The Dotted Line

Everything's covered in holes. Not the rat-chewed-through-the-sheets kinda holes. Intentional, strategically placed holes. Like eyelet, but not as sugary. If you're considering a change this summer, get perforated.

Dunham china by Ralph Lauren (from Vogue Living)
Meri Side Table at High Fashion Home

Sheets from Garnet Hill

Sex and the City

I finally got to see Sex and the City the movie with my lovely co-workers and it was FANTASTIC! I definitely agree with Carrie Bradshaw when saying that women want two things: Labels and Love. Labels are a new found love of mine and love, itself, is something every woman is looking for almost 24-7. Because I go to design school, I can't help but look past the truly fabulous designer clothing and notice the truly amazing movie sets. When watching the Sex and the City series on HBO in comparison with the movie, I decided to dedicate a blog to Carrie's apartment as a sort-of before and after piece. Each of the girls from the show had a specfic style in which their apartments were decorated but the only character who had an apartment facelift was Carrie (you have to see the movie to understand why....so go see it!). Carrie's new apartment features pieces signature to designer lines and local New York brands.

Carrie's Bedroom before...

...and after!

Jeremy Conway, the set designer for both the show and the movie, knew exactly how to make Carrie's apartment "grow up." The curtains were made from fabric chosen at Mood Fabrics. The headboard was designed specially by Martin Albert Interiors. Her bed linens came from Anichini and ABC Carpet and Home. The bench at the foot of the bed is from Lobel Modern.

Carrie's Closet before...

Carrie's Closet after with awesome built-ins!

Carrie's Kitchen before...

Carrie's Kitchen after...

They added new cabinets and continuous upper cabinet underlighting makes a huge statement (even though she doesn't use it, it's still pretty!).

Carrie's Entry before...

You can't forget the wall o' books and magazine organizers, I'd like to call it "organized chaos."

...entryway after!

The entry has been converted into a small dining/waiting area. All of Carrie's literature was moved to the living room unit. A custom wall/ceiling treatment with recessed canned lights was added to offer focal point and a more mature, sophisticated look.

Carrie's Living Room before...

...after!

Considering it's New York, you usually have to utilize the space you have. I think adding this wall unit was a great idea on the design team's part. Because the walls are a new shade of robin's egg blue, the frosted white gives the room a spacious, clean feel. Two small sofettes and a chair (from Aero Studios) frame a small cocktail table, perfect for the four girls to gather and gossip.

The wall unit has quotes from Gertrude Stein stenciled on to add Carrie's personal touch.

Well this ends your personal tour to Carrie Bradshaw's apartment revamp. I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now all you have to do is go see the movie if you haven't already!

Check out an interview conducted by the San Francisco Gate with Jeremy Conway.

Faux Bois for Mois!

As our world heads away from the space age to the more earthy eco-chic, the entire aesthetic of design has shifted. Not only do accessories have to be environmentally healthy, but it helps if they look the part as well. I know I've already write a couple of blogs on hot faux bois accessories on the market, but with so many great new options coming out, yet again, I can't limit myself! I have to do justice to the faix bois.

Michael Aram for Waterford: Crystal Pitcher $325 and Medium Lidded Box $95

Bronze Sapling Serving Utensils $70 (at High Fashion Home)

Nobilis: Papier Bois

Chilewich: Woodgrain Floormats

Twig Table $329 (at High Fashion Home)

Fashion vs. Furniture

Once again, you can look to your wardrobe to inspire your home decor and vice versa. Although, this time around, your dressers and bookcases are doing to work. Take your cues from the pieces we love and the pieces you have to make your look totally cohesive. You'll be that completely "together" friend that all your friends look up to (aka "are jealous of").


Look #1:

You've led a privileged life and that's nothing to be ashamed of. An elegant Southern mansion filled with priceless antiques and pristine first editions deserves the best. The Directoire Modular Bookcase from Grange complements that life of literary leisure that you are so accustomed to. And for those evenings when you thrown sophisticated soirees in said library, the gown, below, from Carolina Herrera will be true to your polished roots.








Look #2:

You're the contemporary, worldly type. While other kids were heading to Cancun for Spring Break, you were exploring Thailand. While other new parents want their kids to learn one foreign language, you take it for granted that your kids will be fluent in at least four. Your style is a mixture of all of your travels. The cultures you've seen, the people you've met, and the cities you've lived in. The Menlo Dresser, by Maria Yee, possesses that well-traveled, modern style without overpowering the rest of your belongings. Paired with a chic minidress from Vivienne Tam, you're ready for your next big outing- a night on the town.






