eco living with style

PureGreen magazine

Get cozy in the mountain ranges of Italy,

January/February 2011Issue No. 4

Take a Peek inside one ofDallas’ First LEED Homes

Go Luxe in theHollywood Hills

Comfort in theOrganic Kitchen

The perfect antidote for chilly winter days

The perfect winter accessories in eco style

… meet Sonja of Thieves

Fashion Premier!

build, decorate, live... green. SustainEcoStore.com

Shop Online!

ecobilt

Editor in ChiefCéline MacKay

Food EditorJonathan MacKay

Fashion EditorKate Black

Associate Style EditorsPetra Boykoff

Michelle CarangiKirsten Grove

Rikkianne VanKirk

Copy EditorErica Midkiff

Art Director/PhotographyErin Monette

Graphic EditorsMichelle Carangi

Anile PrakashBess Callard

Web SpecialistJustine Brown

ContributorsJustina Blakeney, Camilla Molders

Contact Usinfo@puregreenliving.com

c/o Celine MacKay

Pure Green Magazine is published independently by Celine MacKay. Registered office is 8 Crescent Road, Unit B2, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright 2011, Issue 4. All rights reserved. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited. Pure Green Magazine contains editorial content from external contributors and does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Pure Green Magazine accepts submissions for content regarding a professional manner is upheld, and we reserve the right to reject/modify any submitted material. Pure Green Magazine is independently published online using Issuu, and witholds to all rules and regulations set forth within Issuu’s publishing platform.

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in every issue

contents89

Style Trends

for 2011!p.6

Editor’s Letter 8Contributors 9Workplace 22Eco Read 31Before & After 32

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74

featuresPure Green Style

Pattern Play 12Eco Tech 14Go Crazy with Navy 16Rapid Renew 19

Pure Green Fashion

Thieves Feature 33Winterland 51Be A Sweetheart 53Compai DIY 55

Pure Green Homes

Hollywood Hills 58Justina’s Jungalow 74Green Labron 82

Organic Kitchen

Winter Comfort 96Eco Scrub DIY 110

Pure Green Travel

Lagacio Mountain Resort 113

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new! Pure Green Fashion - we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

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Editor’s LetterHappy New Year! I can’t believe we are already publishing Issue 4. I can’t even describe to you how much I love what I do and how much seeing Pure Green grow means to me. Thank you for making it such a success so far! This issue is all about looking forward - as we discussed what’s new and trending in green design, I couldn’t help but look back too. Nearly everywhere I look I see a little recycle symbol smiling back at me, and although I don’t want to make light of how far we must still go, I want to take a moment and celebrate the change that’s happening around us. Being green is moving from a fad to a way of life. Our children won’t recycle out of duty, they’ll do it because they won’t know of an alternative. Innovation will lead us, and I will live to drive a

solar powered car. Celebrate yourself and the changes you’ve already made, even if the gesture is small, like not forgetting your re-usable bags or remembering your reusable water bottle. Take a moment, open your eyes and appreciate the changes that you see, from the recycled content symbols all around you, or the sea of green and blue boxes down your street on “garbage day”, to the abundance of organic produce in your local supermarket, the number of bicycles in front of your office building, the solar panels on your neighbours house, or to the fairtrade, certified biodynamic cuppa joe you’re enjoying while you’re reading this latest issue of Pure Green.While we’re celebrating new beginnings, I want to point out some exciting things happening around here: this issue we’ve introduced fashion! We’re proud to be working with Kate Black, our new Fashion Editor, who will make sure our closets are stocked with the latest eco fashion. And not least of all, we’ve made some new friends in Montreal - Anile, Bess, Michelle and Marie-Eve - together with their graphic talent, Pure Green will evolve, becoming better and better. With that said, I hope you enjoy!

p.s - That’s me up there looking very cozy in my winter woolies. I hope you get some time to enjoy the season!

Céline

Pure Green is now available on iPad!

Be sure to check for the link on our site!

puregreenliving.com

We want to hear from you! Be sure to write us your comments to

info@puregreenliving.com

Erica Midkiff, Copy EditorErica, who resides in Boston, works as a copyeditor with small business owners in the creative field, primarily online. She has a passion for editing - she makes sure that your voice and your message are

heard. More from Erica:

www.ericamidkiff.com

Jonathan MacKayA former restaurateur and avid outdoorsman, Jonathan owns & operates Sustain with his wife Celine. He is responsible for the delectable creations in the Organic Kitchen.This issue Jonathan created recipes specifically tailored for winter comfort after a cold afternoon in the snow.More from Jonathan:www.sustainecostore.com

Contributors

A photographer for ten years, Erin specializes in weddings, portraits, editorial & commercial work. Her work has appeared in several top publications. She resides in Huntsville, Ontario, with her husband Brad and their beloved pooch, ‘Gilbert’.More from Erin: www.everimages.ca

Erin Monett, Photographer

Petra BoykoffA certified interior designer living in New York City and working on luxury hotel projects and residences all over the world. Petra also writes Pretty Little Green Things, a blog dedicated to showing the beautiful side of green and the

sustainable side of luxury. More from Petra:

www.prettylittlegreenthings.com

Kate BlackKate was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She founded the daily eco-fashion blog, Magnifeco.com, writing about products that are fair-trade, recycled, reusable, sustainable, organic, and/or vegan. Having lived in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel, Toronto, Vancouver, Zürich and now Tokyo – Kate writes about eco-fashion on the global scene. More from Kate: Magnifeco.com

Michelle CarangiFounder of Montreal-based design studio Holley & Gill, Michelle began by designing products for the home all made by hand in her hometown. Pairing this venture with a blog focused on her passion for interior design, she also regularly posts as a contributer to HGTV Canada’s blog.More from Michelle: www.holleygill.com

Kirsten GroveKirsten has been an active Interior Decorator for 7 years. She also sells re-purposed and restyled furniture and accessories at Brass Razoo in Nampa Idaho, and is the author of the popular blog Simply Grove Her favorite part of design is Prop Styling. Kirsten also has a hidden desire to design furniture and lamps. She resides outside of Boise

Idaho with her husband and 2 children.More from Kirsten:

www.simplygrove.com

Justina BlakeneyJustina Blakeney is co-founder of Compai, a crafty, green, design studio. As a creative-director and consultant for handful of lifestyle and fashion brands, she creates brand identities, products, packaging and environments. In her spare time, Justina refashions spectacular things out of everyday objects. Blakeney is the co-author of books including the best-selling: 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim and Tie Your T-shirt Into Something Special. Her articles, tutorials and illustrations have appeared on: The Today Show, Martha Stewart Radio, Glamour, Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy’s book of Small, Cool, Spaces. More from Justina: www.compaiblog.com

Rikkianne & UrsulaRikkianne Van Kirk and Ursula Arnold, co-owners of Chakra Pennywhistle, create accessories inspired by early American folk art and curious objects found in local shops. If they aren’t in the Chakra Pennywhistle studio, you are most likely to find them browsing through used book shops, hunting for treasure at flea markets and junk shops, or at the beach. Rikkianne will always be the one with the sketchpad, and Ursula will be the one coming up with more ideas than she can write down.More from the girls:www.chakrapennywhistle.com

Contributors

Elka KarlElka Karl is a writer, crafter, and new mom. Her latest green home improvement was replacing her home’s leaky windows with new energy-efficient ones. An avid gardener, crafter, and outdoor lover, she first took her baby on a backcountry backpacking trip when he was five months old. She’s currently working on a book proposal and

sewing embarrassing clothing for her wee one. More from Elka:

http://www.casasugar.com

Introduce fun and folly with a bold graphic punch. We’re loving black & white accents, geometrics and bold splashes of colour. Style editors Michelle, Elka and Celine selected their favourite eco accessories for modern hits of pattern play.

