Boho magazine

The ideal eco-gift for your guy!

2010-12-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

We know how guys are obsessed with watches, and nothing gets greener than these eco-friendly watches by Sprout! Made with sustainable materials including bamboo, certified organic cotton, corn resin and run on a non toxic, mercury free battery. Sprout also makes the cutest watches for girls and kids!

Fashionable, yet bohemian surf vibe!

2010-08-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

When I think of the beach, I imagine a haven where I could stay that has a fashionable, yet bohemian surf vibe! That place to me is the Surf Lodge in Montauk! One cool fact - this season, the front desk & wait staff at the Surf Lodge will be dressed in uniforms exclusively from eco fashion brand Loomstate! Hurry, there are only a few more weeks left of summer.

One of Boho's favorite vacation spots?

2010-08-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

One of the most sustainable cities by the sea - Portland, Maine! Make sure to visit the creative hub of the city, the Old Port! More on this great city in the summer issue of Boho or at http://visitportland.com! What is one of your favorite destination and why?

Eco-Fashion: Going Green Exhibition at FIT

2010-08-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

Eco-Fashion: Going Green exposition at The Museum at FIT explores fashion’s relationship with the environment. “Eco-fashion” is contemporary, but the fashion industry has had a long connection with the environment from the growth process and manufacture of fibers, sometimes obscure dyeing practices, debate of leather and fur, the health and treatment of industry workers, to incredible strides to protect the environment made my some of the hottest designers in the industry. This fascinating exhibit explores the history of the industry and features some of the finest examples of sustainable fashion by current, cutting-edge labels, including Ciel, Bodkin, Edun, FIN, and NOIR. The exhibition runs through November 13, 2010 in the Fashion and Textile History Gallery at The Museum at FIT, New York City.

http://www.fitnyc.edu/7885.asp

Celebrity Catwalk Event Helps National Animal Rescue!

2010-08-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of Celebrity Catwalk? Every year, top celebrities hit the catwalk to
help raise funds & awareness for National Animal Rescue! This year's event takes
place on September 10 in Hollywood & includes a fashion show that will be hosted
by famous faces like Crystal Harris, Chad Rogers or Kim Close! Please help
support this effort, which benefits nearly 8 million dogs & cats that enter
shelters each year!

www.CelebrityCatwalk.com

What was the inspiration behind the creation of Boho?

2010-07-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Our very own Editor-in-Chief Gina LaMorte will be on One-on-One with Steve Adubato on Thurs July 22nd @ 11:30pm EST on WLIW21. Tune in to see Gina discuss with the Emmy Award-winning anchor Steve Adubato the story of how Boho came about & how it has evolved from being not just a magazine, but a movement. As always thank you for all of your support on this wonderful journey. It is
just the beginning....XOXO

Congratulations are in order!

2010-07-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Dolan Geiman, the amazing artist that we featured in our winter 2009 issue has partnered with Fossil. His Long Live Art In-Store events kick off on July 24th in Dallas at the Northpark Center store from 12 to 5 p.m. Then our East coast fans can find him on July 31st at the Fossil NYC Flagship store on 5th Ave from 12-5pm. The Dolan Geiman with Fossil T-shirt & watch tin will also be available. Remember to say hi to Dolan from all of us at Boho!

Let’s bring Boho to Oprah

2010-06-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

PLEASE VOTE FOR my own show on http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=15324&promo_id=1
Let’s bring Boho to Oprah. Vote today for Boho TV to join the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Boho's Must Summer Pack List

2010-06-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

Summer is here! Time to enjoy a nice picnic outside! What is on boho's must-pack list?

* Chalkydoodlespicnic blanket (large reversible picnic blanketmade from upcycled fabrics!)

* Pam Zoniusbeach umbrella (renewable and sustainable bamboo framed umbrella with a transparent canopy that blocks 99% of UVA-UVB harmful rays!)

* Soleo Organics sunscreen (an all-natural,organically produced sunscreen that is free of any chemical uvabsorbers, titanium dioxide or synthetic preservatives!

* Wish-it “Bugs Away” candle (naturally scented eco-friendly soy Citronella candle)

* Tovolo’s Steady Sticks Wine holder (100 percent bamboo and folds flat for travel and storage!

* SnackTAXIbag (easily cleanable, reusable bag that can eliminate about 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime!)

What would you add? Let us know!

Endless Eco Summer

2010-06-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

East meets West, Eco Swimwear, Nature's Beauty Secrets, & the Entrepreneurs of Whole Foods-All this and more! Pick up the Summer Issue of Boho on newsstands now.

Brooklyn’s Fashion Flock Spot

2010-04-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Bird is Brooklyn’s first destination for fashion and has been since the opening of the original, and still thriving, Park Slope boutique in 1999. Owner, Jen Mankins opened a branch last year in Williamsburg with the strictest standards of sustainability and green-building. Bird was awarded the LEED_CI Gold Certification – NYC’s very first LEED-certified retail store. The Williamsburg location offers regular art and photography exhibits to enhance the truly rare shopping experience. A trip to any of the three Bird boutiques (Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Williamsburg) offers and array of coveted fashion names for women, men and baby birds, too. Shop around or “Meet the Staff” and their favorite designers and picks online at www.Shopbird.com.

Peace, Love, and Owl Power

2010-04-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

Florida-based artist, Rachel De John, keeps the spirit alive with Peace Owls and Other Lovely Things creating colorful paintings, ornaments, mobiles and vases using found and re-purposed objects. Her love of nature and the world’s beauty is a major source of inspiration.

De John lives her philanthropy through and through, sharing her eco-friendly lifestyle on her blog, Rachel Is a Dreamer, and hopes to someday pursue her art full-time. “My focus is to reuse materials and turn them from something that could be considered garbage into a painting to hang on a wall and make you smile.” Join this dreamer on her quest for peace, www.etsy.com/shop/RachelLovesPeace

Beauty is Within the Lens of the Beholder

2010-04-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

For the past four years Christina Dickson has been the artist behind the camera to catch those perfect moments of sacred emotion with one simple click. While creative wedding photography paid the bills, it was her desire to make a difference that inspired the start of Revolution Media Project. In 2007 Dickson brought together photographers, videographers, and writers to shine light on the ignored elements of society. From street kids in Portland to pregnant teens to impoverished communities in Africa, Rev Media uses multimedia to, in Ms. Dickson’s words, “rescue the beauty.” Beyond highlighting complex human issues, Rev Media, wants to provide relief, and give artists the means to give back.

How You Can Help
Buy a Photo
Visit the gallery of Ms. Dickson’s images from her first trip to India. All proceeds go to RevMedia’s next project there. www.TheRevMediaProject.com

Reach Out, Give Back
“It takes a lot of being willing to give yourself and your time. It’s an incredible starting point.”

Oscar Gets A Little Greener - Boho Founder Gina La Morte on the Red Carpet

2010-03-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dial In…And Carry On

2010-02-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

Handmade by Filipino artisans at the Alay Kapwa Co-op in Manila, these bags transform old telephone directories into a fashionable handbag. The purse has a wooden bead latch closure and a woven handle. The bag is sealed with a waterproof coating (but no caller ID).

Handcraftingjustice.org is the brain child of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. An international network, they partner with women struggling in the developing world. They promote human dignity and justice by creating opportunities for economic and social transformation. Check out their other products too, www.handcraftingjustice.org.

GREENING THE GRAMMY'S...

2010-01-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friend Bahar Shahpar, Jason Mraz will be sporting Osborn Design shoes and a Sonic Fabric tie on the red carpet!

Watch Jason wearing green on the Grammys live with E! at 5:35 EST.

Boho Beauty: Julia Roberts

2010-01-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

A little Bit County, a little bit Rock and roll, Julia Roberts is a family girl successfully balancing her eco-conscious country lifestyle with her fast paced Hollywood career. This Oscar winning actor’s role of a lifetime is playing eco-mom to her three young children. Julia says that she’s always been environmentally conscious, but it came more important to her after having her own children.

Her philosophy on going green is to set goal that are achievable and then once she gets those down, she finds more achievable goals and keeps going. She notes, “If we all did a little bit at a time, it would be so impactful.” We hear Julia even makes her own eco-friendly cleaning spray, and has her own organic garden that helps get her kids to eat their greens. What a good green mommy!

Destination: Bucks County, PA

2010-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Old-country charm matched with hip, city style makes Bucks County, PA one of our favorite green places to spend time, shop, and stay.

Dine: Think hip, urban restaurant with a farmhouse flair. Vine and Fig tree Bistro is popular for being the only restaurant in town to serve a NYC style brunch and makes the most amazing grilled cheese from all recycled kitchen equipment. Secret recipe below (straight from Chef Drew):19 East State Street, Doylestown (215)345.1555

Grilled Goat Cheese With Pear & Vidalia Onion Jam
2 Slices multi-grain bread
4 oz montrachet goats milk cheese, room temperature
2-3 tbls onion jam ½ bosc pear, room temperature, sliced thin
Unsalted butter

Decorate: Harmony Hill is a beautiful farm in Hilltown owned by Lyn Hicks. Hicks (a true Boho girl) specializes in doing eco weddings using the organic flowers she grows on her farm. Check out her website at www.harmonyhillgardens.com

Design: The Tile Gallerie carries some of the most unique, one-of-a-kind handmade tiles. Owner Julia Thomas has one of the largest collections of handmade tiles around (and an endearing British accent). 350 Swamp Road, Dublin PA (215) 249.4848 www.thetilegallerie.com

Dress: Brooklyn city girl turned Doylestown country girl, Justine Kawas, is the founder of Greenchanges.org. This hip, community driven t-shirt collection helps initiate their green mission, Green Changes…Everything.

