The Last Minute Crush

It's on. Less than a week to Christmas and we're into the last minute rush, or crush depending on which line your standing in.

Whether it's the grocery store, liquor store, any store really, everyone is rushing to get everything done before the big day.

And it seems they're succeeding. With all the chat in the playground, it sounds like everyone has their cards done, their baking finished, their houses decorated - perfectly, their presents bought and wrapped and under the tree.

Everyone, it seems, but us. And perhaps some of you.

Let's face it, this cold snap with it's dubious driving conditions isn't really helping the situation. Why not play it safe and let someone else (aka Postman Pat) drive in the ice and snow while you avoid the line ups and the often endless search for a parking space.

If you're one of the ones not quite ready for St. Nick's imminent arrival and looking for some inspiration amid a slight case of desperation, relax. You still have time to order online.

Place your order before 1pm this Monday, December 22 for Metro Vancouver delivery and by 1pm on Tuesday, December 23 for deliveries in Vancouver and on the North Shore.

Hope this helps reduce holiday stress - happy shopping!

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids

We want them to learn to respect nature and live in an environmentally conscious manner, so why not lead by example and encourage them with the gifts you give this Christmas?

Here are our five top green gift picks for children.

1. Soda Can Robug Kit
Build, recycle and create a unique robot that is as much a science project as it is a toy. The robug emits a buzzing sound like a real bug and moves across the floor. Great fun from a recycled can. Dynamo Torch and Windmill Generator kits also available. Age 8+

2. Pirate Ship
Let their imaginations run wild with this ship featuring one-eyed blackbeard and a dastardly crew of four, with lifeboat and hungry croc. Made from replenishable rubberwood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Age 3+

3. Organic Cotton Play Ball
A super soft, easy to grasp rattling ball that baby can try to catch and lift up. Made of pesticide-free naturally organic cotton and stuffed with lamb's wool by German toymaker Sigikid.

4. Geo Beads
The creative combinations are endless with this unique set of brightly coloured, geometrically shaped beads made from replenishable rubberwood. Includes two strings that can be attached/detached plus nine wooden beads in six different shapes and colours. Great for developing dexterity skills and imagination. Age 2+

5. Naturebag
Encourage them to explore the outdoors and connect with nature through the hands-on activities contained in this charming little shoulder bag. Made of fairtrade, certified organic cotton, Naturebag contains all the tools needed to enjoy the year-round activities laid out in the step-by-step activity guide. Age 3-12

For more eco-friendly and other great gifts for children and babies, visit Lavish & Lime.

What to give the Un-giveable Man

Un-giveable men. Everyone has at least one on their list, be it a dad, a grandfather, brother or even husband.

These are the guys that seem to have everything they could ever want or need. The ones you wrack your brain over. No matter what fantastic gift you might think of they either have it, they end up not liking it or they just went out and bought it for themselves.

We've come up with five top picks for these challenging recipients so you can start enjoying the lead up to Christmas.

1. Modern: Neoprene Duffle Bag
Made with extra thick stretchy 4mm wetsuit grade neoprene, this water resistant bag insulates and protects. Funky new hardware which attaches a shoulder strap through a unique loop sewn right into the bag itself makes the whole bag act as a suspension system between him and his load. $120

2. Fun: Retro Bowling Set
This high density foam-rubber bowling set for indoor or outdoor play. Comes complete with pins, balls and placement mat in a handy carry case. $84

3. Stylish: Silver Round Cufflinks
Because a man who wears cufflinks, will always appreciate another pair. Clean curves in 9 grams of sterling silver, these are two links he will never tire of. $45

4. Classic: Leather Overnight Bag
A structured black leather bag that easily stands open on its own to make packing a breeze. Classic and sleek. $160

5. Funky: Cow Fleece Socks
Keep him warm on the slopes or cozy up with him apres ski. These funky socks feature flat seams and a contour fit so are as perfect for indoors as they are out. Fleece wicks away moisture and dries quickly. Made in Canada. Men's sizes 5-13. PS. Matching women's sizes too. $18

For more great gifts for men, visit Lavish & Lime for our complete gift collection for Christmas 2008.

The Whites of Your Eyes

What a day it was - a great day.

Thanks to all of you who came out to our Live! event yesterday. It was great to meet and connect with you - face to face, as Colin says, to 'see the whites of their eyes'. We appreciated your feedback and hope you enjoyed seeing our products for yourselves, in person.

