Details of the Party:

The Inspiration for the Party is Ice Cream Shoppe, from HostessWithTheMostess.com.  I purchased the Printable Set of designed papers from Anna and Blue Paperie, from their Etsy Shop.  I scoured Etsy for over a month, collecting ideas and thoughts, before I finally picked this theme.  I originally planned to do a Mad Hatter Tea Party, but we’ll save that for another bday.

The frames are from IKEA, the glittery boxes are Michael’s small white boxes with The Paper Source glitter wrapping paper on top.  All ribbons came from Michael’s.  I designed the flowers with my florist Zergio at La Bella Rosa Florist.  They turned out gorgeous.  The sparkly stems in there came from Michael’s, the pink buckets are from IKEA.

The cupcake stands and cupcakes are from Cupcake Couture in Delray Beach, FL.  These cupcakes are amazing and always so gorgeous.  The glass jars are from Michael’s, Home Goods has some as well.  The Gumballs are from Gumballs.com and BulkCandyStore.com.  Gumballs are very expensive, so I have a collection now from all the parties.  The glass jars are very fragile and break very easily, so handle them carefully.

The ice cream cone jars were from Pier 1 imports, as were the containers for toppings.  The clean white ice cream cups were from Etsy.  If you have any questions about anything I crafted for the party, just email me and I’ll let you know.  -Shivani

In an interview with ulule, Muller said, “Nature has selected over millions of years the most efficient structures to capture solar energy. The tree’s shape is thus the best mean to take advantage of the solar energy.”

Muller’s design, inspired by trees’ photosynthesis, is eco-chic, and integrates sustainable living with functionality and a high-end aesthetic. Truly taking efficiency into account, the Electree uses high-quality amorphous silicon in their solar panels, which optimizes solar cell efficiency.

For those creative eco-landscapers, each of the Electree’s solar panel modules can also rotate freely, giving you ultimate control over your solar bonsai’s shape. For those on the go, the Electree can be charged in less than 36 hours of sunshine, near a window indoors to maximize solar energy intake throughout the course of the day, and be used to charge mobile electronic devices via USB connection.

The Electree’s presale will fund the product’s long-term launch, with the hopes of selling 400 Electrees by October 15^th (buyers will receive their trees before Christmas).

Specs:

Solar Panels: 27 Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels; 96 mm x 96 mm ea.

Height: 40 cm

Battery Capacity: 13,500 mAh (an iPhone battery capacity is 1,500 mAh)

Outputs: USB connection + AC plug

Fashion and fur have been linked since the beginning of time. But whereas our cave sisters wore it to keep warm, fashionistas these days wear it for style. Despite the many protesters and PETA supporters, there still has not been a ban on it … until now.

Sure you’ve seen the protesters at NYC fashion week with their heart-breaking signs but it was the protesters in Seoul, South Korea that eventually got the word across. The subject of their rant, Fendi. The Italian fashion house, known for their fur craftmanship, just found out that Seoul is forcing the fashion house to leave the fur to the animals and off the catwalk.

Fendi released a statement saying the designer had difficulty understanding the decision as they had spent months preparing it. They also added they will still negotiate to keep their real fur in. City official Seo Jeong-hyup said Monday that Seoul subsequently demanded it because of negative public sentiments.

Us Greenista Girls have to say that we are happy that animals are getting a voice … even if it’s just starting in South Korea.

Would you ever where fur?

A. Never

B. Only vintage

C. Not sure

Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

It’s finally coming … Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding is this weekend. Squeal! They royal event that all little girls dream of will air this Saturday and we might be more excited than the bride. So since we have eco-friendly on the brain 24/7 we love that the royal couple is adding eco touches to their lavish affair.

The Cake: Middleton picked an organic fair-trade wedding cake to snack on at the festivities.

The Dress: Her dress, although not relieved yet, is speculated to be a local UK designer.

The Tux: Prince William will wear his current military uniform.

The Blooms: The flowers will be local flowers that are native to Britain.

The Jewels: This soon-to-be princess will be wearing borrowed jewels from the family and a hand-me-down crown.

What can’t you wait to see at this royal wedding? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

Now that the weather is warming up in the East Coast (yah! and finally!) we’re keeping our eyes on this Jonano Trench Coat for those rainy spring days. Made from hemp denim, this belted trench rocks in a glamorous way. Jonano puts an eco twist on this classic by using a hemp organic cotton dark wash structured denim with rugged “branch of peace” military button detailing. Stylish and sophisticated! Check out the eco deets …

- Certified Organic Cotton
- Organic Hemp
- Military button detailing
- Inset side pockets
- Self sash belt
- Sweat-shop free

Deal sites like Groupon and Living Social are great for exploring your city on a budget.  We’ve signed up for everything from photography classes to buying a mini-freezer’s worth of Let’s Be Frank hotdogs. Occasionally we’ve even come across an organic spa deal or a natural foods grocery store discount – but they alone weren’t enough to satisfy our green needs. We secretly hoped for a deals site that took into account our pocketbooks along with people and the planet.

