March 2012
9 posts
A Brand New Look!
Hi everyone! I have a bit of news: Little Green Dot is moving. I’ve loved Tumblr, especially the social aspect of it and being able to connect with so many of you! But, with the new direction that we’re taking, it was time to move into a new platform.
You can now find us here: (www.ourlittlegreendot.com)
But, fellow Tumblr’s, do keep this page on your list - I’ll be...
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It's in the bag!
Have you heard of Etsy? It’s a market place for handmade goods from all around the world…a way to find handcrafted, original work.
Whether it’s handmade, fairtrade or made with eco-friendly materials - it’s all good and definitely something to get behind!
For me, I love a great clutch bag! Let’s check out what some of our creative artists and designers are making...
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What Does Our Future Look Like?
I don’t know about you, but I like to hear both sides of an argument. If you have about half an hour - these TED talks offer just that! We are presented with two very opposing views on the future, and after watching them, I wonder: where do you stand?
Peter Diamandis: Abundance is our future
Paul Gilding: The Earth is full
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Green Living Workshop Photos!
I was so excited on the day, that I forgot to take lots of pictures! I did manage to snap a photo of some of the all-natural cleaning products that our students made! They look great!!
It was so fun to share all of the tips that we’ve picked up along the way and to see people interested in learning to make their own things! No longer do we need to settle for products that harm our...
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DIY inspiration!
The new digital magazine Sweet Paul is up! This guy has a direct line to my crafting heart! It’s full of recipes, DIY’s - I love it!
Check it out here!
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Green Clean Machine
Hello! I thought I’d show you what I’ve been up to:
I’m preparing for my Green Living Workshop! My fridge is full of lemons and almost every one of them has the rind cut off. It looks like a mad person lives here. I have bottles of vinegar steeping in cupboards and months worth of jars saved up for the DIY part of the workshop.
It’s been a blast putting together these...
My Dream Home
When I imagine my dream home, I imagine a space that inspires creativity, that reflects our idea of living a natural lifestyle. Something simple, a little weathered and worn and alive with greenery.
A bit like living in a tree house - a clean, open space. Lots of reclaimed wood and green plants.
A library full of sci-fi books…
When we watch tv together, it’s definitely like...
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10 Repurposing Ideas That Make Life Easier!
Need a creative dessert? Turn a muffin tin upside down to create a cookie ice-cream cup!
Stop clothes from sliding off - put rubber bands at the end of your hangers
Use extra lens cases as a travel pill box!
Make perfectly round pancakes! Make fun shapes!
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Bread tag wire labels!
Use a colander as an ice bucket, the ice lasts longer, as water drips away!
Is your little one bored...
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Join our workshop!
I’m so excited to announce this!
I’ve partnered up with Del behind Four Cow Farm - I’ve talked to you about her before (read her 5 tips for choosing healthy skincare!), she has a lovely line of all natural skin care for babies and children - she’s incredibly knowledgeable and I know that I’ve learned a lot from her! For this workshop, we’ll be looking at...
February 2012
11 posts
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February Favorites
This month is short and sweet - I didn’t buy a lot of new things, but what little I did buy - I’m loving! I also have one tip that really stood out this month and it’s an important one to consider.
1. This is pure vitamin e oil. You may be familiar with vitamin-e, it’s found in many skin care products for it’s healing properties. I figured, instead of buying the...
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DIY - All Natural Cocoa Lip Scrub
With all the treatments that we buy for our skin, we often neglect our lips, but they need extra love too! The skin on your lips is extremely thin and lacks oil glands, making them prone to dryness: that’s why they chap so easily…
I’ve got just the thing for you!
Lip scrubs are a beautiful treatment. They leave your lips soft, with a pretty, natural glow that you won’t want...
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Linen, a Natural Beauty
BE LINEN MOVIE from Benoit MILLOT on Vimeo.
If you have 15 minutes over your lunch break, this video is absolutely worth watching. It’s a beautifully-shot film which tells the story of linen; from the farmers who harvest the flax crop to the weavers who handle the fibers…
When we look to sustainable fabric, natural linen is a beautiful choice. True linen is made from flax, a crop that...
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Nature Inspires
I’m not sure about you, but, when it comes to spending times outdoors - it’s not something that comes entirely natural to me. I don’t particularly love the heat and I’m definitely not friends with all the insects flying about. But here’s what I know… when I do spend time in nature, I love the way that I feel. I wish it was easier to say “just do more of...
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Protein Bar reviews with Ciaran
My husband Ciaran and I have started drinking green shakes for breakfast - incredibly healthy, but not terribly filling…
By mid morning - he had been getting hungry and feeling a bit low on energy. So, I picked up 5 different protein bars - each boasting organic ingredients, wholesome ingredients and/or raw ingredients. This is about finding something to feed those cravings better than a...
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Last Minute Gift Idea - Dark Chili Chocolate Bar!
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and you might find yourself in need of a last minute gift. You don’t really have time to make something, but you feel that you should make an effort. You’re right, but please don’t go and buy a box of chocolately substance or a bouquet of pesticide coated flowers…it screams last minute gift and it doesn’t fall in line with your...
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Lucky in Love!
Here’s a sweet DIY that I put together - a fortune cookie recipe for you to tell your loved one - “I’m so fortunate to have you, because…”
Dare I ask, what plans do you have for Valentines? If you’re anything like me… home with the family, in bed by 10pm. Not terribly romantic, but still, that doesn’t mean that we can’t make an ordinary Tuesday a little more...
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Singapore Milk!
If you drink milk, it has probably travelled some 3,000 miles to reach your table. Looking at where your food is coming from and buying as close to home as you can is one of the best things that you can do for our planet. It’s not always easy, with our limited options - but it looks like our dairy farmers are stepping up!
1. Vishnu Fresh Milk: This is a great milk - a bit creamy but...
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Zhai Organic Bamboo Dress Giveaway Winner!
And the winner is…..
Congratulations Jess! Your name was chosen by random, but your answer to the giveaway question “What is a benefit of bamboo fabric” was brilliant!
Jess said “Comfortable - Bamboo fabric absorbs water 3-4 times better than cotton, keeping skin comfortable, rather than sticky, in hot weather like Singapore”
Well done! Getting out there,...
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Love the Weekends!
How was your weekend? Here’s a peek into what we got up to!
Meabh helped me to unpack the groceries!
Thanks? :)
I did come away with great find from the supermarket: local aeroponic romaine lettuce! Modern Urban Farming! I’ll be doing a Locavore Caesar Salad recipe soon, so look out for that!
We made homemade crepes using this recipe. Amazing! For the filling, we mixed:...
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Mekhala Living
When it comes to beauty, many companies will tell you that the secret to achieving it, is in their bottle - so when a company comes around with an honest and refreshing view - I take note!
Beauty comes from the inside and out - to achieve it, you must nourish both.
This is what I really like about Mekhala Living - their focus is on total body wellness. It’s about finding pure...
January 2012
13 posts
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Inspiration - Healthy Eating
Do you ever feel like there are far too many “superfoods” to keep track of? Goji Berries, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Bee Pollen… And when you do buy it, you can find yourself holding a sack of seeds and not really knowing what to do with it! It can get a bit overwhelming and sometimes I feel as if I need a little focused inspiration…
Well, I have found just that! My New Roots is...
Favorites of the Month - January!
It’s the last day of the month which means it time for: Favorites of The Month! Here it is - all the the little things that really stood out this month!
1. Calendula Remedy. This is from Four Cow Farm - a children’s skin care line that I featured before and loved. I had tested the products out on my baby with great results, but, this month I went for a facial at Aphea Boutique...
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Give Away! Win a Zhai Organic Bamboo Dress!!
If you’ve walked down the uber stylish Haji Lane, you’ve no doubt seen the eco-friendly boutique Zhai. If you haven’t yet - Zhai is a collection of yummy 100% organic bamboo clothing designed right here in Singapore!
Ready for the exciting news?!
We’ve partnered up to offer you a chance to win your very own dress, straight from their collection! If you haven’t...
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Announcement
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Make It: The Best All-Natural Mites & Mold Killer!
This comes from experience - my household became increasingly allergenic throughout the months. My husband would get these sneezing fits, my daughter developed what are called “allergic shiners” and there were lot of snuffly noses all around. When we were outdoors, we were fine, but the moment we came home, the symptoms started! Here I wanted my home to be a safe haven for my...
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Making Friends With a Weed
Meet Rosie, our shy plant - her leaves close when you touch them. I transplanted her from the curbside - without gloves (ouch!) and ignoring the confused looks from the neighbors - I know it’s a weed!