We thought it would be helpful for customers to touch and feel the goods they see online and from the comments we received, it seems it was.

A big thank you to our local gallery, SawersCooper, providers of the lovely white space which was a perfect fit for us and Sara, who was invaluable. Sincerest thanks also to everyone who pitched in to help - you know who you are and you're all gems.

We planned to take loads of pictures, but naturally didn't get to this until the end of the day, after everyone had left. Missed the best shots but at least got this one of a portion of the jewelry display.

Given the response to our offline debut, we might just plan for more of the same in the coming year, so watch this space...

Visit Lavish & Lime to view our complete gift collection for Christmas 2008.

Lavish & Lime Live! Event in Vancouver

This is it. Our offline debut.

For the first time ever, you'll be able to see our gift collection in person in Vancouver this Thursday, December 4th.

11am-8pm, Dec 4th
@ SawersCooper Gallery
245-1425 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
(corner of 14th & Clyde in Ambleside's Village Square, 2 mins. from Lion's Gate Bridge)

You won't want to miss our prize draw or your FREE gift with any purchase of $75 or more. Plus there'll be refreshments and savings of up to 40% OFF!

This is a great chance to touch and feel for yourself the quality of our products.

Hope to see you there!

5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Holiday Wrapping

Glitzy, bright gift wrap makes for a burst of festive bling under the tree, but what happens post-present opening once the excitement has subsided? The bin is undoubtedly filled to the brim with coloured, foil, glitter, and metallic wrapping waste.

We say, think beyond Christmas morning and get creative with your wrapping. Wow your loved ones with your creativity and follow our five top tips for presenting your gifts in eco-style.

1. Reusable shopping bags make great reusable gift bags that can be used all year around and are the perfect solution to overstuffed stockings. The lovely Christmas stockings hung by the chimney with care more often than not never seem big enough. Simply place a tote on the hearth next to or beneath the stocking to act as a catch-all for everything that can't fit.

2. Use tea towels as gift wrap for almost anything, especially bottles. Enhance your hostess gift by pairing a bottle of your favourite wine with a tea towel or for smaller gifts use these gorgeous cloth napkins.
LIME TIP How to do it: Simply place the bottle along one side of the towel so that the top of the bottle meets the top of the fabric. Create a pocket at the bottom by folding up the excess material at the bottom over the bottom of the bottle. Then roll it evenly and secure at the neck with a ribbon.

3. Put small gifts in little bags, purses or a must-have clutch and tie with a ribbon, instead of using boxes and wrapping.

4. Look for gifts already presented in attractive packaging, then there's no need to double up! Keep an eye out for jewelry presented in pouches, body brush gift sets in feather top bags, bamboo nightshirts in bamboo drawstring bags and kids' wooden blocks in cotton (easy clean up) bags. LIME TIP Don't forget, the more opaque the package, the greater the surprise!

5. Choose gifts that lend themselves to act as containers and group smaller gifts inside, effectively creating your own gift basket without the basket. Try a funky bright pink watering can filled with a pocket garden and a butterfly scatter garden. What about a collapsible eco shopping basket with a reusable Laken water bottle, crank radio/flashlight and ethically made body brush and body butter inside?

The possibilities are endless. Even if you cut down on glitzy gift wrap just a little this Christmas, it's a step in the right direction.

Visit Lavish & Lime for great gift ideas for the whole family - at affordable prices.

5 Christmas Gifts for Him Under $50

Despite the downturn, Christmas is still on the horizon and rapidly approaching, so we've come up with five top gift picks for the men in your life at recession accessible prices - all under $50.

We hope you like them. We know he will.

Boyfriend: Fleece Cow Socks
Keep him warm on the slopes or cozy up with him apres ski. These funky socks feature flat seams and a contour fit so are as perfect for indoors as they are out. Fleece wicks away moisture and dries quickly. Made in Canada. Men's sizes 5-13. PS. We have women's sizes too, if you like to match! $18

Boss: Laken Sport Water Bottle Blue
He's always trying to motivate you, now it's your chance to turn the tables. Made in Spain using 100% recyclable aluminum, this bottle has a handy twist spout with extra leakage security, walls 30% thicker than all other aluminum bottles and a BPA-free inner coating that extends 100% throughout the inside ensuring no liquid comes into contact with the aluminum. More lightweight than steel, no after taste. $26

Husband: Silver Ball Cufflinks
Treat him to a classic he'll wear on his wrist. Sleek spheres totalling 9 grams of sterling silver, these are two links he will never tire of. $45