PATTERNplay

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Sources:1. Coral Pendant Light by DAVID TRUBRIDGE. 2. Cyrilla Banquette by AMI MACKAY DESIGN. 3. Nag-Neat-O Carpet Tile by FLOR. 4. Vintage Sunburst Mirror via 1ST DIBS. 5. Gem Pendant from THE HARBINGER CO. 6. Remix Blanket via VELOCITY ART & DESIGN. 7. Monroe Tea Towel from BRANCH. 8. Fingerprint Kuma Pil-low from AREAWARE.

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Is the Kindle more eco than good old-fashioned books? We were curious, so we did a little digging. Electronics are definitely more carbon-intensive and aren’t as easy to recycle—you’ll have to read an average of 22.5 e-books to break even on your books-versus-Kindle carbon consumption. If you’re like me and read that many books a year, a Kindle is a better bet. What do you think? Send your comments to info@puregreen- living.com.

No batteries needed! Simply add water! How does it work? Internal mechanisms extract electrons from water!

With the ability to charge using both natural and artificial light, the wireless solar keyboard from Logitech makes battery hassles a thing of the past. Its ultra-thin styling is sleek and low-profile sitting on your desk.

1. Sound Panel by ReBAROQUE. 2. Twiggy Flashdrives by STUDIO OOMS. 3. Tendril Vision Energy Monitor from TENDRIL. 4. Solar Keyboard from LOGITECH. 5. Water Clock from BEDOL WHAT’S NEXT. 6. Watches by WEWOOD. 7. Kindle Reader available at AMAZON. 8.Cork iPad Case by RYAN FRANK.

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Made using renewable resources and completely non-toxic finishes, the WeWood watch, designed in Italy, is a symbol of eco luxury and design. Do some good—WeWood plants a tree for every watch purchased.

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Our style editors rounded up their favourite picks for best eco gadgets in 2011. Whether or not you are naturally geeky, you’ll love the sleek styling, natural accents, and function.

Produced by Michelle Carangi and Celine MacKay

Eco-Tech

The Tendril Vision allows users to link directly with their utilities to get meaningful, real-time information about their energy use and cost. The results are greater energy efficiency as well as opportunities for utility customers to reduce their consumption by an average of ten to fifteen percent. Our favourite feature: the Tendril Vision will even predict peak energy usage times (depending where you live rates may be higher), allowing you to delay energy-intensive tasks such as using the dryer or dishwasher. This gadget is wrapped in an attractive package that measures a mere eight by six inches; you’ll be able to save the planet (and a few bucks) in style.

Suddenly wall art is functional with these unique speaker systems from Rebaroque. Using vintage frames and remnants of fabric, the speakers perfectly unite great design and a love for music. Some models even come with a direct line to your iPod—no more fussing with unsightly speaker components.

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Create a classically tailored look with one of this season’s hottest shades... from bedding to paint, Pure Green’s style editors Michelle & Elka selected some of this season’s best eco home accessories.

sources:1. Emeco Chairs from DESIGN WITHIN REACH. 2. 1950’s Vintage Sofa from 1ST DIBS. 3. Cabana Napkins in Navy by MANOR 12. 4. Vancouver Neighbourhood Poster by ORK POSTERS. 5. Indigo Turban Bedding by JOHN ROBSHAW. 6. Chains Wallpaper by KREMELIFE. 7. French America Wallpaper from WALLPAPER COLLECTIVE.

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Navygo crazy with

deep blue sea ...We picked our favourite shades of blue from non-toxic paint company Mythic. Pick your hue and makeover a feature wall, side table or accent peice. TIP: Keep it eco and avoid costly redecorating jobs by limiting trendy colours to easily changeable accessories and layer into a neutral palette. From left to right: Blue Day, Queen Mum, Sky High, Smooth Indigo, Deep Well & The Dark Side.

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A food enthusisast’s kitchen get an eco makeover with help from interior designer Camilla Molder.

photos: Jacqui Melville

eat yourgreens

South Melbourne, Australia

Camilla Molders, of Camilla Molders Design, was brought on board to create a working kitchen for a keen home chef using environmentally responsible products with strict instructions for no white cabinetry! Bamboo became the material of choice; a rapidly renewable resource, bamboo is now fabricated into many different architectural products, including bamboo plywood. With a tensile strength harder than steel, it’s the perfect material for a durable, ultra-stylish kitchen with all the warmth of wood.

“The design process was a very collaborative effort,” says Camilla. “Not frightened of using colour in their home, the turquoise wall and tile colour was chosen by the clients, but needed to have some ‘oompf ’ to balance with the heavy ironbark bench top, which was achieved using the red bentwood chairs, crockery, and dishes.” {We knew we wanted to feature this kitchen the second we saw it - the colour combination is striking, bold and modern. We fell in love!} Strips of copper were used on the “kickers” to add a textural difference between the floor and cabinetry. They really catch the light! The wall of cabinetry encases a large pantry and also a European laundry, complete with a drying cupboard.

“The end result is a colourful working kitchen that truly reflects the personalities of the family who lives in it. It was a great project to work on, and wonderful clients to work with! We are now working on an ensuite bathroom which will also include bamboo cabinetry and colour!”We’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Eco Sources:The countertops were made using reclaimed ironwood; for the cabinetry bamboo plywood was used; get similar material from Smith & Fong Plyboo. A little extra shine was achieved by using copper for kckplates, a highly recyclable metal. Finally, zero-VOC paint was used, made by Porters; in North America try AFM Safecoat or Mythic.

camillamolders.com.au

Pure Green Workplace

Philpotts Interior DesignMeet Philpotts Interiors, a well-known design firm whose main office is located in Hawaii, and a satellite office in California - the firm takes green design to heart, learning many lessons from nature that are incorporated into innovative and fresh designs. Take a peek into their office life with principal designer Jonathan Staub. “We believe we should live the example of responsible and purposeful design. Our renovation and ownership of “40 South School Street,” our LEED Silver award winning commercial building, has been a spring board for Green minded design for all our current and future projects. Applying Green principles benefits our clients, the globe and future generations.”

Interview by Celine MacKayAll photos provided by Philpotts Interiors

“leeding the way”

lookbookPhilpotts Interiors

PGM: Tell us a bit about Philpotts Interior Design. What sets you apart from other design firms?

