Shoptobegreen Top 10 Green Articles of 2011!

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Victorian New Year

We don't pretend to be the guru of all that is "green" but we work hard to share earth friendly information as much as possible!

Please comment below if there is specific "eco-friendly" topic that concerns you! We will research and post it.

Green Movement Symbol

I hope you pass this on to anyone that cares about the environment.

Shoptobegreen's Top 10 Green Articles of 2011
Note: mix of Shoptobegreen and other notable articles - click on links.

1. Arsenic in juice: How to lower your risks
2. Eco Romantic Candles ...A Love Affair
3. Choosing what matters: My smaller (but still green) budget for 2012
4. Buying Local is Sweeping the Nation like a Holiday Storm
5. Living off the Grid is more than changing a light bulb
6. 12 low-cost ways to save energy and money!
7. Houston, can you see the air pollution?
8. What’s a MAGNAblade?
9. Jonesing for Trash into Rainbows or a Plastic Fantasy?
10. "Victorian Inspired" Organic Wedding Favors
    
    
    
    
    

Eco Friendly Victorian Post Christmas

by Katy Green

http://www.shoptobegreen.com/

Victorian Christmas Card

Well, the holidays are ending and so we are left with what I call the "odd week" between Xmas and New Years. What to do?

This is a great time to celebrate the gathering of family and friends sans gift exchange. This is also a time of reflection as well and plan for the new year.

There are many Victorian holiday traditions but there are a couple that are more appropriate during this time:

Victorian Christmas Crackers

Victorian Christmas Crackers

The Christmas cracker was invented by a sweet shop owner called Thomas Smith as way to market more sweets. He would include letters and notes to family and friends as well. We hope you enjoy this video on how to create Victorian Xmas Crackers.

Eco Friendly materials to create Victorian Crackers:

• Use any type of cardboard rollers or plastic cups the same size to shape
• Wrap with used magazine paper or newspaper
• Decorate with use Xmas Cards or pictures from any magazine
• Stuff with notes to friends, cookies and homemade sweets or crackers

Click here to: Watch the video on Victorian Crackers! 

The Peppermint Pig
http://www.saratoga.com/

The Peppermint Pig

The Peppermint Pig is a Victorian tradition created by candy makers in Saratoga Springs, NY.

According to Saratoga.com the pig represented good health, happiness and prosperity. Old fashioned candy makers fashioned the Peppermint Pigs™ each year during the holiday season. These sweet treats were made of hard peppermint candy --similar in taste and texture to a candy cane -- and appropriately colored a very festive pink!

When families gathered together at Christmas for the holiday meal, the tradition was to break the Peppermint Pig™ after dinner (inside a small cloth pouch) using a miniature hammer. All family members would then share in eating the sweet candy pieces, hoping for good fortune in the coming year.

Christmas Card 1920's

At shoptobegreen.com we believe homemade is more green friendly and it is the best way to share the experience with family so we hope you enjoy this recipe updated from Barbara M's Holiday Tradition on how to make A Peppermint Pig! You can do this during "the odd week" it does not have to be done only on Xmas Day.

Holiday Tradition of Barbara M. from Bakersfield ,United States (revised to be more green friendly)

•  4 c.granulated sugar (3 1/2 cups of raw sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of pure apple juice)
• 1/2 tsp peppermint oil
• 1 square of aluminum foil (12x24 inches or larger) (can't think of alternative but we recycle aluminum foil)
• 3/4 c. light corn syrup (honey or molasses instead)
• 1/4 c. water
• 1-2 Tbsp margarine (use a margarine alternative like Olive Oil or Coconut Oil)
• 1 tsp marshmallow creme (use Ricemellow instead)
• 2-3 drops red food color (use beet juice or strawberry juice or any red fruit juice for coloring)

Mix sugar, corn syrup alternative and water in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Insert candy thermometer in pan and bring to 300-degree boil. Remove from heat , add marshmellow alternative,red food color alternative and peppermint oil and stir vigorously as mixture froths up,cools and begins to thicken. Place foil on counter and smear with margarine alternative. Scraping bottom and sides of pan,pour candy on to foil to form a thin layer. While candy is cooling,press a buttered cookie cutter (a pig or any holiday style cutter) down into candy and leave it sitting there til the candy sets up hard. Break the candy outside the cookie cutter away,gently remove candy from the cutter and it is ready to serve or place in a nice pouch with a string to close the pouch.