Look #3:

Yes, you would consider yourself a fashionista, but never avant garde. You love glamour and getting dressed up is your favorite pasttime. When you get home from work, you get out of that boring corporate straight jacket and slip into satin and lace. You watch the Oscars every year. Your curves are absolutely your best asset. The Elisabeth Buffet from Oly mimics that Old Hollywood style that you so love. A floaty, feminine frock from Alberta Ferretti brings your red carpet fantasies to life.






Look #4:

Your home is important to you. You know? Earth. High design isn't enough for you. It better be eco-friendly as well. You like an organic look, but that doesn't mean you're going to run around in Birkenstocks. You don't have to sacrifice your style for your principles anymore. First of all, there's the Beam Bed by Environment. Made from Peroba wood which is recycled from old barns and buildings in Brazil, and accented with metal beams, it's the common link between fashion and environment. Then there are the amazing designs from 3.1 Phillip Lim. They are made from organic materials so that you can feel good about your debt-incurring shopping habit.






Look #5:

You're an intelligent lady. Emphasis on the L-A-D-Y. You love nothing more than curling up in a chair with a good book. But what about penning your own bestseller? There's only one way to accomplish that feat- a stylish, vintage-inspired writing desk. Don't worry about the fact that rather than quill and ink, you're tapping away at a laptop. The Shelby Desk by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will adapt to whatever your medium- with style. To make your writing experience more ladylike, the dress below, from Behnaz Sarafpour, will be just lovely.

Sprig: Good Wood for a Green and Gorgeous Home

Legian Bed: Harvested mahogany combined with a stunning design.

Sprig.com was kind enough to highlight our Legian Bed. If you haven't checked out their site, it's pretty cool. Sprig.com's mission is to find eco-friendly alternative products without compromising great style and design. If you like shopping green, think of Sprig.com as your very own personal eco-shopper.

Notes From The Design Team: Soar Into Summer

Silk Embellished Kites

Summer doesn't officially start until the 28th, but here in Houston it has felt hot enough to be summer for months. The display team is dreaming of vacations and blue skies and tropical get-a-ways. Since our thoughts were already on vacation we thought we would have a little creative fun with our atrium. With such beautiful fabrics on hand we decided to make kites!

Our first attempt at the kite hanging was a fiasco bordering on a circus involving five team members, four spools of mono filament fishing wire and a weaving acrobatic routine high above the atrium not altogether unlike a maypole dance. The kites looked great and definitely "soared" up through the space in formation, but they were overshadowed by the webs of fishing wire we used to suspend them.





So, all the kites came down and we brainstormed. The best solution was to make use of our beautiful sheer fabrics and create swooping fabric swags from one floor to the next. We attached the kites and simplified the tails. Installing was a much simpler affair. The effect is still the same as before, but the fabric definitely accentuates the height of the open space better. The sheer quality is reminiscent of hazy summer days and the color is close enough to the blues of the Caribbean to keep us grounded for a little longer.

Brilliant Book of the Week:

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long since I've posted---again! I have found an awesome sustainable living book for you though so I hope that makes up for my tardiness. I'm sure almost everyone is green-ed out by now but it's not a fad that will go away anytime soon. So basically we all have to suck it up and take it. :) Now, this book that I chose happens to have fantastic additions to help any home become more earth friendly. The second I read the first few pages I knew this was a book I had to buy and pass onto my fellow blog readers.

Check it out!

"New Sustainable Homes: Designs for Healthy Living," by James Grayson Trulove.

Take into consideration that this is not a how-to book; it mainly summarizes a few locations that are fully eco hugging homes. Geothermal heating and cooling systems (using heat from underground), clerestory windows (allowing daylighting to occur which cuts down on your electricity bill), triple-glazed windows (meaning three panes of glass seperated by heat absorbing gas), or a storm water retention system (used for irrigation, water reuse for the toilets, and potentially preventing flooding) are only a few of the items this fabulous book mentions. If you like to keep books on hand for random reference or if you really need ideas for your own home, I vote this book in. Hardcore.

Happy Reading!!

How To: Be Prepared for Unexpected Guests

There you are, sitting on the sofa enjoying the company of a good book and a cold glass of lemonade when the phone rings. A friend wants to "drop by" and stay for a "couple of nights". That's okay, right? You wish you hadn't answered the phone. Unexpected (read: uninvited) guests happen. And when they do, up goes the blood pressure. There are things you can do to be prepared.

