-friendly and organic gift assortment from Heaven and Earth LLC

Today's winner will receive four chocolate mocha solid sugar scrubs, a lemongrass poppy seed soap, and a hand knit washcloth courtesy of Mary at Heaven & Earth, LLC.

  We've known Mary for years and are so impressed with the work that she's been doing to help educate people about the importance of sustainability and healthy living.  We're also thrilled by her generous donation and continued support of Paper Doll Romance. Interested on learning more about Heaven & Earth and their natural, organic products? There are lots of  ways to connect with Heaven & Earth online! 





Be sure to visit their website to order, "Like" them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter at @HeavenNEarthLLC for great recipes and updates, and visit Mary's blog to see what she's been up to and what tasty treats she's cooked up!  

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I grew up in Jackson, NJ, lived out of state for a little while, and now I live in Bayville, NJ. I wear several hats: wife, daughter, sister, friend, college professor, director of a nonprofit group, and I am the Co-Owner of Heaven & Earth, along with my Mom, Cathie. Heaven & Earth is all about health, wellness, sustainability, and education. We make natural products for mind, body, and spirit, and we will soon be Certified Holistic Health Coaches on top of that, so we can teach people not only about what they put on their skin, but what they put in their bodies as well.



2. What made you decide to start your business? When did you get started?

We got started in November 2009. It's kind of an interesting story. My Mom found an article online highlighting several women who made amazing career changes. One of the women was a marketing director (I was also a marketing director at the time). This woman felt like something was missing in her life, and she basically quit her job, moved to her grandfather's farm in TN and turned an old barn into a soap studio, and used her marketing talents to open a cute soap business. My Mom sent me an email with the text "You have to read this." I contacted the woman in the article, and she was so kind and inspirational. And then after not much time at all, Heaven & Earth, LLC was born.

3. Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I love natural and organic, fair trade materials from God's good earth. The more natural, the better! Some of my favorites are coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, dried flowers, and essential oils.



4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the earth. I used to be very separated from nature, and once I started to embrace this lifestyle, I felt truly alive, healthy, and happy.



5. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Work hard and follow your heart, and anything is possible.



6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I like Cherry Amaretto Coconut Milk Ice Cream!

 Thanks so much to Heaven and Earth, LLC for their generous donation!  Congratulations, Elizabeth.  Enjoy those luxurious scrubs and soaps!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Earth Day Etsy Style

Happy Earth Day!  We try our best to recycle, to conserve resources, and to reduce consumer waste. Although we admit we are not doing nearly the amount that we could be, Earth day helps to remind us that recycling, reusing, and upcycling items is a great way to minimize our impact on the environment.  Today's post focuses on totally random eco-friendly items found on Etsy.  We love Etsy because many of the items are handmade, affordable, and unique.  And, of course there is the added bonus of knowing that buying from sites like Etsy helps to support independent artists, some of which may even be in your area!

Why buy an unattractive rubber case or flimsy plastic one when you can have this? This eco-friendly, durable case is made out of bamboo and has a look that is sleek, modern, and professional.

  Those little cardboard sleeves might protect your hands, but they definitely create unnecessary waste. If you get coffee on the run, forgo the cardboard sleeve and opt for a reusable sleeve to protect your hands from hot liquids. 

Reclaimed leather has never looked so good!  This bag, perfect for weekend getaways or as an airplane carry-on, is made of vintage canvas and salvaged leather.

Soft and cozy, these adorable bright green flats are handmade using eco-friendly cotton canvas and hemp.

Old gold rings, necklaces, and bracelets get a new life by being melted down and reformed into new, beautiful pieces like these charming recycled rose gold earrings.

All natural lip balms? Yes, please!  Try these balms (made in NJ! yay!) that come in all different scents. 

On the hunt for a cute, earth friendly bridesmaid dress or dress to wear to an event? This bamboo jersey dress, by Gina Michele, comes in all different colors and is one we'd be dying to wear again and again.

Old plates are upcycled into something new with this adorable tiered dessert stand with carefully selected vintage plates, featuring a pretty rose pattern and delicate gold details.

Happy Earth Day, Happy Easter/Passover, and Happy Spring Break!  This is our last post for a little bit as we'll be taking off some time next week for spring break and some much needed R & R.   But, never fear, we'll be back before you know it!  

Until next time..

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Today's board is all about Earth Day. True, looking at these images you'll notice there is no color theme here. It's not because we don't love green (green is our favorite color!) but because you can really create an eco-friendly wedding with any color, so, why limit ourselves?  Go green and purple and white and pink and any color you want so long as you do so with a conscience.  Take a look at some ideas below - from seed packets made out of used toilet paper rolls to paper poms made out of old damaged books - there are easy ways to create a big impact with a small carbon footprint.