Dad: Crank Radio/Flashlight
Always safety-conscious, Dad will love this rubberized compact combo featuring a self-charge crank and solar panel powered radio, flashlight and cellphone charger all in one. Impressive crank to power ratio - a 1-minute wind gives 20 minutes of radio play or 30 minutes of light. Great eco-friendly gift he can show the grandkids.$32

Grandfather: Classic Moleskine Notebook
Encourage him to write down his thoughts, his life story in this keepsake black notebook. Moleskine is the legendary Italian-made notebook used by European artists and thinkers for the past two centuries. $16

For more great gifts for him both under and over $50, visit Lavish & Lime.

Designer Interview: Vinyl can be Eco-Friendly with Astrosatchel

Vinyl can be eco-friendly? you ask. Yes actually, says Janna Hurtzig, the creator behind Vancouver's own design gem, Astrosatchel. Our gorgeous line of Astrosatchel shoulder totes, clutches and change purses are an example of green living and good looking going hand in hand. Read on as Janna explains...

What was your inspiration behind the creation of the original Astrosatchel shoulder tote? How did you come up with the name?

I started making Astrosatchel bags in 1998 because I couldn't find a bag that I liked that was made in Canada. Initially I wanted to use astro-turf, but I couldn't find anything soft enough, so I settled on vinyl. I liked that it was durable and bright, yet water proof - perfect for Vancouver. The name was easy: the bags were going to be fun, with a space age feel to them, so I thought Astro was a good place to start, and Satchel because I was making bags.

Why did you choose to work with naugahyde vinyl? What is the manufacturing process the bags go through?

I started using the Naugahyde vinyl because of the choices of colours available, and because I could reorder it as needed. I didn't want to use fabrics that I wasn't sure I could get again, in case the products really took off, which they did!!

When we make the bags in our studio, we start by hand cutting the individual pieces for the bag, which we sew together using industrial sewing machines. The applique images are cut from any scraps left over from when we cut the bags--- hardly anything goes to waste. We don't use any adhesives in our process. Our bags are lined with nylon, which adds additional strength to the bag a well as finishing the bag off nicely. We use velcro closures as these are easy to adjust and are relatively fail-safe.

I think as a designer it is important to create things that are aesthetically pleasing, but are also highly functional, with a lot of thought given to the end use. We sew everything to last, which is almost the anti-thesis these days in manufacturing.

I like simplicity in design--- quite often products are made with lots of bells and whistles, but the time goes into making the bells and whistles, not what they are attached to. My bags are made to be versatile and durable, items that you use for years rather than for a season and then it's on to something else.

Most manufacturing processes are highly mechanised: items are stamped out on presses in huge quantities, while we only cut what we need, which eliminates over production...... most manufacturing focuses on making quantity in a short period of time, while we focus on quality first and foremost.

If naugahyde vinyl is man made, how can your bags be considered eco-friendly?

The Naugahyde brand of vinyl is a man made fabric, but I see eco aspects to it: the vinyl is union made in the United States, which is better than overseas-made goods as it reduces the amount of traveling the fabric does, and there is better environmental law in the US as opposed to, say, China, where many textiles are coming from these days, including eco-friendly ones. I like to know that the person who made my fabric was fairly paid for their work as well.

As the fabric I use is durable, it will not require replacement as often as lesser quality vinyl, which can crack in cold temperatures: Naugahyde is fine for colder places such as Edmonton and Winnipeg. I think the durability aspect is a huge consideration--- why buy products that won't hold up to use: just as much energy goes into their production as items that will last a long time. Lower quality vinyl has given all vinyl a bad reputation, but the Naugahyde I'm using is upholstery grade, heavy duty stuff.

When I tell people I use vinyl, the assume that it's because "leather is so expensive", which is not my reason at all.

Mostly, the vinyl is a replacement for leather - even if people are eating the meat portion of the animal, the leather is a byproduct of an environmentally hazardous industry. While leather is initially a 'natural product', by the time it is chemically treated for use, it isn't natural anymore, and the environmental impacts of the leather industry are huge: animals require land, water, feed (more land, more water), and transport, while creating huge amounts of carbon dioxide gas (both by the animal itself, and from transport), and waste products (poop) that enter the environment and create problems, like contamination to drinking water.