JS: Our firm was founded 40 plus years ago. We are based in Honolulu with a satellite office in San Francisco. We have been working with the concept of indoor/outdoor living before it was a term. It is ingrained into our value system. The connection to place and culture is entwined in our approach. Each place and the people that live in it have a voice. Our job is to help find it, and translate to a living environment.

PGM: At what point did Philpotts decide to approach design with the environment in mind?

JS: Living on an island, we are always aware of resources and the interdependence of systems. Hawaii only has a seven-day supply of food and, is the most isolated place on the planet. We are aware, and are still learning how to be more sensitive. Our goal, by asking people to be more connected to the place they live, is to create awareness of how their actions affect that place. Air-conditioning is an issue for which we always pose a challenge. If the spaces are designed correctly with airflow, AC is not needed. If you disconnect, from the place, then you need to create a system to override that choice. Most people want to do the right thing but need a guide.

PGM: Your own office building has won awards for its designation as a LEED Silver building project. What is the story behind the building?

JS: We decided we need to put our money where we were asking out clients to go. We found a building that was slated to be torn down, and rehabbed it. Our approach was to work with what it had to offer and enhance it. We added reclaimed materials, worked with local artists, used technology where needed, and wrapped it in a beautiful skin.

PGM: What were the high’s and low’s of going for LEED?

JS: Cost and time…the certification part is just that. The guidelines are helpful and the quantification is necessary.

PGM: Can you outline some of the green materials you used in your office space? (Reception; Meeting/Board Room; Bathroom & Workspace)

JS: We used reclaimed workstations but had new fabric panels put on them. We used reclaimed carpet tile throughout, we had custom doors made for our conference room using local wood and labor, we installed smart boards in our conference room to cut down on travel, we installed photovoltaic on our roof, and added shade awnings to cut down on heat loss.

PGM: One of the photos of your office space depicts a group doing yoga on a patio/rooftop. It seems as though health and wellbeing is an important part of your day. How do you extend this approach to your design?

JS: We approach the design to create healthy space. This is an approach that is informed by the occupant and the place. When the structure lives well the people have a since of wellbeing.

PGM: What ‘green’ elements are most important when designing a space? Favorite green building products?

JS: Anything that is local. The more I read about the impact of design, it is moving things great distances. Besides the environmental benefit the local object also embodies that DNA of the place.

Continued page...

Pure Green Workplace

Continued page 126

Upcycle!

before

After!

At Pure Green being green often means making use of what you have. We love nothing more than a project - there’s just something about completing a really satisfying before & after! The best part? The finished product is completely unique, and of course, eco. This issue Kirsten, PGM’s B&A Style Editor, tackles an old chair that was well past granny chic.

“I found this queen anne chair on craigs list for $25. I wanted to create something fresh and modern but wanted to keep the wood the same beautiful tone. I weaved a black and white fabric on the back of the chair and covered the seat in a blue ikat that I found for $5 at a garage sale. The result is a chic and modern chair!!”

Eco ReadThis brand new book, out this past November, 2010, is a fantastic resource for both the green design aficionado and those who are just discovering their interest. Designer and author Lori Dennis takes the time to carefully disect different areas of the home and provides up to date resources and information on ‘green approved’ materials. With great photographs of Lori’s work, who has been highly praised as a go-to luxury green designer, the book is sure to fill you with inspiration and ideas.

Get a signed copy of Lori’s book from LoriDennis.com

psst... want more from Lori? Check out Hollywood Hills on page 58

Step with us into Thieves... a Toronto clothing boutique featuring in-house fashion line designed and created by Sonja den Elzen. In this inaugural designer showcase in our newly appointed editorial department, Pure Green Fashion, we could’t be more thrilled to have worked with Sonja - her clothing is an inspiration. A marriage between quietly sophisticated lines, a celebration of body and self and modern confidence. Sonja’s clothes make you feel like you can do anything - like the shoes that walk their own line, the clothes here choose you. Of course, Sonja’s clothing, which are so organic and ethereal in shape and cut, are of course 100% natural. Pick from organic cotton, natural wool and linen, peace silk, hemp and so much more. Turn the page, explore, get lost and inspired as Sonja shares what makes Thieves so special...

Interview: Celine MacKayPhotography: Erin Monette

Once a Thief...

“being sustainable and eco is not a “side line”, it’s a commitment that is grounded

in your beliefs”

Sonja

PGM: Tell us your background. What started your journey to creating Thieves?

SDE: From 1996 - 2001 I had a streetwear line called Jy Stijls, and after a break travelling and working for other people I was ready to start a new line. I knew I wanted it to be more designer luxury, and within the first few months of starting it I had also been researching sustainable, eco fabrics. At first I thought I would create a side line that was eco, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that being sustainable and eco is not a “side line”, it’s a commitment that is grounded in your beliefs. So despite the very limited fabrics choices at the time, I developed Thieves to be a sustainable line - it only made sense to have my business follow in the same footsteps as my lifestyle.

PGM: Tell us about the name Thieves… it’s intriguing! What does it signify?

SDE: Thieves is based on a poem I wrote about stealing back our sense of self ~ from society’s deep sleep and the marketing that tries to homogenize us all into the same tastes.

PGM:What defines Thieves as a fashion brand?

SDE: Thieves is about design [that is] not affected by the passage of time or miniscule trend moments in fashion, and is rooted in the principles of sustainability and the 21st century.

PGM:Why was sustainability part of your concept and vision for Thieves? How does your line embody those principles?

SDE: I am a strong believer of being aware of our symbiotic relationship to the planet, so it’s just a very natural part of me… how I view the world and our responsibilities towards it.

PGM: Your current fall/winter collection is very dark and brooding, but also very sophisticated. What was the design direction behind creating a monochromatic line?

SDE: I am intrigued by contradiction, which is a state of conscious battle between personal forces of who I am and who I would like to be. Its color is highly ambivalent and not only found in us humans as a passing mood but also experienced as characteristic features in landscape, seasons and sounds.

Continued page... 45

Sonja den Elzenon being a thief...

“I am a strong believer of

being aware of our symbiotic relationship

to the planet, so it’s just

a very natural part of me…

how I view the world and our

responsibilities towards it.”

Continued...

There are always traits of darkness, twilight and beauty, and whenever beauty is included in darkness, poets and historians have contributed to make it a desirable condition. Melancholy is in fact a concept with an age of over two millennia and its development started before any emerge[nce] of disciplines. This riddle of contradictions only invites us to more interest and fascination when we act mad when in fact we are sad, or when we, in delight, witness things that are sorrowful as beautiful.

The design direction was to unify a feeling of the warrior inside of us that stands firm in their beliefs and fights for that which is right, even if sometimes they must do it alone. The mysterious spiritual warrior. The collection’s feeling came from the residue of frustration that was left inside of me after watching Petropolis – a film about the Alberta Tar sands and its destruction to the environment and the people in the area, as well as finding inspiration in the abstract aerial views of the tar sands.

PGM:What inspires you?