For lots of ideas on entertaining houseguests, peruse marthastewart.com.

The four main things you need to concentrate on are: Having food for your guest, having a place for them to clean up, having a place for them to sleep, and tidying up the public areas of your home.


Feeding Your Guest: It is unlikely that your guest will not be sharing at least a couple of meals with you, so it helps to have ingredients on hand for some simple, but delicious, meals. Keep these ingredients in a special place in the pantry or fridge so that you and the rest of your family knows not to eat them.


For a snack, cookies and snack mix served in pretty dishes look smore impressive than it is. Keep an assorted box of teas on hand to please everyone.

For a delicious recipe, I always ask Martha.

For lunch or dinner, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese served in individual remekins and garnished with some fresh parsley is elegant and yummy after a long trip. Pair it with a simple salad and add a bottle of a light-bodied wine, like Reisling, to refresh a weary traveler.


For a hearty breakfast after your guest has had a relaxing night of sleep, serve pancakes with gourmet fruit syrups. The night before, mix the batter and pour it into a squeeze bottle. Making the pancakes will be faster and far less messy. Cut strawberries into small bowls and sprinkle with sugar to release the juices.

Absolutely the best towel to dry off with, and a multitude of

colors to choose from! From Pottery Barn.

Whether or not you have an official "Guest Bath", you guests need to feel welcome to use their designated bathroom. Keep a small box handy with interesting scented shampoos and soaps, a pretty soapdish, and a candle. Keep a couple sets of towels (white Turkish cotton always looks crisp and feels great!) set aside for last minute visitors. Make sure there is plenty of space on the counter for their toiletries. And don't forget to put an extra roll of toilet paper out where they can see it! My mom has a cute bucket next to the toilet where she stores a couple spare rolls so that no one will go digging in her cabinets!

Make your guest bed as good as a four star hotel's bed. From Pottery Barn.

If you've ever had to search for matching bed linens in a rush, you know it can be immensely frustrating. Save yourself some stress by folding all the sheets neatly and tucking them inside their pillowcase for the next use. Up your domestic god(dess) cred by putting out a delicate bowl of chocolates and a single bloom in a bud vase on the nightstand. Reading material is always appreciated, so put down a few different magazines. Supply some substantial hangers (i.e. "No more wire hangers!!!") for hanging clothing and your guests will feel like the walked into a spa!

Candles cover a multitude of sins. From Pottery Barn.

The thing that always takes the most time when preparing for visitors is cleaning, but if someone is on their way over you don't have time to scour the baseboards. First things first: Get all of the clutter out of sight. Focus on the areas that you guest will be in- the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. I love open shelving, but it is not conducive to hiding messes, so having cabinets with doors is a must. Make sure all counters and mirrors are wiped down. Give the toilet and bathtub a quick scrub, too. Hit wood pieces with a shot of wood polish to make them shine. Finally run the vaccuum throughout the house. Light a few candles here and there and you're ready to play Host(ess) of the Year! See, that wasn't so bad!


A Note to the Last Minute Guest: Your host or hostess has been working hard, so don't forget the say thank you!

My Green Hero: Ami McKay

If you've been a reader of our humble blog for a while, you might remember my previous post about Pure by Ami McKay. Well, Ms. McKay certainly isn't one to rest on her laurels because, since that post, her line has exploded! After a few back and forth emails, I got the scoop on Ami's furniture line, her passion for finding inspiration and a potential singing career?! Read on...

Many textures combine flawlessly in a cozy living room by Ami.

What sparked your interest in furniture design? Have you always been a creative thinker?
Ami: Yes, I was definitely born this way. I am sure if I wasn't an interior and furniture designer that I would still be focused in the arts - possibly a visual artist. That was a childhood dream. I also wanted to sing, though I wasn't blessed with a talented set of lungs. I am sure others are grateful I didn't set out on that particular path either.

Where did you learn your craft?
Ami: Trial and error! I didn't have a mentor in the creative arts field. I stepped out on my own and tried my hand at things that called me. If I don't succeed at a particular thing I always try something new. Edison didn't invent the lightbulb without years of perseverance and failures. Though I am giving it my all - and having fun doing it!

Cyrilla Daybed

Where do you like to shop for things for your own home?
Ami: I am always on the hunt for pieces that speak to me. I think it is important to purchase furniture or accessories that capture a bit of magic - the essence of who we are which reflects our whimsical side, or our romantic side, or our pure, practical side.

