Fashion Victim Sited!!!

Yes, a fashion victim was sited yesterday at the Rite-Aid at the corner of Jones Franklin and Tryon! Very serious issue at hand. This falls under saving the world because no one likes a victim!!! This woman, bless her heart, had on a hunter green baggy t-shirt, black umbro-like shorts, a shiny black shoulder bag, and *gasp* wooden kitty heels in beige. There are serveral things wrong with this situation.

First off, I curse the man who invented the wooden kitty heel. That blot, blot, blot when you're walking drives me mad and they're so unpractical. Why have a shoe that doesn't bend with your natural foot movement? I have a cute pair from Guess that are hot pink with stones but they will forever be barried in my closet, and for good reasons!!

Second, I detest shoulder bags! Some are really cute mind you but the look is very hard to pull off without looking like a mom of three at Disney World! I totally understand that this purse didn't match because she could have gone out the night before and not had the time or energy to switch to something more simple or diverse. I too have been guilty of this on more than one occasion.

I want to go on record stating I am not making fun of this woman. I am from a fashion deprived small southern town and have seen MUCH WORSE! I just had to vent on the situation at hand. You have to keep in mind when you leave the house that people will in fact see you, unless you choose the drive through!

In the words of Paris Hilton (yes, I went there), “The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” Amen sister, amen!!!

Repo(we)r America

I've been a member of Repower America for some time. This group is pushing for 100% clean electricity within 10 years. I feel like that's a little unreasonable but it's a good initial idea. I just got an ad emailed to me from their new campaign that's pretty neat!

DH Love Life

I found a link to Daryl Hannah's eco green earth friendly products for sustainable living, also known as love life goods. There is a slew of darling environmentally products listed including a hemp guitar, solar powered boat, compost materials, things for the family & kids, as well as home & body goods (soap, cleaners, etc.)! The products all look like a lot of things I need immediately!!! I don't even have a dog but those treats look scrumptios! I have plenty with friends with dogs, right?! Take a look, if you click around, there are links with information, video blogs, and more about sustainable topics.

Daryl Hannah was recently spotted on June 5th at the World Environment Day celebration in West Hollywood! Very cool scene there.

Waterless Car Washing

Even though we've had monsoon like rain fall this summer, there might be a droughtastic period in our immediate future, especially if these 90 degree days keep up! Well, I came across a waterless car wash system available in this crunch. This is great year round though to conserve water and keep car wash chemicals out of run off. Has anyone already tried something like this? I don't wash my car nearly enough but I think this would be pretty cool. It's not too expensive either! Let me know!!!

Raleigh Event Recycling

Courtesy of one my favorite green girls! Thanks for the update. There's hope for green event planning yet!

Raleigh Recycling can assist you with recycling at your event by lending you recycling containers. ClearStream recycling containers are easy to transport, are clearly labeled, and the transparent bags make them a breeze to monitor materials being placed in the containers. Containers are available on a first come, first serve basis, so make your request early! A maximum of 23 recycling containers are available. If ten or more containers are checked out you may also check out a rolling cart to tranport them on. There are no rental fees, however, if the containers are damaged or not returned you will be billed. We may also be able to provide a recycling truck for collection and/or display and would be happy to have a display table to help educate event visitors.

Green Planning

Reducing waste is much better than recycling or disposing of it. From the start, think green! Let folks know from the very first advertising (flyer, ad, web, etc.) that recycling will be available and to look for it! At the event, use signage and if possible, loud speakers to remind visitors.

• What type of event is it?
• What types of food and beverages will be availalbe? What will they be served in/on? If there are choices, make sure to choose the ones that can be recycled!
• How many vendors will there be? Make your vendors aware that you expect them to recycle and want them to be as waste free as possible.
• Identify which materials can be recycled.
• How many event visitors?
• Do you have sufficient garbage cans? Who will monitor and collect?
• Do you have sufficient recycling containers (at least 1 next to every other garbage can!)? Who will monitor and collect? Our recycling containers are clear allowing the public to clearly see the bin is for recycling so less trash gets in - especially true if you do not have folks staying at each station to direct visitors to the proper container.
• Are the bins clearly labeled? Are you directing visitors to the correct containers? Make them convenient and visible.
• Have you considered composting any of the food waste?