To use it at a family gathering use a household hammer or mallet or toy hammer so everyone can take a whack at the pig in the pouch. It is then passed around the table once at least. Everyone has to state what they are willing to give up for the new and what they appreciate in the past year.

Eco Friendly Victorian Holiday Traditions

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family in 1848 celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition that was reminiscent of Prince Albert's childhood in Germany.

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

We are huge fans of the Victorian era at shoptobegreen.com for many reasons; the simplicity and the extravagance of the gifts and holiday decorations are a perfect mix of eco-luxury and the true spirit of the holidays.

The victorian era was during the period of Queen Victoria's reign (in England each era was marked and transformed by the Queen or King that reigned - like the Elizabethan era, etc.).

Brief Victorian History:

According to Wikipedia, the Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. This era was preceded by the Georgian period and succeeded by the Edwardian period.

Top 5 Victorian Holiday Traditions:

• Victorians went Christmas caroling during the holiday season. 
• Groups of singers traveled to every house singing carols or songs, for which they were often rewarded.
• One of the most popular rewards for their gift of song was the mince pie.

• A mince pie is a small British sweet pie traditionally served during the holidays. Mince pies date back to the 13th century.
• Click here for a Mince Pie Recipe.  
• A mince pie is perfect for any gathering accomponied by a glass of full bodied red wine.
• Carolers were also rewarded with money which they donated to charity.
• The original term for caroling is wassailing.

Victorian Christmas Cards:

Authentic Victorian Christmas Card
www.victoriana.com

• Victorians created the first Christmas cards.
• The antique two-sided holiday greeting card (featured above) is decorated with blue silk fringe.
• Front says: "A Merry Christmas to You". Back says: "A Happy New Year, Health and prosperity, Your life to cheer, With every blessing, For the bright New Year".
• According to History-UK.com - The "Penny Post" was first introduced in Britain in 1840 by Rowland Hill. The idea was simple, a penny stamp paid for the postage of a letter or card to anywhere in Britain.
• The "Penny Post" paved the waCy for the sending the first Christmas cards. Sir Henry Cole was the first to test this concept by printing a thousand cards for sale in his art shop in London at one shilling each.
• During the first 70 years of the 19th century it was common for Christmas and other greeting cards to be recycled by women's service organizations who collected them and removed the pictures, to be pasted into scrap books for the entertainment of children in hospitals, orphanages, kindergartens and missions. This service gradually disappeared because children's books became more affordable but the concept of scrapbooking is very Victorian. You can create a scrapbook of memories for your loved ones.
• An environmentally friendly way to express your love is to send E-cards instead.
• Free sites for Victorian inspired E-Cards:
• Victorian Love Holiday E-Cards
• Punkie's Victorian E-Cards
• Wiki Tree Victorian E-Cards

Visit us later today for Part II of Eco-Friendly Victorian Holiday Traditions

Perfect Eco-Gifts for Picky People!

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com


Shopping for gifts can be a "green pain"!

I empathize with anyone that is tasked with finding gifts for someone they don't really know...yet.

Hmmm...who would that be... a new roommate, new boss or co-worker, new Mother-In-Law or In-Laws to be...the list is endless.

Don't worry shoptobegreen.com is here to help you find the perfect eco-friendly gift and relieve your pain.

Newly engaged at Thanksgiving and want to impress your future Mother-In-Law? Or trying to find the perfect Mother's Day Gift?
Four Bath Essential Bath Soaks to the rescue. It is worth every penny. The salts set includes one each full size bath soak:

Solay Bath Soak

• Stress Relief Natural Bath Soak
• Immune Boosting Natural Foot Soak
• Daily Detox Bath Soak
• Pain Relief Bath Soak

Want to connect with a new friend or colleague and not sure what they like? 