What are the challenges you face in making your line eco-friendly?
Ami: Finding materials and showing people the benefits of sustainable, healthy furniture. Education- if customers knew that purchasing furniture without chemicals and fire retardants was better for our health and impacted our air quality in a significant way, they may look deeper into the world of soft furnishings and how they were manufactured.

Makeover Wish: Season 2 on HGTV

Your line has expanded significantly since I last blogged about Pure. Where do you see your line going in the future?
Ami: The possibilities are endless; I want to continue developing this line by adding other layers... fabric, lighting, wallpaper, books, etc. Anything that is for the home and kind to the earth. And, of course, to continue to develop the Pure furniture line. My inspiration board is chock full!

What new things are you working on right now that you can share?
Ami: Well, I have a few pokers in the fire. I would rather share them when I have confirmation - though they are very exciting!!!! I know... what a tease!

Makeover Wish: Season 1

Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Ami: I am inspired by everything! Nature, travels, architecture, sunsets. Truly any beautiful colour, shape, form, or lines that catch my eye and make my heart skip a beat.

Are there any designers or artists in particular that you look up to or draw inspiration from?
Ami: There are so many incredible artists and designers that impress me on a daily basis, though I cannot say with great conviction that one person stands out in my mind. I am moved more by a particular experience when viewing art or a beautiful space - it becomes personal.

Kiero Coffee Table (this one's my favorite!)

Are there any trends you've seen lately that drive you nuts?
Ami: When the term "trend" is used with "eco". There is nothing trendy about the green movement. It has been happening for a long time and thankfully others will now see the validity now of making healthier choices for us, our families, and the planet. That being said - I love that trendsetters are making inroads in incredible design with materials that are kind to the earth, and are incredibly sexy and beautiful!

If you could go on vacation anywhere to get inspired, where would you go?

Ami: Good question! I have been to Asia and Europe last year and I must say that if my eyes are open - I will be inspired. The galleries, restaurants, and fashion in Paris makes me want to stay there; the architecture and interior design in Italy is like living a dream where I don't want to wake up; and the colour, fabrics, and temples in Thailand are so tactile and rich - I love visiting a pure culture. I couldn't pick a favourite without feeling like I am cheating on all the others.

This girl has a lot going on!

If you haven't gotten enough (I haven't), visit Ami's websites: http://www.purebyamimckay.com/ and http://www.amimckaydesign.com/ to find out more about this amazing (and super nice!) designer. And stay tuned... Hopefully I'll find myself posting a part three in the future!

HF Weekly Obsession: Writer's Block

Sometimes furniture surprises you. What seems like one thing turns out to be another thing completely. Take, for example, this:

An unassuming chest of drawers (though quite beautiful). But, turn the top key and...

Surprise! Hidden drawers to store your writing treasures. Though they are a bit hard to reach. Let me just...

Ah, there we go! What was previously a chest of drawers to hold mundane things like socks and underwear is now a haven for your literary pursuits. It has drawers for everything you need: your quill and ink, parchment, ink blotter... er... laptop and the occasional pen and paper. Can't you just feel the inspiration bubbling up?

The Memoire Claude Bernard Desk by Grange is available here, at High Fashion Home.

Blogs We "Heart": Notcot

I have a confession. I am addicted to the blog notcot.org. It is not a secret to anyone who knows me well, or those who pass by my desk at work and catch me drooling over every new post. I am equally as smitten with the sister sites tastespotting.com and notcouture.com as well as the original notcot.com.

I am almost too greedy to post this in case everyone else has the same reaction as me and I have to share my love with the world. What makes these sites so great is the layout. Each new post is represented by a pic displayed like a poloroid in a contact sheet. You see them all at once. And even though I am familiar with some of the products from other sites and publications (yes, yes... I am free with my design site lovin'), it is nice to see everything in front of me. I am all for visual stimulation.

Notcouture is fashion and accessories.

Tastespotting is dedicated to food blogs and recipes.

Notcot .org is a design and graphic wonderland.

Not only do I check all these sites first thing every morning, I refresh the pages multiple times a day as the postings continue. I did mention it was an addiction... right? Now, shhhhhh... don't tell everyone how fabulous this site is. A girls got to keep her secrets on where she finds the best gadgets, stylish clothing and killer scone recipe on the hush-hush!