SDE: Nature, art, music, social and environmental activism, French films, avant-garde fashion, people with inspired and considered vision.

PGM: What can we expect to see in your Spring 2011 collection?

SDE: Pieces that embrace our bodies and forms rather than reduce it. It’s important to me to love myself, not what am wearing. I enjoy making pieces that help others in the process of loving their physical structure. Lots of draping… and an ode of our water responsibility.

Get to know Sonja…

PGM: Typical day at the office…?

SDE: Check emails, go to a contractors, open the store, draft or grade a pattern, work on some graphic items, style and fit customers in the store, work on administrative and marketing projects. But no day is typical and there is no set routine.

PGM: What does living green mean to you?

SDE: For me it means eating macrobiotic, organic and local as much as possible, living with and developing an awareness of breath, making decisions with a conscious awareness of their impact, reducing my footprint and continually learning to connect with the earth and its abundance, living a balanced life.

PGM: Favourite past-times?

SDE: Well, I just completed zen shiatsu training which I love, designing, reading, cooking with the luxury of time, good conversation with inspiring friends, exploring and foraging the woods, swimming in lakes, going to music festivals, traveling off the beaten track, surfing, yoga, visiting art galleries.

PGM: Best way to spend a lazy Sunday?

SDE: Hanging with friends, engaged in good conversation, cozied up to a fire place, letting unplanned trails of spontaneous adventures lead to being in the moment of timeless wonder.

“The design direction was to unify a feeling of the warrior inside of us that stands firm in their beliefs and fights for that which is right, even if sometimes they must do it alone.”

Thieves1156 Queen Street WestToronto, ON

thieves.ca

landwinter

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Winter’s long days are still before us, but keeping warm and beautiful in clothes that are made with the care for the planet in mind are the perfect accessory to winter’s beauty.

Produced by Kate Black

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1. 1970’s Dior Sunglasses via 1ST DIBS. 2. Intelligent Nutrients Lip Balm via FUTURE NATURALS. 3. Fair Isle Mini-Dress from PEOPLE TREE. 4. Wensleydale Cowl Neck Jumper from IZZY LANE. 5. Batallion Prescott Hooded Coat available at SINGER 22. 6 & 7. Recycled Fur Gloves and Hat by HARRICANA. 8. Piper Boot in Tan by PO-ZU.

Red, a timeless classic and one of this season’s hottest shades - be beautiful and bold for Valentine’s Day! Traditionally the day we show our love to those around us, but with these picks you can show your love for fair, ethically-minded products year-round.

Produced by Kate Black

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1. The FW10 Vaute Jacket by VAUTE COUTURE. 2. Isabel Dress from NANCY DEE. 3. Candy Heel from BEYOND SKIN. 4. Red ZigZag Rug by MADELINE WEINRIB. 5. Pink Tournamline Ring by KIRSTEN MUENSTER. 6. Queen of Heart’s Cheeky Boy Short by PANTS TO POVERTY. 7. Nancy Drape Dress from PEOPLE TREE. 8. Hariett Boot by OLSEN HAUS. 9. Ritual Laptop Carrier by MATT & NAT.

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Re-Constructwith Compai

Cut off neck, sleeves, and hem.

step one

step twoGently separate the strands at the neckline with your fingers. Unravel the tee as much as you like. You can choose where you want to unravel the shirt (ex: at the hem or on the back)

Make use of unwanted tees with this amazingly simple DIY from Justina and Faith Blakeney of Compai. You may know the sisters from their book, 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special, available on Amazon. You’ll never throw out another T-shirt again!

Want to see more of Compai? Check out Justina’s ‘Jungalow’ on page 74.psst...

HollywoodAn existing home set high in the picturesque hollywood hills undergoes a reno in eco style, defying any doubts that green can indeed be luxe.

Story by Celine MacKayDesigned & Produced by Lori DennisPhotographed by Ken Hayden

Hollywoodhills

Sources:The hardwood floors in the bedroom is FSC walnut. The art featured over the bed is by Kenji Nanao and William Laga over the fireplace

What strikes us first about this home, located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, is the pure luxury – making no effort to hide it’s opulent and indulgent nature, it’s hard at first glance to imagine that it’s green. Yet,

upon taking a closer look and having a conversation with designer Lori Dennis, it’s actually a fine example of the credo that green design can have many facets, and luxurious is definitely one of them. When the homeowners contacted Lori, their plans included an expansion that would bring their 4000 sq.ft. home to 6,200. They wanted to blur the lines of indoors versus out and truly emulate the relaxed mantra of southern California living. Interestingly, green design wasn’t on the list: “I was one of two designers who made it to the final round. In this interview, the owners were not really aware of green design. I went through the features and importance of including eco friendly materials and systems. They were so impressed, it sent me to the front of the line.” And green it became, boasting a plethora of green finishes that truly respects one of the home’s primary design inspirations: the natural environment.

Inspired by world travel, especially the elegant, yet approachable hotels of Mexico, Lori knew that this home, called Blue Jay Way, with its extraordinary location, had to be an example of seamless indoor/outdoor living with warm, modern elements that comfortably blend masculine and feminine style. Never one to take herself too seriously, she joyfully explained this concept as a relaxed Flintstones meet the Jetsons vibe, juxtaposing rustic, natural elements with sleek materials and the latest technology. Open concept living was a must, which also became one of the biggest design challenges: “The owner wanted a restaurant sized bar right in the middle of the action. It took some creative thinking to make the bar (and restaurant quality exposed wine cellar) fit in seamlessly with the upscale living and dining areas. Open floor plans are quite a bit more designed than you think. Every area affects the look of adjacent areas. Each area needs to have its own unique function and look, but coordinate and work as a whole. You don’t have this problem with the traditional layout of individual rooms.” Limestone floors throughout much of the main living area act as a solar ‘sink’, trapping heat throughout the day and slowly releasing it during the cooler nights.

Future plans include a solar installation, which was ‘pre-planned’ by including the wiring during the reno, and perhaps a green roof above the patio. We couldn’t possibly conclude our interview without asking Lori what she considers her favourite space in the home, not an easy task when surrounded by the stunning vistas and luxurious rooms, yet, without missing a beat, she replied that “there is something very calming about the meditation space. It was carved out of the hillside, so two sides of the room are up against earth. It’s extremely quiet and naturally insulated- so the temperature and the noise levels in the space are perfect for relaxing, getting deep into a yoga practice or having a massage. The shower overlooks the Pacific Ocean… it’s fantastic.”

How Green It Is:The home boasts a Smart Brain system, which ensure maximum energy efficiency with minimum usage; reclaimed, renewable and recycled materials throughout; systems like radiant heat; wiring for solar; designs that will last and last the tests of durability and style.

The viewsare spectacular throughout the home, all facing the Pacific Ocean and gorgeous Hollywood Hills. I constantly thought about an experience that brought the outdoors inside: lava walls, the boulder, the plants on the ledge of the shower, the hanging pendants-that reminded me of stars. Further, the natural materials used here are known to help balance magnetic fields and the central nervous system create an environment that literally melts stress away.”

“

Sources:The soft cream flooring is natural limestone. The bathroom cabinets are by Treefrog Veneers. All fixtures by Dornbracht.

Sources:The soft cream flooring throughout much of the living area is natural limestone. The horizontal wall panelling is FSC white-washed oak. The warm grey counter tops are made using recycled quartz, by Ceasarstone. Visit loridennis.com for sources on accessories - much of the furniture is designed by Lori herself, who uses FSC wood for framing, non-petroleum based foam for cushioning and organic fabrics.

Lori’s Favourite Kitchen Features:

“The Valucucine Kitchen and the Gaggenau appliances, they’re the top in luxury and some of the greenest features available in kitchens. I especially love the tiny European sized trash cans and composte bins, which force an owner to pay attention to their waste.”

Visit loridennis.com to get this look at home.

The stunning bathroom vanity is reclaimed teak, fabricated by Lounge Factor.

Lori’stips for designing green

1. Before you do anything- get rid of clutter. If you don’t use it, donate or sell it. You’ll be surprised how much better your place looks when you remove the things you don’t need.

2. Bring plants into your space, they give off energy and oxygen and are an ever changing beautiful accessory. Succulents are great for people missing a green thumb or two.

3. Use magazines as inspiration… I do. Try to find colors, objects and layouts that will work with the things and space you currently have.

4. Think outside of the box. Something simple like removing kitchen cabinet doors and repainting them inside and out can add visual square footage to a space and completely update the look.

5. Clean with eco friendly products. It doesn’t matter how green your space is if you clean it weekly with toxic products. My favorites are a basket of rags, a spray bottle of white vinegar/water/lemon juice, baking soda, peroxide and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. Combine with some good old fashioned elbow grease and you’ve got an inexpensive solution for healthy cleaning.

Jungalow The

Not for the faint of heart... Justina’s Jungalow is bursting at the seams with colour, character and personality. This season’s trend is decorating with pattern.... well you’re about to get schooled!Story by Celine MacKayPhotographs by Justina Blakeney

After interviewing Justina Blakeney, who currently resides in an affectionately and aptly named abode called the Jungalow, the first thing that comes to mind is a passion for creating a home that truly reflects her personality and an earnest zest for life. Justina’s life experiences haven taken her to New York, where she shared a five floor walk-up loft space, and later, to Florence, Italy,

where she lived for seven years in a dark lower level flat, redeemed a little by its frescoed ceilings and breathtaking surroundings in the heart of the historical district. These experiences really shaped what she was looking for in a space after coming back to Los Angeles, a place she was attracted to because of the sunshine, family & friends and the general buzz of the city – location was paramount, as Justina walks everyday and enjoys being immersed in the culture and diversity that surrounds her in the Silverlake/Los Feliz neighbourhood. Fast forward and Justina’s been living in The Jungalow for two years – “The [single-story building] is in a ‘compound’ that are kind of archetypal of Hollywood-- a series of one-story bungalows facing each other with a court-yard in between. It’s very lush and green. Apparently, many of these types of places were built in the 1920’s to house young actresses who moved to LA in search of stardom--in fact, there is a sweet little built-in vanity area next to the bathroom! To me, a home means a place where I can be both relaxed, and stimulated. It means a place where I can feel safe and feel free to do as I please. One of the great things about this place is that the landlord really gives us freedom to do whatever we want here, so even though I’m renting, I don’t hesitate to paint or put a nail in a wall, or turn a closet into an office nook. That’s huge.”

Get to know Justina a little better and you immediately realize that she’s fearless. To her, you can’t be afraid of making mistakes, breaking the mold or pushing boundaries. Colour is something that has always brought joy to Justina, as she chuckles to herself: “I remember when I first moved to NY - I met with a friend and my outfit had about 15 different colors in it, from head to toe. He laughed and said, ‘I’ll give you one month and you’ll be wearing all black like the rest of us.” Well, the premonition didn’t come true, and it was only natural that Justina would extend her love of colour to her home. “Start with accents - she advises - a pillow here, a piece of art there...slowly you’ll discover which colors you jive with and make you happy.” Living in a dynamic home means that she is always experimenting: shoving furniture around, changing things up, adding and subtracting. Always looking for inspiration, she adds that “blank slates don’t last too long around here”! As the partner in creative design firm Compai, handmade and DIY have 100% influenced Justina’s home: “Besides a few items from Ikea and Anthropology, I don’t think there is anything in the space that I haven’t customized in some way- truly an extension of myself. I feel really connected to the space and everything in it. Each item, each piece of furniture has a story, and when I am ready to make room for something new, I sell the older stuff and get crafty all over again. It’s a fun cycle that ensures I’m never bored.”

Justina’s home invites you to explore every corner. You are sure to notice something new each and every time, whether it be the fresh flowers that brighten every corner and are an integral part of Justina’s decor, or perhaps the mementos and tchotchkes that decorate every surface. Her home tells a story, about herself, the journey that brought her here, and the previous lives of her many vintage pieces. Continued on page...

“Living and designing green for me is second nature. I don’t like being wasteful, and I don’t like to see others be wasteful. I believe that a truly great designer can make anything beautiful and useful-- and for me, being green is really about being a thoughtful person who sees the bigger picture. Tom Szaky of Terrracyle said to me once that “Garbage is a man-made idea, and doesn’t exist in nature.” I think about that everyday.”

Living Green...

What does your home say about you?“I believe it says that I’m happy, I love to bring the outdoors in, that I have a passion for old things, and a love of colour.”

Single best piece of advice when decorating a home?“Put on display only the things you are totally in love with.”

Favourite Colour?Green! (obviously!) but... how I love them all...

Best way to spend a weekend?Venice Beach/Abbot Kinney stroll-- Rose Bowl Flea Market, Hollywood Farmer’s market (always fun celebrity sightings ;-) Movies at the Vista Theater and then drinks at the Dresden.

Home Life

Get the look ofJustina’s Jungalow

sources:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.1. Martinique Wallpaper from DESIGNER WALLCOVERINGS. 2 & 5. Gazelle & Zebra Papier Maché Heads from ANTHROPOLOGIE.3. Scalamadré Wallpaper from MORRISON POLKINGHORNE. 4. Unison Pillow from ALL MODERN.

Green

An older, ranch-style home in Dallas, Texas undergoes the ultimate green reno—one of the first in Dallas to qualify for LEED. Story by Celine MacKayPhotographs by Charles Davis Smith, AIA

Labron

Before

No one said that being a pioneer in green building is easy. You find yourself breaking old rules, forcing new regulations, and generally pushing the boundaries at your district building regulations’ office. For owners of Green Labron—Robert, a Creative Director and

artist, and Greg, Senior Vice President of a large financial institution—the process of renovating their older, ranch-style home in Dallas, Texas, came with just such challenges, but the rewards were much greater. And in fact, sharing that story and educating others has been a big part of their vision since the day they broke ground. “We believe building green is the right thing to do for our fellow man and the environment. We wanted to inspire others to do the same. We wanted to show an honest version of what it would take to build green. We hoped to inspire others to do the small changes that they could, and to show that it’s not overwhelmingly expensive or complex (although some of it can be very overwhelmingly complex!),” says Greg. Some of the struggles they encountered during the building process included maintaining high building efficiency with an abundance of windows, and out-of-date regulations on rainwater harvesting. Strangely, the district officials had not encountered anyone wanting to harvest gray water to wash clothing, and muddied policy meant there were some hoops to jump through. Now, however, with all systems safely in place, Greg and Robert have paved the way for future green builds.