Lip Balm Gift Pack

Anyone will appreciate The Lip Balm - Gift Pack. 

I can't recall how many times I have to buy another lip balm because I can't find it or I need an extra one for the office, car etc. The assortment of natural lip balms are a perfect gift for any personality and you could buy an extra one for yourself as well....at only $12...you could buy three!

Body Relief Pillows

Any boss, will appreciate a Body Relief Pillow. Stress from work, life or any issue can lead to muscle aches and pains. The body relief pillow is a gift that keeps on giving.



Solay Soy Candle

If you are getting to know someone new that could become someone really special but you don't want to splurge yet!

Solay Wellness Candles are a great way to show that you care. Send the gift of light and wellness. We offer a variety of scents: Solay Lavender Soy Pure, Solay Rosemary, Solay Meyer Lemon and Solay Unscented Soy Pure Candle.

Remember give green every time and you save the planet!

7 Earth Friendly Changes for the Future

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

It seems everyone is into "green" this year. We hope it's a long term lifestyle change instead of being eco-chic for now.

According to Huffington Post, there are 7 Green Changes for Mother Earth on the horizon (well not really on the horizon it has been in process but everything takes time).

Ecological Sustainability Highlights:

Green Concrete or Carbon Negative

• Green Concrete? Yes, regular concrete is the third largest producer of carbon dioxide but several companies are in the process of creating Green Concrete. According to GizMag, two companies are using different technologies that not only make concrete carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative. What does that mean? It's an adjective to used to describe the process of reducing global warming through reduction of greenhouse gas omissions.

Tidal Power

• Tidal Power - Not, wind power but Tidal Power (sounds very Atlantis) Minesto has secured serious funding from The Carbon Trust to make its "Deep Green" program a reality. According to Minesto, Deep Green is based on a fundamentally new principle for electricity generation from tidal currents.
• If you are in the "green technology" and your are looking for a job, Minesto is hiring several people to help make this a true reality. For job listings, click here.



Tiny Eco-Friendly Homes

• Tiny Eco Homes are not new but it seems things are getting really cozy: According to Huffington Post, this mountain retreat is 387.5 square feet. Somehow green architects designed two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. The mobile design is made to leave no mark behind when heading off to a new destination, and is prefabricated from recyclable metal cladding and wood.
  
  
  
  For more information on 7 Game Changes for the Future, click here.

To participate in the future of Ecological Sustainability, check out the Eco Summit for 2012. They are accepting abstracts till January 2012.

 

Household Waste Increases by 25% Over the Holidays

By Rima Mehta

Disposable dinnerware are not often the topic of tabletop conversation till a holiday arrives. And yet these simple objects raise complicated issues concerning environmental impact. To use them or not to use them, that is only one of the questions. While they are quite acceptable for serving large crowds, when dining is outdoors, they are the most practical holiday option as well. They also offer the quickest, easiest cleanup.



As we shop, celebrate, decorate, give gifts and travel this holiday season, we also generate a lot of waste and increase our energy use. The volume of household waste in the United States generally increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day -- from 4 million tons to 5 million tons.


Here are some quick facts on disposables:


• 970 thousand tons of paper cups and plates were discarded in 2003 (EPA). If, we approximate 15 grams weight for each cup or plate, we get 64 billion paper cups and plates being thrown away every year in USA.


• 730 thousand tons of Styrofoam and plastic plates and cups (710 thousand tons were Styrofoam) were disposed in 2003 (EPA). Using 10 grams weight for each cup or plate, we get 73 billion mostly Styrofoam cups and plates being thrown away every year in USA.


• According to EPA statistics, a total of 3,810 thousand tons of plastic containers & bottles were thrown away in 2003. Using a generous number of 20 grams for each container, we get a number of 190 billion plastic containers & bottles being landfilled or incinerated every year.


