{Organic Wednesday} Lake Champlain Chocolates

I haven't done an Organic Wednesday blog post in a long time and since it's Valentine's Day coming up I've had chocolate on the brain. I'll be reminding my hubby that I LOVE this place and now that we are very close maybe I'll get some. Last time we visit up north to his family we drove over to Burlington, VT and listened to the history of the company, saw the factory, tried some samples and then bought A LOT of chocolate. I would say that this company is up their with my all time favorite companies for chocolate and I'm very serious about my chocolate!!!

Lake Champlain Chocolates has crafted specialty chocolates in Burlington, Vermont, for over 25 years. We start with high quality Belgian chocolate. The finest all-natural ingredients are added, including local Vermont cream, sweet butter, maple syrup, honey, fruits, nuts, and other natural flavors. Crafted in small batches to ensure exceptional freshness, our chocolates come in gift assortments, gift baskets, and as handcrafted novelties. Unlike some other chocolate companies, Lake Champlain Chocolates does not add preservatives, extenders, or additives. Our products are also Kosher certified. Our chocolates are available online, nationwide at specialty food and gift stores, including Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, upscale hotels and inns, and at our three company-owned stores in Vermont. 

Five Star Bars

Organic Chocolate Truffles 15pc

Perfect for wedding favors, party favors, shower favors, and table favors.

Organic Chocolate Squares 200pc

White Favor Box (Allow 1-2 Weeks)

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Factory Store & Café
750 Pine Street, 
Burlington, Vermont
1-800-465-5909
http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
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{Vendor Spotlight} Forest Candle Studio

Today's Vendor Spotlight is also going to be my Organic Wednesday since her work is organic and very Eco-friendly. She is also one of the Etsy vendors who donated to our Victorian styled shoot. I haven't blogged about our elegant styled shoot yet since we are still in the process of submitting it for publication, fingers crossed!!! But here is 1 photo that shows today's vendors work. Above photo by Nicki Bursae Photography. The two gorgeous handmade taper candles are by Marcie Forest of Forest Candle Studio. She graciously mailed us these ornate candles from her studio in Los Angeles, CA. 

Forest Candle Studio makes and handcraft each candle to be an individual work of art. You can light them, display them, whatever brings you joy! A favorite for weddings, gifts, and home decor, her candles are meant to add beauty and natural luxury to your life. Pefecet for decorating your home for Christmas or using them for your wedding Unity Candles. Her daughter, Camille, and son, Cary help her in the studio making these candles. She makes a limited number of candles each year. Please visit her Etsy shop and facebook page to see more photos of her origininal art of candle making. 

This is the set she lent us - Rose Candle Set, Pillar & Tapers $160.00

Perfect for Christmas, Wedding, Home Decor - Pillar & Tapers Set "Black Magic"

This set was custom handmade as a wedding candle set for a wedding in the Philippines! Organic Spice Candle series: pure beeswax, cinnamon, cloves, lavender buds and crushed rose petals 

Yellow roses for a summer wedding

Please Note: Candles are made-to-order unless listed as "ready-to-ship".
EMAIL: forestcandlestudio@gmail.com
CALL: 310.963.7545
http://www.etsy.com/shop/forestcandlestudio
http://www.facebook.com/ForestCandleStudio

{Organic Wednesday} To Believe

WhyHunger To Believe Charity Shampoo

Brought to you by philosophy. I really miss shopping at Sephora since we don't have one anywhere near where I live. Even if you don't live near one you can still order this great charitable organic product online.

 

What it does:
Join Philosophy’s vision of a world without hunger and contribute to the cause with the purchase of this inspiring shower gel. This cranberry and currant-scented formula cleanses and conditions from head to toe, leaving skin and hair feeling ultra soft.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens -
- Phthalates -

What else you need to know:
Philosophy will donate 100% of net proceeds from this product to WhyHunger. The packaging features original lyrics from musician, Jackie Evancho, for some additional, make-your-heart-melt inspiration.

buy it here

{Organic Wednesday} Salt Dough Favors

Salt dough recipe below

click for a salt dough ornaments diy

glitter salt dough

Salt Dough Recipe
Ingredients

1 cup salt
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup luke warm water 

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix salt and flour.

2. Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a doughy consistency.

