Gift Ideas: Cutting Boards

You can't go wrong with choosing a great cutting (or cheese) board as a housewarming, host, or wedding gift. Here are three places to shop, that in my humble opinion, are a cut above the rest:

Milled Home Good Co. ($40-$70): Constructed by locally fallen maple trees in Michigan and cut and sanded by hand, these cheese boards are finished with a touch of color giving them a fresh and modern feel. I love that these can be displayed on the wall, thanks to a leather cord, when not in use.

AHeirloom ($48): For a more personalized option or for those that appreciate a bit of kitsch, this Brooklyn based shop offers cutting boards in each of the 50 states' shapes. The cutting boards are made in the USA of bamboo. Hawaii would make an interesting cheese display for sure.

Richwood Creations ($48-$56): Operating out of Richwood, West Virginia, Richwood Creations is a not-for-profit wood business "founded...in an effort to create sustainable funding for Young Life Ministries" in their area. I like the laser engraved patterns and the choices of wood (many of the pieces are made from reclaimed lumber) and as well as the different size options. You can read more about this company's mission here.

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100% Pure Lip and Cheek Tint

Have you heard of 100% Pure? I'm totally intrigued by their line of lip and cheek tints ($15) which contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, grapeseed oil and are tinted with actual fruit- cranberry, raspberry, grape, plum. All of the 100% Pure line is 100% vegetarian and gluten free and free of parabens, sulfates, harsh detergents and synthetic chemicals. Check out the full selection here. If you've tried something from this line, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

p.s. My recent beauty product obsessions include this dry shampoo and this sea salt spray. They're magic.

Cold Spring Apothecary

I first ran across Cold Spring Apothecary in early 2012 (blogged here) and have yet to purchase anything (shame on me). I've made some recent changes as to what I put in my body (see this pin board for a snapshot of how we've been eating) but my beauty product regiment needs a makeover (i.e. less toxins, less chemicals, please).

A bit about this company's philosophy: "Cold Spring Apothecary’s goal is to provide our customers with the safest alternatives to the harmful chemicals used in most cosmetics. By producing our products in small batches we can ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are used."

There are so many products I want to try including the dry shampoo, salt spray and eye cream. Have you tried anything from this shop? Any other shops/lines you'd recommend?

Do More w/Your Money + Discount: Lydali

1// tote $88 2// studs $38 3// bangles $26 4// wood bowl $20 5// throw $80 6// ring $48 7// key ring $14 8// pillows $79

Have you heard of Lydali? It's a San Francisco based shop that works with producers from all over the world to offer unique, one-of-kind accessories and decor creating a direct connection between consumer and artisan. The producers employ ethical standards, providing fair wages and each giving back in different ways (read more here). I've featured some of my favorite designs above, but really, there's a lot to love so be sure to check out the full selection here.

Lydali is offering D&OC readers 10% off your entire purchase. Simply use code 'DOWNOUTCHIC' at checkout. Thanks Lydali!

*discount code valid thru March 13th. 

Gift Idea: For the new dog owner

I think this Starter Kit from Wildebeest ($60) is so clever. I can remember being a new dog owner 8 years ago and I was so unprepared when I picked Kya up from the pound (poor thing was drowsy from being spayed and she immediately peed in the living room and then passed out). I adopted her when she was one year old so a kit like this would have been perfect. The kit is available in 7 colors and has everything you need for a long walk- collar, leash, poo bags, poo bag holder, portable bowl, tennis balls and more.

Wildebeest is an eco-friendly shop whose products are 100% "proudly manufactured" in San Francisco. You can read more about this new company here.

Decor: Rugs by Proud Mary

I am loving these new handwoven rugs ($126) by Proud Mary. This socially conscious textile company partners (also featured here) with artisans around the world, in this case Guatemala, to create gorgeous, one of a kind accessories and decor. The new Guatemala line is available for pre-order now. I'll take one of each, please. 

Do more with your money: Oimei

Oimei is a "socially conscious business that empowers marginalized workers in developing communities throughout Southeast Asia to raise their standard of living by helping them gain access to new markets." These pillows are "fair trade certified and handmade by hill tribe artisans in Northern Thailand." Read more about the founder's story here. Pillows are available for purchase ($40-$45) here.

Do More w/Your Money: Three Ring Dress

What's better than a handmade dress ($75) in a cheerful, playful print for warm weather? How about a dress where 20% of the proceeds go to fight and prevent human trafficking? Yes, I think that might do it! In fact, with every purchase you make from The Velvet Bird, you'll also be making a small contribution that might make a huge difference. It's a win-win situation.