• The above numbers do not include trash bags, grocery bags and other plastic materials like trays, utensils, clamshells, caps and other plastic packaging. A total of 8000 thousand tons of these items were discarded in 2003.


While, these numbers are alarming and have only increased overtime, there are many simple ways to “green” your holiday season by reducing, reusing and recycling. It takes only a small commitment to protect the environment.


Biodegradable plates and platters are the perfect alternative to traditional throwaway plates that are so popular for parties and any other time of the year. Many are even made of compostable material.




6" Palm Leaf Bowls

The benefits of using biodegradable plates are a lower environmental impact. Unlike, plastic coatings and Styrofoam materials that have the potential to last for centuries. According to the U.S. EPA, 25,000,000,000 foam cups are thrown away every year. Yes, that does say 25 billion in America alone. And that number doesn’t include plates and bowls. The foam cup that could be in your hand today will still be sitting in a landfill somewhere 500 years from now. Those are amazing statistics. Using disposable is easier but it is definitely not greener.

Fortunately, an increasing number of manufacturers are producing "green" paper ware not only from recycled wood products but also from bamboo, bagasse (sugar cane), palm leaves, potato starch and other easily renewable resources. One company that offers a long list of price comparisons for these alternative products is Shop to be Green.


It’s about leaving a legacy, inspiring others to become involved, and making a difference no matter how large or small. Think of the difference we can make by using alternatives.

Five Tips on how to Green your Home for the Holidays!

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

The holidays are quickly approaching it seems much faster than last year...a minute ago it was Halloween.

Don't want to spend money on decorating for the season, too tired to think of ways to spruce up your home during the holidays? 

Don't worry, the folks at shoptobegreen.com came up up with 5 simple ways to "green" your holiday season. We hope you learn something new and please share this with your friends and family.

Pink Jasmine Flowers

5 Ways to Green your Home for the Holidays:

• Jasmine is great for the holidays, especially Pink Jasmine. The dark green leaves of the Jasmine plant provide a perfect accent to any holiday decoration. You don't need green thumbs because it is easy to grow. 
• Did you know that for thousands of years the Jasmine flower has also been prized for its intoxicating scent. People use the Jasmine flower to attract spiritual love, wealth, money and prophetic dreams. The Jasmine scent evokes a happy atmosphere and it is also an aphrodisiac. You can purchase Jasmine flowers at your local farmers market, nursery or purchase the seeds at Mountain Rose Bulk Organic Herbs and Spices

Block Monogram Throw Pillow

Block Monogram Throw Pillow

• Throw Pillows are perfect for any occasion. To spice your holidays swap out pillows through out the house and a bit of "merry" to any chair, love seat, chaise or bedroom. 
• Our www.shoptobegreen.com Block Monogram Throw Pillows are perfect as gifts or as an accent to your decor. The felt used to make these pillows derive from 100 percent post consumer recycled water bottles. Truly amazing!. Think about it... the empty water bottles you throw in the recycling bin are melted down and turned into the beautiful, really high quality soft felt. Visit our website by clicking here to view the Monogram Throw Pillows.

Love the look of holiday wreaths but don't like the high sticker price to post one on your door, well we have a less expensive solution.

Holiday Tie Wreath

Holiday Tie Wreath

• A few of our favorites, Dad's Tie Wreath, look yonder at the wasteland of ties, well wonder no more this is great way to create a wreath. For instructions, please click on the link above. Green Note: No need to buy wire, take one of those wire hangers and fashion it into a circle. Don't use so many ties either, pick four ties and alternate each one so you have neat pattern and then use a different tie as the ribbon. 

Popcorn Wreath

Popcorn Wreath

• A Popcorn Wreath is perfect for movie lovers that bought too much popcorn during the summer and now the popcorn seeds have expired. Shoptobegreen.com will show you how to make a popcorn wreath without the paper plate.

