eco life :: lower your carbon pawprint

So now that we’ve got your attention with some super cute images of puppies, we move onto the much less attractive topic of dog poo.

Did you know that in Victoria alone over 900,000 dogs produce over 90 tonnes of dog waste each day (approximate numbers)?  Some droppings can contain harmful bacteria and nutrients, and can unfortunately end up washing into natural waterways through the stormwater system, to the potential detriment of eco-systems and marine life.

One report from 1992 suggested that deposits of 500,000 kilograms of dog faeces are equivalent to having an additional four million people in the environment.  Yikes.

So whilst we love rescuing neglected puppies and saving unwanted dogs, it’s socially and environmentally responsible to take the matter of cleaning up after them very seriously.  Yes, picking up after your dog in public places is vital, but then what?

You can start by using eco-friendly bags to ensure that when they are disposed of it’s in an environmentally kind and biodegradable way.  There are also eco ways to decompose the waste simply and effectively.

You can try using a purpose-built worm farm, use a bokashi style compost system or you can set up an in-ground bin in the yard which turns pet waste into a harmless, odourless liquid.

Make sure you don’t let the joy of having a dog be undermined by their potential impact on the environment.  Invest a little now to ensure the best for all in the future.

All images above found on flickr.

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what’s on :: fifties fair

Lovers of all things 1950′s will no doubt already know that it’s time to gather this Sunday August 29th at Rose Seidler House for the annual Fifties Fair.

Featuring live music, swing dancing, DJ’s, a display of vintage vehicles, hair styling and kids craft activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained on this awesome day out.

Make sure you’re primped and preened in your finest threads to enter the best dressed awards, and check out the competition, or take some cash to check out the stalls featuring collectibles, homewares, jewellery, clothing, furniture from specialist dealers and collectors.

All of this in the environs of the modernist masterpiece that is Rose Seidler House!  Designed and built by Harry Seidler, the open minimalist plan and features are such a fine example of the time, that of course it’s a trust building.  Make sure you take a tour of the house while you’re at the fair if you love the Mondrian-meets-Bauhaus feel of Australian modernist architecture.

Our tips :: Since it gets extremely busy, and the queues for entry are long (also cos it’s in a suburban area with limited parking) we suggest either getting there early or taking the train to Turramurra station and jumping on one of the free shuttle buses to the fair.

Head to the Historic Houses Trust web site for more information.

Have fun.  Daddy-O.

Image above from the HHT web site.

{twin set} :: Primary Class Goodness!




three things.
1. I don’t think we actually blogged the Primary Class release in full?  did we?  oh my.
2. Mad Men ‘lady’ goodness?  yes please.
3. one, two three!  go!

eco life :: SWEETNESS The Patisserie

you know how sometimes people, who you don’t really know, just make you feel good about yourself, just by being them?   Gena Karpf, founder of SWEETNESS The Patisserie is one of those people.  Ok, maybe it has something to do with the fact that she makes the most DELICIOUS treats of all time, but seriously, this lady is completely awesome.

Until now, I actually had no idea how truly awesome Gena was.  For a few years now I have been visiting the SWEETNESS stall at my local farmers market, always making sure I had some pennies saved to stock up on the amazing treats.   I am talking the best marshmallows you have ever tasted.   forget those rubbish processed packet ones.  the BEST muffins (gluten free! yipee!) you have ever ever ever tasted.  and macarons….. need I say more?  No, but I will.  Local, fresh, organic ingredients.  NOTHING NASTY.  See?  Awesome.

Anyway, it has been the lovely Gena who has served me all this time, with a smiling face and always happy to see me, even remembering my name!  And all this time I just thought… well I don’t know what I thought really.   Just how lovely she is.  But of course!  Gena is the founder of the amazing brand of sweet goodness and is so passionate about her fantastic eco business.  So inspirational, especially for me, for us, who are striving to make things work in our small and eco community.

I strongly suggest that you stop what you are doing (immediately) and get yourself to SWEETNESS The Patisserie in Epping, or at least mark your diaries for the next farmers market where they have a stall. Alternatively (!!!) you can actually order by email.  yes people.  SWEET TREATS delivered right to your door.  go on.  order one of everything. honestly, it is just that good.

