My Favorite Things: July 2012

I've been expanding my horizons in many ways lately and have stumbled across some "how did I ever live without this?!" beauties. Here are the ones I'm currently going gaga over:

1. SodaStream. I bought this DIY seltzer maker for two reasons. First, I'm trying to cut back on processed foods and by making my own I know exactly what's in the fizzy water I'm drinking. And second, because I hate, hate taking out the recycling and the re-usable bottles that come with it mean many fewer trips to the bin. So far I'm loving it. I don't use the flavors that come with it - they're just chemical junk. I add a splash of 100% juice or a slice of fresh citrus and it satisfies my craving for soda without any of the terrible health impacts.

2. Maxi dresses. At 5' 4" I never thought I could pull off a maxi dress. But just for kicks I tried one on at The Gap the other day in preparation for my recent vacation. Much to my surprise, I loved it. The length is just above my ankles and the top (which is less baggy on me than in the picture below) skims my hips perfectly. Plus, it's like going out to dinner in your pajamas! I'm officially hooked.

3. Pinterest. Do I really have to say any more? I am officially addicted! But I'm also proud to say that I actively use the workouts I pin, have made many of the recipes I've pinned, and use the pins in my Style File to inspire new ways of putting together what's in my closet already. It's turned me on to some new bloggers that I LOVE (hint...see #4!) and boosted my own design confidence to see how many others are re-pinning things I loved or following whole boards of mine because they like my taste. I don't know most of them, but it feels great!

4. I Heart Organizing. This blog is amazing. The author, Jen, does such creative, beautiful things and is expanding to include a whole host of other creative ladies out there as well. It's already added to my list of daily checks and I can't wait to see what she'll bring us next!




5. People StyleWatch Magazine. I'm not a fashionista, and I don't want to be. I do, however, like looking good in modern classic styles. People StyleWatch is the only "fashion" or "style" magazine that (IMO) features clothes and outfits that real people over the age of 18 actually want to wear (and can wear to someplace like an actual office). I cancelled all my other fashion mag subscriptions but kept this one and regularly add to my paper inspiration file.

So there you have it - my favorite things for July 2012. What are you coveting this summer?

Going Green...Baby Steps Add Up

A few years ago I quietly started trying to live in a more eco-friendly way. It started with a switch to re-usable grocery bags, and has continued in a myriad of small ways from there. Chatting with a friend who is just starting down this path made me realize just how far I've come through a series of seemingly minor baby steps. I thought it would be fun to catalog all the little, painless changes I've made in the hopes they'll inspire others.

1. Switched to re-usable grocery bags
2. Skip plastic bags at many other stores (e.g. Target, mall) in favor of recyclable paper shopping bags or my giant purse. 
3. Phased out plastic containers in my kitchen in favor of glass
4. Started using re-usable foodsafe storage baggies
5. Started using a BPA free refillable water bottle
6. Got a Britta pitcher to make my own tap water taste better
7. Bought a Soda Stream for DIY seltzer - no empty bottles to recycle
8. Started buying only humanely raised, no antibiotic meats and other food with minimal processing
9. Started buying organic produce for at  least the "Dirty Dozen"
10. Cluster errands to reduce fuel use
11. Switched to eco-friendly cleaning products (homemade when I can!)
12. Started sanitizing dish sponges in the dishwasher to extend life (vs. throwing them away)
13. Switched to buying canned goods in jars, packets or BPA-free cans wherever possible

There's much more that I could do, but for now these have been virtually painless changes that most people could do without much effort. And every time I say "no thanks" to a plastic bag or refill my Soda Stream bottle I feel good inside because I know I'm helping preserve the environment for future generations.

What small steps have you made toward a goal recently that added up to a big accomplishment?