The HF List: Five Trends That Make Me Cringe (and five that I'll always love)

All things fashion come and go. Remember Madonna's major cone bra? And those platform boots with the goldfish in them? So, maybe we'd prefer not to remember some things. Interior design is just like fashion design. There are trends that come in and out of style. Just like you might cringe when you see someone in a hideous outfit, you may also cringe when you step into a home that you think is tacky. I've watched a lot of people decorate homes, and through that I've seen a whole lot of good and a whole lot more bad. Here are some of the highlights:

Bad Trend #1: Chocolate and Aqua

Just. Plain. Tired.

Stick a fork in it, this color scheme is done. Over. Finished. About five years ago, this color scheme became really big, and for some reason, no one ever adopted another idea! The chocolate just shrinks a room to almost nothing, and the bland, muted blue that accompanies it does nothing to remedy that. Please, resist the urge to do the Brown & Blue and pick somthing lighter like...

Good Trend #1: All White

Good morning. From Garnet Hill.

This is a look that will absolutely never go out of style. There is something about an all white room from the walls to the sheets to the drapes that always looks crisp and clean. But an all white color scheme doesn't mean your room will lack personality. It just makes it easier to incorporate different textures like silk with cotton eyelet with linen and so on. Consistently chic.

Bad Trend #2: Bedroom or Dining "Suites"

So busy and yet so boring.

Just because a furniture company makes matching furniture does not mean you are required to buy it all and stick it in your room. Where's the personality in that? It may be more difficult to mix and match pieces yourself, but the result is so much more interesting. Leading me to...

Good Trend #2: Mix and Match Dining Chairs

Now it doesn't matter if they don't have 6 matching chairs! Picture from Domino.

I've seen a lot of this trend in magazines lately and it has totally inspired me! Rather than buying 6 or 8 of the same dining chair, scout out flea markets and antique shops for single chairs. You can get some that are all wood, some that have upholstered seats, some with wicker backs, whatever you want. Paint them all the same color and upholster the seats in the same fabric. Voila! Unique chairs that are unified.

Bad Trend #3: Elaborate Drapery Treatments and Bedding Sets

Hey honey! You in there?!

Too far. Just too far.

Here is my problem with the window treatments that have the panels + a swag + cascades, etc. The window disappears beneath the whole mess. Windows are there for a reason! To see out of! Now, here is my problem with matchy bedding sets. Don't you get tired of making a bed every morning with sheets + comforter + blanket + shams + pillows + throw pillows, etc.? I'm tired just thinking about it! It's time to simplify...

Good Trend #3: Simple Panels and Bedding Sets

So easy you could make them yourself. Or Pottery Barn could do it.

Now, isn't this a tad more inviting? From Dwell Studio.

At the very least, your husband will thank you for simplifying his sleeping process. Ditch the fringe trimmed pillows and dry clean only silk duvet. Go for some high thread count sheets and a cotton comforter. Throw on a couple pillows and you're all set. That is all you need! As for the drapes, why not put up a couple linen panels. Linen looks lovely in a drape, it's easier to clean than silk, and it doesn't rot in the sunlight like silk does. Your bedroom with go from frou-frou to casual chic in a flash.

Bad Trend #4: Silk Bedding for Baby

That's just wrong.

There are so many things wrong with this and I see it all the time. First of all, babies don't remember anything before age 4, so they won't appreciate the fine fabric. Second, silk bedding needs to be dry-cleaned. Babies get things dirty. Indiscriminately. A babies room can be adorable and functional at the same time...

Good Trend #4: Modern Baby Bedding

Your little princess would be more comfy in this. From Dwell Studio for Target.

You can move beyond the ducks and bunnies without upsetting the baby. I assure you of this. Dwell Studio for Target has proved it! They offer cute, modern printed cotton bedding for affordable prices. Truly a win-win situation. Except for the dry cleaner.

Bad Trend #5: Ready-made Slipcovers

Just as unflattering as wearing a burlap sack would be.

When you are in college and you need a solution for the ugly sofa that comes with your apartment, ready-made slipcovers are an acceptable option. When you are out of college, they are not. Slipcovers that aren't made for your sofa specifically are just sloppy. Not to mention the fact that they shift around everytime you sit on them. It's about time for an upgrade...

Good Trend #5: Upholstered Sofas That Can Be Slipcovered

Slipcovered and stylish. From Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

This is the best of both worlds. The slipcover can be thrown in the wash and protect against pet paws and kids' spills. The slipcover can then come off to show off a completely different sofa- free of stains. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will soon offer that option with their Tyler collection. The options are endless!

