Stylish Compost Pail?

Seattle has finally started collecting food scraps for compost. It is a great service, but leaves us with the stinky problem of what to do with our food scraps. It isn't always convenient to run outside to the yard waste bin, every time you cut an apple. So, I've been hunting for the perfect counter top compost "pail". Here is what I've found...


I love this bamboo option from Olive Barn. With convenient features like a liner that can go in the dishwasher and a charcoal filter to keep the stinkys away, it is a great option!


This stainless steel pail is a classic from Crate & Barrel. The entire pail goes in the dishwasher here...love that!


There is the hammered copper option from Gardener's Supply Company for the country kitchen.

Or a brightly colored ceramic option...


My favorites however are these beautifully hand made ceramic options from Rabbit Creek Studio...



Looking much more like sculpture than a bucket on your counter, these lovely pieces are complete with holes in the lid for air flow and an area to insert a charcoal filter...perfect!

Strip Teas

I was visiting my favorite coffee shop, Muse Coffee Co. this weekend on Queen Anne and discovered Brent is carrying a new, hip, spectacular, fun, yummy tea called Strip Teas.


The design of these little puppies is just ingenious. In a tall aluminum foil perforated pocket, the entire tea "strip" is environmentally sound and 100% recyclable. The unique shape allows for the tea leaves within to unfurl releasing the fantastic flavors into the water and is the perfect shape to act double duty as a stir stick!



Packaging is just charming and the teas come in six spectacular flavors including Masala Chai (a black tea with ginger, pepper, basil and a touch of cinnamon), Pushkar Rose (just as it sounds, flavored with rose) and Maristar (with marigold petals and sweet anise).

Strip Teas is the brain child of Emily Koteff who lives here in Seattle, so support a local business woman and pick up a cup of Strip Teas at Muse Coffee Co. today!

Yummy Or Creepy?

I came across these Vanishing Creatures commemorative chocolates by Walteria Living...


The series of chocolates including busts of a pygmy hippo, mountain gorilla and koala bear commemorate endangered species. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the chocolates go to aid WSPA.

The cause is wonderful and really the relation is a bit uncanny (the hippo is kinda cute). What do you think...are these yummy or creepy? I can't decide! Find your own at Unica Home.

Map Totes

How charming are these darling bags by MAPTOTE?







There are tons of cities represented (unfortunately, not Seattle!). They are cheeky and fun and are a great shopping bag option! Something about the campy log cabin font on the Portland bag speaks to me. What do you think?

It's in the bag, baby!

As I'm sure you've noticed, eco friendly shopping bags are popping up left and right. The plight of clearing out land fills is no longer just a question of values, it has become a fashion statement! Check out these fantastic shopping bags and let all of those around you know how you feel about saving the earth...


The Flora Shopper Bag by Envirosax is now available at Target! With a modern, somewhat Asian feel... for $9.99 who could go wrong?


The Betty Bag from b. happybags is so bright and fun. Definitely one for the hot summer months!


This fantastic tote from Basura Bags is made from recycled juice packs by a women's co-op in the Philippines. Completely unique and completely recycled!


OK, two more from Envirosax...they're just so dang pretty!


And don't forget Baggu! They come in a rainbow of fun colors...it's hard to just buy one!


What bag do I use? Well, my Harrod's bag of course. I adore it.

So, my friends, the answer these days to the age old question "paper or plastic?" is "none, I have my own thank you!" Make sure you stand out by finding a re-usable bag that is uniquely yours.

images courtesy of Target, b. happybags, reusablebags.com, Envirosax and apartment therapy