Have a {LED} Ball on New Year's Eve!

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone, and this will be our final post for 2011!

As we bid adieu to a very good year, we were so pleased to hear on the news this evening that the ball (ya know, THE ball) in Times Square will be illuminated for the first time with LED light bulbs.

We're all a glow with fun facts: ;)

Image via Royal Phillips Electronics

Extra extra! Read "all the news that's fit to print" about the Times Square jewel HERE

Ball images via forummedia.us

Wishing you all a beautiful, bright green New Year!!!

Stationery Trends Interactive Magazine

We can't say enough about Stationery Trends magazine! Launched several years ago, Editor Sarah Schwartz has worked wonders in elevating the taste level and trend awareness for our industry.

Stationery Trends Interactive is their recently launched online issue and it's equally fab! Crammed with great industry insider sources - we're proud to be included in the current Late Fall edition in a DIY feature.

This section features Green Paper Company envelope liners which are a great, easy embellishment for cards, stationery and invitations... perfect timing to dress up your holiday mailings.


Last year, Stationery Trends featured Yours Truly, (that'd be me) in the Retailer Profile. Such an honor- which, brazenly, I have provided a link for you to read HERE! ;)

Thanks Stationery Trends for your continued support!!!

October = Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We are all too, too aware of breast cancer- there are few of us who have not been touched by this heinous disease. Since 1985 October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month dedicated to remembrance, hope, and to finding a cure.

The organizations dedicated to this cause are many and below are just a few of our personal crusades. Feel free to post a comment with the breast cancer non-profit that is near and dear to your, well, er... breast!

Breast Cancer Research Foundation {The only cancer organization to hold an A+ from the American Institute of Philanthropy}

Care2.com {A free, daily click to donate site that offers mammograms for women in need}

National Breast Cancer Coalition {Promotes activism to end breast cancer}

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center/Cancer Information {An informative site from the treatment giant. An A rated organization by the American Institute of Philanthropy}

Susan G. Komen for the Cure {The mother of all breast cancer organizations holds only a B+ rating but is the powerhouse for breast cancer awareness}

What's Next {Online cancer support groups through the American Cancer Society}

SHARE {Support hotline for women by women who are survivors.}

Fraud Alert: Breast Cancer Support Foundation and Breast Cancer Charities of America are known to be questionable organizations- take caution.

Ribbon by MesserWoland

USDA Cooks Up New Nutrtition Icon

Farewell, food pyramid! The USDA revealed it's hot new icon that will dish out a quick bite of nutritional advice to the consumer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a replacement to the much-maligned food pyramid this morning, trashing the rainbow-striped triangle with a staircase edge to serve up a simple circle design that evokes a dinner plate. This good taste graphic is sure to be an improvement over the 1990's design debacle that was too complex for the average parent/teacher, let alone child/student. You can read more here, at the USDA website.

Here's hoping for happy meals that are healthier, greener, and tasty! Bon Apetit!

SUPERMOON

Along the lines of once in a blue moon...

Be sure to check out tonight's SUPERMOON-

It's been 18 years since we've seen such lunar craziness, or should we say - lunacy! A Supermoon occurs when the moon is 90% of its closest approach to Earth. For us, that means the moon appears 20% brighter and 15% larger than an ordinary full moon.

You can read more here, and if last night's moon was any example- it's a night not to be missed!

On my Birthday- who could ask for a better gift! ;)

Photos: William Menke

Rabbit Rabbit!

Happy New Year of the Rabbit!


Photo and more about this auspicious character here...

Baldessari

A bit of eye candy for those of us who missed the John Baldessari show that just closed at the Met in NY this past Sunday...

Watch Video

Images via googleimages

Amish Homage

Just finished reading a book about the Amish and am inspired, particularly in light of the recent news from Arizona, by their peaceful ways and strong conviction to lead a simple "plain" life.

Central Ohio is home to the country's largest base of Amish and despite the pressures of commercialization- their communities thrive. Read more about the Amish here.

Their commitment to simplicity is ironic, considering our ever growing quest to lead a greener lifestyle. And the fact that SO much information and SO many photos are available on line is truly ironic as their very lifestyle represents the antithesis of both (and photography is forbidden).

Consider this an Amish homage- a gentle reminder of a gentle people from whom, we have much to learn.

Photos: amishcountry.com, walnutcreekohio.org and google images

Welcoming the New Year with Oprah

Happy New Year to all!!! How did you spend your holiday week?? WE were BUSY! We moved to our new and improved warehouse, which went amazingly well! Thanks to Bill's organized planning - we finished ahead of schedule - thus affording us all a few days off.