1. Use any plate to shape the wire hanger into a circle.
2. Wrap the wire in the thick fabric either with a blanket or old towel or whatever you no longer need.
3. Cut a 3-foot length of jewelry string (better than dental floss); tie one end of the wire to the string after it is wrapped. You can also use sewing thread.
4. Thread other end through needle, and string popcorn.
5. Wrap strand around wrapped wire; tie off.
6. Add strands until wreath is covered (layer to fill gaps ).
7. Loop ribbon and hang; sew on a bow.

Holiday Card Decorations on a Door

Holiday Card Decorations on a Door

• Years ago, I stopped buying holiday cards or cards of any kind because I don't like to waste trees. I prefer Grow a Note. I can't stop people from sending me cards and because I'm nostalgic and I think the best way to cherish the ones you love is to decorate with holiday cards.

• Get a empty picture frame and fill it with cards.
• Outline a door frame with ribbon and hand cards or hang cards over your fireplace
• Hang cards on your tree or down your stair case

Visit us often for more Green Holiday Tips.

International Green Awards...want to attend?

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com




If you happen to be in the UK next week, you are invited to attend this green star studded event.

According to ecorazzi, on Thursday, November 24th at the Natural History Museum in London, the The 6th International Green Awards for Creativity and Sustainability will celebrate the incredible contributions being made by the world’s eco community. By honoring celebrities, businesses, governments and entrepreneurs, the awards ceremony will highlight the best and brightest who are working hard to create a sustainable future. 
 To get tickets, click here: Tickets to Green Awards! To view the short list of nominees, click here.

If you attend, please let us know. We would love to hear feedback:)

A Visual Love Letter - 7 states and 2 Provinces....one Iphone.

by Katy Green
http://www.shoptobegreen.com/


At shoptobegreen we are nature lovers at heart and as mentioned in previous articles the owners of shoptobegreen.com traveled across Arizona all the way up to Vancouver, Canada on a three week road trip.

Their mission was to enjoy, escape and capture the breathtaking beauty of our planet and look for new alternative green organic products for you....our shoptobegreen friends.


We hope that this amazing footage of the Americas and Canada makes a positive difference in your day. Please share with your friends and loved ones

Forks of Fancy and Spoons of Love!

by Katy Green
shoptobegreen.com




Forks as bracelets and spoons as rings....who knew!

We did!


At shoptobegreen we value historical pieces converted into wearable works of art.


A historical item like a fork hand made from  recycled, antique silver plated fork transformed into a bracelet is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Not only is the fork bracelet a conversation starter but it's a perfect keepsake or a gift for a loved one.




Original Heart Design 3 - Silver Fork Bracelet
TO VIEW MORE FORK BRACELETS CLICK HERE 

What could be more romantic than a eco-friendly antique fork bracelet?  An antique silver plated spoon ring!

Did you know that spoon rings were first made in 17th century England as wedding rings by servants who could not afford expensive precious metals. These hard working humble men of meager means showed their commitment and risked their lives (seven year penalty of imprisonment if they were caught)  to fashion spoon rings into wedding rings for their brides to be...for more on this story, click here.

We are proud to carry eco-jewelry pieces that are beautiful, romantic and historical.



Evening Star - Silver Spoon Ring





Eternally Yours Silver Spoon Ring



Eternally Yours Spoon Ring Back View




All jewelry featured is designed by Marchello Art.

Tips to Save Money and Eat Organic by Having Your Own Garden

We all know that money is tight and people are looking for ways to cut costs and yet still make healthy choices for their family. Eating organic, though always preferred and worth it, can greatly impact the grocery budget, so why not start an organic garden? A garden is an easy way to supplement your food supply and free up a portion of your budget. It also provides peace of mind knowing exactly where your food is coming from. For novice gardeners there are easy options available. Even if you're an Urbanite and do not have a yard in which to plant a garden, there are still some pretty cool ways to grow your own fresh produce. Here are a few suggestions and interesting finds:

• Create a fire escape or balcony garden like Mike Lieberman did
  
• Garden in your home using indoor containers: like these transparent window planters, vertical planters, or hanging pots (soon to be available for sale at Shop to be Green)
  
• Build a raised garden bed: find more information and how-to plans at Popular Mechanics and ShoptobeGreen

