Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The most wonderful time of the year.....Autumn!




There's a distinct chill in the air here today, not that I'm complaining!  The temperature is barely edging past the mid 70s.  It feels like fall.  I just HAVE to share a few autumnal delights I've recently spotted at Capricorn Soap Company.   As you can see, they sure have a leg up on the season.  Over the weekend these delectable soaps began popping up in their shop.



Petit Noir guest soaps, two 2 ounce bars, $5.75

Limited Edition Cider bath soap  features freshly pressed apples,$ 6.75  for 4.5 oz. bar




Harvest bath soap, also a limited edition scent,
contains ground pumpkin rind for exfoliation, $ 6.75 for 4.5 oz. bar


Stroll on over to Capricorn Soap Company and mention that you heard about the shop from Deanna at My Handmade Addiction!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Sales Alert: Moonlight Madness Sale at Nature's Edge Farm on Etsy




 The shopkeeper may have gone "batty" but the deals are steals, well....practically!
Drop by the  Moonlight Madness Sale  to take advantage of some amazing deals!







Sunday, August 22, 2010

Attack of the homegrown tomatoes

Well, it's that time of year again. Whether you planted them or your dear friends and family did, there's bound to be an abundance of homegrown, red-fleshed yumminess in a garden near you. While we are thankful recipients of these prized beauties, there does come a point when the question of  "what the heck are we going to do with all these tomatoes?" does pop into our heads.


My good friend Barb snapped a picture of her beautiful vine-ripening tomato.

One way we like to enjoy them here at our house is paired with a cheese other than usual, boring buffalo mozzarella.  Several years ago while scanning the cheese display at our local fruit market I first caught sight of this lesser known, but infinitely more delicious cheese called, ricotta salata.  It's a bit like feta in texture and taste though not quite as salty. I slice up some big fat, juicy tomatoes, top each slice with a thin cut of ricotta salata and a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a light vinaigrette. I do occasionally add the obligatory leaf of basil, but it's not necessary. The tomato, cheese and oil (or vinaigrette) make a nice little trio of taste and texture all by themselves. Try this combination sometime and thank me later!


Friday, August 20, 2010

Blog mention on Coffee With The Mrs.: Eye Spy ~ "Greenspiration"

Sweet blogger Amy, "The Mrs." from  Coffee with the Mrs., mentioned my blog today! How nice is that? Amy would like me to be her personal shopper. Now that's a job I would LOVE!!!!!  Please head over to Amy's blog, Coffee With The Mrs.: Eye Spy ~ "Greenspiration", grab a cup of coffee and peruse her lovely corner of the blogosphere!

Thank you again Amy!!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Stylin' with my Etsy finds

Here I am modeling 2 handmade products I purchased on Etsy that I adore:

Fo' Shizzle My Sprizzle tee from Ellembee, $34 and
 Coffee Lover  necklace from Artful Goodies, $20
**also take note of my pretty fern that managed to get in the picture**


April from Artful Goodies was kind enough to swap out the silver ballchain and bail for an antique gold finish chain & matching bail! Customization is the norm at most Etsy shops and I love that special perk!

Assignment #1: How safe is your mascara?

Hello Readers,
I was thinking the other night about how to get you acquainted with Skin Deep's Cosmetic Safety Reviews. I decided to give you an assignment. What better way to learn than by doing? I don't know about you but I HAVE to wear mascara. I have itsy bitsy lashes and mascara makes those that I do have look better. For today's assignment, I'd like each of you to go to http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/, find your mascara rating. Then come back here and post the name of your mascara and it's rating in the comments section. I think you'll be surprised at the scores. I know I was!


image source: treehugger.com


I was feeling a bit smug. I admit it. Unfortuanately, my current mascara, Dr. Hauschka volumizing mascara in black had the shoddy score of 6 out of 10.  Keep in mind that a score of zero is the safest rating.

I also use  Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara in ultra black organics. Unfortunately I couldn't find the rating for that mascara. If you click the link above you can find out more about this mascara as well as view the full listing of ingredients. Now that I'm aware of of Dr. Hauschka's poor rating, I think I'll switch back to Organic Wear mascara again.

One mascara I would like to try soon is 100% Pure ultra lengthening fruit pigmented mascara. The  mini size is only $12 but is only offered in the color black tea. This mascara is rated as a 2 on Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Review.


I look forward to finding out how your mascaras fared!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Cheer Up, Buttercup!

If this blog is going to be a true reflection of me, then I have to be honest.  Honestly, today I'm feeling a bit blue about my guest blog post on Chic & Green.  It wasn't EXACTLY how I envisioned it appearing. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. It was NOT perfect. I tried to correct it but I'm still feeling a little down in the dumps. I may have just the remedy for this yucky feeling! Let me know if it cheers you up too!



How in the heck can I not smile when this little lover is waiting to
give me all the puppy kisses I can stand?


The Beautiful Project's card promises better days, Good things will happen card, $4.


Did you know Bergamot essential oil is known to be an uplifting scent? Receiving Capricorn Soap Company's Bergamot~Graperfruit luxury gift collection, $33.75 would certainly boost my spirits!