For more visit http://visitbuckscounty.com

Our Prayers & Thoughts Are With The People Of Haiti

2010-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2010. Boho Magazine is following the news of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti with tremendous concern and dismay. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected, either directly or indirectly. We hope and pray that relief efforts will be as swift and comprehensive as possible. For those who are interested in reaching out a helping hand, please consult this list of organizations that plan to contribute to relief efforts:

Relief Organizations:

American Jewish World Service
American Red Cross
Americares
Catholic Relief Services
Center for International Disaster Information
Doctors without Borders
International Rescue Committee
Oxfam America
Samaritan’s Purse
Save the Children
World Vision
United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund
U.S. Funds for UNICEF

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti!

Photo credit: http://msn.com

Art History

2010-01-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix recyclables with sculpting and printmaking? “Rural Chic,” says Chicago based artist, Dolan Geiman. Geiman’s eco-friendly art emerges from a folk art tradition infused with a contemporary, urban style. His intensity stems from the knowledge and respect for the earth growing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley raised by his father, who worked for the US Forest Service and mother, a watercolor artist.

Art projects usually start with reclaiming pieces of the past such as salvaged wood, found objects, and other recycled materials for this eco-mixed media artist. Currently based in Chicago’s Sustainable Manufacturing Center, Geiman and his business partner and fiancée, Ali, are committed to being earth-friendly and encouraging other artists to become aware of the everyday materials they can recycle, reuse and, reprint.

All boho readers are being offered a 10% off discount on all orders received from December through February. Visit their etsy site at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dolangeiman and enter the discount code “Boho Mag” in the “Message to Seller” note during checkout to receive the special discount.

Style Me Eco- Savvy

2010-01-05T05:04:00.001-08:00

With exposed brick, reclaimed wood floors, and repurposed tree stumps everywhere, there’s a lofty-city feel to this country town boutique, Shop Sixty Five in Doylestown, Pa. The sustainable stylist and owner behind the chic exterior is Linda LaRosa Bidlo. Bidlo was once a major Fashion Editor for major rags like Elle and Czech Harper’s Bazaar. Every piece carried in her store is as well edited as any national fashion spread.

Shop Sixty Five is located in a new building that is 100% green, LEED certified. From an unmatched denim bar filled with over 20 of the best brands, to an exceptional designer mix with everything from See by Chloe to Burning Torch, Bidlo knows what to carry, and also how to carry yourself out of her store dressed classy and confident. Shop online at www.shopsixtyfive.com

Greening Your Home

2009-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

This particular restoration of the one room Buckingham schoolhouse into its Second Empire style-addition was completely sustainable. Eco elements were incorporated throughout the entire home. Some of the green details that were infused into the home include reclaimed hardwood floors, an open look well system, salvaged antique doors, geothermal heat pump, Energy Star appliances, Enviro-pure paint, recycled rubber roofing and so much more.

We love this Buckingham Schoolhouse that gets a new green life. Check out the rest of the article and more amazing photos in our latest issue!

Healing Visualization

2009-12-29T05:06:00.000-08:00

As the Executive Director and Artist of Changing Images Art Foundation, Arlene Sullivan creates inspirational artwork on the walls of hospitals, libraries, and shelters to help spread vibrant shades of hope across the country.

Sullivan’s first inspiration came when her youngest child was hospitalized at two weeks of age and she spent two months in the intensive care unit with him. She admits the medical staff was excellent, but the atmosphere was not very cheerful or comforting. As a former art teacher, she partnered with another parent to work on her first mural and in just a few years, now works with over 4,000 eager volunteers, including many popular celebrities such as Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Jon Bon Jovi, Rosie O’Donnell and Luciano Pavarotti who have contributed to several thousand paintings.

These encouraging strokes of representation are now available along the pages of the heartfelt children’s book, The Journey of Hanna Heart wrote, illustrated and published by Sullivan. 100% of the proceeds go to Changing Images. Visit www.changingimages.org.

Boho Boutiques

2009-12-24T08:07:00.001-08:00

Mixing key edited vintage pieces with hard to find boutique brands, check out the new Sea-Nyack!
www.sea-nyack.com
http://www.facebook.com/seaboutique

Stumped on a green gift?

2009-12-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

Shop Local & check out some of the prettiest hand-made items, like this fish vase, from local artisans over at www.artisans3gallery.com

Hope

2009-12-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so powerful as hope. With hope, one can think, one can work, one can dream. If you have hope, you have everything.

Calling All Cougars

2009-12-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

We are obsessed with this Hand-Crafted Brass and Cougar ring made in the medieval village of San Gimigiano, by jeweler Matteo Mccalle. Get it @ www.shopsixtyfive.com

Become a fan of Shop Sixty Five on Facebook and follow then on Twitter @shopsixtyfive.

Boho Loves greenshanti!

2009-12-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Offering green products for special occasions from around the world that blend artistic craftsmanship with eco-friendly design, greenshanti is truly an emerald within the sustainably green world! Boho just featured greenshanti within our December Winter edition and is excited about all the eco-savvy wrapping products they offer!

Made from recycled natural fiber, raw materials, and organic dyes, these colorful paper products send a message that resonates. The idea for greenshanti evolved from personal passion for travel and design. greenshanti came across communities of artisans of less than ordinary means creating things of extraordinary beauty.

Visit http://greenshanti.com today to learn more about environmentally friendly gifts, baby clothing & toys, stationary & travel accessories!

For more of our faves featured in this month's Winter edition, make sure to subscribe to Boho Magazine today!

BOHO Magazine Named "Best New Launch"

2009-12-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

Aveda(tm) Awards BOHO Magazine the 2009 Environmental Award for Magazines for Best New Launch!

Global sustainability leader Aveda(tm) and non-profit organization Green America have awarded BOHO Magazine the prestigious 2009 ‘Aveda Environmental Award for Magazines’ in the New Launch category. After just one year in operation, it is truly a great honor to have BOHO Magazine recognized by the leader in corporate environmental continuity.

This award recognizes the achievement of magazines committed to environmental leadership in an industry where tragically, less than 2 percent of all magazine paper contains any recycled content.

Collectively, Boho and the two other category winners, have saved 64,794 trees, conserved 20,60 BTU’s of energy, saved 5,653,166 pounds in greenhouse gases, conserved 30,068,235 of wastewater, and 1,455,240 pounds of solid waste.

Since our launch in 2008, BOHO Magazine has been committed to promoting eco-conscious products and practices, and using complementary eco-minded packaging. BOHO has ushered a new era for fashion magazines by delivering high fashion and beauty tips while also significantly reducing our impact on the environment. While similar high gloss magazines would require 296 tons of virgin wood from the forest, BOHO magazine prides itself on the fact that we use none.

Thank you very much Aveda and Green America. It is our distinguished honor to accept this award.

Have a Serene Green Holiday

2009-12-15T05:02:00.001-08:00

A real tree or not a real tree? Want to continue Holiday traditions while being faithful to your “Green” heart? There are lots of wonderful ways to decorate sustainably this holiday season. Because TIME is something we never seem to have enough of, and always want more of, lets celebrate the season cherishing this moment in time with our decor, gift wrap and more time honored details.
Gift Giving - One of Gina’s favorite things are vintage letterpress numbers that can create your own eco-friendly wrapping paper. Using recycled craft or roll paper, and soy inks (for the letterpress), you can recreate a pattern of numbers with these special vintage letter pressed numbers. In addition, she likes the mixing of handmade recycled paper from GreenShanti.com which is designed and made by hand from a small group of women over in Nepal. It's another way to support women owned businesses around the world.

Timeless Tagging- The traditional tale of Alice in Wonderland is all about Time. Gina has found lovely handmade gift tags made from original repurposed Alice in Wonderland storybook from the early 1900's. Hand pressed with numbers and illustrations of clocks, the rabbit and more, these are perfect to adorn any time cherished gift box.

Tree Topping- There is still no right or wrong way to be eco about a Christmas tree. But the two choices should either be using a faux Vintage tree that has been passed down from generations, or if you love the fresh smell of tree and that is a must for your home for the holidays-choose a tree with a root ball, so that it can be planted in your yard after Christmas is over. This also creates a new time honored tradition for your family, and you will have the trees for generations.

Stocking Stuffing - No Holiday would be complete without stockings and mantle decorations. Create your own recycled stockings with the use of recycled paper, handmade number stickers, and vintage silk ribbons. You can also add vintage beads, or tiny brooches to complete the piece. In addition, you can decorate the mantle with recycled metal numbers from Gage, which can be designed in a variety of fonts and sizes. And no hearth would be complete without candles....decorate with only soy candles infused with pure oils to give the house a natural non toxic scent. Labeled with the vintage numbers, they complete the look.

To see more of our Eco-Holiday suggestions pick up the 2009 Holiday Boho issue!

Gifts That Give Back

2009-12-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

Our top eight gift ideas thoughtfully wrapped for a good cause.

Moisturize with a Meaning – Aveda’s new luscious lotions give back by using Lokta paper for its collection supporting the women businesses in Nepal in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.

Dangle with Dedication - Recycled Silver "lace pattern" earrings handmade by a local artist Bario-Neal.