To request ClearStream recycling containers for your event, go to the Related Links frame in the upper right hand corner of this page and click on ClearStream Sign Out Form. On the Publications page, select the document "Sign Out Clear Streams" in either .doc or .pdf format. Complete the form and return it to Raleigh Recycling.

For More Information Contact:
Linda A. Leighton
Waste Reduction Specialist
Solid Waste Services Department
400 West Peace Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-996-6890

Zach Tracker

I just got wind of a truly amazing boy, founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation Inc.!!! His name is Zach, he's only 11, and is walking from his home in Tampa to the Capitol building in D.C. raising awareness of homeless children in America. Statistics say there are 1.3 million children (under the age of 18) homeless. He began his journey on May 11th and next Monday, June 15th he will marching through Raleigh, NC! How cool is that?! According to sources, due to the nature of the event, time and a more specific location have not been decided. As soon as I know more, I will let you know!

Zach has a website and is on Twitter! (: Good luck buddy!!!

Green Planet Catering: Stock the BarN Party!

Host: Green Planet Catering
Where: Marks Creek Farm, 2949 Smithfield Rd. Knightdale, NC US
When: Sunday, June 14, 5:00PM


We would love for you and your family to join us in celebrating our new farm, Marks Creek Farm. This farm will provide much of the produce used in Green Planet Catering's kitchen, sold on-site, and available at local farmer's markets.

Join us for a Crawfish boil, Beef Brisket BBQ and other incredible food from Green Planet. Plan to participate in Field Day games (tug of war, three legged race, etc.)! Sign up to be a volunteer or member of our Farm for Food program.

What to bring? If you have used farm or gardening equipment you'd like to donate...we'll take it! This includes shovels, wheelbarrels, rakes, any useable wood scraps, metal roofing, old storage units...whatever you think would be useful on a sustainable farm (please no PVC products).

**REMEMBER TO SPRAY YOURSELF FOR BUGS BEFORE COMING.
WE DON'T SUPPLY ANY SORT OF INSECTICIDE**

Who can come? ANYONE!

What are the times? From 5pm until sunset. The farm looks back towards the sunset over Raleigh.

PLEASE RSVP FOR A PROPER FOOD COUNT. YOU DONT WANT TO MISS OUT!

RSVP at 919-360-0420

Jacques Cousteau

I read an article online about a Cousteau-inspired research adventure conducted by the Antinea Foundation. I think this is a grand idea. Jacques Cousteau was a huge idol of mine, as I'm sure he is to many marine scientists, and on World Oceans Day, who better to write about? I've read and thoroughly enjoyed some of his books including a biography. When I was in Middle School I wrote this little poem for an English assignment. Enjoy :-P

Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau could talk to killer whales;

He would feed them fish from silver pails.

In his job he saw many tiger sharks

And electric eels that give off sparks.

He always tried to give to me

Information about the deep blue sea.

Jacques sailed on the Calypso ship

and took pictures of his lengthy trip.

He photographed the ocean bottom,

And when he saw sunken ships, he would plot'em.

Using this, he gave to me

Information about the deep blue sea.

With all of his French Navy skills,

Jacques made movies of underwater seals.

He helped develop many inventions;

Everything he did was with good intentions.

Because he was all he could be,

He knew much about the deep blue sea!

Happy World Oceans Day!

A special day dedicated to helping protect and conserve our world oceans almost gets me as excited as Earth Day! Today is the 17th annual World Oceans Day!



One ocean. One climate. One future.

How can you celebrate?

Get involved! There are many groups you can join whether you donate time or money, every little bit helps.