Here are a couple of pictures of the raised garden bed we are building (find more details here):

Remember that flowering plants and food producers usually require at least 3 hours of direct/indirect sunlight a day, unless you own grow lights. Here's a great container garden watering tip courtesy Kate at HipGirlsHome. Once you have your own garden, organize an organic food swap with other gardeners, that way you can get a variety of produce without trying to grow everything you want yourself. Here are few ways to find or organize a food swap:

• Organize a food swap on Meetup
• Host a food swap party like at HipGirlsHome (also lists some swap sources)
  

If you find you are producing more than you can consume/trade don't let your food go to waste. There are plenty of people who can benefit from your food. Especially if you live in the following states Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas and North Carolina which according to FeedAmerica.org (2009 stats) had the highest poverty rates in the US. You can donate extra fruits and vegetables to:

• Neighbors, friends, and relatives
• Food banks
• Homeless shelters
• Senior Centers
• Girls/Boys Clubs

You can also give some of your produce away in a nice basket as gifts for holidays or as a hostess gift. You will find that a garden is not only an economical alternative but also a fun and relaxing hobby. Soon you might even find yourself thinking about making your own preserves and jarred food like our grandparents did.

Happy Gardening!

Heirloom Seed growers unite!

by Katy Green
http://www.shoptobegreen.com/

As the colder months approach and we dig into our wallets to buy expensive fresh organic produce because it is better for our families - I wonder if there is a less expensive alternative?

There is a less costly way but it requires a bit of time in the beginning but by next summer your vegetable garden will be so robust that you won't need to buy expensive vegetables.

What are Heirloom Seeds?

Heirloom seeds exist only because of the heirloom seed movement.  True heirloom seeds are not available commercially.

These types of seeds are also referred to as heritage seeds, non-hybrid seeds, Non-GMO seeds, and open-pollinated seeds. The term “open-pollinated” means that the seeds are fertile and come back year after year true to type, looking like their parent plants because of no genetic tampering or severe inbreeding.

Community Garden

The seed movement specificially the Heirloom Seed Movement is not new and for the last two centuries and farmers and backyard growers have harvested their own produce.
 
According to the Heirloom Seeds website:

Most heirloom seeds date back hundreds of years to the early colonial period; however, an heirloom seed is any seed that was introduced before the 1920’s, before hybrid crops were first commercialized.

Heirloom seeds provide farmers and gardeners the freedom to save seeds and breed new varieties. Saving and sharing heirloom seed encourages genetic plant diversity which gives us reliable food security.

These types of seeds are also referred to as heritage seeds, non-hybrid seeds, Non-GMO seeds, and open-pollinated seeds. The term “open-pollinated” means that the seeds are fertile and come back year after year true to type, looking like their parent plants because of no genetic tampering or severe inbreeding.

I am sure your thinking...what time do I have grow seeds!

I don't even have time to even breathe much less start a garden. I think it can be done and you can start with herbs first and then graduate to vegetable. Growing herbs and vegetables is a fun project for you and your family and it will save you money. Apartment dwellers can also start a garden indoor so anyone can do it living anywhere.

Check out the following sites on growing seeds:

• Earth First Urban Gardening
• Vegetable Gardening in Containers
• Heirloom Seeds Catalog
• American Community Garden Association
• Growing Food in my Own Apartment

Autumn Welcomes us with Open Arms....Outdoor Events for All!

by Katy Green
http://www.shoptobegreen.com/

Fall Foliage - Wisconsin

There is so much that can be said about Fall, the changing of the leaves, the smell of apple cider and pumpkin pie in the air.

Outdoor Powwow

Nothing beats attending outdoor Autumn festivals and exploration of nature and there are many ways to enjoy so I have listed some of shoptobegreen.com Top Five Best Sites for Fall Festivals and Outdoor Activities for your perusal and to keep. Visit us often for updates.