Walk it Forward - High top sneakers made from recycled tires and sustainable repurposed fabrics from Simple Shoes.

Project Giveaway - Every dress bought from Whitten and Grey provides another girl in need with a dress.

Sweet Spots - You can purchase a wild endangered animal with the African Wildlife Safari. The received not only gets an animal, but they get Endangered Species Chocolate.

Reduce, Reuse, CYCLE! - Go green with a recycled bike. The person gets to build their own eco-friendly bicycle!!!! this is an awesome gift! Bamboobikestudio.com.

Writing Rainbow - Soy crayons. Gorgeous and Organic. Perfect for young child. Wholefoods.

Guiltless Vintage- Vintage Cupcake in a jar by Love my Cake. Can be mailed. Vintage homey cupcakes in a jar made with organic free trade chocolate. Yum! OR Endangered Chocolates.

Powder Me Green

2009-12-01T04:56:00.000-08:00

Where else would you find a haven for all things green and luxurious but California’s own neighborhood full of innovative ideas and creativity, Venice Beach. Celebrity make-up artist Renata Helfman opened her dream of offering clean and green cosmetics through the storefront doors of, Vert.

Vert is a one-stop eco-shopping destination specializing in sophisticated high-end eco-friendly products collected by Helfman from all around the world. Josie Maran Cosmetics, Arcona, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Naturopathica, Nuxe, Red Flower and Me & Ro are just some of the luxe and chemical free beauty products found at Vert. Helfman also offers customers personal make-up seminars and workshops on proper skin care to help provide guidance and education on overall green living (www.vertlosangeles.com). A few Vert devotees include Molly Sims and Jennifer Jason Leigh. What shade is your foundation today?

A Stitch in Time

2009-11-24T04:48:00.000-08:00

Successful stylist and costume designer, Natalie Chanin, of the notable Alabama Chanin, uses traditional sewing skills from the past to create modern, sustainable designs for fashion and home. Chanin has combined her runway experience in NYC and 22 years abroad, along with her southern roots to create an eco-clothing line that expresses warm, hand-stitched tones of originality.

The garments crafted from organic and recycled fabrics incorporate quilting, embroidery, and have a policy of zero waste. Each stencil design and pattern is a flowing work of art. This past August Chanin was named one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. It has been a long journey for this talented Alabama native, but with each stitch forward she remembers, life is in the details.

To see more of Alabama Chanin visit www.alabamachanin.com and pick up the fall 2009 Boho issue!

Just Bead It

2009-11-17T05:04:00.001-08:00

"Just Bead It" That’s what mother and daughter Torkin Wakefield and Devin Hibbard along with friend Ginny Jordan had in mind when they founded the vibrant non-profit, Bead for Life. Since 2004, this tightly threaded threesome has helped pull families out of poverty one beaded string at a time. The colorful array of necklaces and bracelets are all hand-made from repurposed materials, including beads made from recycled paper and jewelry bags made out of sustainable products. Adding a unique accessory to your wardrobe can help hundreds of women worldwide gain a steady course of income, affordable housing and health programs. Showcase a motivational pattern over your blouse or even host your own bead party!

To find out more info about hosting a bead party or purchasing these beautiful masterpieces go to www.beadforlife.org.

Let us know what you have been doing to change your world. Tell us by “Tweeting it Forward” @Bohomag, visiting the boho fan page on Facebook, or going to the Boho blog and leaving us a post. Remember, every little thing that you do is a positive improvement for a greener future!

Boho Love

2009-11-10T13:19:00.001-08:00

Check out this great article by USA Today on Boho Magazine!
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/index

And check out the Boho Magazine feature on Rachel McAdams blog!
http://www.greenissexy.org/2009/10/05/green-read-7/

Fashion Week Goes Green

2009-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last spring Boho girls ventured to New York Fashion Week and brought back tricks of the trade on make-up, hair and accessories. The girls where able to chat with eco-stylists about green products and get a behind-the-scenes look at the prettiest hair and make-up for the fall. Stains, shimmer and braids are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the hot looks that were spotted on the eco-friendly catwalks. "Braids are an emerging trend we see going man stream for the fall…” John Masters, owner of John Masters Organics.

Boho's fall 2009 issue is full of tips and tricks from make-up and hair artists, as well as pictures from fashion week and a plethora of products that can help you transform your beauty regime into a green regime!

Every little thing helps! It can be as simple as switching to an eco-conscious eyeshadow. Boho is proud of all of the great things our World Changing Chicks do and we want to hear about them. "Tweet it Forward" and let us know about what great green products you have found.

Something old, something new.

2009-11-03T05:02:00.001-08:00

Vintage buys are not the only way to be an eco-conscious fashionista... There are tons of chic styles that have been created using recycled, re-purposed and restyled materials! Dotted Loop is a jewelry design company that uses vintage items and other recycled metals to create one of a kind necklaces.

The Andean Collection offers another great example of recycled and restyled glam. The company and the products they create are environmentally and socially conscious. The jewelry that they create is made from natural materials, so the pieces are 100% sustainable! The Andean Collection practices fair-trade principles and provides a "path out of poverty for their skilled artisans."

To see other reused, recycled and restyles pieces and companies, pick up the fall 2009 Boho issue!

"Tweet it Forward" @ Bohomag

Every positive action today is a step toward a better, greener world for tomorrow.

Birds of Feather Fly Together

2009-10-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

This is most certainly the case for twin sisters Heather and Heidi Palmer, creators and creative directors of True Birds, their hair accessories line. These fun-spirited designers sell hand-made hair accessories made from natural fibers and feathers at reasonable prices so that every peacock can strut her stuff. The Palmers have also collaborated with Jerell Scott, designer of Project Runway fame. The eco-friendly and fashion forward girls also support Child Help, a local organization that is dedicated to preventing and treating victims of child abuse.

Boho magazine applauds the Palmer twins, not only for the success of their eco-friendly accessory line but for supporting Child Help. To find out more info about Child Help go to www.childhelp.org. These girls are definitely World Changing Chickadees!

Let us know what you have been doing to help out your piece of the world. “Tweet it Forward” @Bohomag, visit the boho fan page on Facebook or go to the Boho blog and leave us a post. Remember, every little thing that you do is a positive improvement for a greener future!

He's Ready for His Close Up

2009-10-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Nigel Barker, renowned fashion photographer, judge on Tyra Bank’s America’s Next Top Model and humanitarian activist, sat down with Victoria Klein from Boho magazine for an interview. Barker, who is a life long humanitarian activist, has been working on a documentary about the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and their contributions in Africa. The film is slated to premiere in September. He has also created SHARED DESTINY: WILDLIFE FROM AFRICA TO THE ARTIC, A photographic Exhibition to commemorate World Environment Day 2009 at the United Nations Headquarters. Barker is definitely fierce about his efforts and the changes that he is making to help out.

Tweet it Forward @Bohomag or start a thread right here about what you have been doing lately to help out.

This Month's Stylish Girl

2009-10-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

We’ve always adored Rachel McAdam’s in her films, like The Notebook and her recent release The Time Traveler’s Wife, but now we have fallen head over heels for her when we caught up with her at last Spring’s Go Green Expo in New York City and found out how eco-conscious she really is! Rachel McAdams has been a green activist for practically her entire life. Her celebrity has brought attention to her website GreenIsSexy.org, which she uses to raise awareness about issues like sustainable clothing alternatives and environmental preservation. McAdam’s is constantly lightening her carbon footprint on the planet by supporting tree planting organizations, using green power sources and unplugging everything that has a power cord! Rachel McAdam’s definitely makes the list as a World Changing Chick.

Tweet it Forward @Bohomag or start a thread right here to let us know what you have been doing to make a change and you might be the next World Changing Chick!

2009-10-09T14:54:00.001-07:00

"Tweet it Forward"
BOHO magazine, everyone’s favorite new green fashion magazine, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with the launch of its "Tweet it Forward" World Changing Chick Challenge. Created to kick-start BOHO’s mission to change the world, one simple act at a time, BOHO is inspiring people everywhere to begin to “Tweet it Forward”, and start tweeting a good deed of the day on BOHO’S Twitter page. “We wanted to take the Twitter and Facebook platforms and create a revolution that gets people tweeting and posting to challenge each other to do good things for others." Whether it’s dropping an extra quarter in a stranger’s parking meter to help them avoid getting a ticket, or baking cupcakes to welcome a new neighbor into the community, the key is all about spreading love to others in small, and virtuously costless ways,” says BOHO’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Gina LaMorte Every month on the BOHO blog, BOHO will acknowledge a World Changing Chick that had a motivating, revolutionary idea.

Participants will have a chance to even become featured on the pages of an upcoming issue of BOHO magazine. Visit the Boho blog, post on Facebook or @Bohomag on Twitter and let us know what your doing right now!

2009-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

World Changing Chick Challenge

“Be the Change You Wish to See in the World.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Boho magazine has a brand new challenge for all of the eco-friendly fashionistas out there. We challenge you to make a change in the world and become a World Changing Chick. Boho has highlighted World Changing Chicks, big and small, for their efforts to help change their little piece of the world for the better over the past year. Now we want to know what you have been up to. Pick up a copy of the fall issue of Boho to read more about World Changing Chick Challenge. You could be in the next issue as a World Changing Chick! Let us know what you have been up to to make your piece of the world a better place!

Fall for Fun!