Get informed! Investigate where your garbage is ending up. Recycle!! Test your ocean knowledge (I scored a 100).

Have children? Here is a list of things the whole family can enjoy!

A Fresh Perspective on Conservancy News

I just got word of a new environmental resource that I'm actually pretty pumped about. It's called Mother Nature News and is located at MNN.com! There are videos and blogs like most sites but this site in particular can be broken down into states. There is a list on the NC page for Top Green Businesses in the areas which I will be reading over before my next trip to a store. There looks to be something here for everyone. This site covers transportation, food (including recipes), technology, home, and even family lifestyle. Take a look around and let me know what you think!!

My favorite section is on the eco-friendly brews & wines. Tell me that's not awesome!!!

Uncomfortable, Green Chair

I was sitting in an uncomfortable, green chair, waiting. It seemed like I had been sitting for a really long time. I was playing with one of my many Barbie Dolls. I remember being a little annoyed at the sitting but trying to behave. My mom had this look in her eye, the one she got when she wanted me to behave. I got this look when we were walking into church and so forth. At this moment, I had this eery feeling that bigger things were afoot.

After the doctor came through the double doors, my family jumped up, really eager to learn the outcome of my father’s tests. Mom explained to me that my Daddy might be sick. I didn’t know what that meant. He had no symptoms I was aware of but my mom always told me the truth. I came home once and Mom asked me what I learned that day, as she always did. This day I replied, “There’s no Santa Claus?” She simply answered, “No” and that was the end of that. No making excuses to cover up my realization. I always liked that about my family. We were always very open and honest.

I knew I could always ask questions. I climbed in my Daddy’s lap and asked him what was happening. He explained that he had Huntington’s Disease. Little did I know, my life was about to get crazy. One of my favorite quotes is, “Change is never easy. You fight to hold on and you fight to let go.” Powerful, isn’t it? Especially here I think.

My Dad fought a hectic battle for his life for 12 years. He lived a lot longer than most people infected did. Infected ...that sounds so harsh. It sounds like something you didn’t mean to get. He was born with this disease. His symptom onset was a lot earlier than anyone expected, unfortunately. He was still the happiest man I knew throughout his struggle. Every Sunday he made it to church, he praised the Lord for the beautiful day, regardless of how unbeautiful he might have appeared. Even though he was very sick, he was alive and that in itself was beautiful.

People loved my father, especially after his death. People would come to me, people I barely knew, and fill me in on their admiration for my father and our family. What were we supposed to do? Sit at home cry at our unfortunate luck? There was no pity here. This whole battle my family was fighting left me with extreme emotional issues. I wasn’t always sad though. I was really proud of the way my family dealt with things. I was jealous a lot. Yes, my dad was sick and yes, I loved when people asked about him, but my family is going through this together. It seemed because I still had a smile on my face, people assumed I was well. There was certainly no smile in my heart. I supposed they couldn’t see that or didn’t care enough to want to talk to me about it. Perhaps they didn’t know how to go about such conversation. I always felt guilty, like it was selfish for me to be upset, my father was the one dying. It pained me most to just have to watch and let it happen. It’s completely unfair to watch someone you love slowly die and have no say...

Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Obama is coming through this time for the environment!

(ATLANTA – May 19, 2009) On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will announce $600,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to the city of Aiken, S.C., to help create green jobs by revitalizing former industrial and commercial sites, turning them from problem properties to productive community use. This is the first investment of EPA Recovery Act funds in Aiken.

President Obama signed the ARRA on Feb. 17, 2009, and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.

I will be sure to check the website often to see how this plays out. I'm excited that the first investment is coming to the Carolinas!

YouTube - Lost Generation

Denise sent this to me and I love it.

'This is amazing - as you listen intently follow along with the words forward and backward. Make sure you read as well as listen. This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20 year old. The contest was Titled "u @ 50", by the AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant. Take a minute and watch it."