This sweet 8x10 print, $15 from The Wheatfield is sure to inspire a smile or two!



My favorite season is captured perfectly in this 5x7 print entitled,
 Leaf Harvest Road, $15 by Country Dreaming.


A wise friend suggested that if all else fails, there's always chocolate!!!
The Sante Fe Sampler dark chocolate gift box. $24.95
from The Chocolate Smith is sure to melt away my blog worries!

Ooops! Here's what was missing on my Chic & Green guest post

Being new to blogging, I made a few mistakes when sending Karley my guest post for Chic & Green. Uggggh!!!! You missed out on seeing some of the pretty pictures. I can fix that! Please forgive my rookie mistakes :)


****************************************************************************

I consider myself a handmade addict in general but a handmade soap addict in particular. I think John from Nature's Edge Farm  would have to agree! He recently referred to me as a "connoisseur of scents". I think that's his polite way of saying I'm a "soap hoarder"! Eh, what the heck, it's true. I have a quite a substantial stash of soap!



Beehive Yourself is palm oil free. It contains locally sourced honey and is pleasantly
scented with lemongrass essential oil, $4 from Nature's Edge Farm




 Also from Nature's Edge Farm,watermelon herb granita 
foaming sugar scrub sounds perfect for late summer, $11 for 12 oz. jar





When I want to give a special baby shower gift, Michigan-based Peanut Tree Designs   is the shop I consitently turn to for baby blankets that both beautiful and functional.

 

Poppies chenille and flannel baby blanket  reminds me of a midsummer's day, 36x36, $32





Another Michigan shop, ellembee, sells sumptious screenprinted tees in a variety of chic patterns. 

I'm the proud owner of this Vintage Damask tee, $32

I'd **like** be the owner of a Burnout Blues tee, $34




Sorry once again for the flubs! 

Have a wonderful day,
 Deanna




Sunday, August 15, 2010

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Catch an EXTRA dose of musings from my greenish life this week!


On Tuesday, August 17th at 8:00 AM, I will "appear" as a guest blogger on Chic & Green! This is a such an honor for me!

Back in July 2007, Karley Ziegler Mott began writing Chic & Green and has garnered much acclaim in those 3 years. C&G is now, " an official MSNBC Going Green Network Blog and a TODAY Show blog"! No doubt, much of her following comes from her journalistic style of "sticking to the facts" as well as her personal dedication to sharing her honest opinion on controversial issues.

I invite you to head over to Chic & Green on Tuesday to read my guest post. While you're there, peruse some of Karley's earlier posts. You'll find a mix of informative and entertaining writing on a wide variety of subjects! Oh, and one more thing, PLEASE comment while you're there to show your support of me and my new venture in the blogosphere!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ruff night! Rx: COFFEE!

Last night was a little (pardon the pun) "ruff"! Our new puppy, Sophie, didn't sleep very soundly so neither did I! I seem to have a precoccupation with coffee today so I did a bit of browsing over at Etsy and this is what I found. Enjoy!


My Polka Dot Pottery's  turquoise & brown travel cup, $24,
is a pretty alternative to the typical, boring plastic travel mugs out there.




Another departure from the usual, I adore the simple pattern on this
mid-century  fat lava coffee carafe , $38  from  Smash Up Vintage.




Nature's Edge Farm makes this delicious, mildly
spicy soap scented with essential oils
of coffee, cinnamon. clove, benzoin & orange.  
A perfect soap to have at your kitchen sink
or anytime you're in the mood for a caffeine-free bath indulgence.





Fogl's Kitchen  cooks up several of yummy treats to pair with coffee. Shop owner, Shannon, says
her almond biscotti  ($7.99 per dozen) and homemade organic pink watermelon jelly ($6 for 8 oz. jar)are a match made in heaven.  Oh how I'd like to put my taste buds to that test!



Pour me a cup of coffee 8x10 print, $7.80 from Winterberry Cottage 
would look fabulous hanging in either a kitchen or a home office.
Correction: hanging in MY home office!  




Coffee lover resin necklace, $20 from Artful Goodies features a neutral
coffee-stained color as well as lovely vintage graphics.
A cute way to let everyone know you life your live properly caffeinated!

♥♥♥SALE ALERT: Artful Goodies will be offering a BOGO half off sale for
one day only: 8/13/10. Please see click link to Artful Goodies for further details!♥♥♥



Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Puppy love

Later today we'll be bringing our new puppy, Sophie, home! In honor of this special day, I've picked out some fun Etsy items to share with you.







Pup cup from thelab shop is too darned cute, $7




Thecopperpoppy's  Chloe pet ID tag really caught my eye.
It keeps selling out so I'm not alone in fancying this unique tag, 
perfectly sized for a puppy. 3/4 inch tag, $11.25


I just love colors of this pretty fabric collar 
from collarsbydesign , $16




Teetugs sells these tug toys made from
100 %  recycled cotton Tshirts, $7. 
Green fun for the pup.... too cool!