There is no animal cruelty involved with Naugahyde vinyl, so while it's not a natural fabric, I sleep easier at night knowing that when people buy my products, they are buying a cruelty free item: no animal cruelty, or sweatshop labour.

An added bonus is that the vinyl is already waterproof: there's no need to spray it down with waterproofing spray, as you would with a leather bag: more chemicals.

I personally think that we need to rethink a lot of how we live day to day: choosing to purchase better quality items with years of use in them as opposed to cheaper items that end up in the trash...... every product gets thrown away eventually, but if we are consuming fewer products in the first place, that's a good start.

Thanks for the insight Janna! View our collection of Janna's stunning Astrosatchel bags at Lavish & Lime.

Bamboo is Best

Bamboo fabric. Reputedly softer than the softest cotton on the market today. Believe it.

My blue bamboo scarf feels so good around my neck, I never want to take it off. In fact, sometimes I don't.

Since scarves are the accessory of the season (or is it the clutch? depends on who you read), I feel quite good about it becoming my accessory of the season. Plus it's made from bamboo - good for the planet and good for me.

Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource. Bamboo fabric is exquisitely soft to the touch and is naturally anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, thermal
regulating and odor free. Bamboo is grown without fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides and is biodegradable. My scarf is made with non-toxic and AZO free dyes.

Since bamboo is grown in abundance in China, this is where the majority of bamboo clothing is made. Banish any environmental concerns however, as the U.S. company that actually made my scarf keeps a watchful eye over the process of breaking down the bamboo stalks to make them into fibre and has close relationships the factories and workers, ensuring they're aligned with the vision of providing nurturing natural products while consciously caring for people and the environment.

The factory that sews the fabric has expanded in the last three years, employing more local women from the village and bringing in more family members.

So there it is. Feel good wearing it, feel good about wearing it.

Our brand new bamboo line has just arrived in time for Christmas - not only is it chic, it's surprisingly affordable. Scarves like mine from $23, matching lightweight hats for him or her for just $21, plus there's heavenly nightshirts that double as day wear and gorgeous wraps in a lovely mushroom brown or classic go-with-absolutely-everything black.

Shop Lavish & Lime for super soft bamboo clothing accessories and a great selection of other great green gifts.

Green Gift Guide: Top 10 Eco-Chic Gifts for Christmas

Green is definitely the new white this holiday season.

Think eco-friendly and feel good about the gifts you give. Plus they don't have to be boring, or beige. Bright colours and innovative designs mean this Christmas going green never looked so good.

Here's our guide to the top 10 eco-friendly gift picks for her, him and the little ones for a green Christmas.

1) Market Tote 3-Pack: for Her
Why a great green choice? Cuts down on plastic bag use and helps reduce the landfill. Made in Canada so minimal carbon footprint.

Fashion meets function with this stylish grocery tote. Made of 100% cotton with a comfortable webbed handle, it holds up to 3X more than the average plastic shopping bag and includes an interior elastic band for storing a bottle upright. $40

2) Recycled Rectangle Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted in Canada using recycled, re-melted, and recombined sterling silver components.

This unique rectangular pendant can easily be worn two ways - horizontally for a wide angle look or turned to the vertical. The rectangle hangs from a delicate, double chain that loops around the sides of the pendant. $52

3) Discs of Life Reclaimed Wood Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted from recycled African ebony hardwood. Made in Canada so a minimal carbon footprint.

This chic silver string of five eco-friendly wooden shapes is certain to make a lasting impression. 32" length $92

4) Bamboo Nightshirt: for Her
Why a great green choice? Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource. Bamboo fabric is softer than the softest cotton on the market today and is grown without fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides and is biodegradable. This nightshirt is made with non-toxic and AZO free dyes.

A super soft option for comfy nightwear that also looks and feels great as a long shirt with jeans. Short sleeve, rounded neck, falls above the knee. 95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex. S,M,L in black and cielo blue available $49

5) Purple Clutch: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handmade in Canada using high quality naugahyde vinyl from the USA - free of solvents and ozone depleting chemicals - a hard wearing alternative to animal leather and all the resources used to raise animals.

Purple is the colour of the season and this clutch is it. Two snap pockets, sturdy zip and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. $36

6) Wooden Pirate Ship: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubber wood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Made by PlanToys which practices the “Three R’s” of green living: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Their manufacturing processes are designed to reduce waste and save energy.

This wonderful pirate ship includes a one-eyed black beard and a dastardly crew of four, with lifeboat and hungry croc. Age 3 years + $55

7) Bug Balance Game: for Kids Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubberwood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Also made by PlanToys®.