Well, two gradates from the University of Southern California must have heard our prayers. Roozt.com, which defines itself as “the hatchery for responsible shopping,” is the perfect deal site alternative for the Greenista crowd. With offers that let you save up to 80 percent on three deals per week (sent via email, like the other popular sites), you can indulge in organic chocolate or buy sunglasses for a cause with the knowledge that your purchase is supporting an environmentally and socially-responsible enterprise.  In addition, 1 percent of everything purchased on Roozt.com is donated to the nonprofit of your choice.

One of Greenista Girl Sasha’s favorite purchases from Roozt.com was a fair-trade bamboo and eco-friendly dyed scarf made by a group of Nepalese women who receive sustainable income, healthcare, and education with each sale. The scarf is soft and beautiful – and she’s received many compliments when she wears it! So when you’re pulling out your credit card to take advantage of the next deal, know that with Roozt.com you’ll be a conscious consumer every time.

Written by Greenista Girl Sasha

Photo by Shopsland

Can’t get enough chocolate? This Valentine’s day, treat yourself and your special someone to the luxe products from Herbolution. Started by a young couple (aw!), Herbolution makes natural, organic, earth-friendly, sustainable, energy-efficient body products that are free of synthetic preservatives and are biodegradable. Herbolution products also contain the least processed ingredients as possible in order to reduce energy footprint and save the living force of nature in herbs and oils. We’re in love with the chocolate items including Chocolate Cardamom Facial Organic Scrub, raspberry Chocolate Sorbet Body Polish, Chocolate Vanilla Organic Body Butter, Chocolate Temptation Fizzy bath Bomb, and more.

Want tresses that make the Pantene girls jealous? Get ready to stock up on Rahua’s new line of organic and alcohol-free hair care. You’re just a few weeks away (it launches in February) from thick, flowing, lustrous hair. The secret behind Rahua is the potent restorative oil that turns dull tresses into luscious locks. Unlike other botanical oils that simply coat strands, the extraordinarily small Rahua oil molecule has the ability to deeply penetrate, bond, and repair the hair’s cortex while smoothing its cuticle. They have a full line of hair care including shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, finishing treatment, and elixir. Plus, it’s free of synthetic chemicals, parabens, and sulfates and 100% vegan.

Written by Greenista Girl Neha

Photo by Rahua

We all know about organic cotton but did you know there are a bunch of eco-friendly fabrics? To be considered eco, the fabrics have to be grown sans pesticides and chemicals, in a sustainable way, be eco certified, adhere to fair trade practices, and is animal friendly. So next time you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these 12 eco-friendly fabrics.

Hemp: A natural fiber that has over 25,000 uses. It requires no pesticides or herbicides and grows at a fast rate.

Jute: Similar to hemp but is made from vegetable fiber.

Ingeo: A man-made fiber derived from corn or fermented corn starches, plus it’s biodegradable.

Calico: Also known as muslin is made from unbleached cotton.

Hessian Cloth: Also known as burlap, Hessian is a coarse woven fabric made from hemp or jute.

Recycled Polyester: Created from used polyester garments. Some companies allow you to recycle your clothes that they then turn into recycled polyester.

Bamboo Fiber: A natural fabric made from the pulp of bamboo grass … it’s also biodegradable.

Organic Wool: This wool is produced using healthier practices for their sheep like no pesticides, hormones, or chemicals.

Tencel: Also known as Lyocell, this biodegradable fabric is made from wood pulp cellulose.

Organic Linen: Linen made from plant fibers rather than synthetic materials.

Fortrel Ecospun: Fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.

Milk Silk: Silk made from actual milk.

Written by Greenista Girl Neha

Photo by A Green Living

Half the fun of New Year’s Eve is dressing up. This time, ring in the New Year the eco way with an adorable green cocktail dress. More and more top designers are creating eco garb so you can expect a lot more than just a burlap sack … there are luxe fabrics and yes, even bright colors. Here are our NYE picks for the hottest and most eco cocktail dresses …

Fin Oslo – Look sophisticated in this silky-looking Sophie dress is made from organic bamboo jersey. It comes in Dark Shadow Grey and is blousy on top, cinched at the waist with matching belt, and has a fitted secretary skirt on the bottom. ($284)

Bahar Shahpar – Stand out in this Speckled Silk Cotton Layered Tank Dress. This two layer dress has a colorgrown organic cotton base and a silk overlay splattered with iron powder. ($254.99)

Ryann – Go trendy with this Jerry White Organic Cotton Dress. It’s made with organic cotton and wool and has a one shoulder look with black buttons and a black cuff. ($192)

Linda Loudermilk – Be sexy in this Silk Floret Dress in emerald green. It’s made from super soft eco-silk and has an asymmetrical hem, large keyhole opening in the back, and a high ruffled collar. ($189.99)

Roberta Oaks – Look classic in this handmade, fair labor Tomato Re Tan Stretch Cotton Twiggy Dress. It’s red on the bottom and white on top with a black ruffle embellish. ($89.99)

Written by Greenista Girl Neha

Photo by Nancy’s Gone Green