When Sophie gets a bit bigger, I'd like to buy her some of these
organic, vegetarian broccoli bones from
 Shortysgourmettreats $5 for 5 oz. container

Friday, August 6, 2010

I ♥ mail!

Good afternoon readers,
I'm hiding in my office sneeking some computer time to share with you what came in today's mail!  Look at these lovely Etsy products....



This buttery soft  c'est la vie ("such is life") tee from neenacreates is a gorgeous shade of blue. Currently selling for $24 though I scored it for a mere $15 duirng a Christmas in July sale! I LOVE a bargain!





La Tour Eiffel necklace, $22 from loubirdhandmade  is so versatile with it's beautiful mix of metals. The sweet shop owner, Karley, kindly customized my necklace by swapping out the peach rose with a cream-colored beauty! Yet another reason why I ♥ handmade!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

PLEASE READ: {interview with stacy malkan}

Good evening readers,
I want to share with you the enlightening interview veteran blogger, Karley Ziegler Mott,  posted on her website Chic & Green earlier today.  I touched very briefly on a few of these points in Tuesday's posting about being an informed consumer of health and beauty products.  Karley had the honor of  interviewing one of the co-founders of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  I strongly encourage you to read her concise yet thorough post, {interview with stacy malkan}.

Blueberries on the brain

As I sit drinking my morning coffee, my mind drifted to the pint of blueberries in the fridge.  I think I'll have some on top of my vanilla yogurt for breakfast.  Enjoy this blueberry feast for the eyes, courtesy of Etsy...



I can attest to the delectable scent of this fabulous
 fresh blueberry organic sugar scrub from naturesedgefarm $10 for 8 oz. jar



FriendlyPairings Blueberries and Cream necklace is so pretty, $26



 Vintage German glass statement ring from  WiredWhimsy, $13.50



AppleWarePottery's  blueberry berry bowl strainer caught my eye, $39.50 



Canvas bag with vintage style advertising graphic from  WilsonGraphics, $20

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Be an informed consumer of health and beauty products

As I continue my own journey toward cleaner living, I find cosmeticsdatabase  to be an excellent resource. For those of you unfamiliar with it, the rating scale is from 0 to 10 with 0 being the least hazardous to your health.  I invite you to search some of your current health and beauty products.  A word of warning, products that you **think** are safe and "natural" may not be. Try not to "freak out"!  If you do choose to transition to safer products, do so at a manageable pace! And by all means, don't throw all your products in the garbage or down the drain. In September I'll discuss the way to properly dispose of unused beauty products and medications. At this moment, I have a whole collection of said products that need to go to their final resting place.

Birthday week madness

Good Morning,
This is going to be one busy week at our house! Our baby boy turns 9 on Friday, August 6th.  Between parties for friends and family, we'll spend 3 days of this week celebrating him! Gee whiz, is this kid a VIP or what? As a result of all this party planning, my postings this week won't be very lengthy.  I have **some** of the party prep done but plenty more to tackle....wish me luck!  As Arnold would say, "I'll be back"! :)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Mission statement...of sorts

It occurred to me that I should explain just why I want to start blogging. I truly have a passion for handmade, American goods. The venue I primarily buy these items from is a website called Etsy. It saddens and sickens me to see how many products are made in China and other countries rather than in the USA! Buying handmade supports artisans in OUR country! In my opinion, it is much more meaningful to give a handmade item as opposed to a mass produced one that was purchased in a big box store. Now don't get me wrong here. I absolutely buy products from the big box stores as too. When I'm buying a gift or something special for myself or my friends and family, I PREFER to buy handmade! Because I respect and value what certain Etsy artisans do for a living, I want to highlight them here on my blog. Plus, I just enjoy sharing cute things with people! Some of the shops I ♥ have already approached me to sponsor some very cool giveaways for my readers.

On a greenish note, I've been concerned for several years about the impact the ingredients found in our food, medications, beauty and personal care products have on our health. I want to share with you what I've learned and would LOVE for you to share your knowledge with me as well.

On a personal note, I've been doing much soul searching as of late. I've come to realize the "slump" I've been in (for far too long) has to do with not having an outlet for my creativity! I've been going through the motions of life. Plodding along but not really being excited about much. I finally see how this hum drum existence really does affect my family too!  Blahness is not fun to be around! So, after much thought, I decided that writing this blog would be creative outlet for ME! Creativity begets passion (and vice versa), passion begets energy and energy gets things done. Sounds like a win win situation!

Drum roll please.....

Last week I slowly started sharing my big SECRET about writing this blog.  A few of you asked "what's the deal with the secrecy"?  It was mainly because I'm still a bit insecure about this whole blog writing "thing". I'm getting over that though! "I can do this, I can do this"!  Oops, that wasn't supposed to be in print! :)

Ok, on to the good stuff.  I neglected to mention that I'll be hosting GIVEAWAYS here!!!! So sorry about that omission!  I have 2 Etsy shops that have offered to sponsor giveaways in the coming months here! There are 2 additional shops that I **think** will be on board too but I haven't formally asked them. I hope you're as excited as I am!

More later folks. I have to finish my morning coffee now. I have priorities, ya know! :)