Good design is a process, which for Greg and Robert involved much deliberation and finding the perfect team to help make their vision reality. They first paired up with friend and designer Garry Walling and Ross Boorhem of ArTex Development, and later with architect Kelly Mitchell. After exploring a few options and working to avoid ‘overbuilding’ their lot—a syndrome that was slowly overtaking their Shorecrest neighbourhood—the team gravitated toward the final design. “It’s beautifully contemporary, satisfied our desire for a lot of natural light, minimized the amount of lot space used, and accommodated our lifestyle. The main living area is the best spot in the house—it is seemingly a very large space, but still very intimate. The view is breathtakingly beautiful given the wooded neighborhood we live in. And in spite of all the windows, it’s a very private space. You can’t really see into the space from the street given the position of the road and the elevation of the second floor. It’s comfortable, has great lighting day and night, comfy furniture, and a great audio/visual setup. The master bath is also a fantastic room. Tons of natural light, very functional, very private in spite of the fact that one wall is all windows. Very spa-like; the quietest part of the house. The window brings you right outside into nature.”

Continued on page 127

Sources:The bath floor tile, while manufactured by national brand Daltile, is actually produced locally! Greg and Robert used Gris Linen from the Fabrique line. The cabinets are locally produced, formaldehyde-free, and utilize an eco veneer. The bench is from local shop SMINK.

Sources:All bamboo flooring is by Teragren. Kitchen worktop surfaces are recycled quartz by Sile- stone. Wall colour throughout is Snowfall, a zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint by Sherwin-Williams. All windows throughout are locally produced with ultra high-efficiency glass by Thermal Windows.

The sofa is the “Theatre” from Design Within Reach. The tripod lamp and side chairs are vintage circa 1950s. The coffee table is called “Fizz”—a standard piece from Michigan artist and artisan Cameron Van Dyke. He also helped Robert design—and then built—the dining room table.

Robert & Greg’s Big Five:1. An architect who really wants to understand how you live.2. Mentally walk through the house about a thousand times before the first board is cut.

3. Be flexible—design starts with a vision, then evolves to fit reality.4. Don’t cut corners when it starts to get hard. 5. You pay for what you get—don’t skimp if you don’t have to!

Favourite Pastimes?

I love my garden—I play around in it constantly. And I love to read. And dinners and parties with friends are what make life worth living! I also hit New York whenever possible to get my fix for the latest restaurant and the latest play or musical.

Favourite Movie?

Impossible to answer! You have to give me a genre or a mood! Lately I’ve loved The Social Network because of the excellent writing. For a tearjerker, you can’t go wrong with A Trip To Bountiful. For a comedy, always pick Mean Girls. For good, clean fun and a bunch of hysterical one-liners, it’s Auntie Mame. I’m also a science fiction freak who just spent sixty dollars on the original Tron so I could get ready for the long-awaited sequel!

2011 Resolution?

I heard a talk recently that advised, “To be able to move forward, you have to clean up your past.” So I’ll be exploring that. I also plan to run the White Rock marathon next fall. Wish me luck.

Best way to spend a lazy Sunday?

Get up early, work in the garden, get the laundry done, nap before noon. Afternoon: catch up on my recorded TV favorites (Glee, Modern Family, Weeds). Evening: dinner and a movie with friends. Then, check the work calendar so I know what time I have to be in the office Monday morning!

Favourite spots in Dallas?

The West Village—lots of people-watching and good margaritas and tacos at Taco Diner. The Texas Discovery Garden at Fair Park has a great education program, beautiful gardens, and a fantastic butterfly house. The Modern in Fort Worth—a great example of clean-lined architecture and a spectacular collection of art. And I recently discovered Bolsa in Oak Cliff—I had this amazing roasted baby beet salad, and the scallops! (They don’t have space for commercial refrigerators so the food is delivered fresh daily).

Home Truths:

The OrganicKitchen

The OrganicKitchenWinter Comfort

Go ahead! Go outside, make a snow angel, tobaggan, snowshoe through the countryside! Enjoy the snowflakes and rosy cheeks knowing you’ve got a hot meal to come home to. We’ve collected our favourite comfort food recipes, from chili to lasagna - you’ll be toasty, warm and deliciously satisfied, in no time!!!

Recipes & Food by Jonathan MacKayProduction by Celine & Jonathan MacKay

Art Direction & Photography by Erin Monette

of the organic kitchen we wanted to share a few of our favorite winter recipes. Comfort food. Simple food. For me it is a great joy to cook and eat in the winter – so I have taken some traditional seasonal favorites from my neck of the woods, removed a bit of fat, added a bit of flavor and brought them into the 21st century.

Winter for me means short cold days and getting my fresh air and exercise in the dark. It always feel like there is less time, which means more stress and lousy eating habits. When I cook in the winter I like to cook in large batches, and freeze individual portions for a full winter worth of healthy fast food. All you have to do is drop the giant ice cube into a pot with a little water (or in the oven with the lasagna) and 10 minutes later you’re eating an awesome home-cooked meal. I can’t tell you how many pizza’s and subs I consumed before figuring this out! The chili and lasagna are definitely our favorite freezer fodder, but the stew and the soup work well too. Another good one is spaghetti sauce, which you can make extra of when you’re doing lasagna. It’s nice to have the variety. Since it is flu season as well – I recommend busting out a pot of your mom’s best chicken soup and freezing it too. I didn’t include my turkey soup recipe (thanks mom), because nothing makes you feel better than your own mother’s soup!

For great recipes it is best to use seasonal ingredients. You have to be realistic too. If I was only eating a 100 mile diet year round I would starve to death – so we do the best that we can. Things like tomatoes are easy because they are canned or readily available from green houses – but root veggies, pomegranates and mushrooms to name a few, are full of flavour and way less carbon intensive in their appropriate season. Generally there is a good seasonal substitute for most ingredients, but I prefer to completely change my diet with the seasons. Nothing makes you crave chili like 8 months without it!

All but one of these recipes is vegetarian. I am not vegetarian, but it is one of the single best things you can do for the environment. I only eat organic or wild meat, but if it isn’t needed – why eat it? I have put my lasagna, my chili and my spaghetti sauce (which I will share another time) against the toughest carnivorous critics – they all loved it and in the case of the chili, most of them didn’t realize the meat was missing.