We planted her in a pretty pot, trimmed her thorns and now we feed her blended up veggie scraps from the kitchen. She is, I suspect, the best cared-for weed in the neighborhood! She sits on...
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Lunar New Year Look
It’s almost that time of year!! If you still don’t have something special to wear - check out these options and make this year red, gold and green!
Vintage Polka-Dot Dress $99.00
Vintage Belt $39.90
100% Pure Lipstick in Cabernet $28.00
Vintage Dior Earrings $45.00
Muji Organic Cotton Pink Oxford Shirt $39.00
Muji Organic Cotton Slacks $59.00
Tom’s Shoes
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Anti-Bacterial Hand Scrub
When you come home from the outside, or in my case from the questionable sand-pit at the park - you really want to scrub and disinfect your hands clean, but hand sanitizers can really dry out your skin…
Many antibacterial soaps are loaded with harsh chemicals, that can not only irratate our skin, but cause environmental damage. Look out for a common ingredient triclosan, which can...
Q: Where can you find coconut oil in Singapore?
diaryofapoledancestudent replied to your post: 3 Reasons To Buy a Jar of Coconut Oil!
where can i get this! need it in my life as soon as possible!
Hi diaryofapoledancestudent!
Thanks for the question! I’ve seen virgin coconut oil in most natural food stores or organic shops, but I’ve also just come across an online shop here in Singapore that sells virgin coconut oil and other oils like jojoba,...
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Lounging Around...
A breezy Saturday morning, lounging around in comfy organic cotton, drinking tea, listening to Matisyahu - feeling uplifted and inspired - scribbling happy thoughts in a journal. What a lovely day…
Organic Striped T-shirt - Zara $29.90
Organic Cotton Lounge Pants - Muji $29
Re-used Yarn Socks - Muji $19
Organic Mulberry Tea - Mekhala Living $15.90
Handmade Notebook, recycled paper -...
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The 20% Guide
For many of us, choosing to eat organic food is not a matter of principles or beliefs, but simply a matter of economics.
We know and understand why it’s important - but, when feeding a family on a budget, it’s hard to know where to make those decisions.
Here’s a good way to look at it: Ask yourself, how much is it worth to you?
For me, organic farming means a safer...
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End Junk Mail Today!
Junk mail is a big problem in my house. Well, it was. What was so frustrating, aside from a mailbox full of ads, was seeing all this paper, ink and dye going to waste. The natural resources consumed, the toxic chemicals used - all for that piece of paper to reach your mailbox in a vain attempt to capture your attention… 44 percent of junk mail is thrown away unopened, but only half of...
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The Year of Simple Imperfection
Wabi-sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection and awe in nature. It is authentic, simple, uncluttered and a celebration of the marks that time, weather and use leave behind. Wabi-sabi is flea markets, handmade, it’s aged wood, untreated paper, unfinished hems. It reminds us that we are connected to the world around us - and like those objects, we too are imperfect,...
December 2011
13 posts
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Happy New Year!!
Here’s how I saw in the new year! 10 hours later I’m now watching cartoons with my family…already a great start to 2012!
Hope you’re having a great one!
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Q: Have you ever been able to find a cheaper...
goldenbells replied to your post: My Top Beauty Picks for December
just out of curiosity, have you ever been able to find a cheaper natural/chemical-free foundation? I want to try ones so bad but they’re out of my price range!
Hi goldenbells!
Thanks so much for your question! I find the same problem with natural products, but the thing is - with ingredients you really get what you pay for....
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My Top Beauty Picks for December
I’ve been using these products everyday - and they have been my top go-to items for all of this month!
1. Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Castile Soap - This stuff is brilliant. It’s not drying - It cleans off make-up, I use it as a body cleanser, I’ve even wash my hair with it (not my favorite use, but it will get you out of a pinch). Plus, It lasts forever! You just need the...
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Fair Trade Handicraft meets Modern Design
In our world where things are mass produced, where we’ve begun to confuse machine-made with quality - it’s refreshing to go back to our roots…
When I saw Bisous La, I fell in love! I visited Helena, the designer, in her studio and it’s up close where you can really appreciate the workmanship, the beautiful thick felt and quirky details that make this brand so unique.
The Bisous La...
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Last Minute Gift Idea
Do you find yourself with two days till Christmas but still looking for a gift?