2009-09-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's the last day of September, and I couldn't be more content. It's autumn! The seasons are shifting! And best of all, it's almost October- the month of Halloween, cider, harvest festivals, beautiful leaves... you can't beat it.

I used to think that fall was all about hunkering down, but this year, I'm learning that autumn season is all about getting out! Here are some fun activities to toss on your autumnal to-do list:

VISIT FARMERS MARKETS
So many delicious foods are in season- broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, oranges, leeks, sweet potatoes, lettuce... you might as well buy it at its freshest. Even if you don't feel like buying fresh produce, it's nice to visit farmer's markets. They're an excuse to slow down, enjoy the crisp fall weather, and indulge in some great people watching.

VISIT FARMS
Call me a late bloomer, but I had never been apple picking before. Boy was I missing out! Nothing tastes better than a freshly-picked apple. If you're near an apple orchard, pay it a visit- or several. I picked as many apples as I could carry last weekend, and they're already almost gone! Don't know where to go? PickYourOwn.org can help you find a farm near you.

GO TO HARVEST FESTIVALS
Lots of local farms host fall harvest festivals, complete with corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches. I haven't been to one since I was a kid, and I think it's time to go back. Maybe you should too! Hey, if you're in Utah, you can even die laughing in a corn maze of the Twilight nature- harharhar!

BAKE
I am a major fan of pumpkin pie. And sugar cookies (do you like the autumn batch I baked up?). And chocolatey sweets. Take that fresh produce you pick and purchase and whip up something delicious. Life may be chaotic, but when you're smelling the warm aroma of baking pie, it's difficult to fret about much of anything.

CELEBRATE
Nobody is too old for Halloween. Whether you host a party, trick-or-treat with your kids and family, or turn of all your lights and hide away from "those darn hooligans," you can find a fun Halloween activity that suits you. Such as roasting pumpkin seeds. YUM.

No matter what you do this season, I hope you have a blast doing it. If you have any fun fall suggestions of your own, leave a comment to share it with the rest of us!

Get Ready for the Fall Issue!

2009-09-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

That's right! Boho's fall issue comes out on the 15th! Hurrah!
If you don't already have a subscription, drop by your local bookstore and pick up a copy. This issue is the best yet. Enjoy!

Not Just Another Tee

2009-09-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yay Fashion Week! I love the excitement, new designs, blossoming trends, enthusiastic buzz... it's like a big ice cream sundae of aesthetics and innovation. Mmmm.

One can also expect a number of cool duds to result from the exercise, of course. One such article of clothing is "Not Just Another Tee." As of today this limited edition designer tee by fashion icon Miguel Ardrover has become available at select Whole Foods markets nationwide. Hessnatur is behind the launch, which is intended reflect how clothing can be environmentally and socially responsible while still being stylish, accessible, and (at only $20) very affordable. A portion of the proceeds go to hessnatur's Schoarship Program, so the shirt even does its part to eradicate poverty through education. Not bad, eh?

Anyhoo, enjoy Fashion Week! If you're in New York, lucky you!!! If you're elsewhere, like me... hit up those blogs!!!

Glamping

2009-09-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

[Photo (EcoCamp, Patagonia) from Go Glamping]

Going green has never been so good. The newest trend in vacations is glamping- as in glamorous camping. Think sleeping under the stars, but with a nice clean shower tucked behind that grassy knoll and a helpful guide to set up the fire and s'mores. Mark Penn recently wrote about it in his Microtrends colum of the Wall Street Journal, and I've noticed it myself too.

Penn suggests the trend is in its early stages, but I bet a lot of Boho readers are familiar with the concept. After all, going green in style isn't something we started yesterday! Pshaw! It's in our blood!

Nevertheless, because eco-consciousness is on the rise, and because people are looking for local, reasonably-priced vacations, the Great Outdoors are more attractive than ever to America's mainstream population. Consumers benefit from price savings and a chance to get close to nature without the hassle; nature benefits from increased awareness of her value and a growing number of businesses that protect her ecosystems rather than develop and exploit them.

I'm still a fan of roughing it, believe me, but I'm also excited about this growing movement. After all... sometimees we just need pampering, and now it's easier than ever indulge in the most beautiful setting imaginable- nature.

___

As a side note, I thought I'd share some cool glamping sites and directories with you- just in case you're craving fresh air and relaxation as much as I do!

Go Glamping - A great luxury camping directory. Yurt, anyone?

Glamping Girl- An informative blog about luxury camping!

Canvas Chic- A beautiful getaway at Mille Etoiles in Southern France. For modern-day Marie Antoinettes.

Costanoa - An eco adventure resort on the California coastline. Spa included.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort - 30 minutes (by boat from Tofino, Canada) Their tents make my apartment look like a cardboard box.

Change is Fabulous

2009-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

[photo by Steven Smith]

It seems as though everyone I know is experiencing massive change in their lives. I'm constantly hearing about new jobs, cross-country moves, graduation, retirement... it strikes me as rather insane that so much is happening all at once, though I suppose that change is the one thing we can depend on, right?

Here's my issue though: change is so stressful! So uncomfortable! So uncertain! And so much work!!! Ooooh, it makes me furious- or at least it did.

Just recently, I went backpacking with a bunch of friends, and at first I dreaded the trip- resented it even. We were to be wilderness camping, and had to drive way out into the mountains, then load all of our gear into canoes and paddle to an island in the middle of a lake. It seemed like so much work for a trip that was only to last two nights, and I wasn't exactly thrilled about abandoning my internet connection and pillow top mattress for some wild place that I had never even seen. Nevertheless, we went, and when we got there I realized that it really was worth all the effort. For the fist time in ages, I could go rock climbing, paddling, and stargazing, and it struck me that I had really missed being outdoors.

Out on that lake, I learned that it really pays to accept change, not just because it's inevitable, but because we really need it. So often, we get stuck in narrow ruts, focusing on limited, highly specialized activities, and completely ignoring the greater world around us. We also tend to forget about simple but essential elements that have been sidelined by our current careers and obsessions, like friends, family, relaxation, and nature. Now that I've embraced change, I have an easier time putting things in perspective, and I am more aware of what really matters to me. Yes, change is tough, but it makes us deeper, wiser, and stronger.

So if you're like everyone else I know and are also seeing your fair share of change, don't fret. It may be uncomfortable at times, but you'll end up so much the better!

Textbook Time

2009-08-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

[Photo by myuibe on Flickr]

With September looming around the corner, I know that a lot of people are about to go back to school. For one more year, I am proud to include myself among them. Still, as an environmentally (and sadly, budget-conscious) girl, I am utterly flummoxed by the wasteful and expensive world of college textbooks. I detest having to shove out tons of money for costly new editions, and I hate the idea of all the older editions being discarded. It's dreadfully wasteful!

Ah, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of the websites I used this summer in an attempt to avoid the high cost and regretful waste of underutilized college textbooks:

CourseSmart- allows you to buy your textbook as an e-textbook. It costs less (I saved $143 on one book), doesn't involve printing an enormous book on virgin paper, and is SUPER convenient. They even have a free iPhone app that allows you to read your textbook on the go. Fun fun!

Chegg - allows you to rent your book- either for a quarter or a semester. This is a great alternative to buying a book used and then being stuck with it when nobody wants to buy an older edition.

Campusbooks - allows you to compare prices of textbooks from various sites. For each book, it'll give you a summary of the lowest prices (for international, used, new, and rentals) and also list various other price offerings. How AWESOME is it to have a site that does the comparison shopping FOR you? VERY awesome, thankyouverymuch.

If you're not a student, thank your lucky stars you can read what you choose, and pass these sites on to someone who might benefit. If you are a student, happy hunting! It's nice to have so many options these days, no?

P.S. If you know of an awesome textbook site (for used books, e-books, or rentals) that I didn't mention, leave a link for it in the comments!

Roots

2009-08-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, a girl has just got to get acquainted with her roots- in all senses of the word.

While visiting Santa Cruz the other weekend, I had the pleasure of touring my grandfather's backyard vegetable garden. As an Oklahoma native who survived the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, World War II, and even a plane crash in the desolate mountains in which he was the sole survivor, my grandfather is one tough dude. Even at age 89 he is still working away in his personally designed wood shop, planting and harvesting delicious fruits and vegetables in his garden, and making delicious pies and jams with his hand-picked harvest.

Under my grandfather's careful supervision, my mother and I pulled up some potatoes and onions to bring home. He also picked some choice blackberries from the vine for us to sample. As we discussed his past on the farm in Oklahoma, I was reminded of just how much we can learn from previous generations. After all, my grandfather was, and still is to a great extent, living a sustainable life- growing much of his own food, repairing tools and furniture instead of throwing it away, and creating his own identity instead of buying it prepackaged from a designer or store.

As I devoured the freshly harvested potatoes back home, I was filled with a vision for a new generation- one that has the sense to use the wisdom of our ancestors, as well as the ingenuity to incorporate it into modern design. Then this summer's Boho magazine caught my eye, and I realized that this generation already exists.

Thank goodness! I know we've got a great future ahead of us.

Ribbons!

2009-07-31T09:18:00.001-07:00

Today, I present to you an inexpensive, versatile, and beautiful adornment: the ribbon!
One of my favorite accessories of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is the simple ribbon choker. They are showcased in countless paintings and fashion prints, and their simplicity and elegance never fails to flatter the neck.

