$500-1000

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Have you ever come across a person who simply inspires you? If you haven’t, you need to change the people you’re spending time and networking with. There are a few people who inspire me who can also serve as an inspiration to all of my readers. Jennifer Ramos of MadeByGirl is one of those people.

It’s been a while since I have posted about something with a bird motif. Too long, if you ask me. I can’t help it — I am just drawn to the little critters by some unknown force. Thankfully for me, there’s no shortage of eco-friendly art featuring friendly birdies. These Bird Collages by Petite Flaneur would be welcome in my home any day. Just don’t tell my husband that. He’s not quite as fond of the birdies as I am.

When I see a beautiful piece of furniture, my emotions take over and I can’t help myself — I wind up lusting after it. Thankfully, I’ve learned to wait a few minutes until I calm down, or I’d be up to my eyeballs in debt from furniture and home decor purchases. After a little while, my green side kicks in and reminds me that buying things I don’t need only contributes to the overconsumerism that threatens to turn this nation — and in fact the world — into a giant landfill. Doesn’t stop me from looking, though

I never, ever thought I would want to decorate with a beanbag chair. I’ve never found them attractive — not even in kids’ rooms. But leave it to Pottery Barn to create a beautifully designed room around a beanbag that makes me want to do a total 180. I am really loving this Bean Bag Sectional from PBteen. And what makes it even more beautiful is the fact that it is covered in organic cotton canvas and filled with 100% recycled fill.

There are a bunch of pieces to choose from, so you can get whatever fits in your space. Here are some of the configurations:

Mothers will tell you that there’s nothing quite like sitting in a rocking chair cuddling with a sweet-smelling infant. It was one of my favorite things to do back when my daughter was young enough to sit still for more than a few seconds at a time (ie. before she started walking). Now that she loves having stories read to her while on my lap, I wish I still had access to my rocker so we could spend some quality time there.

As much as I love my digital camera, its a sa fact that most of the photos I have taken over the last few years are destined to spend an eternity locked inside my computer or on flash drive somewhere. But wouldn’t be very green of me to print hundreds of photos I’ll probably never put in an album, and though I like the idea of a digital frame, something about it is a bit too cold and impersonal for my taste. I’d much rather print out a select few beautiful shots, then put them in an equally beautiful frame for all to admire.

As a couple with young children, my husband and I don’t get to stay in hotels very often. I’m sure all the other parents out there can probably relate. There’s something to be said about the luxury of sleeping in a plush, comfortable bed with crisp, clean sheets that you don’t have to wash.

I like the idea of being able to go green in every room in my home, from the kitchen to the bathroom and everything in between. In my home office (more of a work area right now), part of that is going paperless whenever possible. I also repurposed a utility table to use as a desk. But the major green work solution? My gorgeous Amia chair by Steelcase.

A few months ago, I featured the Amia for its features on paper. It really looked to be the ultimate in sustainable design: Gold Cradle to Cradle certification for indoor air quality, 97% recyclable, it can contribute to your home’s LEED certification…the list goes on. But, I wondered, how would this chair stand up to real use?

Anyone who watches the Bravo show “Top Design” will recognize the name Jonathan Adler. He is one of the judges on the show, and let me tell you…the man just has an eye for design. I’ve rarely watched the show, but browsing his website is enough to tell me that he knows what he’s talking about. His extensive line of housewares, some of which are quite eco-friendly, is impressive, to say the least.

I have a bit of a problem with most furniture designed for kids. It tends to be outgrown fairly quickly, not only in terms of size, but also in style. So I tend to stay away from furniture that is overly detailed, ornate or otherwise very personal. Sticking to simpler pieces often makes it easier to pass them down from child to child, and it makes it easier to redecorate and reaccessorize around them. Kids’ furniture also tends to be cheaply made, meaning it will have to be replaced just due to everyday wear and tear.