Fall is more than in the air. It’s frozen our my windshield in the mornings and nips at my nose as I walk at the lake. It’s hunker down time and I’m loving searching Pinterest, Houzz and other sites for inspiration for things to keep me happy and engaged as the darker months move closer. Hopefully you’ll find some of my October favorites do the same for you.
I’m as captivated by the story of La Bedouine as I am by the products. Will tell more of that story later this week when we interview the company’s owner, Judith Reitman. But for now, know that I’ve fallen in love the the Berberian Rouge which actually is a lip stain made from ground pomegranate bark, red corn poppies and cedar root, sunbaked in mini terracotta pots and sent to me (to try) in a handmade Thuya wood compact. A little water on the brush and my lips take on a natural looking blush that I’ve never accomplished with another product. At $36 in the compact, it’s not cheap, but I’m using so little each time that I’m guessing it will last at least a year. Love it!
In the year since I started doing my monthly favorites, I’ve never made two choices from one company, but I’m breaking precedence here because I truly love La Bedouine products. My next selection is their Mousse d’Argan Facial Wash. It’s called an “anti-aging” cleanser. I can’t vouch for that part, but I can say that I like the way it feels on my skin. Hard to believe this gel is made from pulverized organic Argan nuts and French lavender. It leaves my face feeling tighter (though again I can’t vouch that this is an actual effect) and hydrated, which because I’m inside so much in the fall and winter, is a real plus. I don’t like that dried prune feeling when I smile and I dislike having to put on several different types of creams. (Be sure to come back Thursday and read the inspiring story of how these products came to be).
From KC’s Glass come these sustainable hoops that definitely remind me of fall. The color sings autumn and although I haven’t seen them in person, I’m betting they are very light which is always a plus for me. Choose from oak, walnut, or red stained maple, all sustainably harvested from the Appalachain Mountains with a growth to removal ratio of 2.29.
Stress the Seams makes recycled and upcycled art and I must be on a red kick today because this star caught my eye. You can order your one-of-a-kind star from your own state (if they have in stock) plates (or send them yours when they expire!). Or choose a license plate bird house to decorate and provide a home for your feathered friends.
It’s not red and I’m not even sure it’s practical, but it’s so cute and clever I had to include it. This tennis ball change purse from MANIkord Studio, is one of the most clever upcycled items I’ve seen in a long time. Always wondered when dead tennis balls went and now I know. You see, there’s nothing that can’t be reused or recreated!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.