Apples picked from an Outdoor Festival

1. Fall Foliage is more than the changing of seasons it is breathtaking so take a self guided tour solo or with family and friends. This site lists all states the are the best for viewing the change of nature. Click link for more: http://www.chiff.com/a/fall-foliage.htm
2. Native American Indians are the indegenous people of the Americas and there are the forefathers of preservation and the organic movement because of their love of Mother Earth and nature and it is an important part of their culture. To attend an American Indian Powwow in your area, click link: http://www.crazycrow.com/events_nativeamerican/
3. Looking for that unique gift, or want to sample a great pecan pie or fresh preserves, well the open markets are the best place to sample local foods and produce. The list created by Farmers Market Online is organized by state and sub region: http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/Openair.htm
4. We love Festivals and although this website looks more like an advertisement page it really does list all the festivals locally and nationally (includes Art, Music,Vendors, Performers and People). See link: http://www.festivals.com/default.aspx
5. There are so many outdoor activities in the Fall especially for those of you that enjoy camping outside in the brisk night air or if you are looking for things to do with the kids. Family Travel Files outlines the best things to do in Autumn in every region of the USA. For more info, click on the link Family Travel Files

Emerald - Fresh as a Spring Rain!

by Katy Green
shoptobegreen.com

Liz Taylor's Famous Bulgari Emerald Necklace

Did you know the birthstone for May is Emerald?

Well, if you were born in May you already know that but for those of you not celebrating this month, it's believed that Emerald brings wisdom, growth and patience. Did you know that Emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary and it also believed that Emeralds are able to enhance the clairvoyance of their wearers.

Emerald History...

According to gemstone.org - eons ago in the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Indians, claim these precious green gems consists of healing properties: 'Emeralds promise good luck"

If you warrant good luck an emerald may be the perfect remedy.

Natural Emerald

Biggest Emerald Ever...

Did you know that The New York Museum of Natural History contains The Patricia Emerald which  is one of a very few large, gem-quality emeralds that have been preserved uncut. Though emeralds have been found in several locations, including Siberia and the United States, Colombia is the world's major source of the minerals today.

Emerald Cocktail Ring - shoptobegreen.com

Natural Emerald -Each stone is unique in it's size, shape and color making each ring a one of a kind.

Be weary of fake or composite Emeralds, the best way too tell if an Emerald is fake is by the following:

• If the price is too low it may to good to be true most likely it is glass or crystal instead of an Emerald.
• If the origin is from China is most likely fake. Most Emeralds are found in Columbia, India, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Zimbabwe and North Carolina.
• Examine the Emerald with a magnifying glass and if you see tiny flaws within the stone or irregular patterns, it is most likely real because a real Emerald is never perfect.
• If you receive an Emerald stone as a gift and you have doubts take it to a trusted jeweler to have it appraised.

Retro Eco Hoop Earrings for Fall

by Katy Green
http://www.shoptobegreen.com/



Apatite and Gold Hoop Earrings



They say everything "old is new again" or anything from the 80's is in vogue for this decade.

I love classic jewelry we are many people are inspired by items from the past either because it conjures up a treasured memory of a loved one or for nostalgic reasons or because it inspires a new interpretation.

If you are part of the eco-fashion movement then you believe in recycling old clothes and transforming them into new styles or wearing vintage clothes or buying natural classic pieces that you cherish for years to come and pass on to the next generation.

The perfect compliment to any wardrobe is a great pair or earrings.

Over the last several months, I have received many positive comments on the earrings featured below. I chose the Amethyst Hoop Earrings because of the positive energy it emits and I love the Red Coral Hoop Earrings because I wear them with many of my black dresses.

Click on the pictures of the earrings below to find out more about these beautiful pieces.

Amethyst and Gold Hoop Earrings

Did you know:  Amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning "without drunkenness" and that amethyst is believed to protect one from poison. Amethyst is used by holistic healers for problems in the blood and in breathing problems. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive.

Red Coral and Gold Hoop Earrings

Did you know: Coral was once thought to be a plant. It is believed to prevent ill fortune, help in overcoming lethargy, and to dispel fear and panic. Dark Red in particular is suppose to stimulate the bloodstream.