GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: Use CFL (Compound Fluorescent Light) light bulbs!  Switching your light bulbs to CFL's is such a quick and easy way to save energy as well as $$$.  CFLs can use up to 75% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and lasts up to 10 times longer.  Yes, they are more expensive than the traditional light bulb but you can save up to $85 over the life of the bulb for every 60-watt light bulb you replace.  Doesn't get better than that!

via

Yes, they are more expensive than the traditional light bulb but you can save up to $85 over the life of the bulb for every 60-watt light bulb you replace.  Doesn't get better than that!

CFL light bulbs can be found at any hardware store.  I find the best prices and variety at Home Depot.

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Hurricane Irene

It has been very hard to concentrate today knowing or not knowing that my long-time friends (who I consider family after 14 years) and my second home in Treasure Cay, Bahamas is safe.  The eye of Hurricane Irene hit Marsh Harbor (31 miles from Treasure Cay) in the early hours of the morning until the afternoon.  Communication came to a screeching halt since last night and I am at wits end not knowing the condition of my friends, the island, the community, my home and everything on/around it.  News channels are obviously more focused on Irene hitting the East coast instead of covering what Irene is hitting right now.   When Irene hit the island of Abaco it was categorized as a "3" and by the time it hits the East Coast it will be a categorized "2" hurricane.  Clearly Bahamas is getting hit the hardest. Purely frustrating.

Hurricane Irene heading to Bahamas

Beautiful Treasure Cay Beach

aerial view of Treasure Cay

View from my bedroom balcony

One side of our beach...

...other side of our beach, hope it's all still there.  Supposedly water made it all the way up to our house 

off the beaten path in TC

Guana Cay Marina

Grabbers Beach Bar and Hotel, one of our favorite spots

Crystal clear water-powder white sand

Treasure Cay from airplane.  The flatness of the Island causes severe flooding and power surges 

Sunset from our sun-deck

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bahamas and everyone on the Islands.  Hope everyone is safe and the worst is over.

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

JG Custom Design

I am fortunate and very proud to have a close friend who is extremely talented in furniture design.  My high school fella- Jordan Goodman has exquisite taste, precise craftsmanship and quite the eye for design.  His work speaks for itself!  The attention to detail in each piece is something that definitely goes unnoticed.  Jordan incorporates reclaimed/reused materials in his pieces such as wood and steel.   All of JG Custom Design pieces are individually handmade which makes each piece special and unique.  Here are some of my favorite pieces from JG Custom

Larry Lounge Chiar

Back...stunning!

rwCOFFEE-made from reclaimed oak and steel

Obsessed with the steel detail!

rwHALL table-reclaimed oak and steel

Gossamer Dresser

...turned night stand

Mezuza

You can view JG Custom's collection at Museum Works Galleries at the Merchandise Mart, suite 1850.  For more info about JG Custom call 312-857-6533 or send an email to info@jgcustom.com.  Also visit their website jgcustom.com to learn more about Jordan and his fantastic pieces.  

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Office Makeover

I have lived in my current apartment for about a year now and my second bedroom is my primary office.  I spend more time in my office than any other room in my home.  Now that I have become accustomed to  my space, it is time that I bite the bullet and spend some money to give my office a makeover.  Here are my thoughts...

I am fortunate enough that I am getting Room and Board hand-me-down office furniture for FREE.  Here is kinda what the desk looks like but with no legs and two file cabinets/drawers as its support and storage.

Storage credenza that is similar to this one but with exposed shelves

I am definitely wallpapering my office.  Here are some options I'm looking into...

This pattern is in the lead as of right now. 

Love the modernness and simplicity of this one 

So sweet and fun 

These are also my top contenders as well.  I guess I am really digging the zig-zag look.

This wallpaper is so stunning.  Another top contender.

Since the wallpapers are pretty neutral and monotone, I'd want to add some pop of color in the fabric.  Loving all of these...

What are your thoughts?

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)

Green Tip of the Week:  BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!

It is so sad to say but summer is coming to a close and school is in session.  Looking back when I was young my favorite part of going back to school was school supply shopping.  Pencils, notebooks, paper, backpacks, the whole shebang was always so much fun.  Now there are eco-friendly school supplies!

100% Recycled Binder

via

Recycled Loose Leaf Paper

via

Built Insulated Lunch Tote

via

Banana Paper Recycled Notebooks

via

Biodegradable Highlighter Pencils 

via

Recycled Post-It Notes

via

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Sincere Apologies

Dear Fellow Bloggers and Readers-

I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for not posting anything in almost a month.  Life happens and people get busy as we all know.  Just wanted to let you all know that I am back and posting!  Stay tuned and keep reading!

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami