​So, today is Wednesday, which means it's hump day. (Mike, Mike, Mike! Guess what day it is?! Guess. What. Day. It. Is!) But, it's also Earth Day! So, here's a round-up of some eco-friendly products to help out the earth. Every little bit helps!

1. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil Hand Soap - This stuff smells so good AND its ingredients are 98% naturally derived. No parabens, phthlates, triclosan, formaldehyde, artifical colors, OR animal ingredients. Phew! AND, it's made  right here in the U S of A. Pluses all around.

2. California Bear Eco Throw Pillow Cover - How cool is this pillow? Even though I don't live in California, I still think it's pretty darn cool. This Etsy shop has all sorts of other designs too. Made ramie cotton and eco-friendly ink, this pillow is a winner. Plus, when you buy this pillow, you're also supporting a small business! Score.

3. Linen and Cotton Bowl Covers - This is a genius idea to replace plastic wrap. I hate using plastic wrap, but I do end up using quite a bit when I bake or cook. Because they're made of fabric, they're washable, which means reusable! Hurray! And they're pretty, which adds some major points.

4. Kure Bazaar Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Fabulous - Love the color, love the fact that it's made up of natural materials like wood pulp, wheat, potatoes and corn. 'Nuff said.

5. Volupsa Coconut Wax Candles - I love, love, love candles, and Volupsa's coconut wax candles burn up to 90% cleaner than a soy candle! That's pretty darn awesome. And once you've finished the candle, you can re-use the tin! It's like a 2-for-1.

6. Stubby Pencil Studio's Eco Dry Highlighters - Another genius idea. Regular highlighters usually have solvents and other gross, chemically things. Since these are all wood, there's no plastic, ink solvents, or VOCs involved. The company is based in Portland, OR, so another US-made product for the win!

7. Colorhouse Paints - Okay, this is a seriously cool company. Not only are their paints VOC-free and are free of toxic fumes and chemical solvents, but they also manufacture their paint in a LEED Gold facility, use recycled materials for their containers, AND have a drop off site where customers can drop off their used paint to be recycled. In addition to interior paints, they also make chalkboard paint. And they actually have good colors. AND they're based in Portland, OR. Portland is kicking some serious butt in the eco-friendly department!


Other ways you can be kind to our planet is by making your own eco-friendly cleaning products. Baking soda and vinegar are pretty much the most fantastic cleaning products ever -- they do the job AND they're all natural. Recycling, upcycling, and reusing things are all great ways to cut down on waste and keep things out of landfills. I love scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and the swap shop at the dump for furniture pieces and anything else that might catch my eye. You're doing something for the environment AND saving money. It's a win-win. Every small act helps to keep our planet healthy, and small things add up!

​I have to admit, I really love the color pink. I do. I used to have this bright pink desk chair that was amazing. Sadly, during a maybe-I-don't-like-pink-so-much phase, I tried spray painting it white. Didn't work. The chair was plastic, and I followed the proper procedure for spray painting plastic. I sanded the chair with a fine grit sandpaper, cleaned it up, and bought spray paint that was specifically for plastic. Unfortunately, the spray paint peeled and got all funky. Not the desired result. I haven't tried spray painting anything plastic since then -- it was a traumatizing experience.

Anyhow, I am no longer in a maybe-I-don't-like-pink-so-much phase. I love pink. It's just so happy and cheerful. And paired with red, the two colors are just so vibrant and lively. So, because tomorrow is Valentine's Day, here are some ways to add some cheer and loveliness with pink and red!

1. I absolutely adore these dusty pink pants from Piperlime. They are the perfect shade of pink; not too in your face, but still pink. And, if you're not too fond of the $230 price tag, Old Navy carries a similar pair of pants. The light pink color isn't quite as nice in my opinion, but my bank account much prefers the $12.97 price tag. 

2. Mornings would be a bit easier with this cheerful, bright pink alarm clock. Okay, well I'd probably still hit the snooze button a few times.

3. This colorful Marimekko pillow adds an instant pop of color and lots of pep to any space.

4. How cute are these coasters? Best of all, it's a do-it-yourself project! Love. It.

5. I love all the peaches, corals, and pinks in this springy poppy print. It's pink without being overly pink if you're a pink-doubter.

6. I am so in love with this red polka dot dress from Forever21. 

7. Snuggle up with this red and pink Ikat throw and watch Under the Tuscan Sun. Or 300. Whatever floats your boat.


And because I love pink so much, here's a few more items that I couldn't leave out!

Sophomore year of college, I had the incredible experience of studying abroad in Vienna. I absolutely fell in love with the city. The to-die-for cakes and pastries, the cobblestone roads, the beautiful old churches and buildings, the museums, the violin players in the Stephansplatz, the u-bahn (it's just fun to say!) Vienna is a truly gorgeous city that is just saturated with art, history, and culture. If I could, I would so move there in a heartbeat. Except my German is a bit rusty. Well, like really rusty. I'd have to work on that. 

So of course, I felt compelled to create a Viennese-inspired wedding board. How romantic-slash-totally-awesome would it be to get married in Vienna? Yes, please.it.