I cook a lot with wine in the winter – it’s painfully obvious in these recipes. For dishes such as these, I don’t believe the average palate discerns the variety or for that matter the quality of the wine. While the individual subtleties of wine may have a place in pretentious gourmet establishments – for the most part it just sounds better and makes the dish cost more. Just buy the cheap stuff. Most of the time I use home-brew for $3 a bottle and save the $15 bottles for drinking while I work.

Just one final note: No food was wasted during this production. The pictures and the food are authentic. No wax, glue, shellac, plastic or special effects were used – I cooked the food and our fantastic photographer Erin photographed it. And then we ate it. Man, I love my job!!

Have fun with the recipes – adapt them to your taste, and let Pure Green Magazine know what you think... send to info@puregreenliving.com

-Jonathan

In this edition

“For me it is a great joy to cook and eat in the winter.”

Mushroom & Port SoupServes 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint button mushrooms chopped coarse, stems removed

• 1 pint cremini mushrooms chopped coarse, stems removed

• 3 large portabello mushrooms chopped coarse, stems removed

• 1 cup port• 1 cup red wine• 1 1/2 litres vegetable stock• 1 Tbsp cracked black pepper• 1/2 cup fresh thyme• 3 large sprigs fresh rosemary• 1/2 bulb fresh garlic• 2 cups of shallots

METHOD

In a soup pot heat oil and fry together the mushroom stocks, 1/2 the thyme, the garlic, and the shallots. Add port and wine, rosemary, pepper and half the mushrooms. Allow to reduce to half. Add 1/2 the stock and using a hand blender, thoroughly blend the contents of the pot. Add the rest of the mushrooms and the rest of the stock, thyme and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.

Pomegranate & Avocado Salad

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS• 1 organic green leaf lettuce• ½ pomegranate, seeded• 1 organic avocado• 2 organic green onions• fresh parmesan cheese, shaved to garnish

Dressing: • Whisk together:• 2oz. avocado oil (or raw olive oil), • 2oz. white balsamic vinegar• 1Tbsp. dried dill• ½ tsp. fleur de sel, herbamare(or spike),

or mineral sea salt

METHOD

Wash, dry and tear lettuce into a bowl. Slice green onion and add along with pomegranate seeds. Half avocado and spoon out chunks or slice and add to salad. Pour over dressing and toss. Shave parmesan over top for garnish. Serve and add fresh cracked pepper to taste.

In the summer substitute blueberries for pomegranate and sprinkle a few toasted sunflower seeds for crunch. Makes a nice summer meal.

with white balsamic & parmesan

Jonathan’ s Veggie ChiliServes 12

INGREDIENTS• 1 pint mushrooms• 2 zucchini• 1cup corn• 6 lg. carrots• 4 parsnips• 2 lg. Spanish onion• 6 cloves of garlic • 2 gr. peppers • 1 red/yellow pepper • 2 cans kidney beans • 1 can black beans• 1 Tbsp dried chilies, or 1 fresh• 4 cans diced tomatoes• 1cup. Texturized Veggie Protein (tvp)• 4 Tbsp. chili powder• 2 Tbsp coriander• 1 Tbsp cumin• 4 Tbsp basil• 2 Tbsp oregano• 5 bay leaves• pepper, to taste• sea salt, to taste (3 tsp)

METHODLightly sautée veggies in 4L pot with olive or grapeseed oil, adding garlic near the end. Add tomatoes with the juice, beans drained and rinsed, tvp and spices. Bring to a boil, add salt, then let simmer, stirring frequently, until starts to thicken slightly. Taste frequently and adjust spice if need be – more chilies for heat, more salt if bland, more tomatoes if too thick or too strong, more chili powder if not strong enough. *Be careful with chili powder, it takes a while for the flavour to come out.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded white cheddar and a grilled avocado.

Serve with fresh crusty white bread slathered with butter. Enjoy!

Vegetarian LasagnaINGREDIENTS• 500 grams mozzarella cheese• grated parmesan• 1 box oven ready lasagna noodles• 2 cups cottage cheese• 1 cup chopped baby spinach• 1 egg• ½ tsp salt• ¼ tsp pepper• 2 large carrots• ⅓ head cauliflower• 1 large onion• 4 - 5 cloves garlic• 1 small red pepper• 1 small green pepper• 1 pint mushrooms• 1 small zucchini• 3 - 28 oz cans of diced tomatoes• 2 cups red wine• ½ tsp chili flakes• 2 tbsp dried oregano• 3 tbsp dried basil• 1 tbsp sea salt

METHODSauce: In a large saucepan, heat oil and saute together; onions, garlic, chili flakes, basil and oregano. After 3 minutes, add carrots, zucchini, mushrooms and cauliflower. Saute for another 3 to 5 minutes then add red wine. Reduce to ½ volume then add tomatoes and peppers. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Add salt and simmer for 20 minutes.

Cheese Mix: In a large bowl mix together cottage cheese, chopped spinach, egg, salt and pepper.

Assembly: Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 lasagna pan with liquid from the sauce. Evenly cover the bottom of the pan with two layers of noodles. Add a layer of cottage cheese and on top of this a layer of mozeralla and repeat. Bake covered at 375 degrees farenheit for 45 minutes. Uncover and cook until browned. Let rest for ten minutes and serve.

Beef StewINGREDIENTS• 5 medium sized potatoes• 1 red pepper• 1 pint cremini mushrooms• 1 medium sized zucchini• 2 large spanish onions• 3 large carrots• 3 large parsnips• 5 cloves garlic• 2 quarts organic beef stock• 2 cups cheap red wine• 3 Tbsp organic dried oregano• 2 Tbsp organic dried basil• 4 large sprigs fresh rosemary• 4 heaping tbsp organic corn starch• 1 Tbsp organic mineral salt• 2 Tbsp black pepper• 2 lbs. organic beef

METHOD In a small pot parboil potatoes. In a large pot heat oil and sear beef. Add onions, garlic and spices. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add carrots and parsnips. Sauté for 2 more minutes. Add zucchini and mushrooms and sauté for 2 more minutes. Add wine and reduce to half. Add stock, potatoes and simmer for 45 minutes. Add salt to taste. In a separate dish whisk together corn starch and cold water until completely dissolved and stir into stew. Allow time to thicken and serve.

*Tips for more tender beef:• remove all silver skin • marinade for a few hours prior to cooking, in oil, red

wine, garlic, rosemary, pepper• cook on low heat for extended time – the longer the

better.• for best results: cook extra steak or roast beef and use the

leftovers!

Eco-scrubwith a produce bag!

step oneCut one side of the bags and lay them flat.

step twoCut one strip from one of the bags. This will be used to hold the netting together.

Ever wonder what to do with those plastic mesh produce bags? Overly packaged produce is definitely a problem, but DIY Editor Rikkianne provides an easy solution for turning your plastic mesh produce bags into a useful kitchen accessory.

Produced & Photographed by Rikkianne Van KirkCleaning Recipes by Karen Lee & Rachel Shaw

50/50 VINEGAR & WATERUse to clean marks on countertops and kitchen appliances 100% VINEGARUse straight vinegar to remove hard stains. Also a great way to give appliances a good cleaning. Add one cup of 100% vinegar to empty washing machine. Set on small load with hot water.