Ribbon chokers are quite versatile- there's the option to wear the bow in front, on the side, or at the back; one can go with thick, embellished ribbons, or simple small ones, and one can even dress up a simple thin ribbon with a bauble borrowed from another chain.

The brilliance of it all is that it's incredibly easy to make your own choker (or any sort of ribbon necklace or bracelet for that matter). All you need is a length of ribbon and a pair of scissors. Simply tie the ribbon around your neck and (if you did not pre-measure it) trim the ends off as desired. Make sure that you can easily untie the necklace with just one tug, and keep it fairly loose (you should be able to slide your thumb under it without feeling discomfort).

I hope my little rant has inspired you to get creative with ribbon- however you might choose. It's a fantastically inexpensive way to spice up your style, and by using simple, biodegradable materials, you're doing the environment a favor as well.

One of OUR Favorite Things!

2009-07-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

We just love this adorable shirt design by Cynthia Frenette on Threadless.

Too cute!!

Get Well Soon, Tara Subkoff!

2009-07-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the way I'd like it to be, bad things happen to awesome people. Yesterday it came out that Actor and designer Tara Subkoff has a brain tumor. Luckily, the tumor is benign, but can be lethal if not removed, so Tara will be undergoing surgery this summer.
Tara Subkoff is known for her Immitation of Christ clothing line, as well as integrating re-used clothing in to designs (before it was cool), and has also acted in over 20 movies.
According to Stylelist, the recovery will take about a year, during which Tara will be unable to work. To help her get through the surgery and recovery, Tara's friends have planned a silent art auction benefit for July 15th. Anyone interested in providing monetary support or donations for the auction has been asked to contact staff@artproductionfun.org, and checks can be made out to NYFA and sent to the following address.

Art Production Fund
299 W. Houston St.
New York NY 10014

Tara- we wish you the speediest recovery imaginable!

[Photo: Getty Images via the New York Observer]

Have a Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

[Photo by Woodley Wonderworks]

Hey there! I hope you've got brilliant plans for tomorrow.
If you're looking for some ways to keep it green, check out these blog posts, and have a blast!

Celebrate Independence Day the Eco Way! on Low Impact Living

Five Festive and Eco-Friendly Independence Day Crafts on Crafting a Green World

Food Independence Day (about a campaign to encourage local and sustainable eating on the Fourth) on Serious Eats

4th of July Cupcakes on Cupcakes Take the Cake (I'm throwing this in for good measure. Cupcakes ROCK)

Couch Independence Day

2009-07-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

[Photo by Mike Smail on Flikr]

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for resistance. We are slaves, I tell you. SLAVES!!! Or... at least I am. To my couch.

More often than I'd like to admit, I have squandered nights on my couch, curled daintily around my laptop as the beautiful stars pass overhead unnoticed and the sweet summer breeze caresses nothing but the rounded backsides of my Raccoon Comrades as they attempt to break in through my cat door.

But this must stop! Summer is too beautiful, too fleeting to ignore! It's July 1st- already independence day for Burundi and Rwanda, and our beloved July 4th is just days away. It's all quite inspiring. So I'm going to declare some independence myself.
Independence from my couch. I vow to get off that thing and...

1. Ride my bike through tree lined streets wearing adorable sundresses
2. Go for moonlit walks with a romantic look on my face
3. Read charming novels in the park
4. Have at least one full-out picnic (blanket and everything!)
5. Make peace with the Raccoon Comrades

Now, what about you? Are you chasing after your dreams? Because if you're feeling anchored to a couch, maybe you ought to declare your independence too. I guarantee it's worth it. My door is open, my flip-flops are on, and already I can smell adventure on the wind!

Cara Linn Cakes

2009-06-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have come to learn that not all sweets are created equal. Sugar is fine, but honestly, a desert is not worth sticking a fork into unless it meets certain criteria: (1) It must be fresh (2) It must be made with real, natural ingredients, and (3) it must be beautiful!
Our very own editor-in-chief Gina LaMorte just introduced me to a cake shop that meets- and exceeds my criteria. Cara Linn Cakes are fresh, sweetened only with organic cane sugar, and GEORGEOUS! They even offer vegan and raw food options, which is no small feat!
Lucky for you, they're discounting cakes through June 25th! Even the wedding cakes are 40% off. Is it strange that I want to grab a random (but good-looking, mind you) man off the street and marry him so I can get one?
If you are anywhere near Brooklyn, NY, you've got to check them out. If you're too far away, you can always just check out their blog to see the pretty pictures!
Oh, and if you'll be swinging by San Francisco at any point, bring me one of their cupcakes! I simply must try one!!!

Summer Reading

2009-06-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

[photo by kennymatic]

Oh, it is ON, kids. I personally challenge you to a summer read-off. Whoever reads the most pages by September 1st wins mad street cred. Are you up to it, punk?
Seriously though- it's just about summertime! We, as decent human beings, are morally obligated to engage in the time-honored tradition of summertime reading. What a crime it would be if we neglected to read in the sun with a cool beverage at our sides. So come on, join me and read read READ!!
If you're already finished with the latest Boho issue, do not fret. There are TONS of new places to turn that are both easy on the planet and your pocketbook. You can read lots of books online via Google Books, and if you enjoy manga, utilize OneManga for frequently updated scanlations. If you prefer to hold the books you're reading, you can use one of the many online sharing services and groups out there, such as Swaptree, Bookins, BookMooch, PaperBackSwap, and Freecycle (they swap tons of other stuff too). You can even have fun with sites such a BookCrossing, which lets you tag and track books you give away. There are also rental serives such as America's BookShelf, Bookswim, and Booksfree, just in case you can't get what you need for free.
Now that you have access to more books than you know what to do with, let's turn to keeping track of them. I'm particular partial to Goodreads myself- it allows you to create various lists of books you want to read, are reading, and have read, and you can categorize, rate, review, and share them, as well as peek at what your friends are reading. It's awesome!
So are there any takers? Friend me on Goodreads, and let's read ourselves silly!

The Summer Issue is IN!

2009-05-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! The summer issue is out- and it is AWESOME!! If you haven't already subscribed, be sure to pick up a copy. You don't want to miss out on this one.
Pip pip!

We Love: DonorsChoose.org

2009-05-25T15:44:00.001-07:00

Am I the only one that freaks out when it comes to giving donations? There are so many deserving parties! Should I help animals? People? Ecosystems? Children? Gaaah!!!! I CAN'T DECIDE!!!
Because I have difficulty choosing recipients, I have decided to make donation decisions based on the organization receiving my money. Because cash is a bit scarce these days, I focus on the places that get the most bang out of my buck. After all, I don't want 30% of my donation to go toward some large bureaucracy- I want as much of it to go directly to the intended recipients as is physically possible.
One of the charities that does this best is DonorsChoose. My room mate Caroline pointed it out to me about two years ago, and I have been raving about them ever since. On the DonorsChoose website, school teachers post proposals for various classroom improvements (such as upgraded reading materials, dry erase boards, calculators, and project supplies) that have corresponding prices attached. Proposals are screened by DonorsChoose volunteers before they make it to the site, so you can be sure they are legitimate. Once requests are posted, prospective donors have the opportunity to check them out and provide funding. DonorsChoose uses the money to purchase the requested supplies and ship them to the teacher, and donors recieve thank you notes from the class, photos, and a teacher Impact Letter.
What I love about this system is that it allows donors to know exactly where their money is going. I also love the gratification that donors get from the class pictures and thank you notes. So many charities accept donations that seem to go directly toward something tangible by giving you the chance to, say, buy a goat for a family in a developing country, however more often than not, the fine print reveals that the "goat" is only a representation of what may be purchased with your donation. DonorsChoose donations, on the other hand, go precisely where you think they will. Now that is awesome!!

Easy to be Green: Organic Cotton & Healthy Skepticism

2009-05-21T11:52:00.001-07:00

[image from Twirls and Twigs]

Do you remember when green tea started showing up in everything? And pomegranates? And acai? Sometimes I wonder if our interest in them is more based on popularity rather than quantifiable merit. Back in the day, people feared saturated fat so much that food producers sought to avoid it, which led to thecreation of trans-fats. Did we think these new foods were healthier? Yep. Were they actually? Not so much.
Occasionally, I also question the merit of various organic products. It's not that I'm against everything going organic, but industrial farming is still industrial farming, whether it is organic or not, and sometimes organic produce is shipped so far to come to our plates, we're doing more harm than good to the environment by encouraging long-distance, carbon and pollution-gushing supply chains. For this reason, I prioritize local over organic.
But what about organic cotton? I have never been that well-informed about it. Is it worth it to buy organic cotton? Or, as with organic food, are there hidden caveats that make some types less environmentally friendly than one might imagine? I decided to do a bit of research.
What I found was that organic cotton is pretty much as good as it seems. Actually, the more I read about it, the more I felt that I never wanted to buy conventional cotton again! According to AboutOrganicCotton.org, "conventionally grown cotton consumes approximately 25% of the Insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the world" and about a third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers is required to make enough cotton for just one shirt!! Yikes!
I'm glad to know that more cotton farmers are going organic every year (there was a 158% increase from 2007-2008 alone, according to the Organic Trade Association!) and that it has real merit beyond the buzz. Still, I think it's a good idea to be skeptical about products that boast their eco-friendliness. It's all fine and good to be up on the latest trends, but when it comes to sustainability, it's downright square to blindly accept faulty fixes.