SWEETNESS The Patisserie
38 Oxford St
Epping NSW 2121
Open Monday-Saturday

or at the following farmers markets
Good Living Growers Market in Pyrmont :: Epping Twilight Markets :: Castle Hill Farmers Market :: Northside Produce Market in North Sydney :: Eveleigh Farmers Market in Darlington

images from SWEETNESS The Patisserie website :: layout by renee anne

because we love :: tabitha emma




oh yes. there are many many reasons that we love tabitha emma. her amazing graphic design skills, her super artistic skills, not to mention her sweet and nice person skills. but today, we love these absolutely gorgeous-handmadey-vintagey-styled brooches and purses, now available at leeloo.com.au. too cute!

be cultured :: nicholas brothers

If you’ve never wanted to tap dance you will after seeing this.  Truly amazing performance from the legendary Nicholas Brothers who pioneered the Hollywood tap routine.

It’s no wonder that Fred Astaire once called this performance “the greatest dance number ever filmed.”

lens love :: stefanyalves

A talented (and somewhat mysterious)
young female photographer
whose 365 series is stunning and simple,
dreamy and adorable.

Don’t you think?

Found on flickr :: images by stefanyalves.

1. 41, 2. 42, 3. 62,
4. 72, 5. 77, 6. 82,
7. 86, 8. 92, 9. 111,
10. 125, 11. 132, 12. 136,
13. 140, 14. 141, 15. 145

because we love :: macarons

Oui s’il vous plaît.

All images found on flickr

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eco life :: Retro Print Revival

am I just a bit slow in that I am only discovering this amazing online shop now? excuse me while I settle myself back into my chair after jumping around with excitement. Retro Print Revival, not only has one truly awesome looking product, the website is totally sweet. I love the landing page! now, I can only find one problem with the whole thing and that is that I want all of them! I believe they are based in Melbourne and have a stall at the famous Rose St Markets, so pop on by if you are a local. A lamp is my friend at the best of times, but combine it with some vintage fabric and an awesome base and you have totaly won my heart forever. and remember, lamps are good for your eco. less low light is always best.


all images from Retro Print Revival

Guest Post :: How To Wear It {The Peggy Olson}

So here we are again! Another gorgeous collection of vintage treasures up for grabs from the {twin set} ladies – and don’t they do a mighty fine job of it? To kick off the How to Wear It guest posts I’ve compiled two different looks for the {The Peggy Olson} tangerine blouse.

Something for Work
I rather think navy blue works marvelously with this yummy shade of tangerine. And a nice silhouette to show off those flouncy details is a tulip skirt. A high waistline to nip it in, a curvaceous line to amp up the femininity. I actually visualise this being made from delicious navy blue raw silk – wouldn’t that be ‘spesh? And it’s a classic, so it’s worth heading to your tailor for a custom creation (if you aren’t handy with a sewing machine that is!).

Accessories:
Lyna – Navy Spotted Rain Mac Trench Coat
NV London Calcutta – Heart Print Canvas and Leather Ethical Trade Shoulder Bag
Beyond Skin – Jenna Organic Cotton Vegan Wedge Heels
Uncommonly Beautiful – Purple Bead Sustainable Necklace
Aspinal Of London – Ladies Driving Gloves
Try Leeloo for cute brooches and earrings

Something for the Weekend

And now for something completely different. Let’s play up the fun side of {The Peggy Olson} with some high-waisted palazzo pants (good quality fabric makes the difference here). A jacket with cropped sleeves will show off that yummy tangerine. A short length will work best with the pants – go for one that’s tailored at the waist to highlight your curves. Turquoise/Aqua accessories add a complimentary pop of fun colour for a more casual look – perfect for the weekend.

Accessories:

Irregular Choice - Vegetarian Mary Piper shoes (how fantastic are these???)
Costume Jewelry Bracelet - try Leeloo for unique, handmade goodies
Vintage Fabric purse/bag – check out ReJenerate for sweet, one-of-a-kind bags made from up-cycled vintage fabrics
Vintage sunnies – if you have no luck on Ebay, try Etsy (loads here)
The Green Apple – Pure Evoke EcoPlus Maple digital radio (well, why not?)”

***

thanks Jordan for another awesome post!!
um, ps. how hot is Jordan!! she is our
new model in our
Primary Class release.
I am sure you will agree
with me when I say she is AMAZING!
Brains, beauty, creative, gosh!!!!
Love Renee xxx