50/50 VINEGAR & BAKING SODAWhen combined this can be used as a gentle foaming cleanser to help loosen grime on pots and pans.

COFFEE GROUNDSFor harder to clean dishes and tough stains on surfaces, scrub with coffee grounds. This is really great for countertop stains.

Dont’ like the smell of vinegar? Fret not! Add a drop or two of these essential oils to make your sniffer happy. Oh, and they add a little antibacterial punch too! Lemon OilPeppermint OilCitrus OilLavenderTea Tree Oil*

*Tea Tree Oil is the top recommended choice for disinfecting.

step threeRoll one piece of netting into a ball and wrap the second piece of netting around it.

step fourTake the third piece of netting, wrap around and shape into a scrubbing pad. Use the strip as a tie to hold the shape.

Chakra Pennywhistle

www.chakrapennywhistle.com

organicrecyledhandmade

LagacióThe

With it’s idyllic setting in the Dolomite mountain ranges of Italy, the Lagacio is hard to resist.

Written by Petra BoykoffPhotos Courtesy of Lagacio Mountain Resort

Not that you needed a reason to visit the breathtaking Dolomite mountain range in Italy this winter, but I’ve got a perfect one for you – the Lagació Mountain Residence. This stunning guesthouse, featuring 24 luxurious, modern and stylishly appointed apartments,

was built by the Canins family just one year ago with the goal of providing a picturesque, relaxing and luxurious stay in the Northern Italian region of Alta Badia. Add that to a dedication to local traditions and a care for the environment, and you’ll understand why the Lagació is such a special place.

The craggy peaks of the Dolomites just outside the window inspired the hotel’s ambiance and design. In fact, the name comes from nearby Mount Lagazuoi, an important peak in the region. Surrounded by this natural beauty, a commitment to the environment was a must for the owners. In 2009, when the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it became even more important to provide a guest experience in harmony with the local region and its people.

One of Lagació’s most impressive sustainable achievements is the CasaClima Class A rating for its low energy consumption and widespread use of natural materials. Similar in scope and intent to the LEED certification system in the United States, CasaClima is a system used in Northern Italy and nearby countries to rate the efficiency of houses and commercial buildings. Within its location, the Lagació was oriented to take advantage of natural heating, cooling and light levels. Thick insulation, pre-programmed energy settings and thermal windows also helped them to achieve optimum efficiency. Most of the interior materials were sourced from nearby areas, not only to save on the waste of transport but also to give the hotel a sense of place & local charm. The wood beams and facades were fashioned from reclaimed timber sources, while natural materials such as linen and wool were used throughout.

Honoring the local Ladin culture is just as important at the Lagació as its considerable environmental initiatives. While the overall design of the hotel takes its cues from traditional architectural styles and the local surroundings, the tremendous staff welcome comes from the importance of hospitality to the Ladins. The Lagació Mountain Residence is truly a hotel where guests can feel completely at home. The hotel exemplifies natural well-being - after a long day in the fresh winter air you can relax, completely at ease.

Contact info@lagacio.com for current rates.

Eco, modern, stylishly appointed.

Justina’s Jungalow, Continued from Page 73

In fact, she is a self-professed thrift-a-holic; some of Justina’s favourite pastimes are flea market shopping, browsing garage sales, or what she calls sidewalk surfing—finding items on the curb that people have trashed. “You would

be shocked to know how many items in my home I found discarded curbside. Whether I’m thrifting or sidewalk surfing, I look for the same things—mainly, good bones—something that with a good scrub and a coat of fresh paint could be made new. Good bones mean that it’s sturdy and it has to have nice lines. Sometimes, I’ll take something just for its legs or just for the tabletop; mixing and matching is also a big part of the game. I try to look at everything with a fresh set of eyes and without defining it right away; in this way, I turn a broken crib into a magazine rack, or I make a curtain from a kimono.” When asked about providing tips for the vintage enthusiast, she replies that a quality vintage piece is a very subjective thing. “Of course there are the pieces that are worth MONEY—your Saarinens and Eames of the world—and then there are the pieces that just speak to you on a personal level. You just like it, and looking at it makes you happy. To me, that’s quality enough, so long as it is also functional. I’m not one to be fussed about scratches or stains—I actually find that those markers add character—but as a rule, I tend to try to avoid plywood, particle board and other composites, preferring real wood or other materials.” Right now she’s enjoying Lucite.At the end of the day, what’s important to Justina is being true to herself. Her philosophy is fresh and exciting, and it truly feels achievable. It’s only a matter of knowing who you are and having the confidence to be that way. A home is always a work in progress, but it’s meant to be savored and enjoyed. Never stop creating!

Philpotts Interview, Continued from Page 30

PGM: What design project are you most proud of?

JS: From a green prospective, still working towards it. I think we have so much more to grow. I am going to hold out on making any claim.

PGM: What would you most like to work on next?

JS: A farm-to-table to guest experience.

PGM: Often, designing green means looking to nature for inspiration. Is there anything in particular in nature that inspires you?

JS: I designed a whole spa by taking a 30-minute shoreline snorkeling break. It actually took two years of work but the inspiration was implanted as I opened my eyes and looked around. I find most of my inspiration in the relationship of things—nature is full of it!

PGM: How to you approach living green in your everyday life?

JS: Going to the farmers’ market and eating as much as I can in a 20-mile radius.

PGM: What advice would you give readers who would like to make their decorating projects a little more eco-friendly?

JS: Look at what you have with fresh eyes. Add a new finish or recover. Move things around—shake up the pattern. Practice the art of living in your space!

Green Labron, Continued from Page 83

The home features green interior finishes such as Teragren bamboo, Silestone recycled countertops, zero-VOC paints, thermally insulated windows and much more. Looking at photos of Green Labron you’ll notice how peaceful and cohesive

the design is, yet never boring. This comes from keeping a neutral palette and layering a few pieces that are unique and meaningful to you. “Clean, clean, clean”, says Greg. “Not a lot of tchotchkes. Color appears in the art. Walls and furniture provide the backdrop for the art. Have a few interesting pieces versus a lot of ordinary pieces. Clean, straight lines, little ornamentation – no fringe, no borders, no accent walls, no heavy drapes. Use what’s outside the windows to be a focal point from inside the house – use outside views to create a bigger sense of indoor space. Keep a sense of volume and scale. Bigger is not better. Art and decoration should be personal and meaningful, not something that you found that was just the right size (display that too-small pot you found in Africa, not the perfectly sized vase that you saw at Wal-Mart).” Of course, renovating homes is nearly always a work in progress, and no home plan is complete without a little room for future plans… “We’d like to eventually add solar panels – we had the wiring included in case we eventually added it. That might be another year or two. We may potentially paint the top of the roof white to reflect rather than absorb the Texas summer sun! I investigated wind power, but we don’t have enough sustained wind strength to make it worth the investment - and I’m toying with a chicken coop to raise my own eggs!”

Next Issue Out March 15!

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