Eco Friendly Rugs from Armadillo&Co.

We're always on the lookout for home decor accessories that tread lightly on the earth. We recently came across this small rug company that makes a big impact... both aesthetically and, through the eco practices that guide it's business practices.


Armadillo&Co rugs are made by hand and produced to the highest ethical standards. Every piece embraces Fair Trade practices and is crafted from sustainable natural fibers - pure wool, jute, cotton and hemp. All purchases benefit local schools in the the villages where their weavers live and work.



Armadillo&Co. participates in ‘Care & Fair’ - an initiative against illegal child labor in the carpet production industry in India, Nepal and Pakistan. All of their rugs made in these countries carry the ‘KALEEN’ label. Issued by the Carpet Export Promotion Council of India, it guarantees that no child labor was not used in the making of the product.



If your floors need a pick me up and your current rugs have taken a beating- consider upgrading to one of these lovelies to soften your {carbon} footsteps!

Where to buy rugs here

Photos via Armadillo&Co. and modernrepresentation.com

Apple Pickings!

Bushel and a Peck - Greenotes
100% post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink

Apples & Pears - Greenotes

100% post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink

$13 8 cards/envelopes -- Pick up a pack here

Cinderella Pumpkin Time

With much work to get done on this beautiful Sunday, a day in the country turned in to a few mere minutes in the country- alas- the life of an entrepreneur! So a quick trip to one of Ohio's largest farms- Lynd Fruit Farm yielded a few Fall faves...

Don't you just love the natural textures and color shading on these!?


A Cinderella Pumpkin- really- that's what it's called ;)


And what would Autumn be without the proverbial adorable mini pumpkins!

Oh, and did I mention pumpkin doughnuts, apple cider doughnuts and apple fritters??? So much for the healthy eating, but hey, it's Autumn!

Anyone do anything Fall fabulous this weekend???

Clothing Made in the U.S.A. - Fall Picks

I thought this blog post would be a snap... a few shout outs for a few Fall fashion picks from a growing crop of clothiers manufacturing in the USA. Boy was I wrong. Turns out- there really aren't many clothes manufactured in the U.S. and I had to do a bit of digging.

Most of the clothing I did find all have something in common- heritage branding- companies with a long history, a family saga, a devoted interested in the working man (or woman) and a dedication to quality.

The entire concept of heritage branding is really another post, which we'll feature later. It goes beyond a seasonal pick and deserves more in depth coverage. In the interim- if you have a favorite clothing company - or even just a favorite shirt, jean, etc. post a comment. We'd all love to fill our closets with more threads that boast the label: Made in the USA.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to warm up this Fall...

The Portland Collection new from Pendelton launching Fall 2011

Glen Plaid Alicia Jacket - Pendleton- Portland, Oregon. Shadow-weave glen plaid fabric is woven in Pendleton USA Northwest mills. $258


Perfect Tee from Blue Canoe - San Francisco, CA. Rayon from organically grown bamboo, organic cotton and spandex. $52.95

Stronghold River Rinse indigo wash jeans by The Stronghold - Venice, California {cool website, worth a visit}

Harness Leather Road Boots- top grain hide, waterproof scuba liner. $298 at Orvis, Sunderland, Vermont

Dehen 1920 Motorcycle Sweater by Dehen- Portland, Oregon $295 at Woodlands



Made in Michigan Graphic Tee by Carhartt - Irvine, Kentucky $20

Stripe Cardigan by Centralia Knitting Mills - Centralia, Washington. Wool sourced in New England. $180 at Archival Clothing

Canvas cotton tote from Archival Clothing - Portland, Oregon. Waxed cotton canvas/unwaxed cotton duck. $150

We Sad

images via buzzmuseum.com

Cuban Art Posters

I've been wanting to go to Cuba for a loooong time- it seems like the last frontier and perhaps, is the only remaining western city untouched by the modern world. Alas- it is not any easy place to gain access so when I came across Steven Heller's post about Cuban movie posters from the 60's and 70's - I was pretty jazzed!

I love the use of flat graphics in many of them- almost like paper cut outs. And the strong use of color is incredible and a bit surprising given the political climate under which they were created.

No surprise that two recurrent themes- guns and the imposing use of the color black are prominent in much of the imagery. Read more detailed information about technique and the history of Cuban art in posters of all genres at cubanposterart.blogspot.com.



First photo montage of 6 posters via designer Pam Bristow.
Other images, via Imprint and you can find a book link and an excellent article by Steven Heller about these posters HERE.

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