3. With your hands form a ball with your dough and kneed it for at least 5 minutes. The longer you kneed your dough the smoother it will be.

Store your salt dough in a air tight container and you will be able to use it for days.

You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and stamps to imprint into the clay once they have been rolled out. Experiment with pressure to find the perfect amount you need. Paint your creations with acrylic paints and seal with varnish or polyurethane spray.

You can let your salt dough creations air dry, however salt dough can also be dried in the oven. Bake at 200 F until your creation is dry. The amount of time needed to bake your creations depends on size and thickness; thin flat ornaments may only take 45-60 minutes, thicker creations can take 2-3 hours or more. You can increase your oven temperature to 350 F, your dough will dry faster but it may also brown, which won't matter if you are painting your entire creation (you can also cover your dough in the oven before it turns brown).

There are a few options to color your salt dough: 1. Add powdered tempera paint to your flour, 2. add food coloring or paint to the water before you mix it with the salt/flour, or 3. add natural coloring like instant coffee, cocoa, or curry powder. source

MARLEY & LOCKYER

http://www.etsy.com/shop/marleyandlockyer

These white clay tags are made out of white clay, not salt dough.

{Organic Wednesday} Rare Tea Republic

I love unique places that sell gourmet tea! I've stopped and had high tea in Germantown, NY, Savannah, and even Victoria Island BC, British Columbia, Canada. Back in Boston, I used to stop in to a cute tea shop to buy loose tea by the bags, plus while visiting a friend in San Francisco I found a gorgeous tea shop and bought the most delicious blossom tea. Yah I think you get the point. I love tea! My grandma loved tea and she even gave me a sunflower china tea cup that I use ever once in awhile when I want to feel Royal. So for today's Organic Wednesday I have a lovely company to share with you who sells fresh teas from all over the world....

"Many brides today are looking to streamline and simplify their weddings. Perhaps they’re aiming for rustic, maybe classic, or even country – but we can safely say that garish, over-the-top weddings are a trend best left in the 80’s. Once a theme is chosen, the details then follow. What better beverage to serve at a simple, outdoor wedding, or an intimate bridal shower, than rare tea? Rare Tea Republic is a purveyor of fresh, full leaf loose tea sourced directly from tea origins such as Nepal, Darjeeling and Japan. For those looking to add something truly unique, fresh and delicate to their after-dinner menu (especially for a bride or groom that loves sustainable delicacies from across the globe), Rare Tea Republic offers fresh teas encased in simple, sophisticated packaging." -Liz Muroski

Also perfect for bridal party gifts or wedding gifts!

Are your teas fresh? We buy teas fresh each season and hand write the plucking date on each package sold so you know the exact age of your tea. To preserve the quality of your tea, we recommend storing your tea in a dark and dry location in sealed container.

Are your teas certified organic? Our mission is to bring you the very best teas available. Often, this means that our teas are certified organic. In that case, the teas are certified by Quality Assurance International (QAI), an independent service organization developed specifically for the purpose of certifying the authenticity of produce which is organically grown. Working directly with the tea farmers we buy from allows us to self-monitor the growing environment of each tea for your health and assurance.

Are you Fair Trade certified? Some of our teas are certified for environmental and social sustainability by the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade USA.  In addition to these certifications, we source our teas directly and ensure ethical trade by forming relationships with our tea growers.  We share our experiences from each estate to your cup on our website, Facebook page and newsletter.

Complex, honeysuckle

Plucked from young AV2 tea cultivars at Tumsong's Estate's prime high-elevation plot, this exceptional selection is compex and nuanced. An essense of fresh honeysuckle and a lingering sweetness.

www.raretearepublic.com

{Organic Wednesday} Natalie Portman's Wedding

Natalie Portman Images

I have been a pretty big Natalie Portman fan ever since she was a little girl and starred in Beautiful Girls. Did you know that in 2003, Portman graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. degree in psychology, pretty smart eh!! How do you like them apples!? Well I did some snooping and only found a few paparazzi pictures online of her recent very Organic and Eco-friendly wedding, but have all the details. By the sounds of it, I would have LOVED their wedding, sadly I was not a guest.