Roll the dice and catch the bugs and then place them on the tree to see how long they can stay on for. The tree is 10.6" high. Age 3+ $25

8) Soda Can Robot Kit: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Gives kids a hands-on education about the value of recycling everyday objects.

Build, recycle and create a unique robot that is as much a science project as it is a toy. The robug emits a buzzing sound like a real bug and moves across the floor. Great fun from a recycled can (not included). Crank and wind energy kits also available. Ages 8+

9) Mini Crank Lantern: for Him
Why a great green choice? Offers a real alternative to grid electricity or fossil fuels. Made by Freeplay Energy, who through its non-profit Freeplay Foundation has distributed more than 160,000 Lifeline radios since 2003 in Africa and beyond, conservatively reaching six million listeners and making Freeplay the world leader in transferring wind-up technology to those least able to access the information and education that could help lift them out of poverty.

Reputedly the best self sufficient rechargeable lantern on the market. When you wind for power, the self-charge mechanism converts over 74% of your kinetic energy into stored electricity. The task light is ideal for reading at night, and an effective flashlight for walking around the campground. $32

10) Mohair Throw: for Anyone who Likes to Be Warm
Why a great green choice? Recycled yarn samples have been used to create the fringe.

A colourful, multi-texture rainbow fringe accents this stunning, lightweight mohair mix throw. The robin's egg blue colour adds an instant touch of elegant coziness to any room. Also available in white snow, dark grey and chocolate brown. 70"x53" $160

These and other eco-chic gifts are available at Vancouver-based online boutique Lavish & Lime. We ship across Canada and offer a $5 gift wrapping service plus gift enclosure cards with a personal handwritten message - for free.

Let it Rain

We know it will. Rain that is - especially here on the wetcoast, which is probably why we fell in love with these hats.

Made locally in Vancouver by a brilliant mompreneur, our new kids' rain hat not only looks fabulous but puts to rest the seemingly endless hood struggle.

Think about it. How often have you chased your kids around the playground saying (shouting?) 'put up your hood'? How hard is it to see sideways with a hood on? And doesn't it seem like your hearing takes a little nose dive with a hood up?

Then there's the times when they look up at you with drops of rain hanging from their eyelashes and little button noses, even when they're dutifully wearing their hoods.

This wide brim hat actually keeps rain off the face and the velcro chin strap keeps it firmly on.

Made of 100% cotton fabric coated with waterproof polyurethane and lined with super soft organic cotton with bamboo, it's easy to wipe clean or, if necessary, hand wash in cold.

The hat comes in four fun and colourful patterns: flower power, spring bloom, paisley and boy blue and in sizes fitting 12 months up to 6 years.

Trust us, this one's a winner. Once your child wears it once, she won't want to leave the house again without it, even if it's not raining.

The kids' rain hat is available at Lavish & Lime.

WIN WIN WIN a Paisley blue/brown rain hat for your little puddle jumper. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before midnight PST November 1.

Sustainable Sipping: The Best Way to Save Wine

As autumn closes in, the cooler days and longer nights beg for warm soups, stews and a rich glass of red.

But what if the bottle remains unfinished? What if you've splurged, and it's a really good bottle? This about vino sustainability, not dumping or swilling.

According to Decanter magazine, the Private Preserve gas cylinder is the absolute best way to keep an open bottle of wine fresh.

There's only two ways to preserve an open bottle. You can either put something in the neck of the bottle to prevent oxygen from getting into the wine (doesn't help with the oxygen already in the bottle), or you can remove as much oxygen from the bottle as possible with a vacuum or inert gas, the latter of which displaces the oxygen and creates a protective blanket over the surface of the wine.

The vacuum process doesn't guarantee all the oxygen will be removed and is considered somewhat of a violent process as the wine's desirable aromas can also get sucked out.

In a limited trial of three vacuum-style stoppers, two inert gas systems, plus the bottle's original stopper on three contrasting wines, it became clear by the fourth day that the Private Preserve gas kept the wine fresher for longer.

A couple of squirts into your bottle followed by re-corking with the bottle's original cork and you can enjoy your wine up to a few weeks later, says Anthony Gismondi, one of Canada's leading wine critics and editor of gismondionwine.com.

"Gas is the best way to go," he says. "It's so much simpler to use than pumping a vacuum - and more effective."