Earth Day Inspiration Board - Everything Recycled/Repurposed/Organic

Images: Seedling Wedding Favors, Recycled Engagement Ring Set, 2-in-1 Organic Convertible Wedding Gown, Recycled Paper Pom Poms, Repurposed Vintage Necklaces, Men's Recycled Ring, Recycled Towel Roll Seed Packets, Repurposed Burlap Clutches, Recycled Earrings, Self-Mailing Green Certified Invitation, Repurposed Wedding Gown Hair Comb, Repurposed Bottles and Jam Jars, Organic Cotton gown, Organic Cotton dress, Herb Place Card Holders,Vegan Heels, Recycled Glass and Silverware

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Sixth Day of Christmas Winner!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, PDR gave to Jacky... some all natural, earth friendly goodies from Mary of Heaven and Earth, LLC.

Jacky will receive an assortment of all natural items from Heaven and Earth which includes all homemade, natural, healthy items: homemade citrus bath salts made with dead sea salts, essential oils, and orange zest wrapped in a reusable muslin sack, homemade citrus soap wrapped in eco-chic post-consumer and recyclable materials, and a hand crocheted cotton washcloth.  Heaven and Earth is a family owned and operated business, based out of NJ, that is committed to doing their part to help the environment and live a sustainable lifestyle. They utilize recycled materials for packaging and their products are all earth friendly, vegan, chemical-free and dye-free making them perfect for healthy living. Plus, their soaps smell great, look like yummy little desserts, and often include ingredients like coconut, oatmeal, and poppy seeds that act like a natural exfoliator.  

Be sure to check out the other items from Heaven and Earth on their website, follow Mary and the Heaven and Earth team on their journey to a more sustainable lifestyle on their blog, or become a fan of Heaven and Earth, LLC on Facebook for earth friendly updates and info on their great products.

Thank you to Mary andHeaven and Earth for their generous donation.  We wish you much success and, of course, the happiest of holidays. Congratulations to Jacky on winning this fantastic gift set - please email us with your shipping address so that we may let Heaven and Earth know to ship it out to you.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Coffee, Anyone?

Whether you work, go to school, or are a full-time mom, coffee is a must. Due to our busy schedules, however, we barely have a minute to sit down, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of joe. Since we're always on the go, everything must be instant and portable, which means hot cups and thermoses are a girl's best friend. While thermoses and coffee mugs have long been a staple in every household, never have they looked so cute!  Here is a selection of travel coffee cups that are fun, chic, eco-friendly, and a perfect gift to any coffee (or tea!) lover.

We love bright colors (green and pink are our favorite), which is why we're starting off our list with these simple, stainless steel travel mugs by Crate and Barrel. They have a soft grip handle and boast two-hour heat retention, and the different color options means you can get one for every member of your family! 

If you want to really save time, then try out this travel press mug which allows you to brew the coffee in the mug. This two-in-one travel mug brew the coffee and simultaneously keeps it hot and smelling / tasting fresh and you won't have to worry about cleaning the pot!

Everything is cuter if you get it in matching pairs! Check out these adorable his and her personalized travel mugs. This will make a cute gift for a new couple, and will ensure that no one fights over which mug is theirs. 

For a smaller version of the traditional travel mug, try this "desk mug" by Senja. Shaped as a regular size coffee mug, it conveniently fits under most coffee brewers, and can be used for travel or at home!

Don't let these low key mugs fool you! Though they may look like a regular disposable coffee cup, they are actually made of a high quality ceramic!  Hand painted by etsy seller, yevgenia, these mugs are re-usable, one of a kind, and sure to keep your brew warm and toasty.

If you love iced coffee, then this clear acrylic Starbucks cup is for you! Durable and reusable, you can make your own iced coffees, or go to your local Starbucks and ask them to fill it up. While the straw can be a little cumbersome to clean, it's super cute and is a must have for any iced frappuccino junkie. You can buy it on Amazon, but it will cost you double then what you'd pay at a Starbucks, so keep your eyes open for this one! Or opt for a non-descript version available at Urban Outfitters.





Don't forget to add milk and sugar!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

2010 FIFA World Cup: African Inspired Style

It's no surprise that soccer is the most popular sport in the world -- the excitement, the energy, the good looking men -- there's just nothing like it when it comes to sports.  Now, we here are PDR would not consider ourselves huge sports fans, however, we do make an exception when it comes to the FIFA World Cup.  As soccer (or football, as it is called basically everywhere else in the world except the US) fans around the globe watch the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup this year in South Africa, we've decided to channel a bit of our energy into finding great items and apparel that are sure to strike your fancy.  So, as a tribute to the host cities in South Africa,  here are our picks for traditional African-inspired apparel and accessories available in American fashion (Go USA!).

Welcome to the Jungle. This bold African Graphic Printed Top available at Urban Outfitters would be perfect for your every day safari.