The Green Effect

Everyone hears repeatedly that small steps toward making the world a better place lead to big results but many people don't know where to start. Well, Sun Chips (which I love) and National Geography are teaming up to inspire and let community ideas become realities! The program is called The Green Effect and is awarding $20K to 5 top entries. To enter simply submit 100-250 word plan for how you would green up your community. Winners will also receive a profile in National Geo, and a trip to D.C.to meet with environmental leaders.

Entries due by June 8, 2009!!!

Huntington's Disease Awareness Month

I just realized how long it's been since I've posted anything new. Crazy! Thank you insane school/work schedule.

I was just informed May is Huntington's Disease Awareness Month! Friggin Awesome. I wasn't aware it had a specific month but don't most things these days?! I have been working on a post about my struggle. It will need to be broken into parts but I have been diligently picking at it and will post that this month for sure. In the meantime, check out the awareness section of the Huntington's Disease Society of America's website!

O(rganic) - Cookies, In My Belly!

First off, I need to preface this next part with last night was crazy. In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I went out with friends, had green drinks, avoiding being pinched. Today though, as many Sunday afternoons (I am aware it's only Wednesday), I am craving crap. Cookies, ice cream, cheeseburgers and the like. So you can imagine how delighted I was to come across an article about cookies that won't kill your waistline, or in my case, my tooshie. My waist never gets bigger, just everything else. I am confused now about saying "save my waistline" or something. *Focus* 

My inbox had Style.com's item of the week in it today and low and behold, cookies!! I continued to the website and, if these treats taste as good as they look, I will take one of every kind. They're not too expensive. All organic!!! Aka, awesome! Also, one of the girls involved has a blog. I am already enjoying it. There are some good recipes listed and such. My roommate will be cooking tonight.

Team Love You More

I have a friend whose dad passed away January 11 of 09! I wasn't her best friend but I do know exactly what she went through and what a battle she has ahead of her. Some of you might know Erin Anderson. I met her through an old boyfriend and she's a really sweet girl, not that anyone deserves this. She and some of her friends and family have united to fight the evil that is cancer. They have become one as Team Love You More. Members include Scottie Anderson, Erin Anderson, Megan Wheeler, Heather Ritter, Caroline King, Kate Finch, Tammy Rodgers, Erin Mason, Anna Mowry, and Amanda Komisin. Regardless if you know any of these girls, who could resist such a great cause? Team Love You More is trying to raise $38,500! They are planning on running in the Kona Half Marathon on June 28, 2009. 

The team has planned a charity event on April 4, 2009 at Buckhead, one of our favorite venues. There is a Facebook event page for this special cocktail. If you can't make it to the event (I have a wedding), there is a donation page. Even if you just donate $5, it's more than they started with.

Buckhead for St. Baldrick's

I have a crazy Saturday ahead of me but I don't mind since it's for good causes. After I grace the Hillsborough Street Renaissance Festival with my presence, I am heading downtown to Buckhead to get in on the fundraiser benefitting St. Baldrick's. The doors open at 1 pm. There will be games and prizes, head shavings, food, good drink specials, and music! Proceeds from the day will go to the kids! This will be a great part of my Irish celebrations ;-)

Hillsborough Street Renaissance Festival

It's finally time!!! If you're a Raleigh kid or a student in the area, you've heard about the revamping of Hillsborough Street I'm sure. The new plans have been under review a million times and for a while, it seemed a mere fantasy of the city and DOT. No one could agree what to do with the street and getting business to buy in during these times was just one of the many hurdles that needed jumping. You can imagine how excited I was when my inbox started to flood with news of an official jump off date! Here's what's going on...