Peddle Power: City Bikes We Like

Two and a half years ago, I sold my dying car for parts. I never bought a replacement. That makes me sort of an anomaly here in Houston where the weather and urban planning do not lend themselves to a walker friendly environment. I have many answers to people who stare at me in disbelief when I tell them I am living sans auto. I get a weird thrill by saying I do it so that my carbon footprint is smaller than theirs, or that I am a truly a displaced NY-er who can't conform. Not driving is like my small rebellion.

However... every time about this year I wish that I could arrive at my destinations much faster. As the mercury rises (very quickly) and the humidity becomes unbearably oppressive I wonder why I don't own a bicycle. Now I am obsessed with all things bike. The last few years I declined to purchase one because I didn't know how to store it in my micro studio apartment, but I have seen some clever bike storage options and I am officially out of arguments.

Cycloc... a cool minimal way to get your bike out of your way. And your bike becomes art!

Industrial Designers have been stepping it up a notch on bike design for urban dwellers who are interested in style and design as well as high tech features. These bikes allow the rider to sit straighter.

Perhaps my favorite right now, the Fisher Simply City Bike. So classically pretty (*swoon)

Trek Soho

Puma Biomega fold-up city bike. You can store it under your bed or carry it on the subway.

The bike culture in some European cities has lent itself to a more fashion and comfort styled bike. The Dutch and Danish bikes are tops on my list. I dream of getting one of these and riding around like the girls from Copenhagen girls on bikes. Check out their cool fashion shots and tips on city biking.

Scrap Deluxe by Velorbis of Copenhagen. Yummy.

The Victoria Classic also by Velorbis. My other bike crush o' the day.

Oma bicycle by Jorg and Olif. A classic style you see all over Amsterdam.

Swedish Skkeppshult Z-Bike

Now that I am getting a bike, I have a legitimate reason to buy this adorable basket to hook onto my handlebars for carrying parcels. Its so great because it has a strap so you can carry it into the store as well! I'm all for the green one.

Carrie bike basket

One last thought: With gas prices rising to obscenely high prices and bicycles costing far less than a car, bikes are a great economical advantage for city commuters. They also do not contribute to environmental pollution and they are a great way to reduce obesity and get into shape.

And... how cool is this? The Bloom device lets you release seed saturated bubbles as you bike. According to the website "Similar to the tuft of a dandelion as the wind carries the seedling, we propose a way of dispersing seedlings with bubbles and bicycling. Seeds are co-mingled with a bubble mixture and upon pedaling to your destination , you release the floating seeds which land in cracks and crevices throughout the city streets. Over time, the seeds grow into flowers and plants to create a green "fringe" to our sidewalks and streets" Check out the video demonstration on their website.

Bloom

Happy Peddling!

Eco with Ease

I just got back from the most relaxing vacation in San Jose. Nothing but a long weekend of sun, family, and good wine! From the second I stepped off the plane, I noticed a few differences in this sunny state. For example: When my sister and I pulled into her driveway, I noticed a large assortment of trash bins. When you live in a city where many neighborhoods still don't recycle, seeing so many recycling bins is an interesting sight. So, here is the deal with the trash bins. Each house has two (yes, two!) giant blue recycling bins. Obviously, recycling is smiled upon in California. Then each house also has two large bins for yard waste like grass, leaves, and branches (maybe for making mulch?). Finally, each household receives one smaller bin for everything else. And that is it for the week. So, if you don't recycle, you will be struggling with your garbage!

I thought this whole concept was pretty interesting and I wish my neighborhood made it easier to recycle. I would recycle a lot more than I do now, if I didn't have to lug everything to their respective bins all the time. And until I moved out on my own, I didn't realize how much trash one person can produce! I think I've found a solution to reduce the amount of waste I put out. While perusing my Daily Candy, I found the NatureMill Indoor Composter. It will fit in a standard cabinet (perfect for apartment dwellers like myself), uses little energy for its composting adventures, and doesn't emit a stench of rotting food.

That will take care of all of the junk mail, leftovers that nobody ate, and those cookies I made, then felt guilty about eating, so I had to throw them away. Two weeks later, I will have a nutritous fertilizer for my porch plants and probably extra for the planters by my complex's pool! I like to share the wealth, after all.

After that, it's just glass and plastic and I'll be an Eco-heroine! Easy as pie!