"One can of Private Preserve will last a good few months for the average consumer," said Gismondi.

Private Preserve is available at Lavish & Lime in single cans or as part of our Wine Essentials Kit - Wine 101 in a neoprene bottle bag - the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys wine. View the video below to learn more about our wine kit and for a Private Preserve demo, presented by Anthony Gismondi.

My Daughter Loves Her Sigikid Toy More Than Me

I know she loves me. Really, I do. It's just that I thought it would be different with our second.

Lucy is almost two. She runs. She falls. She cries. She holds up her arms so I swoop her up for a cuddle and then it happens. She says, 'Sigi'.

I don't mean to be needy. I just think that at this point something along the lines of 'Mommy' might be nice. Is it possible to be jealous of an inanimate object?

Sigi is an organic teddy bear snuggly given to her at birth by her older sister as part of the second baby process. Everyone told us to have Polly give Lucy a gift to ensure Polly still felt secure, loved and to curb any feelings of jealousy. We didn't really think about the effect this toy would have on us - jealousy? Surely not.

Like Polly did - and still does at the age of five - Lucy learned to fall asleep with her Sigikid toy. Sigi is her comfort, like the blankie or dolly most of us had as kids. Sigi was easy for Lucy's little hands to hold so it was one of the first things she could grasp and now that she's walking, one of the easiest things for her to carry around with her. Lucy's third word after 'Dada' then 'Mama' was 'Sigi'. And why not? He's super soft, cuddly and her constant companion.

Sigi has recently gone awol from the stroller a couple of times but with a bit of backtracking down the aisles of Safeway, he's been found, thankfully. What would a night without Sigi be like? I hope never to have to find out because it might be me sleeping with Lucy rather than him and right now - with much thanks to Sigi - I'm enjoying my eight hours. (Touch wood.)

- Louise Campbell, Lavish & Lime Co-founder

Sigikid is an innovative German toy company new to Canada but established in Europe for over 40 years. Lavish & Lime is the first Canadian e-tailer to offer Sigikid products online. Shop our Sigikid collection of organic and other toys here.

Designer Interview: Adea Chung is Billy Would

We're really excited to be working with Adea Chung, the designer behind our new recycled wood jewellery line. She works right here in Vancouver under the label Billy Would and guess what? She's the subject our debut designer interview. Look for more designer interviews over the coming weeks.

How did you come up with the idea of making jewellery using recycled wood? Was it difficult to turn the idea into actual pieces?

I first started making jewellery out of purchased exotic hardwoods from local stores. The colours and textures were incredible and I loved picking out choice pieces. This method was short lived as I soon discovered none of the suppliers could guarantee how the trees were harvested.

I tried working with FSC certified wood as well but it was lacking the beauty and strength for jewellery. Constantly striving to reduce my carbon footprint in all aspects of life, it took a few short emails to local woodworkers and shops to connect with some really great people. Because the amount of wood needed for jewellery is small, I'm able to score some really great pieces that may be too small to work with for a guitar maker but perfect for me.

Through networking with all kinds of woodworkers and some creative "salvaging" (ie:old dressers and damaged floor boards) I keep each piece one of a kind and am always getting to work with new woods.

Coming from a family full of artists including a father who was always creating incredible wood carvings, working with wood and tools in the shop is like home.

How long have you been designing jewellery? Have you done other things along the way or have you followed a direct path to founding your own company?

I've only been designing and creating jewellery for about two years but I feel like I've learned so much in that time. Over the years, I've got the chance to do all kinds of things that I'm sure in some way or another lead to working for myself. Working at a heli ski company, as a bank teller, at a massage school, and of course being a mom.

I've always enjoyed art and creating in almost any form. I feel so lucky to be able to do something I love and get to see others enjoy it as much as I do.

What inspires you to come up with new designs?

I'm inspired by almost everything! Obviously nature and shapes are some of my favourites to express. Different pieces of wood with unique lines and colours I try to show off. Creating clean simple designs that allow the eye to appreciate the actual wood.

My biggest inspiration would have to be my five year old daughter. I've "borrowed" a lot of her designs (stars and hearts) and even used her middle name (billy) She's definitively my biggest critic too though.

What's the hardest part of your job? What's the best part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is probably the business end of things and the marketing. It's also one of the most enjoyable too, learning the entire aspect of starting and running a business gives you a great sense of appreciation and respect for others doing the same thing. Participating in shows and fashion markets were never something that appealed to me in the past but since doing them I have grown to love the interaction. It's so much fun to watch people enjoy and wear something you created.