"Although Portman debuted the rock at the Oscars last February, she and Benjamin Millepied made it official with a super-romantic wedding ceremony Aug. 4, 2012 at a private residence in Big Sur, Calif.

Wearing a bohemian wedding gown designed by her pals at Rodarte, the same house that made the purple dress that Portman wore to the 2010 Oscars. She wore flowers wrapped around her head and a long veil, she exchanged vows with French choreographer/dancer Millepied, 35, beneath a hand-crafted chuppah just after sundown on a spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Presided by a rabbi, the vows took place by candlelight beneath a hand-crafted chuppah. They were surrounded by family – including 14-month-old son. During the ceremony, the couple were wrapped in a tallits, a Jewish prayer shawl, and in keeping with custom, things ended with Millepied smashing a glass to shouts of "Mazel Tov!"

The wedding between Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied reflected not just the bride's Jewish faith and the groom's French nationality, but also the couple's outlook on the world. 

Instead of having flowers flown in, the ceremony featured wildflowers indigenous to the Big Sur coast where the ceremony took place, and instead of "fish or steak" the menu was strictly vegan in keeping with the bride's diet. Also instead of the traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for French macarons.

The reception was held under a tent at a private residence, and featured a Klezmer band. The newly married couple kicked the dancing off with a 20-minute hora dance before being lifted up in chairs by guests. 

When things wrapped up around 2 a.m., the approximately 100 guests took home packets of wildflower seeds as party favors. The packets were inscribed with a single word: Merci".

sources: read more and even more reading

Eco-chic Weddings

In case, you missed this before, I'm sharing it again because there are so many great ideas, I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle of my blog! I recently finished reading "Eco-chic Weddings" by Emily Elizabeth Anderson and have LOTS of great information to tell you about. As you know my passion is sharing eco-friendly ideas that you can consider for your wedding, it doesn't have to be everything, even a few green efforts can make a big difference. This will be a pretty lengthy post, so stick with me, have a cup of coffee, get a piece of paper to take notes, or get ready to click on links and bookmark them! Most of this information is directly from Emily's book and some I have added in.

Facts To Think About:

• According to Conde Nast Bridal Group- American Wedding Study 2006 the average American wedding is now $27,825 in 1990 it was $15,208
• Prioritize!! What is the most important part of your wedding that you are willing to spend money on and what could be edited out?
• Borrow -  Emily wrote in her book that she borrowed her friends pearl bracelet which was special since her friend couldn't be at the wedding. Maybe borrow someone’s veil too.
• Think about one-time-use items like your wedding shoes that you will only wear once, do you really want to spend that much on them?
• According to the Bridal Consultants of America, October is now the most popular month of the year to get married.
• Ask and find out if your venue/caterer compost leftover food? Could they donate to a compost community garden?
• Reduce: Send your wedding invitations earlier than planned so that you don’t have to send out save-the-dates, or it’s too late to send out save-the-dates so you just send invites
• Self-adhesive stamps come with non-recyclable plastic sheet backing so if possible get the moisten and stick stamps
• Recycle your ink cartridges, more than 300 million ink cartridges end up in landfills every year. You can take them to Staples and get a discount!
• Average money spent on honeymoon is $3.700
• This is a BIG FACT I DID NOT KNOW!! 10% of honeymooners go on a cruise, but did you know that one of the largest waterway polluters is the cruise ship industry! Discharge into the ocean by cruise ships is not covered under the Clean Water Act. I have actually never been on a cruise but it's such a huge industry for tourism.
• Consider going to a “green” location and doing “green” activities and rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car since they have the Toyota Prius

source

Green or Environmentally Conscious Places to Vacation:

• Belize Blackbird Caye http://www.blackbirdresort.com
• Fiji fijiresort.com
• San Fran stay at Hotel Triton http://www.hoteltriton.com
• Bora Bora Eden Beach Hotel http://www.boraborahotel.com/Eden-Beach-hotel-Bora-Bora/Eden_Beach_hotel_Bora_Bora.html
• North Georgia Mountains http://www.enota.com/enota_flyer.htm
• Right outside of Atlanta, GA http://www.serenbefarmhouse.com
• Brevard, NC http://www.deerwoode.com where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon - The Barn Cabin: http://www.deerwoode.com/barncabin.php
• Volunteer in Belize http://blueventures.org/belize/short-dive-break-belize.html
• More http://www.responsibletravelreport.com/partners/partner-directory