We Love: Farmer's Markets

2009-05-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the conveniences of modern transportation, communication, and retail, we live very comfortable lives. Unfortunately, these conveniences also remove us from reality. Sometimes I spend so many hours sitting in front of a computer, eating packaged food, and researching abstract topics that I hardly feel human anymore!
Thankfully, I have methods for winning back my humanity- one of which involves trekking out to the local farmers' market.
There is so much to love about farmers' markets! The food is fresh, the people are friendly, and the prices are fantastic (especially considering the quality you get). What's more, buying local food and produce is great for the environment. Personally though, I adore farmers' markets because they are splendidly grounding. I love having the opportunity to shop in the open air instead of inside some climate controlled cave, and it's incredibly comforting to see a real connection between the food I eat and the people and places they come from. Maybe one of the biggest problems with today's environmental crises is that we forget about our connection to the natural world. Thanks to cars, complicated supply chains, and the Internet, it's all too easy to do so.
Fortunately, it is also extremely easy to rebuild that connection. All it takes is a little thought, and farmers' markets provide just that (plus that DELICIOUS food. Mmmmm). Websites such as LocalHarvest.org and FarmersMarket.com make it super easy to find nearby markets, and there are many additional directories, such as Fruitstands.com, which provide market listings on both national and local levels. If you don't frequent your local market already, I strongly encourage you to plan a visit. Nothing beats fresh air, fresh food, and a fresh connection with the beautiful world that's all around us!

Sweet T-Shirts!

2009-05-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

News flash: IT IS FINALLY GETTING WARMER!!!

Oh man, I am so excited. Why, you ask? Because we can finally ditch the coats and sweaters!

If you're finding your summer wardrobe is a bit wanting, allow me to recommend this:

Ta-daa! The Boho and Vintage Blue live green shirt! Puurdy, huh? I think so. And hey- it's made with eco-friendly fabric and dyes to boot.

You can pick yours up at vintage-blue.com, and $1 of each sale is donated to the Arbor Day Foundation's Plant a Tree Program. Hurrah for that, 'cause I hadn't the chance to do something for Arbor Day until now.

Gotta run! I am off to the beach to celebrate. Have fun donning your shirts and summer dresses!!

Handmade: Group Gifts!

2009-05-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Photo by Saquan Stimpson on Flikr

Is there ever a season that's not for giving? Birthdays are year round after all, plus there are tons of other celebrations and a whole variety of holidays in between (including Mother's Day and Father's Day, which are quickly approaching!). Instead of buying something for your friends and family, why don't you consider making a group gift this time around? Here are some ideas for you to consider:

The Group Letter
If you have a friend who lives far away, a great (and easy) gift to send would be a group letter. Next time you have your friends together, pass around a paper and pen, and have everyone write a little something. It's a great way to share good times with a friend who can't be present.

The Group Story
Let's say you're more on the creative side. If that's the case, you really ought to write a group story. Instead of just having friends write a letter to the recipient, have them contribute to a story. Google Docs can make this super easy, especially if not everyone is in the same location. Chances are you'll end up with something really hilarious- and certainly more memorable than 99% of the impersonal disposable gifts out there!

The Group Scrapbook
To give contributors more flexibility, you can allot them space in a scrap book instead of giving them a specific writing assignment. They can design special pages, include pictures, write stories, or do anything they please. In the end, you'll have a beautiful collection of wonderfully personal contributions that the recipient will love.

The Group Photo Album
If you are planning your gift far in advance, consider this an option: buy a couple of disposable cameras (or lend out your digital), and give the recipient's friends and family a chance to take some pictures of themselves for you to put in a special album. You can ask people to make all of the pictures related to something- such something that characterizes their relationship with this person. You'll get really fun results!

Easy to be Green: Meatless Monday

2009-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

What are you eating today? Over the years, this question has become increasingly loaded as it has become clear what a huge impact our dietary habits have on the planet. Many people have responded by taking an activist approach to their diets by going vegetarian, vegan, all local, or non-GMO. For some, such large (and often difficult) measures can seem a big first step, but making a difference through eating habits is still possible with minimal effort.
Take Meatless Mondays for example. In association with the John Hopkins School of Public Health, Meatless Mondays urges Americans to skip meat one day out of the week in an effort to improve national health. As their video (above) shares, there are several additional reasons to cut back on meat, including ones pertaining to the environment and natural resources. Hoping to make a difference, many people are adopting the Meatless Monday habit, including the influential food writer Michael Pollen.
I'm just glad to see that people are advocating moderate ways of making a difference. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by the issues facing the world, I end up not doing anything! Thankfully, little details can make a big difference, and it's all about taking that first step. So before you make yourself dinner tonight, or take out the trash, or shower, just take a second to think. Perhaps you can make a little adjustment that will have a big impact!

[Meatless Monday via TreeHugger ]

Happy Arbor Day!

2009-04-24T08:51:00.001-07:00

You've gotta love April. It's just packed with fabulous envirodays!
Do you take part in the Arbor Day tree-planting tradition? It's certainly not a new one. Nebraskan journalist J. Sterling Norton first promoted Arbor Day back in 1872, and before long, its popularity spread like a brilliant green wildfire through the states.
Today, Arbor Day is easier than ever to celebrate. Local governments frequently support residents' tree planting activities. Take MillionTreesNYC for example- in New York City, tree planters are given $20 off tree purchases, and presented with lots of free citywide tree-planting events in an effort to plant one million trees.
There are lots of online resources for our tree-planting needs. Arborday.org , for example, has educational resources , celebration ideas , gift trees , and even nifty e-cards for you to pick from.
I'm getting pretty excited about it all. Tree planting is awesome! Lately, I've been hearing about people giving out trees as gifts and wedding favors. It's the coolest thing! Yeah, trees are great for the environment, but they're also wonderful symbolic gifts. Forget trinkets that people throw away- trees grow, provide shade, and can spruce up any landscape.
I hope you have a really lovely Arbor Day. Try to get out and plant some trees, and whatever you do, have a fantastic weekend!

Rockin' Environmentalists and Happy Times

2009-04-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hey! Did you make it to your local Green Apple Festival? Hope you did! Naturally, they were a massive success. I was very impressed by the turnout in DC- plus I absolutely LOVED the green-themed duds everyone was sporting. Check out the shoes!
I was also glad to see such great messages going out. Speakers such as Matthew Modine (first photo) and Representative Edward Markey (below) got the crowd riled up about environmental causes- and with the Capitol in the background, everything felt that much more poignant.
Finally, the live performers rocked everyone's socks off! What's not to like about free live performances- especially when the Flaming Lips play and Wayne Coyne crowd surfs in his bubble?
From backstage, I could see a really spirited crowd- not just your typical concert-goers, but activists! Take this for proof: they even cleaned up debris from the concert after it ended! Now that's the kind of Earth Day mindset we should really be proud of.
If you're not already in on the fun, be sure to do some green stuff this week! Earth Day Network's helpful event finder can guide you if you want some ideas. Click here to check it out.
And have a happy Earth Day this Wednesday!

Time to Celebrate Earth Day!

2009-04-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's always hip to be green, but if there's one day of the year to really flaunt your inner environmentalist, it's Earth Day. Lucky for us, the lovely holiday is coming up fast- this Wednesday to be exact. Don't let that stop you from celebrating early though! This weekend, there will be plenty of events to launch the festivities.
Take the Green Apple Music Festival for example. In partnership with Earth Day Network , they're hosting massive celebrations in New York, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle this Sunday! Below is a picture I took from the stage of last year's SF festival. What a crowd!

Green Apple Festivals are always lots of fun and offer crazy good musical artists, like the Flaming Lips! Check out their site to see who see is playing in your city!
Clearly, Earth Day extends way beyond the Green Apple Festival. Check out Earth Day Network's super convenient event finder to find listed events in your area. Also, take time to browse the site . They've got lots of helpful information and tools to help you be green and make a difference.
Whatever you, make sure you get in on at least some of the fun, and have a very happy Earth Day!!

Easy to be Green: Telecommuting

2009-04-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

Remember the days where we actually had to go places to do things? Hahaa, neither do I. Seriously though, thanks to the Internet and various other convenient technologies, it's easier than ever to do everything from home.

Many people are telecommuting these days, but we're not just working remotely- think about leisure time! These days, instead of trekking out to the video store, we can just Netflix movies- or even better, get them streaming online. We can even get our education online, and with cool sites like Academic Earth , we can listen in on fascinating lectures by professors at America's top universities without moving an inch- or even being admitted! Seriously- here's one of their lectures with MIT Professor Walter Lewin discussing measurements of space and time . Nifty!

Telecommuting technology gives us loads of convenience, plus it's great for the environment. Easier remote access means fewer cars out on the road, which is excellent news indeed!

With this in mind, here are my three favorite telecommuting resources. They can save you time and energy, plus lower your carbon footprint!

Google Docs - Got lots of group projects and meetings? Google Docs can save a lot of face time. By giving you the ability to create, share, and edit documents with others online. You can even view a presentation together and chat at the same time. Sweet!
Academic Earth - This resource was created with the goal of giving everyone on earth access to a world-class education. With lectures by professors at Harvard, Yale, and MIT on all sorts of fascinating subjects, this is one educational (and entertaining) resource you can't ignore!
Skype or Google Talk - There is something to be said for face-to-face conversations. Luckily, you can handle that online too.