Do you have any advice for designers interested in following a similar path?

Pick something you enjoy and go for it! Don't be scared to ask for help and support, you want to still love it at the end of the day.

Thanks Adea! You can check out Adea's stunning designs at Lavish & Lime.

Reduce the Landfill One Baggy at a Time

Did you know that 20 million plastic baggies are added each day to the U.S. landfills alone?

Just imagine what the numbers are worldwide.

Let's face it. When you pack a lunch, it usually contains more than one plastic sandwich bag. These get tossed in the garbage after just one use. They add up and they fill up the landfill.

Instead of waiting for the bureaucrats to talk about banning baggies as they're doing with plastic bottles and shopping bags, why not take a small step toward reducing waste on your own? Try our NEW reusable sandwich wrap - a simple concept that's brilliant for the environment - and help reduce the landfill one baggy at a time.

Fold your sandwich up in this octagonal-shaped wrap, secure with the velcro closure and your lunch is ready to go! It's great for snacks too - muffins, crackers, cookies, veggies and more. Plus it doubles as a place mat for a clean place to eat - anywhere.

To clean, simply hand wash in warm water and hang to dry. One wrap can last an entire school year.

The wrap is made in the U.S. out of LDPE (low-density polyethylene), the same material as plastic baggies but a thicker grade to ensure its re-usability. The thicker material also allows less air to penetrate, keeping what's inside fresher for longer than the typical plastic sandwich bag.

It comes in variety of colourful patterns - green and brown dots, classic red gingham plus rainbow fish, sports balls and stars on pink for kids. Due to the high demand for this product, we're getting new designs in every week so check back for new product.

For our full range of eco-friendly food carriers and recyclable Laken water bottles, visit Lavish & Lime.

Pack a Lunch that Won't be Traded

Back to school doesn't have to mean back to boring lunches - for you or for them.

Keeping in mind research claims it takes 10-12 introductions to new food before a child is usually even willing to taste it, here are some ideas to keep the sandwich-making mill fresh and the lunch you make in your child's own tum.

• Think small. Small-sized foods are easier for children to handle and more fun to eat. Cut sandwiches into smaller pieces, use tiny tortillas for wraps and small sandwich buns. Peel, cut and pack smaller pieces of different fruits to keep their interest.
• Try different types of bread for sandwiches and dippers - crackers, rice cakes, mini croissants, pita bread, mini muffins, little bagels, tortillas, focaccia, raisin or cheese bread.
• Take a look at those prepackaged lunches the kids always pester you for. They may not be overly nutritious, but you can pack the same types of snack foods, using healthier choices.
• Think about food safety. Freeze juice boxes or small gel packs to keep the rest of the lunch cool. Better yet, use an insulated lunch box. Lime Tip: Before filling a thermos with hot soup, rinse it with hot water (from the kettle), to heat it before adding the soup.
• Make your own snack mixes by combining dried fruits, unsalted nuts, pretzels, and baked crackers. Your kids will love munching on something crunchy and sweet or savoury.

Then there’s the sandwich option, which isn’t always as easy as it first seems. Deciding what to put inside can prove challenging, day after day. For some different sandwich fillings, try these:

• roasted vegetables with low fat cream cheese
• ham, pineapple, lettuce and cucumber
• tuna and corn mixed with mayonnaise
• turkey or chicken with pickle, chutney or salsa
• homous, grated carrot and lettuce leaves

Lime Tip: To make the whole process easier, why not have your kids to plan their own lunch menu for the week? A good friend swears by this method. Simply ask them to write down or tell you while you write down their choices for each day of the week (perhaps with a little nutritional guidance from you), post them on the fridge or cupboard and that's it - no battles.

The Outside Counts Too
Although we all know it's what's inside that counts, there is something to be said for the outside packaging to keep kids keen on lunch. Especially since the more disposable the bag, the more likely it is the whole lunch will end up in the garbage, as reported in the Seattle Times.

We say, bring on cute and funky reusable lunch carriers and keep our kids' lunches from getting traded or worse, turfed.

Check out our NEW arrivals: tiger, panda and rabbit insulated lunch boxes that unzip to place mats, reusable sandwich wraps in funky fish and camo shark designs, and stretchy neoprene totes that insulate hot or cold for up to four hours.

Visit Lavish & Lime for more fresh ideas for back to school must-haves.