So when New Year's Day rolled around- I rolled out of bed to enjoy the day at home, in my PJs, to usher in the new year relaxing. Those who know me, know I am a huge Oprah fan. I spent New Year's Day, not only welcoming the new year, but as a couch potato glued to the TV, welcoming the new Oprah Winfrey Network - OWN.

Despite that after several hours (yes really!), it began to run as one giant self promotional infomercial- I enthusiastically await the round the clock programming which promises to offer inspiration from wise people about wise subjects- most focused on the greater good and a spirit of sharing.

Join the Oprah fest and start the new year by taking this fun and surprisingly insightful quiz: Who Are You Meant to Be?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Happy 2011 - may you "live your best life" and may it be your best year yet!!

Images via Oprah.com

More Press Props

The Fall issue of Stationery Trends really was the honey pot for media buzz! To top it all off... not only was a Green Paper Co. envelope on the cover (via the lovely 42 Pressed), but inside those pages lies an impressive 4 (count 'em!) page article spotlighting yours truly- moi- and my 13 year retail venture- On Paper.

A great big (HUGE) shout out and thank you to the amazing editor Sarah Schwartz for including such a beautifully written piece- I am truly flattered. To be in the company of Wanda Wen of Soolip fame (featured in the same issue) is an honor. Sarah has done an amazing job creating a industry publication that is so on trend and hits the mark every time.

In an over the top bragging rites indulgence- you can read the article below. It's no secret that we are all working extra hard these days and it is wonderful to be recognized in such a gracious way.

42 Pressed - Cover Girl!

It's a pretty darn good day when one of your incredibly talented customers , 42 Pressed, makes the cover of Stationery Trends, the industry's finest trade rag!

And it's an even better day when the featured invitation features one of our envelopes! Yep- a sustainably stylish 100% post-consumer recycled Goldenseal A7 was dressed to the nines and looked incredibly lovely with Jackie Robinson's beautiful invitation ensemble. Very stunning indeed!

4+22=40 Earth day celebrates 40 years!

Earth Day 2010- the 40th anniversary of Earth Day is just around the corner. Here's a brief list of easy clicks to help you plan your day and to celebrate all things earth conscious.

Feel free to add to the list by posting a comment with your event or Earth Day links...

History of Earth Day
Earthday.org
A Billion Acts of Green
Gaylord Nelson
Find local events here
Clinton Foundation events: Chicago, NY, Houston and Little Rock
Global Days of Service
Activist Phone Book Contact List
Teacher activities for kids
Arts for the Earth

Drawing: A Billion Acts of Green

Earth Hour 2010

For all who turned out the lights... thank you! It was one of the nicest hours of the week, month, year. Enjoyed a glass of wine- a fire in the fireplace, candle light and the light of the silvery full moon. Absolutely zero FB, Twitter, blogging, computer, phone... a mini vacation!

Photos 1&2: Huffingtonpost.com see more pix here
Photo 3: My living room!

Beloved Liberty

Liberty of London, a well known and long adored British brand known for its prints and mini-florals, is the newest brand to partner with Target for an extensive product line. Launching on March 14, Liberty's offerings will include fashions for men, women and children, home décor, storage, organization and garden. This is considered one of the largest collections Target has launched with a designer or outside brand. Select pieces from the Liberty of London for Target collection will also be available at Liberty of London stores. Have a sneak peek here.

Image via Target

What Are You Wearing?

An incredible show in Paris - part of the Momentum exhibits that take place in the nave of the Grand Palais. Artist Christian Boltanski has created a massive installation that speaks to the white hot topic of clothing.

Are we really what we wear? How does it define us? How disposable is that image and how disposable is the clothing itself? Tres interesting on so many levels...

Of note: The artist has demanded (and refused to do the installation unless) all clothing was recycled at the end of the show.

Read more about the show and here, lots more pix here and an interview with the artist during the installation, here...

Images via monumenta.com and stylebubble.co.uk

Haiti

Wanted to share an important message that we received via email from eco evangelist Al Gore and Re-power America. Needless to say this sobering catastrophe pulls at our heartstrings and purse strings.

If you haven't already done so, and are in a position to give, consider visiting one of the donation sites below:

Oxfam Haiti Earthquake Relief Donations

Grassroots International

United Nations Fund



Between the Folds

Came across this mesmerizing documentary, Between the Folds, on the art, science and mathematics of paper art (don't call it origami!). We were able to catch it recently on PBS, so check your local listings for this must see flick for paper people.

Image via Green Fuse Films

Handmade Holidays

Just got our December issue of Ready Made magazine - and loving every page after crafty page. Focusing on a DIY holiday with style, there is something for everyone on your list! Check Ready Made out online or see the full issue at Coverleaf.