Roundup: Recycled, Restyled, Reused

2009-04-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

I always get a kick out of the amazing Recycled, Restyled, and Reused things that pop in the blogosphere. Here's a roundup of my favorites from the past couple of days:

The $6 Dollar Solar Cooker (Inhabitat)
Recycled Umbrella Dog Raincoats (Inhabitat)
Nicholas Cheng's Eggshell Stationary (Designboom)
Nature Can How-To (CRAFT Magazine)
COMPACT's Cardboard Furniture (Yanko Design)
Recycled Sweater Bunny Plushie (CRAFT Magazine)
Tea Canister Cuff Bracelet (Zakka Life)
Fused Book Book Shelf (Inhabitat)
Hangerpak (Coroflot)

[Restyled Doggie Raincoat Photo by Inhabitat on Flikr]

The Cutest Lunches Ever

2009-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of bento? Maybe the word makes you think of afternoon take-out specials at your favorite Japanese restaurant, but let me assure you, there is much more to this humble word than you might expect.
In Japan, it's common practice for mothers (and sometimes fathers) to pack bento box lunches for their kids when they send them off to school. Some parents have turned the simple act into its very own art form, creating character-themed snacks for their kids and posting pictures of them on their blogs.
As of late, the bento box lunch concept has caught on in America, and more and more people are starting to pack cute little lunches of their own- not just for their kids, but for themselves!
Packing your own bento box lunch comes with a litany of perks- you'll save money, eat healthier, smaller portions, reduce waste, and have a blast making them!
Best of all, making your own bento needn't be time consuming or difficult. There are a lot of online resources to help you out!

Here are some of the best:

Lunch in a Box : This site is full of helpful tips, as well as contests, recipes, and connections to other online resources.
Just Bento : Constantly posting new recipes and tips, Just Bento offers monthly themes, such as frugality as well as a Get Started Handbook . With their weekly bento planner , bento-packing is riculously easy.
Anna The Red's Bento Factory : If you want inspiration, you'll love AnnaTheRed's beautiful bentos, but her site isn't just eye candy; she provides helpful recipes as well.

If the blogs aren't enough for you, YouTube is full of helpful tutorials, and offers plenty of inspiration (as you can see below!). Bento is a blast. I hope you give it a try!

[Photo from AnnaTheRed's Flikr Stream]

Less is More

2009-04-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to today's ridiculous economic environment, people are starting to see less as more, and I couldn't be happier!
As a lifetime advocate of all things cute and environmentally friendly, I'm always looking for smaller alternatives- smaller plates, smaller cars, and smaller houses. Now more than ever, these things are in vogue!
Take Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed Houses for example. Jay has been living in adorable, petite houses for 12 years now, and all the while he's been designing similar homes for people across the country.

While I know most of us aren't ready to live in spaces that small, I do think that Americans will start scaling down their possessions. After all, less costs less. Beyond that, I feel that when we have less space to fill (and therefore fewer things to fill it with) we start to appreciate the things we do have.
Perhaps the economic downturn is a good thing after all. It may leave us greener and more contented than we were before!

Boho Travel Tips

2009-03-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

One thing that makes Boho girls awesome is that they have a fabulous sense of independence and adventure. Life is too amazing for us to let it pass us by, so I'm all for venturing out, getting messy, and seeing the world!

When it comes to travel, I know a lot of people stick to cruises, resorts, and tours, but I recommend something a bit more adventurous: going off the beaten track. It is the Boho thing to do after all.

I just returned from China where I gave the whole "adventure" thing a try. To step outside my comfort bubble, I decided to take a solo side trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is about four hours away from Changsha in the Hunan Province. I didn't speak, understand, or read a lick of Chinese, I didn't know the area, and I didn't have a guide to accompany me, but that was all part of the experience. I've found that if I stick to five simple guidelines, things just work themselves out. Now I'd like to share them with you with hopes that you'll take more adventures of your own!

1. Always Be Prepared
It's wonderfully freeing to cast your fate to the wind, but like a boyscout you should always be prepared. Although I went to Zhangjiajie by myself and with no language skills, I prepared by researching the area, booking a hotel, and asking a concierge to write out some helpful phrases such as "Please take me to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park" and "I would like a bus ticket to Changsha." I also brought a pen and paper with me so I could draw out other things I might need, and re-chipped my cell phone with a local phone card just in case I needed emergency translation.

2. Go with the flow
One of the most important mindsets to bring along on adventure travel is a willingness to let things unfold as they will. Sometimes an unfortunate or uncomfortable turn of events can turn out to be one of the most memorable or funny things about your trip. During my stay in Zhangjiajie, I got a lot of stares and attention for being a tall Caucasian. Part of me wanted to freak out, but I decided to have fun with it and be a good sport. I can't tell you how many times I was stopped and asked to pose for pictures with people, but I just hammed it up and pretended this was my one shot at being famous. I even asked some of my spontaneous friends to snap a photo with my camera too, so now I have a bunch of funny pictures of me cheesing with complete strangers! If that's not a fun experience to remember, I don't know what is.

3. Be open minded, get messy, and make mistakes
I've seen so many closed-minded American tourists sticking only to shopping malls, Starbucks, and international hotels during their stays in foreign cities. What a waste! Perhaps these people are worried about getting lost, making a fool of themselves, or encountering problems, but I'd venture to say that all those misadventures are my favorite things about travel! Didn't Ms. Frizzle always tell her students to take chances, get messy, and make mistakes? It's the best way to learn!
On my first day in Zhangjiajie, I walked so far along a mountain stream trail that by the time I got to the end, it was already starting to get dark, and I realized I'd have to double all the way back to get out of the park and back to my hotel. At first, I thought I was royally screwed, but then I ran across two men carrying a litter, and asked if I could go for a ride. After a drawn out bargaining process (I was short on money, OK??), I hopped on for a ride, and rode like a princess through the forest for a good long time! I decided to get a bit more creative though- after a bit, I asked (or rather gestured and siigned to) my carriers that I wanted to carry the litter for a bit. This gave one of the men a brake, and ligtened the other's load- plus I had a blast carrying the thing. It gave me a taste of what it was like for these men to carry around a litter all day (they must be STRONG!!!), and I got a total kick out of everyone's reactions as we passed them by. Was I looking like a complete idiot? Probably, but I had a blast, gained some new perspectives, and cracked a lot of people up.

4. Be respectful
Hey, we're all for environmentalism and stewartship, so it goes without saying that we should be respectful to nature wherever we go, but we should also be respectful of local rules and customs. I always try to be extra polite and curteous when away from home, because I know I'm acting as a representative of the American people. I won't litter, yell, get angry, or reject the kindness of others. Though lots of people have stories of being ripped off or treated poorly abroad, I've been very lucky and never encountered such hardship. I think a lot of that is due to the way I act. You get what you put out there!
When I was about to leave Changsha for Zhangjiajie, my hotel concierge (and many friends) warned me of pickpockets, scam artists, and other people in general who might try to take advantage of me. Obviously I exercised great caution during my trip, but I also made an effort to be friendly and curteous. What I found was that those I might see as threatening were really just trying to help me. Because I was respectful and patient, I was able to make great friends. Nobody stole from or cheated me in Zhangjiajie as was warned- in fact, people helped me a LOT and even bought me local treats. Yum!

5. Have FUN
This is the ultimate travel tip. If you let yourself be tired, irritable, or uncomfortable, you will be. If you decide to enjoy yourself, you will! Travel isn't always easy, and it certainly isn't always comfortable, but that's what makes it extraordinary.
There were some times during my trip (especially during long bus rides on which everyone smoked and large animals hit and cracked the windshield) when I really could have lost it, but I reminded myself how lucky I was to be out on the road, and I deceded to make the best of everything. I'm glad I did- because I had a fantastic time!

Great luck with all your travels, and if you ever want to share your adventures with us, email some pictures and your story to simone@bohomag.com!

On Food

2009-03-13T08:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I marvel at the difficulty we have with food. We have to much! No wait... there's not enough. Ah, but it is of such low quality! No- it's too expensive!! We need to diet! No, we need exercise more! Let's go GMO and synthetic all the way! No! Organic! Local! Fresh! Raw! ALIVE! GYAAAH!!

I, for one, sometimes feel as though I have no idea what to eat. In such moments of gastronomic crisis, I return to Michael Pollen's wise words from his book In Defense of Food: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

It seems so simple- deceptively so, actually. Pollen's advice to not "eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food" makes perfect sense, but what about all the foods that resemble what she used to eat?
Take sugar, for example. We have many low and no calorie substitutes these days. They pretty much look and taste like real sugar, but they aren't. Are we to avoid those, too?
I'm thinking yes, especially after reading about 17-year-old Smitha Ramakirshna's recent science project, which placed her amongst the finalists of the 2009 Intel Science Talent Search. Smitha found that Splenda "can accumulate in the water supply after people excrete it, potentially harming fish and other living things."
Odd chemical issues aside, I still think it advisable to avoid processed foods, especially those advertised as low-calorie or low-fat. First off, they're expensive. Second, I am tempted to eat more of them, because they're less satisfying and they wear off quickly. In addition, the processing and packaging involved isn't all that great for the environment.

If you're out to cut calories, eat healthier, or lose weight, I'd recommend the taking Pollen's advice. I feel there is a very strong argument for sticking to good old fashioned food. It's good for local farmers, it's good for the environment, and it's good for you, too.

