The Prettiest Paper Plates I've Ever Seen

Bambu All Occasion Veneerware plates and utensils are meant to be single use pieces. To you and me that means they are disposable, but the latest issue of BHG has the single use plates styled as a charger under a piece of china. It looks really cute.

And though the plates are meant to be tossed (or composted), when you are using them as a decorative charger, they can be wiped clean and stored for reuse. And at $11 for 8 plates, that's a thrifty design solution for your next dinner party.

You can also buy Bambu Veneerware in packs of 100 for larger events. Instead of using paper or plastic at your party or wedding reception, try the inexpesive and stylish Bambu.

It looks like both Crate and Barrel and Whole Foods carry the Veneerware, or you can go to http://bambuhome.com/ for details and retailers.

Organic, Adorable and Affordable, Oh My!

I love it when I find adorable and well made kids clothes at great prices. And when I came across the Kate Quinn Organics website, I immediately knew that her designs hit the mark exactly.

I'm probably late to the Kate Quinn party, as I am usually not hip to all the cool kids designers. I tend to get clothes for my kids at Old Navy (cheap, cute, fairly durable), Target (just plain cheap), and Naartjie (too cute, comfy, great bargains to be had). I hate splurging too much on kids clothes because they are so easily ruined and my girls grow out of stuff so fast that it breaks my heart. And I put comfort before cute when dressing my girls, nothing too frilly or lacy or constricting.

Kate Quinn Organics fabrics and designs look nice and comfy. The clothes are adorable, the colors are gorgeous, and the prices are fabulous. Lots of kimono tops and dresses, loose pants and soft materials.

Also Earth friendly, Kate Quinn Organics uses only certified organic cotton, grown using sustainable farming practices that maintain and replenish soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. All the garments are made of organically produced cotton and have been certified Fair Trade.

I can't wait to pick up a few pieces for my little ones.

Shop the website or http://www.bohmo.com/.

Plant Lovely

CARGO Plant Love lipstick features a compostable tube made of a corn-derived, planet friendly alternative to plastic. The outer carton is made of flower paper embedded with real flower seeds. Simply moisten, plant, and wait for a bouquet of wild flowers to grow. That's a lipstick that makes you feel good body and soul. 10 of the lipstick shades in the collection were designed by celebrities like Angie Harmon and Lindsay Lohan. Nine were inspired by ecologically beautiful locations. $20

My New Year's Resolution

I generally try not to make any resolutions at the New Year, because I know I'm just setting myself up for failure. Especially when they are related to health issues (diet, exercise) or financial issues (curbing my spending, saving for the future). But I have an issue this year that I really want to work on, and I think it will be easy and good for mankind. I am going to start taking reusable shopping bags when I go grocery shopping. That's it. Not too difficult, right? This idea crystallized in my head last night when I left Target with 12 items and 14 plastic bags. Maybe that's not quite right, but the checkers there will put 1 to 2 items per bag. It's such a waste and it's irritating to get all of those floppy bags in the house. I utilize our city's recycling program, but it is still troubling. So I am going to beef up my collection of reusable bags and put my resolution to the test. I may take a peek at the b.happybags that Jennifer P. wrote about a few weeks ago. They look cute and functional. I will keep you posted as to my progress.

Don't Worry...b.happybags

b. happybags is going to be on my 2008 shopping & wish lists. I discovered them via Family Circle and I'm sad that my birthday is still 6 months away, because I really want one....or two! They are stylish canvas totes (one design is even made from recycled plastic bottles). The company is being very eco-friendly by encouraging consumers to dump their use of platic and paper bags and shop with these handy totes instead. Now, I doubt that I'll be fitting all my purchases at Target inside a couple of these bags, but I could definately see myself using these bags for the Farmer's Market, quick trips to the grocery store, to Grandma's house, or even on vacation. They have great patterns: from polka dots to fillagree. Go on, b.happy and check them out!

Guest Post by Jen P.