Look radiant while relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll through the plains in this colorful African inspired dress available at Anthropologie

This fun, bright, tribal print skirt, available at Forever 21, is the perfect staple for any summer soiree.

Or, to add a little ethnic flair to your office attire, try pairing your pencil skirt with this tropical-like top, currently on sale at The Limited.

 

This sequined, tribal print tank, available at Charlotte Russe, will have you relaxing and singing "Hakuna Matata" in no time at all.

This colorful African print hobo, by DellaLA, scores major points with us.  While maybe not large enough to hold your vuvuzela, it will certainly fit your wallet, camera, water bottle and all your regular essentials.

It never hurts to cinch a sheath dress with a belt.  These colorful African Textile Belts, by dsenyo, are not only beautiful, but purchasing them helps to create job opportunities for women in central Africa.

 Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit organization, has great accessories handmade in Africa. Purchasing these fair trade necklaces above help support artisans and the local economy in Kenya.

While it's true we talk a lot about luxury items on here, it is important to remember that we always must do our part to help support those less fortunate. We like these bracelets, handmade in South Africa, for their style, but we like them even more knowing that every purchase we make goes towards providing food for families in impoverished areas.

GOOOAAALLLL!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Renegade Craft Fair - Top 10 Finds!

Hey Dolls!  Last weekend we braved the sun, heat, humidity, and tornado-like winds at the Renegade Craft Fair in search of handmade treasures to share with you. Talented local artists were out selling creations ranging from cards to baskets to t-shirts and handmade children's toys and the quality of the work was seriously impressive! Overall we had a great day, met some wonderful people, and, of course, ate more Italian ices than we care to admit. Although it was very hard to choose just 10 out of the many beautiful things we encountered throughout the day we have managed to come up with a list of our favorite items. So, as promised, here are our Top 10 Picks (in no particular order) from last weekend's Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn, New York.

All you need is L-O-V-E... even if it is only worth 7 points. We L-O-V-E these adorable "Letter Tile" coasters by Yard Sale Press. These wooden coasters are handmade, sanded with care, and then screen printed with letters that you can use to create your own words! How F-U-N!  These babies were so popular that they sold out!  But, never fear, there are more in the making and you'll be able to purchase your own set soon, just send Bryan at Yard Sale Press an email!!  

 To say that we adore PaperPastries would be an understatement! Kittens, cupcakes, and candy, oh my!  You will find these common things on many of their products in colors that just drip with ooey gooey sweetness. Their notebooks and cards are beautiful, but, what we really are enamored with is this customizable address stamp! This stamp comes in your choice of one of 4 whimsical fonts and would be the perfect way to add your own personal flair to your next correspondence.

Calling all hipsters!  We've got just the card for you. This card features a tall emo boy and just-a-bit-too-short gal smooching in their crazy colored pants and classic Converse All Stars.  It is simply perfect and we can't imagine a better card to give your sweetie. Plus, the ladies from the Rubina Designs table were completely awesome and we can't help but love girls with a sense of humor that dig classic literature (the one girl told us her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, one of our all time favorites, so major props for that). 

These chair necklaces, by Colleen Heineman, really rock! There is just something so fun about taking natural everyday objects and turning them into art. These are hand punched out of a sterling silver sheet and strung on delicate silver beaded chains for a modern, yet still vintage, look.  And, if you think these are great, check out her nautical knots series! We wouldn't be surprised if these were making their way to an Anthropologie near you in the near future but until that day comes let us enjoy this talented local artist while we can.  

What craft fair would be complete without unique prints for your walls?! Jason and Briana over at Brainstorm Print and Design are an extraordinarily talented (and super friendly!) duo with big ideas. We were delighted by their totally one of a kind prints, like this one above, that feature some beautiful graphics, bold messages, calming nature themes, and funky retro colors.  These inspiring and creative prints encourage us to set our worries aside, relax, and take it easy... and we couldn't be more willing to oblige.

There is just something about letterpressed invitations - the look, the feel, the history.  Whatever it is, we can't help but be drawn to beautiful things and the gorgeous stationary, by Sesame Letterpress, certainly got our attention. Sesame Letterpress, of Brooklyn, creates intricate and detailed stationary on 100% recycled cotton paper using old 19th century Victorian letterpresses.  We initially were drawn in by the colorfulletterpressed coasters , but on closer examination we fell in love with just about everything else, even their business cards, which are pretty little works of art all in themselves!!

Regardless of the situation, it's always important to stay classy.  So, if you want to call someone a "jerkface" the only appropriate thing to do is to write it in a formal letter or card, which they can hold in their hands and treasure for a lifetime.  But, in all seriousness, Blue Barnhouse is great and their cards are hilariously funny.  Why buy your average run of the mill card when you can get one with a kitschy letterpressed image and unusual and cleverly inappropriate saying??  We have no idea!  These are the perfect cards to give your girlfriends, siblings, lovers,or really anyone with a sense of humor enough to enjoy them.