I'm not going to pretend that local, organic food isn't sometimes more expensive, but higher prices have their benefits. Not only are you paying for the real price of your food (whereas with processed foods, you are often not paying for the environmental damage the food inflicts), you are buying less. By opting for quality and not quantity, you have natural portion control, and really fresh, delicious food. Yum!

Ok, so maybe you're on board with buying real food and not what Michael Pollen would refer to as "edible food-like substances," but you hesitate because buying natural staples and actually cooking your own meals seems like a formidable, time-consuming task. Not to worry! You'll find that cooking and baking on your own, once you have some basic tools, is ridiculously easy. For instnace, I used to make cakes using boxed mixes, but then I tried making a cake from scratch, and realized it took only a couple of extra minutes and ingredients. I haven't gone back to boxes since, and I must admit, it feels good to say you've made something from scratch. It's as though you truly own your food.

Thanks to the Internet, we have millions of recipes at our fingertips, and thanks to weekends, we also have the ability to create our own microwavable frozen meals. I and many of my friends like to bake large batches on the weekends, then separate leftoveres into indivudually packaged portions that can be heated up and enjoyed throughout the week. It doesn't take much time, plus it saves money and materials, and peppers long workdays with savory, home-cooked meals.

When it comes to food, there are no clear-cut answers. One food that seems to be healthy and ethical can be worse than its alternatives. Also, it is nearly impossible for us to go all natural or all organic or all local- at least for now. That said, it doesn't have to be hard to eat well. The most important thing is to exercise common sense and stick to meals that are as traditional, natural, and local as possible. Try to select foods with ingredients that you can picture growing naturally, and have fun with your meals. When all else fails, never fear; just remember to "eat food, not to much, mostly plants."

If you'd like to hear Michael Pollen talk about his food philosophy, click here to listen to an NPR interview on In Defense of Food.
You can also get a basic summary of his philosophy from this NY Times Article.

Getting Back to Basics

2009-03-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find my green self slipping. From time to time, I neglect to separate out recyclables, or take ridiculously long showers, or forget to bring my reusable shopping bags to the store. In principal, I know it's not good to do this, but occasionally I cannot bring myself to care. It's awful that this happens, but it calls to attention one of the key impediments to environmentalism. You see, it can be very hard to care about something that you rarely come into contact with.
I, like many people, live in a very urban environment. My daily contact with nature involves passing by tiny gardens and scrawny sidewalk trees. My food comes from a grocery store. My water comes from pipes. My trash goes down a trash chute. Because I am so removed from the natural environment, it is extremely difficult for me to realize the impact my daily choices have on it. This doesn't make me a bad person, it just makes me uninformed.
People's lack of information and connection with the natural environment is, in my opinion, the largest hurdle for us to overcome if we are to enact significant change. Environmentally minded people constantly fight for better design, more intelligent systems, and important controls. We desperately need these changes in order for the human race to thrive (and survive), but it's hard for naysayers to realize this when they have a shallow understanding of the many and complex human-environmental feedback loops.
Because it is so easy for people in developed societies to not think about where their resources come from and where their waste products go, it is instrumental that stronger connections be drawn via information sharing and education. In addition, people need to rediscover their emotional connection to nature. The world's forests, deserts, mountains, lakes, rivers, and oceans are majestic and beautiful, and if we take the time to visit them, we will not forget that the earth is worth fighting for.
Visiting the countryside can be difficult when factors like time, packed schedules, and limited money come into play. When this is the case, I strongly advocate local parks, gardens, and museums. Around every large city, one can expect to find at least one, if not several, lovely parks or gardens to enjoy, and more museums than ever are showcasing nature's enchanting flora and fauna. Take the California Academy of Sciences museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Complete with a green roof, solar power, and a four-story rainforest (pictured above), the Academy of Sciences is one of many excellent urban places to visit that both refreshes one's love of nature and envigorates one's drive to protect it.
Whenever I catch myself slipping, I take a couple of moments to put everything back into context. I push aside my tiny little world complete with its daily dramas and consider the broader scheme of things. Just a couple moments of thought can do wonders. I also make an effort to reconnect with nature whenever possible.
If you, too, occasionally lose your environmental motivation, give these things a try! Reconnecting with nature keeps you thinking and acting green, helps you spread understanding to others, and as an added bonus, reduces stress!

Estethica at London Fashion Week

2009-02-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Perhaps after watching the Oscars last night, you find yourself craving more sartorial stimulation. No problem! As the London Fashion Week winds down, you should check out Estethica- an exhibition put on by the British Fashion Council.
Estethica features designers that work with organic, fair trade, or recycled materials. Among this year's labels are Article 23, Sonya Kashmir, Makepiece, and Minna (see below).
This is the sixth year that Estethica has been a part of Fashion Week in London, and over the span of its existence it has grown significantly, starting with only 13 participants in 2004 and featuring over 30 today. It is part of a fabulous trend in fashion- one that is only just beginning to pick up momentum!

The event launched on Friday with Noir and Bllack Noir catwalk shows. Take a closer look at this year's participants by visiting the London Fashion Week website.

Vintage Shopping

2009-02-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Vintage clothing is the creme de la creme of sustainable wear. Getting started in the fascinating art of thrifting can be a bit daunting though. Thank goodness there's help.
Stephanie over at Eco Chick has written a fabulous article making it easy for anyone to rock that thrift store wardrobe!

In her post, Stephanie points readers in the direction of the Wardrobe Remix Flikr Pool and PainfullyHip.com for inspiration, encourages streamlining of one's existing wardrobe, advises planning using TheThriftShopper.com, and offers a good number of other nifty tips.
Definitely check out the post before your next clothing run!

[via Eco-Chick.com]

Design your own Boho cover!

2009-02-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Admit it. You've found yourself looking at magazine covers and thinking "I could do so much better."

Well, now is the time to put your skills to the test! Head over to Glogster.com and enter the contest to design your own Boho magazine cover.

It'll be great fun, plus you could win a year's free subscription, a feature story, and Glogster Commando membership!

The Spring Issue is OUT!

2009-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day. An exceptionally good day, actually. Why, you ask? Because the Spring 2009 Boho magazine hits newsstands today! Check out the cover. Fantastic!
Now's the time to subscribe, though if you need your copy stat, you can pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Whole Foods,Target, Universal News and more!

Boho is available in over 37 countries including the US, Canada, UK, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Pakistan, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
and Switzerland.

No matter where you are, you're going to love this issue. It's packed with tons of great articles, and (my personal favorite) spring fashion! Hurrah!

Enjoy the magazine, and let us know what you think!

Gorgeous Green Gadgets

2009-02-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

You've got to love green design. It's so beautiful, and the Greener Gadgets Design Competition is a case in point.
Take a look at the entrants, and vote for your favorite! If you're in New York, be sure to stop by the Greener Gadgets Conference on February 27th. If not, at least you can peruse the fascinating inventions online. I especially love the Laundry Pod, the Wind-Helmet, and the RITI Printer. I mean, how awesome would it be to print term papers using the coffee grounds that went toward writing them all night?

FUEL

2009-02-09T19:31:00.001-08:00

With all the current buzz and panic over economic downturns, job loss, and stimulus packages, we can't help but turn our sights to those innovative enough work through today's problems and start generating solutions.
As the environmentally-savvy have known all along, the green energy industry may be the very thing that gets our country out of this mess, and coming out this Friday is an awesome movie about just that.
Fuel is an Oscar-nominated, 2008 Sundance Audience Award winning documentary that takes a careful look at our current dependence on oil and what it's going to take to make the transition to sustainable energy possible. From the looks of it, this movie offers just the right proportion of hard-hitting reality, inspiring innovation, and sparkling star power (Julia Roberts, Richard Branson, Willie Nelson, and Sheryl Crow, amongst others, make an appearance). We can't wait to see it! Ah, and it's just in time for Valentine's day. Dinner and a documentary, anyone?
Check out this picture of FUEL producer Rebecca Harrell and Director Josh Tickell. It's a little blurry, but love the green.
Another fun thing about the film: its executive producer is John Paul DeJoria, the CEO and Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell and Owner of Patron Spirits. “The Fuel film is a great example of just exactly how alternative energy makes sense” says DeJoria, and we can't help but break into a triumphant smile. After all, here's even more evidence of how fashion and environmentalism go hand-in-hand!

The Clothes Exchange

2009-01-23T09:12:00.001-08:00

We LOVE this!!

Sweet Patriotism

2009-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

We love Georgetown Cupcake's special Inauguration cupcakes, especially the ones with "Yes We Can" presidential seals made of fondant.

Impossible as it may seem, they taste even better than they look! The fresh, high-quality ingredients and family recipes that go into these cupcakes do not disappoint. What's more, Sophie and Katherine, the Georgetown Cupcake owners, regularly donate their beautiful treats to charity events. Now, that's sweet indeed!

Inauguration Review

2009-01-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

NEWSFLASH: Inauguration-goers love trees, the crowd is huge, there are high-fives all around, and pins are IN!

Green Quick Fix: Olive Oil

2009-01-23T06:38:00.000-08:00

Is the cold winter weather leaving you with chapped lips? Next time you're in the kitchen, reach for the naturally moisturizing power of olive oil. While you're cooking, rub some on your lips and enjoy the relief! To prevent dryness in the future, be sure to stay hydrated and apply lip balm (preferably with UV protection) before you step outside.

The boho blog has arrived!

2008-12-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so a new year, a new addition. The boho blog has arrived!