Find more places to stay here: www.greenhotels.com

Gift Ideas:

At least 80% of brides will use registries for their gifts, and your registry is a great way to include eco-friendly gifts and useful items that you will ACTUALLY use. Etsy.com has even added a wedding registry option! Here are a few places to consider adding to your bridal shower/wedding registry or even giving bridal party gifts or favors to guests: 

www.poppycotton.com - on maternity leave, check back with her later

www.greenglass.org- look for the stores that sell their products like Joli Home in Beaufort, SC 

http://malie.com - amazing bath products from Hawaii!!

Organic Wines:

Have you considered serving Organic Wines at your wedding or give wine as gifts. Maybe the bride and groom are avid wine drinkers and a wine club gift may be something they would appreciate. Check out these great companies!!

www.coopermountainwine.com Beaverton, OR 

"We now farm more than 100 acres, grow five varietals and are committed to sustainability: organic and biodynamic farming and winemaking and dry farming".

www.freywine.com  Redwood Valley, CA

Prestige Wine Wholesale Ltd.

www.fetzer.comHopland, Mendocino Co., CA

"At Fetzer, we've been committed to environmental responsibility for over a quarter century. Because we believe sustainable practices not only make for a healthier planet – they make for better wines. 13 beautiful wines that are earth friendly" http://www.fetzer.com/Greening-Our-Business

Join this wine club, or give it as a gift http://store.theorganicwinecompany.com/storefront.aspx 

http://www.redtruckwine.com/green-truck-2009-Mendocino-County-Petite-Sirah.html#

"Our Petite Sirah grapes are organically grown and farmed on Mendocino County vineyards by the Barra family who've been devoted to organic farming long before it was fashionable. Organic farming requires a commitment to a method of farming that eliminates dependence on chemical fertilizers and toxic fungicides and insecticides in favor of natural practices that protect the health and safety of our farm workers, create a thriving wildlife habitat, result in clean run-off and healthier soils for our future. Even better, these practices result in delicious wine. The grapes are certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers; one of the most consumer recognized and trusted seals in the organic marketplace". 

Medlock Ames:http://allthelittledetailsdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/organic-wednesday-medlock-ames.html 

More about wines: http://allthelittledetailsdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/bright-idea-thursday-wine-themed-wedding.html

Photo by Alexis Sweet

Consider Buying a Synthetic Diamonds or Don't Buy a Diamond:

If you do want a diamond please make sure what you purchase is not a blood diamond a.k.a conflict diamond which refers to a "diamond mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, invading army's war efforts, or a warlord's activity". Read more about this here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_diamond

• Buy Simulated Diamonds: http://russianbrilliants.net/about-Russian-Brilliants-Best-Simulated-Diamonds
• Buy a natural untreated sapphires: www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com   
• Buy a moissanite ring: http://www.moissanite.com/
• Buy a vintage, antique, or estate ring OR pass down a family ring (my ring is from my mom's grandma)
• Look at your old gold and maybe melt it down and make a new ring

source

Flower Facts:

• Green garden foam cannot be recycled so try to avoid using it or have your florist use only a little or not at all.
• Roundup is a huge factor for cancer in flower workers, please be careful yourself using it
• Because flowers are not ingested, the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't regulate pesticide levels on them
• Buy flowers from an organic farm: www.organicbouquet.com Maitland, FL or www.seabreezed.com  San Diego, CA
• Read my previous post on other Green Flower Companies here: http://bluemasonjarstudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/organic-wednesday-eco-friendly-flowers.html
• Maybe don't even use flowers at your reception at all and use candles or several little lamps on each table to create an intimate setting, especially if they have nice lampshades. Or put potted plants as centerpieces that your guests can take as favors.

source

And That's All Folks!

{Organic Wednesday} Mirage Lip Gloss

On Sunday and Monday we had a blast working on styling for a Victorian Styled Shoot along with a handful of talented wedding professionals. More details to come on that adventure, but my exciting news to share with you today for {Organic Wednesday} is this new all natural lip gloss. Gwen of Pretty Woman Day Spa did the make up for our model and used their mineral based oil free make up and WOW so beautiful!! Plus it didn't feel caked on and lasted for the entire shoot without any retouches!! Gwen used her new mirage lip gloss that they just launched and are now selling it at the spa located at 23 Plantation Park Dr., Suite 302, Bluffton, SC 29910. The lip gloss has a mirror on the side of it and it even lights up! So cool. 
This is definitely on my wish list!

