Eat Real Gets Real

Today I attended the Eat Real Festival in Oakland, California's historic Jack London Square and it was a feast! Not just for my palate but my mind and soul. Eat Real’s mission is to make real food as accessible and as affordable as fast food (nothing over $5.00) at events held in strategic communities across the United States. Eat Real measures their success by increased public awareness of and respect for the craft of making good food and by the growth of green collar jobs in America’s growing regional food economies. Eat Real’s vision is of an America where food’s crucial importance to the health of our bodies, communities and economy is widely recognized, and where access to healthy and affordable real foods is a right, not a privilege.

I believe there is a message and lesson in Eat Real for the gift industry. Wouldn't it be great if America revived it's manufacturing sector? Think of the jobs it would create and how it would benefit our local economies!

The Jewel in the Crown

If this recession (sorry to use the "r" word) has taught us anything, it's that a gift is still a gift. 

People have not stopped buying gifts. Just think how dysfunctional and miserable we would all be if we stopped gifting! A category that has thrived during this economic is jewelry. Who knew? One of the greatest ironies of our time is that jewelry sales are thriving in this recession. Wouldn't common sense lead one to think otherwise? The fact is that jewelry makes a great gift and the gifting side of consumerism is still well and alive. For retailers who have not yet received the memo, here it is: Buy jewelry, it sells!

Shown Above: Best selling Roost multi-gem earrings.

Zine Scene: Boticario by Archipelago

Best selling Boticario makes an appearance in the September issue of House Beautiful!

Zine Scene: Cucina

Cucina's Pink Pepper and Anise dish washing soap it featured in the September 2010 issue of Health.

Gray: The New Black

You may have noticed that the pages of fashion magazines are full of gray in all shades imaginable.

It's easier to accept gray in fashion than for the home - especially in the Northwest where gray skies dominate throughout the year. Gray can be drab but only if you accent it with black or keep it monochromatic. Think of gray as you would white. Any color looks good against it. Be bold and combine gray with splashes of color you love but wouldn't dream of decorating with such as fuschia, turquoise or orange. Those pops of color will look great against gray and will brighten the gloomy days of winter.

There is a blog for every imaginable topic and gray is no exception. To see some great examples of stylish gray interiors, visit www.greigedesign.blogspot.com.

Shown left: New Slate double faced satin ribbon from Midori.

Zine Scene: Primal Elements

Primal Elements' Monkey Business soap is featured in the September 2010 issue People Style Watch.