::eco-friendly::

Green is sexy. For real, it is. This website provides tips to make an impact of our environment. They aim to spread the word and make a difference. "Green is sexy is about tiny changes, big impact."


Trendy or not, there's no getting around the fact that being eco-friendly/green/energy conserving/whatever you call it, isn't just about using less water and turning the air conditioning off when you're not home. There are so many things people can do every day to make a little difference. Don't get me wrong, I drive a car, wash enough clothing for 3 people, and love a nice, long, hot shower in the mornings. But...it's easy to do a little and make small changes in your daily routine to conserve. We don't all need to resort to tree-hugging communes. Although, I'd support you if you wanted to (looks pretty cute).

This is a major foundation for 6 petals using a mix of new with vintage items, recycled wood, remnant fabrics, and found treasures. There's no doubt that the quality is excellent and the visual appeal adds character and charm.

GREEN TIPS from 6 petals:

• Buy organic cleaners and health/beauty products. My father's has been hounding me for years about the dangers of Aluminum Zirconium, which is found in the popular antiperspirants. And, most soaps are made with detergents that can even be cancerous.


• Invest in a good water bottle. This one is a big pet-peeve of mine. Too many are purchasing cases of plastic water bottles only to be thrown away as quickly as thirst is quenched. Choose to refill and save money (and look good doing it-- there are so many great designs to choose from). Or, bring a glass to work instead of going through multiple Styrofoam cups at the water cooler.


• Buy local and/or handmade. And, pay attention to what you're buying. This reduces waste from expensive packaging and shipping costs, and it's a great way to support your community.


• Do something outdoors. My love of camping and hiking lets me enjoy the more simple things-- Mother Earth amazes me. It's cheap, good exercise, and fun with the right company. Read a book in a hammock, bring your knitting needles to a local baseball game, doodle in your sketch book in the park, or ride a bike. Just relax once in a while without a cell phone, computer, radio, television, or iPod.

Share your green tips, too...

::that girl's got lungs::

The great part about Thursday is that we're one day closer to Friday. Here's a taste of what I'm listening to, and what I catch myself humming most days.

I made an attempt to watch this year's VMA show. As soon as I turned to MTV, Florence + The Machine was beginning their live performance. {Weird, I know...I didn't think they played music anymore either.} And...Whoa. This isn't just your average pop star with autotune. She's good. Really good.

Shortly after hearing them, I didn't stay on that channel and remembered how much I dislike MTV.

images courtesy of florence + the machine and BBC, video youtube

::what's better...::

...than a soft t-shirt and a worn-in pair of jeans? Nothing.


Join Keria, my super stylish friend and blogger at A Pretty Penny, as she plays with variations of this t-shirt and jeans look this week. Jump over to her blog to see how she mixes this combination into her daily life.

Cheers to comfort! :)

::folki::

Recently, Anthrpologie just brought on a line of one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces from Folki. Swedish born artist Fanny Bostrom Gentle, currently living in NYC, is the gypsy brainchild behind Folki and she brings an essence all her own. She uses colorful fabrics to create jewelry, scarfs, and bags for the chic hippie. In love...

I even stumbled on some photos from her adorable home in Brooklyn. I love how she incorporates unique, mix-matched pieces throughout every room for a true feeling of funky and comfort. Ah, home sweet home.

For more inspiration from Fanny, you can view her website here. And, check out what she and her photographer husband wore on their wedding day.

Images courtesy of Refinery29, Anthropologie, and The Selby

::autumn breeze::

The weather is spectacular right now-- the perfect Florida Fall day. This is what I'm daydreaming...

images courtesy of weheartit

...I hope you're enjoying this lovely Sunday, too!

::simplicity is key::

In my book, simplicity is key.

Style

• Minimal accessories is a great way to make it "all about the dress." Showcase the craftsmanship of a well made article of clothing. This beautifully simple camel colored dress with OTK (over the knee) socks and ankle strap clogs is a fall staple. Add a perfectly imperfect up-do, and it's little effort for an amazing outcome. Oh, including a pop of color with a yellow and rust colored clutch...check!

• I don't believe "you can't wear white after Labor Day". Living in Florida, we're lucky to get below 70 F come Thanksgiving day. This simple, short sleeved, ribbed sweater dress paired with black tights and black ankle boots is perfect for Florida fall/winter. Black and white is classic, and never goes out of style. Also, layering is important, so it'll be easy to throw on a jacket in the morning on the way to work (or play).

Decor

• This mix and match bedding is simple and colorful. Choose comfortable, quality linens over cheap and trendy (you'll be glad you did-- in a lifetime, we spend roughly 20 years of our lives sleeping). With a lovely brass floor lamp, you're ready to curl up with a book and a warm cup of tea.
  
  
  

  

• Keep is simple with large accent pieces. This wall clock adds the perfect contrast to stark white walls with it's dark metal hands. And, the curve details on the metal chairs add a nice feel to the natural wood and metal elements.

• Lately, I've been noticing lots of beautiful wallpaper. The trick is finding one that you won't say "What was I thinking?!" after a year. This simple office space utilizes a fresh floral wallpaper and pink accents to make it personal and feminine. The white furniture and brushed metal lamp adds functionality and simplicity.

style images courtesy of vanessa jackman & decor images courtesy of lonny

::busy bee::

The month of October seems to be flying by! There are so many great things happening, however, I feel like it's happening too fast. Where's the pause button?? I want to make sure I soak it all in. And, on top of it all, the weather has been beautiful here in the Sunshine State. The kind of weather that asks you to have a picnic under a tall oak tree (with the red and white gingham blanket, of course!)

With moving into a new apartment (Emily and Michelle know the joys of packing), creating new things, and exciting events for 6 petals (recaps here and here), I feel like such a busy bee...

images courtesy of weheartit

I hope everyone is having a lovely October. Any ideas for Halloween costumes? (Not that I'm ready for it...)

::recap: psc's fallfest::

6 petals spent this past Saturday at Polk State College's 23rd Annual Fallfest. With an estimated 10,000 visitors, this event is a full day of crafts, kid's activities, and local demonstrations on the campus. I was excited to show off some new items. After setting up the booth, the day started. Shopper and vendors had been lining the walkways for long before the "official" 9am start. A special thanks to everyone who visited 6 petals at Fallfest.

Here are some pictures from the day:

I also took some shots of Fallfest's Best Dressed shoppers! Luckily, they didn't object after I chased them down with a camera :)

You can't tell from the picture, but she had the cutest sushi hair barrette, and I love the cuffed jean and flats

Looking so cute with baby in tow...gray booties and a earth-toned scarf perfect for Fall

Seriously loving her style...and his too! Lovely shoulder bag, olive green sneakers (and scarf to match) add a great pop of color to the blue ensemble.

...maybe not Best Dressed, but who can resist an adorable puppy?

::closer::

Almost there...

:) Thanks for following!

::keep a breast::

Since it is October, it's appropriate to talk about boobs. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I'd love to help spread the word. I mentioned my friend Leah earlier (at the end of this post). She's a pro longboarder and travels around the world promoting yoga, surfing, and a healthy lifestyle. This is where I learned about the Keep a Breast Foundation and I Love Boobies Campaign:

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.

Did you know girls as young as 10 years old are being diagnosed with breast cancer? Just recently, a woman close to me had an operation to remove her breast due to the ugly disease. Which, would be an easy decision for me-- take my boobs (I never had much of them anyway). As heart-breaking as the stories are, it's important to share knowledge and talk about it, especially with your girlfriends.

The I Love Boobies Campaign has turned into an artist event as well. The artwork is made from a cast of a woman's body and hand painted. All for a good cause and spread the awareness. I've choosen a couple of my favorites for your viewing pleasure.

All images courtesy of Keep A Breast