UPDATE!! I finally went by the Spa and bought my very own mirage lip gloss! 

I bought the Color "New York" LOVE IT!!

{Organic Wednesday} Wood Rings

For today's "Organic Wednesday" I have to share this beautiful green wedding, that was Eco-friendly and actually literally very green. The cake, flowers, and bridesmaid dresses were green. What really caught my eye was the groom's wooden wedding band! Please go over to Borrowed and Bleu's blog to see the whole wedding!

wedding 1

Photography: Carolina Photosmith ~ Mount Pleasant, SC

wedding 2
Photography: Annie Agarwal Photography ~ Temple Terrace, FL

{Organic Wednesday} Recycled Bride

One of my clients actually bought some items from here and got a good deal. Also if you are a bride and bought a lot of items you can sell them! Or if you are sadly one of the few who's wedding was cancelled for whatever reason, get rid of all that wedding stuff!!

"Recycled Bride is a free marketplace for eco-savvy brides and their friends. Members recycle everything from designer wedding gowns to table decorations, bridesmaids dresses, shoes, and even wedding gifts. If you have ever been part of a wedding, or plan to be, buying and selling on Recycled Bride helps minimize your carbon footprint and maximize your budget".

What is Recycled Bride?

"Recycled Bride is a listing service that connects buyers and sellers of all things wedding-related.

It's free to list your first item. If you have several things to sell, you'll need a Plus account. Vendors, check out Recycled Bride PRO.

• Our sellers earn money, buyers save money, and everybody reduces their environmental impact.
• Recycled Bride and the RB blog provide ideas and resources for eco-chic and budget-friendly weddings.
• Our incredible search engine and e-mail alerts system help you find exactly what you need.
• Recycled Bride donates 15% of advertising revenue to Global Green USA".

 

Items you could find for sale!

http://www.recycledbride.com

http://www.facebook.com/recycledbride

{Organic Wednesday} Green Field Paper Company

So once I run out of my thank you cards I plan to purchase these beautiful cards. 

As you know I love flowers and sharing my love to others would be perfect. 

It is so neat to be able to put this card into some soil, give it water and sun, then watch it grow!

"At Green Field Paper, we are all about the paper- tree free paper. We offer both handmade paper and machine made hemp paper. It is our fine tactile Seed Embedded Paper (embedded with wildflower seeds) that we are known for throughout the world. Since 1992, Green Field Paper handmade paper has been crafted one sheet at a time here in San Diego, California. Our machine-made Hemp Heritage paper is manufactured in New England, home of the first American paper mills".

Eco-friendly Thank You Cards... 100% recycled ingredients, using no chemicals, dyes or additives. 

Plantable... Each card is embedded with a colorful array of wildflower seeds. The recipient can plant the card in the ground and watch it grow. Planting instructions are printed on the back of every card along with the seed mixture.  
Package of 5 (Price $13.95)

WRITE IT - GIFT IT - PLANT

Two gifts in one! If you buy a lot of gift cards for people, why don't you buy a bunch of these plantable gift card holders so they can enjoy shopping and growing a new plant! Or maybe get a gift card to a Spa for a massage or pedicure and give it to your bridal party or mother. Or give it to the Bride! Price: $4.50

A FIRST CLASS USE FOR THIRD CLASS MAIL 

It's not too early to buy your holiday cards now!

Saving the landfill & the trees... 

This is the ultimate tree-free paper created with the junk mail collected by Green Field Paper employees, clients and friends.

Unique... A truly original concept, shredded junk mail is combined with post consumer pulp to create this distinctive paper- no two sheets are alike.  You can even recognize fragments of actual junk mail in this confetti-laden paper. 25 Card Bulk Pack & Envelopes (Price $62.50)

www.greenfieldpaper.com

858-565-2585

ALSO REMEMBER Earth Day 2012 will be April 21st in Forsyth Park www.earthdaysavannah.org