At this point, what you risk is entering the mall, getting completely stressed out by all the other 10,000 last minute shoppers and inevitably spending too much money on something that you’re not even that excited about.
You care about this person, that’s why you want to buy them a gift, but this person...
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What Do The Holidays Mean To You?
Christmas! The best time of year! Filling the house with homemade decorations. Packaging little gifts for family and friends. Enjoying delicious meals together…
Holidays are great because they remind us to celebrate each other, but it has me thinking…If I enjoy it so much, why don’t I do it more often? There’s really no reason why, for no specific occasion, I...
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DIY Weekend Project - Holiday Wreath!
Wreaths are so beautiful in the home and spending the weekend making one can be great fun! Gather old photos, go for a nature walk or pick up some goodies from the wet market and spend an afternoon making your very own wreath!
Click on you favorites for the how-to!
1. Kids Craft Wreath 2. Photograph Wreath
3. Twig Wreath 4. Succulent Wreath
5. Edible Herb Wreath 6. Snowflake...
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3 Reasons To Buy a Jar of Coconut Oil!
Like many of you, I’ve been reading about the benefits of coconut oil and decided to give it a try. Here’s my bottle, bought a couple months ago and already half-way used!
Here’s the thing - like all of you, I’m learning as I go. I’ve used this beauty superfood with great results on my hair - but I decided that I needed to read more about how to consume it....
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From the Vineyard To Your Glass
A generational wine grower, whose son eats grapes straight off of the vine (image source)
Living an eco-conscious lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to be a slave to organic certification. There are countless farmers who practice organic farming techniques, but who are not comfortable in the world of bureaucracy, or who cannot afford the high prices of certification. We shouldn’t...
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Directory Update
Hi! I just received word that Choose, an eco-friendly shop listed in my directory, has moved location! If you were thinking of checking them out, or picking up any of the goodies that you may have seen on my Christmas Guide - do call them first for more information.
I’ll keep you up-to-date!
Have a great day!
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Planning Your Way to Being Green - a free...
I’ve been thinking a lot about food lately… specifically, how to make sure that we make great choices when we eat. I’d like to share with you one of my most useful and effective tools for helping me to make those good food choices - my menu planner!
I love using it so much that I wanted to share with you - so here’s a set that I created just for you!
Now, for many of you,...
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I'm Breaking up with Processed Cheese
My relationship with food is not entirely healthy. Overall, we get on well, but like any relationship, we have our problems. For instance, I tend to want what’s bad for me -mainly processed cheese. But as I age, I’m beginning to want something better. I no longer want a cheap fling - a can of Cheez Whiz; I want a meaningful connection - a round of brie!
(If that analogy is lost on you, it’s...
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Toxic Toys for Christmas?
This subject is close to my heart, and really, this whole journey with the blog - started because of my babies and trying to find safer options for them.
I think especially now, this being a gift giving season, it’s a great time to learn about the issues with toys and toxins and about how we can better inform ourselves to make the right choices.
Eeyore Pook-a-Looz, Disney
Recent...
November 2011
14 posts
This and that
Hi! I thought we could have a quick chat! This week has been a little all over the place, so get ready for a bit of randomness!
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So, how are you coping with all of this rain? I work from...
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Wrapping up the Christmas Gift Guide
Now that we have our gifts down (DIY, Women, Men, Kids), it’s time to wrap it up! Rather than using store-bought wrapping paper, I had a good search around and here are my favorite gift wrapping ideas, which creatively use different types of material that you might have lying around the house, or that you can pick up on a walk outside!
Have a look and see if you find some inspiration!
...
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Robertson Quay Farmer's Market
Here’s me picking up some rhubarb. My plan is to make rhubarb crisp with this recipe
Here’s Maria eating up her Mango & Coconut popsicle from Popaganda!
With all the fresh veg and fruit, it’s hard not to get inspired with menu ideas! Look at the size of that avocado!
Little Meabh more interested in the giant cartoon cut-outs!
Yummy fresh, home-made food treats...
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5 Tips for Choosing Safe Skincare Products
Recently Johnson & Johnson, under pressure from The Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, agreed to reformulate their line of baby skincare - to remove some common ingredients which are known toxins. When a big brand like this makes such a drastic change, it really highlights the fact that these chemicals are a real concern. I know that a lot of us are looking to natural and safe products, but...
