Pacifica Body Butter
March 6, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
Made with nature’s best moisturizers—shea butter, almond oil and safflower oil—this body butter is paraben-free, richly moisturizing and positively addictive. Love it. available locally at whole foods www.pacificaperfume.com
Ultra Portable Power!
March 6, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
A great idea, and talk about green! Generate your own power on the go with the HYmini portable power generator ($50). This portable Wind Turbine packed a 1200mAh battery that is rechargeable by wind or solar power. The wind mini-generator is the core of the system, housing the battery and the simple windmill. Supplement your power with the miniSOLAR panels (string up to 4 together). Strap them to your handlebars or your own body via the optional attachments. www.hymini.com
Kallari Foundation Rainforest Chocolate
March 5, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
The Kallari Foundation supports cacao farmers and their families in Ecuador through the production of Rainforest Chocolate bars. Oh…and YUM! $3 available at Whole Foods www.kallari.com
Earthopoly
March 5, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
Fun, responsible game night. Greed goes green when you play Earthopoly—the game that celebrates the earth one turn at a time. Players increase their property values by collecting carbon credits and trading them for clean air. Just don’t get sent to the dump. $25 Available locally at Games by James and Toys R Us www.terrapass.com
Greenheart Organic Candles
March 5, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
Cinnamon Spice to Lavender Love-—whatever your mood, you can match it with these organic candles made with non-genetically modified soy wax and essential oils. $7 www.greenheartshop.org
Eye Candy
March 5, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Current Issue Features, Home+Entertaining
Add some quick sparkle to your space with these great local finds
Instant glamour! This tufted wool rug with its metallic thread adds just enough sparkle underfoot. Wool is known for its durability and lasts for years. It comes in a variety of sizes and would update a dining room or a powder room in a wink with its versatile palette. $99 to $749 www.westelm.com
You’ll appreciate the subtle sheen and fresh feel of this organic duvet cover that is free from pesticides, toxic chemicals and dyes. The color is soothing, the style is sophisticated. Duvet covers start at $99 for a twin. www.westelm.com
Swap out those dated doorknobs with unique antique doorknobs in a variety of textures, styles and sheen. Reuse with old world charm and elegance. $12 to $100 www.archantiques.com
For the ultimate in elegance, this chest will dazzle with its detailed, hand-applied finish. Each piece is unique and hand-crafted, avoiding the harsh chemical finishes of factory manufacturing. $2199 www.wisteria.com
Ready to dispose of that old chandelier? Wait, here’s a better plan. Jazz it up with these magnetic crystals that cling to any metal surface. Be as subtle or as “over the top” as you want. Use one on a ceiling mount, several on sconces, or as many as the fixture allows. These baubles are available at Petunia’s in Excelsior. $xxx www.petuniasonthird.com
Before you leave that old chest “curbside” apply a coat of glossy black Benjamin Moore low VOC paint and add these crystal knobs. There’s nothing quite like treasure hunting for the perfect hardware at Architectural Antiques. You’ll be amazed at the results. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. $15 each www.archantiques.com
Go back in time with these antique mercury glass urns. Their silvery aura reflects the surroundings and will jazz up any style of decor. No worries…it’s not real mercury, but silver nitrate, which has no harmful effects to people or the environment. Offered in a range of sizes. $69 www.wisteria.com
These hand-crafted metallic Chinese garden stools are a great addition to any room that needs an extra perch for the coffee cup, yet are strong enough for extra seating. They can serve a double life outdoors as well…a truly versatile piece. Ceramic, while hard to find, is always a great alternative to plastics and resin. $129 www.westelm.com
Check out this fun mirror-encrusted drapery panel. Even a sheer panel on a window will help keep the cold outside while spreading its softly diffused light into your home. Try some of these natural sheer linen panels in a room in need of a bit of bling on these gray Minnesota days. price ranges from $35 to $51 www.westelm.com
Here’s a last-minute find: You may want to make a trip to The ReUse Center. This non-profit enterprise is committed to waste reduction by saving reusable building materials from the landfill. Twin Cities’ top remodelers bring in great materials daily. You’ll be amazed at what you discover. 2801 21st Ave. S. Minneapolis www.thereusecenter.com.
Ask the Editor
As a New Years resolution, I’m kicking the water bottle habit. Can’t I just keep reusing the plastic bottles from the water I’m already buying?
There is still much research that needs to be done to determine the effects from the leaching of plastic used for water bottles. The big culprit, the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine (the body’s hormonal system) disrupter, is typically found in plastic bottles made of polycarbonate (which bear the number 7 and the letters “PC”). In addition, bleach, harsh detergents, and high temperatures (like those found in the dishwasher) may increase the amount of BPA leaching. It is still unknown how much BPA people are actually exposed to when they use polycarbonate bottles and what level of exposure (if any) is safe. And, if that earful isn’t enough to change your mind, look at it this way…just how clean do you think you can get that cheap plastic bottle? Bite the bullet and spring for a cool stainless reusable .
Log on for local retailers:
www.sigg.com
www.kleenkanteen.com.
Health Food for Guys
March 4, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Food+Dining, Health
Grab the phone, time to order in. Men who eat a lot of tomatoes or tomato sauces (yes, this includes pizza) may be protecting themselves against prostate cancer. Researchers at Harvard studied the eating habits of more than 47,000 male health professionals. Their findings? Men who ate tomato sauce two to four times per week had a 35 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ate none. Why, you ask? No, the local pizza delivery joint wasn’t the sponsor. Turns out, tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene which appears to be responsible. Tomato juice, by the way, doesn’t seem to have a protective effect. Other research showed that for best absorption, lycopene should be cooked with some kind of fat. So pizza may be just what the doctor ordered.
Greenheart Table Runners
March 4, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
Greenheart’s eco-fair trade products support sustainable community development by ensuring that the artisans making the products are paid fair living wages and are made using the most sustainable materials and methods possible. Artisans in Aguas Calientes, Guatemala employ traditional weaving techniques to make these fair-trade table runners. A steal at $30 www.greenheartshop.org
Metal Passion Flower
March 4, 2009 by Zach Moss
Filed under Editor Picks
One-of-a-kind gift instead of flowers, this hand-painted metal passion flower is made from reclaimed aluminum created by artists with and without disabilities. $98 www.twincitiesgreen.com