What: Hillsborough Street will be closed to showcase vendors

When: Saturday, March 14, 2009 Noon - 10 pm

Where: Hillsborough street from intersections 

Why: To raise awareness and get Hillsborough street back in action

http://legacyeventplanners.org/events/planningGroups/NC_hillboroughStreet/events/hsr/index.php

There will be food, raffles, energy vendors, a fashion show, tons of stuff for the kids, and much more! I know the weather is supposed to be bad but grab your umbrella and come play. I am super stoked and would love to see everyone out (:

Power Shift

2 years? Really? I didn't realize it had been 2 years since D and I made the crazy road trip to College Park, MD for the Power Shift Conference. It was my first official conference so I felt like I could take over the world. I was morphing into a little political activist. Ok, not so much. Politics makes me groan. All the back and forth and people making doing the minimum just to say they acted on an idea. I would love to give a few key people a piece of my mind, as if it would help. I digress.

On a more positive note, D and I were all excited about Power Shift. We find the building where we check-in and we get all our information packets, free t-shirt, and little bag. We go into this stadium (we were late if you can believe that) to hear the opening speeches and to our dismay, the stage is full of hippies with dreadlocks, playing guitars, singing songs about the environment. *ahem* We give each other the look and find seats. I've never laughed so hard. It's not that we're making fun of these people, we aren't those girls. It's just that these people were the most cliche they could have been and here walks in me and D in our North Face fleeces and Uggs! I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.

We made it to a lot of really cool lectures, we met a lot of important people in the green world, and made a few new friends. On the last day, we drove down to D.C. and had a huge rally. Each person was supposed to go to their respective Senator's office and talk to them about their concerns with the environment. We skipped that and I gave D the grand tour of D.C. What can I say, she's from NJ and had never been to D.C! I had to. We had to. Overall, the entire trip was a lot of fun and very informative.

Power Shift 2009 is Feb. 27 - Mar. 2 and the whole conference is in D.C.

Singing Songs

Me and D at the rally on Capitol Hill

Hurricanes Doing Their Part, Again

The Carolina Hurricanes are hosting a clothing drive. Gently used winter clothing can be donated until Jan. 6 at the RBC Center box office during regular business hours. Also, the team is offering a buy-one-get-one free ticket deal for Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Fans that donate clothing will be entered in a drawing for a chance to meet Hurricanes players after the game and win autographed player jerseys. If I didn't already get free tickets, this would be a good deal.


Looking at the website for the RBC Center, I saw Celine Dion is coming to Raleigh on Tue, Jan 20 at 8pm. Tickets range from $50-$150. That's insane. Haha, I should call my mom! We used to rock out in the car to some Celine. I refused to see her in Vegas with mom though because there were a million other things I wanted to be doing. Sorry mom! I just had a mental flashback of, is it How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? Doesn't she take him to a Celine concert? Hahah! Great movie.

Saving Money: Style Bakery

Style Bakery is cooking up some great style tips. There site is full of deals, fashion tips, celeb styles, and much more. I just signed up for their newsletter and I can't wait to start receiving them. I love having my inbox flooded with ways to save, especially on clothes. It does not always cost a lot to look good. I hardly ever pay full price for anything anymore and here's one website that is dying to help me. Bring on the savings!

Tragedy is So...Tragic

I woke up this morning to an IM from a girlfriend of mine. She was informing me her sister who lives in VA had her house burn down last night. First of all, who leaves that on an IM !? Luckily sister was ok but her dogs aren't. One died and the one that lived through has bad smoke damage in his lungs and it's eyes are a little burned. Sister was out to eat with a friend and when she got home her house was ablaze. I really like that word. Ok, one more time ...ablaze. There was a problem with a wire in the kitchen and that's how the fire initiated. All of her things are gone. I can't imagine. Again, luckily, sister's fiance has a house nearby so she at least has somewhere to stay. She's been busy and excited planning their wedding and now this. I feel so bad for sister and all she is facing at the time. When things like this happen you just have to rely on other people's good nature to pull you through.

Speaking of fires, one night I was driving a car full of people back from, I think, a football game and we passed a house with a strange light. We argued back and forth about the origin and I decided to u-turn at the next light and go back. Come to find out, the house was on fire and there was a boy on the roof stuck scared. We talked him down and called 911. The house was heated by one of those old heaters that you plug-in.

