Boho Review

I saw the documentary “No Impact Man” last weekend. The film focused on the concept that one person’s actions and efforts can affect the environment. The protagonist Colin Beavan took his family along for the ride on his mission to make as little of an impact on the environment as possible, through changing his consumption habits, limiting waste, and supporting local agriculture.

Of course not everyone can afford eating veggies from local farmers markets each week nor would they volunteer to live by candlelight without the glow of the TV to drown out our daily stresses. But sometimes getting outside and actually being a part of your community can be good for the soul. Whether it is through buying locally when you can or volunteering in projects centered on bettering your community-small efforts can reap large rewards.

I also think that we don’t realize or want to acknowledge where our waste is going. How many paper towels do I personally use daily? And where do they go when I throw them out? There is probably a garbage heap somewhere covered in my Oreo crumbs and coffee grounds.

This movie made me realize how though I try to recycle and not use too many plastic bags- that’s not enough and that I am still more wasteful than I need to be. Sometimes it’s worth the extra 50 cents or dollar to get biodegradable cleaning wipes like Clorox has or make your own cleaning products like Colin Beavan suggests by using common household products like baking soda or borax. Clorox Green Works Natural Compostable Cleaning Wipes are non-toxic, kill germs and dissolve into the environment leaving no human footprint of waste.

http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/cleaners/detail.php?id=gw

A concept I have adopted since viewing this film is to use hand wipes that are biodegradable as well rather than an alcohol based hand sanitizer that is popular to the masses (yet it dries out hands, makes nail polish come off and makes you smell like alcohol which is semi-awkward in social situations.) Hand wipes like Clean Well wipes dissolve into the environment, smell good, and are handy for when you accidentally touch the dreaded train bar or your child attempts to ingest a candy that has long succeeded the 5 second rule.
http://www.cleanwelltoday.com/

I like the idea of getting back to the basics and making your own cleaning products-that’s what our grandparents or great-grandparents did before the days of Lysol. Why not mix up some cleaning products that kill the germs but don’t make apartments smell like the most frequently discarded flavors of lifesavers and add essential oils of your choosing to give you aromatherapy benefits in the process?!

Boho Events

For crafty and boho girls alike, the South End Open Market is coming to town soon. Often called the SoWa Open Market is having their opening weekend for the season May 15th and 16th.

Last year I made sachets out of loose lavender that could be bought by the scoop, and I indulged myself in homemade bars of soap. Local artists, food vendors, and vintage retailers filled the marketplace. It's a good way to support local artists and to treat yourself to high quality products and a laid back shopping experience without the pressure from pushy sales people trying to get a commission. You can buy at your leisure and feel good about your purchase.

Check out the website for more details:

http://www.southendopenmarket.com/

Here are some things that caught my eye last season:

Becky Oh clutches/ Wristlets:

http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/designer/93/becky_oh!_o

Heather Jeany Cards:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heatherjeany?section_id=5004317

Happy hunting!

Boho Bedroom

Sometimes I look around and feel bored with my current bedroom decor. Bedrooms should be a safe haven where you can retreat and relax from everyday stresses. My old decor was filled with tapestries and a red color scheme in an attempt to accept my mid-twenties I decided to chose a more grown up style going with the "Shabby Chic"style (a decorative style made popular by Rachel Ashwell.) I liked the lived in cozy vintage feel, sort of a mix of bohemian style with classic details like pastel roses and embroidery. Here is a link to give you an idea of what I mean:

http://www.shabbychic.com/

Now after a few years of shabby chic living I want a more eclectic, Moroccan, bohemian feel so I am going to work with a few pieces I have from my shabby chic days (like storage units with wicker and chipped paint) and blend these items into my new theme.

I found a quilt I fell in love with on urbanoutfitters.com and they have matching shams as well:

To give this quilt a mixed up lived in vibe I want to pair it with one of these ruffle pillows from pier1.com:

and these feminine curtains filled with ruffles from urbanoutfitters.com...

Victorian style frames, mirror and coat hooks also from urban outfitters can complete this bohemian bedroom.
I hope these ideas have helped and that your bedroom can now fit your personality and more importantly your lifestyle!

Going Out Bohemian Style

So you have to pick out an outfit to wear to go out on the town. I suggest a pair of dark denim skinny jeans with a dressy bohemian top. How do you turn casual comfy bohemian style into a night time look? Look for details like metallic detailing, beading, sequins, sheer fabrics or fun prints. Here are some examples I found on http://www.forever21.com/:

Boho Chic Layers

Layers are a staple to any bohemian style. Also, layering flatters every shape, just as long as they are balanced. A way to make sure layering is flattering rather than sloppy is to pair layers such as flowy cardigans with a fitted buttom like a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. Here are some cute short sleeve cardigans I found. (They are best paired with a fitted tank top.)


The first two styles are from Forever21
http://www.forever21.com/
The last cardigan is from New York & Company
www.nyandcompany.com

One Girls Trash is Another Girls Treasure

The Art of Thrifting:
So here I am jobless with a love for all things shopping...
what's a girl to do? My solution was to go thrifting. There are some consignment stores but most of those sell big name brand like Gucci and Prada which I have no interest in or budget for.

So I decided to go the Salvation Army/Goodwill route.


My Finds:

• Club Monaco blue pin stripe blazer- perfect condition $5
• H&M light yellow ruffled sleeveless button down $5
• The Limited brown dress slacks $5

The Downfall:

Get ready to go through tons of racks, roll up your sleeves and dig and allow a bit of time

The Best Procedure:

As you file through the racks pick up anything that may be a find in your size or a size or two larger (people often give things away when they have shrunk). Then when you get to the dressing room try everything on, you may surprise yourself with what looks good on you. Plus, if you pick up any "possible" finds no one else can get to them you have claimed them for yourself...well until you realize up close or after trying them on they are a good find or a no-go.

The Pay Off:

Spending so much less for the same satisfaction as spending more and still looking stylish.

Good luck and happy thrifting :)

Eco-Chic Must Have

I have discovered a new lip product brand I love, Mad Gab's wildly natural bodycare. Mad Gab's lip balms come in small tins that you can easily stick in your pocket and when you put it on your lips have a subtle sheen so you can skip gloss and lipstick. Here are a few of my favorite flavors:

The flavors remind me of Bonne Bell chapstick I got as a child but even better. For people that aren't crazy about fruity smells there are flavors like vanilla and sugar cookie that aren't very strong at all. There are even body balms and candles available on the company website. To order these products go to: www.madgabs.com