Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category
Friday, February 10th, 2012

Roses are red, violets are blue. Flowers are great, but a rainforest is… even better? Roses, as beautiful as they are, come with a high carbon footprint – all the travelling and refrigeration they endure. With Valentine’s Day coming up this Tuesday, why not be a good little ecoista and find or ask for native Australian flowers instead? Alternately, you could give a sweet growing gift such as this little herb garden window box or a GrowBottle? (Give herbs and you might just be given a delicious meal in return). But if these ideas still don’t express how great your love is, why not give a whole rainforest tree? Your feelings would be forever represented in a beautiful tree which will surely outlive any sad roses wilting on the mantle piece in days to come…
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Environment, Holidays | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

As the leftover stash dwindles and reality begins to set back in, it’s probably fair to say that we’re all left with a few Christmas pressies that we weren’t exactly thrilled with… Relatives who think they know us really well and thrust mountains of strange, cat-themed gifts upon us enthusiastically. Or perhaps it’s a dress that doesn’t fit, or a book you already have. Whatever the reason, don’t banish it to the back of the cupboard – swap it instead for something you do want with the Great Xmas Facebook Swap App (or, for any fans of a good pun, that’s SwApp for short). Dreamed up by the clever folks at sustainability agency Republic of Everyone, SwApp is an instant re-gifting service without the awkwardness of running into the person your gift originally came from (or asking them for the receipt). To get involved, simply upload a picture and description of the item you’re keen to part with, browse what else is on offer and then use the application to get in touch with the swapper. Who knows, you might even nab a gift or two for next year…
Posted by tess curran in Holidays, News & Events | No Comments »
Saturday, December 24th, 2011

OK Santa, here it is: the lil’ tab I’ve been keeping of things I’d love to nab. First up, I’m digging these cute Urban Composter bins. Bags the berry one. I love wood and I love chunky. (Miserably) Mark Tuckey is not in this year’s budget so I ask only for one of these stunning oak bangles from Skellig Designs. And of the Jon Campbell linen tea towel I’ve been eyeing off for six months and some? Nope, I don’t intend to dry dishes with it. Merely to frame it and hang it in my kitchen where it can smartly (read, accurately) pass judgement on my cooking/state of mind/love life. And you’re right, self centeredness is not a good look. Ergo, I request of you something for at least one of the kiddos, like this organic Tiny Revolutionary tee or a set of fair trade summer PJs from Eternal Creation. Not a licensed character in sight and ace-looking to boot. That’d be your boot, er, stocking. The one you’re going to stash all these goodies in, right? Thanks Santa!
Posted by Raquel Lawrence in Holidays | No Comments »
Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Hi Santa, it’s Jaye here… remember me? I’m the one that got a little over zealous last festive season, singing ‘Santa Baby’ in my very best, sexy Madonna voice (not very sexy) to anyone who’d listen after one too many on Christmas Day. How could you forget! Well, I can promise you I’ve made up for that little display this year and have been extremely well behaved – I’ve been using my car less, been hand-making fun little gifts for my friends this year and have planted my own super-awesome herb patch which is absolutely flourishing! So, with what a good girl I’ve been in mind, I’ve decided to put together my little Xmas wish list… incase you’ve been wondering what I’ve been coveting. (more…)
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Holidays | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Well, Santa – it’s been a while. You know I’ve never really bought into this whole ‘Christmas’ thing and all the crazy over-consumption that goes along with it. So normally I’d sit on your knee all high-and-mighty-like and ask for nothing at all (well perhaps a donation to the East Africa famine), but since this year you asked what was on my wishlist – well, maybe I’ll just let myself indulge a little… Santa, ANYTHING from the current Gorman S/S collection would make me very happy (you know they have an online store now? Tell your elves). I’m also quite taken with this Fountain Tunic from Starfish, and definitely wouldn’t object to a me&oli sweet nothing dress or this origami fox brooch by Kimono Reincarnate to go with it. I’ll also need something for my feet, so I think this pair of El Naturalista boots would definitely do the job. And, while we’re at it, put me down for a goat too. Thanks Santa – and remember, you don’t have to…
Posted by tess curran in Holidays | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

I think I’ve been pretty good this year, and I just want to make it clear to you and your eleven sidekicks that it’s all about making me feel super-duper this season. I am totes in love with AROMANTIKS Strangers In Blood artisan perfume and a top-up of my favorite lippy by Jasmin Organics in Violet Veil would be most welcome. There’s also the question of creamy, dreamy skin, and what better buffer than Inika‘s Kabuki Brush? Domo arigato, Santa-san! (PS – throw me a bottle of Korbel‘s Organic Champers and I’ll share it with you, I promise!)
Posted by Melanie Tongmar in Holidays | No Comments »
Monday, December 19th, 2011

It’s getting hot! Although I’m sure you’re well aware of this thanks to your annual yuletide commitment. I imagine by the time you reach the Federated States of Micronesia you have stripped down to a modest singlet and shorts ready for your Down Under drop-off. With that in mind, I’ve opted for a more practical swag this year. Please may I have a pair of Found Organic basics mulberry swim shorts to strut in the waves, an organic Terry Rich beach towel to dry off with, a pair of Sanük Sidewalk Surfers to tackle the hot sand and some Fold and Play Portable Speakers made from recycled materials to deliver the Summertime tunes. Oh, and if I’m going to get the inevitable jocks this year, can they please be an organic pair from Thunderpants?!
Posted by Brent Wilson in Holidays | No Comments »
Sunday, December 18th, 2011

There is always someone who is impossible to buy for. Oxfam Unwrapped has one solution – buy them a pile of poo. Or maybe a buffalo, some fruit trees, a canoe or even a rice bank; there is something for every price range, and the best part is: your donation goes to those in need, you have Christmas gifts covered, and both you and your recipient feel filled with good karma. It’s a win-win situation. Both World Vision and WSPA also run similar programs this time of year, so think beyond the socks and jocks and give a gift that keeps on giving…
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Charity, Holidays | 1 Comment »
Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Summer is my favourite time of year: hot weather, holidays, and lots of catch-ups with friends and family. This year I’m fortunate enough to live in a house with a nice big deck so my Christmas wishlist pretty much revolves around sprucing up my deck and making it a lovely outdoor space to live in over summer! So dearest Santa, I would love if you could start by sending me these hand-woven bamboo tealight holders and some recycled paper bowls both from Oxfam. I’d be oh so grateful for a One Colour fair trade woven woollen throw for the chillier nights, and a Lhasa outdoor rug made from 100% recycled polypropylene. I’ll need somewhere for my friends to sit so I’m thinking some of these Mi So Covered handmade recycled fabric milk crate covers will be super helpful and, for the lazy days, what could be better than a fair trade Heavenly Hammock to sleep off the Christmas lunch?
Posted by Sally Cage in Holidays | No Comments »
Thursday, December 15th, 2011

I’m sorry, but these are just too sweet not to share. Handmade by SquinkStudio in Sydney, this range of jumbo teacup candles are created from a natural (and naturally-scented) soy wax that, when melted, can be used as a massage oil or moisturiser! Delish. And, even better, once the candle has burned out you can still use the beautiful teacup underneath! I don’t want to alarm you, but I think we have just found THE PERFECT GIFT…
Posted by tess curran in Holidays, Home & Lifestyle | No Comments »