Shop: Ripegoods

Delicate, handmade jewelry by Ripegoods. The mother and daughter designer team are "committed to sustainability, the pair uses recycled and reclaimed metals" and they use eco-friendly packaging for shipment. Check out the full selection here.

Do More With Your Money: Beach Ready

I love this new line of beach friendly accessories available at Beklina. The items range from $80-$105 and according to the description are:

"Made by hand using natural materials sourced sustainably from Madagascar’s precious forests. The sale of these [items] enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. This is achieved through fair trade partnerships with artisans who make a living wage through our 'trade not aid' business model."

I have my eye on the fedora. See anything you like? 

Do More With Your Money: Acorn and Archer

I've been really into wood accents in jewelry lately and Acorn and Archer has some simple, no-fuss pieces using "reclaimed, recycled, and sustainably sourced woods." You can even choose from different wood types for each design. It's a hard decision but I think I want this one.

pssst...looking for some bold jewelry options? Check out my latest post on Papernstitch. 

Wish list 1.5.12

I'm in need of some new reusable grocery totes as the ones I have are pretty torn up. I'm thinking these fun map grocery totes ($17.99 each) are a unique alternative to plastic. I'll start with the Atlanta bag please and maybe throw in a couple of zip pouches too. Why stop at just one?

Reader Discount: Hammocks & High Tea

Hammocks & High Tea is offering a special discount to all you lovely readers. *Get 15% off your entire purchase using the discount code "DOC15". You can find some awesome gift in the shop including some my favorite items: the chevron draw liners, this scarf and this pillow. All items are handcrafted "using eco friendly fibers and water based, solvent free inks." Eco friendly gifts and a sweet discount? Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

*offer excludes clutches and expires 12/15/11

Do More With Your Money: Kara Weaves

Described as a "creative venture with a social cause" Kara Weaves is the first of it's kind woman run handloom weaving business based out of Kerala, India. Co-founded by a social anthropologist and a graphic designer, Kara Weaves "works with independent teams of weavers and across the state and small sets of rural tailors" to create home furnishing including the hand and bath towels pictured above. The full sized bath towels are currently $10.80 a piece (on sale) and the hand towels are $30 for 10. I love the bright colors and simple striped designs and think they'd add some fun cheer to the bathroom or kitchen. Check out the full shop here. 

Do More With Your Money: Animalia

animals of high moral standing $30; animals of low moral standing $30; silver manta necklace by michelle chang $70; mook w/tiger mask by kimberly laurenti $46; familiar insects of america $10; bear with me by double parlour $10

Animalia has all sorts of fun, animal related items including paper goods, ceramics, jewelry, and art prints. 10% of all sales from the shop go to support wildlife conservation. Read about why they do it here and check out the unique merchandise here.

Leather Rings (by boe)

By Boe carries a number of leather and metal combination rings in a wide variety of gorgeous shades. The leather rings range from $16-$53 and with each purchase, by boe donates 5% of the proceeds to Women for Women. The leather reminder bow ring is definitely going on my wish list. See a style you like?

Do More With Your Money: Rubina

Rubina Design provides a market for rural artisans in marginalized communities "to innovate and sell their own traditional crafts by incorporating what they are already doing into the Rubina supply chain." The goal is to help provide these talented women with a sustainable income, in turn allowing their families and communities to thrive. Read more about how this company is realizing their mission here. Aren't the cards fun? At $4.50 a piece, it might be wise to stock up!

(found via eat drink chic)

Wish list 5.18.11

Made from sustainably sourced Bamboo and hardwoods, Vers 1E headphones ($49.99) are an eco friendly alternative to normal plastic headphones. I've been needing some new headphones for the gym and I really like their sleek, low profile design. The fact that for every tree used in production, Vers replants 100 trees has definitely helped me make my decision. I'll take the cherry please. 

Gift Giving: Veneerware Picnic Kit

I think the Veneerware Picnic Kit ($59) would be a fantastic gift for just about any occasion (especially for newlyweds, don't you think?). The thing that makes this particular kit so special is that everything in it is compostable and environmentally friendly. The kit includes plates and utensils made from organically grown bamboo, recycled paper napkins, compostable tumblers and waste bags, and a tote by Baggu made from recycled cotton. Throw in some hand squeezed lemonade and I think you have the perfect picnic. Perhaps I should have posted this under "wish list", because who am I kidding? I really want one of these! Find it at Branch. 

Do More With Your Money: The Bootstrap Project

I encourage you to take some time to get to know The Bootstrap Project. Meet the artisans participating and know that with every purchase, money goes directly back to the artists and their communities to alleviate poverty as well as help to "preserve and advance their fast dying craft." The products are absolutely gorgeous, one of a kind and would make great gifts. Check it out here and thank you to the founder for reaching out and sharing this amazing project with us.