 How cute!  These tree branch bud vases, by designer Jennifer Fisher, are some of the most original items that we came across in our shopping.  They are minimalist and modern, but are still semi-rustic and romantic. These bud vases are meant to hold just a couple small flowers, but even with just a few blooms, they have the power to make a huge impression. Display one solo if you're going for sleek and modern but we also enjoy the look of all three arranged as a sort of little collection to add interest and drama.

A gift without a tag is like a cupcake without icing..a total travesty. And in search of a great gift topping, we've found these fun little tags by The Small Object. Who knew that one tiny little tag could be used to serve so many different occasions? We dig things like these that are completely practical and simple but serve to display a bit of our own style and personalities. These are the perfect blend of  old fashioned etiquette and modern, personal expression that says you have a sense of humor but still appreciate the beauty and formality of tradition.

No more pencils, no more books... wait, wait... we like books! And pencils! And folders. And, actually, every kind of school supply imaginable. Call us nerds if you must, but we just love school and organization and that is why Urban Posture will round out our Top 10 picks from the Renegade Craft Fair.  They have great style and we are thoroughly enjoying their fantastic line of eco-friendly, ultra quirky, school (or office!) supplies. Being quirky is a good thing and sets you apart from the crowd, so don't be afraid to express your uniqueness, even in something as simple as a binder or folder.





Get crafty, dolls!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

"Green" Weddings

We know your wedding day is important... that all your life you've dreamed of the huge, beaded, taffeta dress, orchids, ornate invitations, caviar, and the works.  But, did you ever stop to think about where all the stuff goes afterwards?  Usually, it's the trash can, or closet, if you're lucky.



The typical wedding produces an obscene amount of waste and is usually not very eco-friendly.  To put it into perspective, let's consider paper products! You've got the save the dates, then the invitations to all the different events like the showers, parties, rehearsal dinner, etc., then the thank you cards for those events, then the actual invitations and all their parts and, of course, you can't forget the envelopes for all of these things -- sounds a little excessive, right?  And that doesn't even include the programs, menus, tables cards, etc!  And let's not even talk about flowers!  



Okay, okay, so now you're probably thinking having an eco-friendly wedding is impossible since, obviously, silk flowers are tacky, email/facebook/twitter invites are inappropriate, and your guests do actually need to eat.  But, never fear, this post is meant to inspire you to have your dream wedding, and still be green!  Take a look at some green elements you can include in your wedding...even the smallest step is a step in the right direction.

Before we even talk wedding, we should talk engagement.  Get off to the right start with this engagement ring that is made using Canadian, conflict-free diamonds and recycled/reclaimed gold and platinum.  This "Amelia" ring is from the Earthwise collection by Leber Jewelers.

These Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint!  Bella Figura produces seriously gorgeous invitations on 100% Cotton Paper so no trees are harmed in the making.  In addition to that, their shop is wind powered, they are a carbon neutral company, and they donate a percentage of their proceeds to environmental charities.

This  "green" wedding gown is absolutely stunning and is made using using natural, sustainable, and "peaceful" materials.  Puridee designs fabulous gowns made with "Ahimsa" and "Tussah" silk, which is either collected in the wild or made in an organic environment that allows the silkworm to go through a natural life cycle and emerge as a moth.  Be extra green by donating your dress to a wonderful charity so that it may bring someone else the happiness it brought you!

Our favorite pick for an eco-friendly wedding favor is this adorable, biodegradable seed pot by favorcreative.  Not only can your guests enjoy this over and over as they grow their herbs, but the boxes are made of recycled material and all you have to do to have them double as table cards is add a little seed paper tag.  Or, write directly on the box if you really want to save on paper.

When it comes to wedding flowers, the trick is to think local, in-season, and double duty! We suggest checking out your local Whole Foods if you're looking for a cost effective, eco-friendly option. Their abundant floral department will surprise you and you're sure to rest easy knowing you are supporting local farmers!  As for double duty, get the best bang for your buck and waste less by re-using your ceremony decorations as part of your reception decor.  And, for the ultra green centerpiece, recycle old mason jars, scour flea markets for unique containers, or re purpose some used tea tins as vases -- the options are endless and they are sure to strike up conversation amongst your guests.

And, what would a wedding be without dessert!?  Now, we are not vegans..not even close.. but considering the impact that the dairy and factory farming industry has on the earth, you could be eco-friendly by choosing to go vegan for your wedding cake, your guests will never know the difference!  Here is a picture of one of the fantastic looking vegan cupcakes by KTsKitchen.  Though she is based out of Ohio, we're sure that if you look around you'll be able to find someone selling vegan baked goods in your area. 

Love the earth!

XOXO

Jen & Saira