Swap Style: Getting Started

I posted earlier on SwapStyle.com. I have officially signed up and now I'm trying to get started. I can't get a picture posted yet. All mine are too big for some reason but that's not a big deal. The first step is to upload pictures of things I want to swap out. Now I have decisions to make. There are 6 categories of swapping materials, accessories, clothes, maternity, shoes, entertainment, and cosmetics. I don't know how I feel about swapping cosmetics though?! There are some things posted that aren't worth the shipping to be honest but there a few really nice pieces. It seems to even out.

Now on to deciding what to swap...

Ideal Bite

I have recently discovered a few new heavenly websites thanks to some fellow bloggers. One in particular is idealbite.com. I have subscribed to their daily tips on ideal ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, and go green! One tip in particular about reusing revamped old Christmas cards as gift tags instead of just throwing them away. I Googled ways to reuse and came up with step-by-step instructions for making envelopes and note cards from recycled paper, super cute too. If you don't have the materials to get started, you can buy green office products here. Also, if Facebook is your MO, you can find Ideal Bite there. I'm about to log on and tell all my friends so they can get signed up too.

Note: Ideal bite has a special site of tips for mothers too.

Revamping Old Tees

I have drawer upon drawer of old t-shirts and I'm sure I am not the only one, especially for those who are in school somewhere. I have tons of t-shirts from clubs, sports teams I watch and those I played on, sorority events, volunteering opportunities, and so on. After all the drawers at my moms house filled up too, I decided it was time to take action. Last summer, I decided I was going to make a t-shirt quilt. I got the idea from a friend who made her own but I cannot sew. I figure any tailor shop could put the final pieces together for me, right? I've already started cutting the shirts I love but don't wear anymore into cute, little squares. They are sitting, mid-project, in my closet.

I just came across a blog on collegecandy.com (who I'm only mildly obsessed with) with a few more ideas for the old tees. They gave ideas such as, pillows, shopping bags, quilts, and pillow cubes. If anyone tries these out, let me know how it works out for you. It could be a weekend project and if you're anything like me, the new drawer space is reward enough, not to mention the recycling.

Posting this, I fell in love with the cutoutandkeep.com website!! They even have a blog I can subscribe to, as if I need that.

Who Doesn't Love Cozies?

I personally, love to drink out of cans and sometimes bottles. I have a cozie in my purse at all times just in case. My sweet Lisa posted in November about Mary Phillips Designs Cozies that are so fabulous, as if we expected any different from her. I just found some that are amazing as well and eco-friendly. These designs at etsy.com are made by Chet and Dot. The cozies are sewn from a recycled and felted sweater. How cool is that? The things I could create if I only knew how to sew. *sigh* The best part? $4.50 + $1 for shipping and that declines with each increase in order quantity! Where do I pay?

Time for 09!

Today being the 2nd day of 09, I thought it appropriate to wish everyone a happy New Years!! Although New Year's Eve did not get off on the right foot, I am determined to make this year amazing. There's no reason not to. I like resolutions that are attainable so my one, simple resolution is to be a better person. Who doesn't need that, right? If this encompasses exercising more and working harder at school, then so be it. If it's paying off my credit cards, then so be it. I am going to start with baby steps as not to overwhelm myself (this cues my favorite quote from 10 Things I Hate About You). Hopefully, by the end of this year, I will have transcended my old self completely.

Next, I think it's completely necessary to thank those who helped me make it through 08! It was difficult at times but we made it. I have a new roommate who I love, we live in a kick-ass new apartment which I love, and I have decided on a major that I AM sticking with, no matter how wretched it may become. I have to take Organic Chemistry I this spring (wish me luck!!!!) and I am not excited but hopefully there will a cute boy to sit next to.

Note to self: New outfit for first day of school ;)

I love you guys a lot, a lot, a lot!