Spotlight on Indigenous - Fair Trade and Eco Fashion

INDIGENOUS is an organic and fair trade clothing manufacturer and retailer. You may have seen their adds on the internet, as they are one of the leaders in ethical fashion. Their beautiful and stylish clothing is made from fibers such as Alpaca wool, organic cotton, silk, and Merino wool. The clothing is hand made by artisans in South America giving many of the items a traditional yet modern flair. I have yet to acquire one of their pieces, but I am sure that any of the pieces would be a well used staple in a wardrobe.

"Each time you wear fair trade clothing, you are working to actively preserve artisan traditions while supporting fair wages and safe working environments. Designer fair trade clothing is the height of fashion, because it expresses your personal style while staying true to your morals. Because we’re all part of the fabric of humanity."

Indigenous offers:

• Free shipping every day
• Fair Trade, organic clothing
• Superior comfort and style
• Organic certified cotton, GOTS processing, and Oekotex 100 approved dyes
• Womens and Mens line

Unfortunately, I haven't received approval for posting any photos of their beautiful clothing, but please check them out at the link above.

You can find Indigenous on the following social media sites:
https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousDesigns
http://www.pinterest.com/indigenous/
https://twitter.com/indigenous
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+IndigenousDesigns/posts
http://www.youtube.com/user/IndigenousDesigns

Spotlight on Gaiam

Gaiam has been one of my favorite sustainable clothing resources. Since I lead an active lifestyle, I love style mixed with comfort. Their clothing allows me to go from studio to street with just adding a flowing top or wrap. Among other items, I have a lovely asymmetrical skirt from Gaiam that has been in my wardrobe for years, and it is still one of my favorites. I just love the way it flows when I walk, and the soft fabric feels so sensual!

Gaiam is a lifestyle company, which offers casual and yoga/athletic clothing basics for women and men; as well as home goods, wellness products, fitness equipment, and videos. Gaiam even puts outfits together for you, on their "Must Have Looks" page. Below is their Organic Flow Wrap + Organic Flow Capri + Pima Flow Tank + Yoga Wrap Flat. You can purchase the whole outfit on one page - Can you say convenient?!

Photo courtesy of Gaiam

About Gaiam Life:

"Our name GAIAM was created as a fusion of the words Gaia — the name for Mother Earth in the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete — and “I am.” It symbolizes the interconnection of the Earth and all the life it sustains.

Gaiam (pronounced "guy-um") was founded on the concept of making decisions based on personal values that consider all aspects of our lives, as well as our impact on others and the planet, today and in the future. This concept is already shared by over 50 million people in the United States alone — and we believe that it is not just a trend, but a major cultural shift.

We see signs everywhere in today's life experience of how conscious lifestyle values — including social and environmental responsibility, health and wellness, and personal development — are driving more consumer purchase decisions and pervading an ever-wider range of venues, from mass-market grocery stores to online communities. We believe that a growing number of people have a desire for media and products that inspire them to expand their awareness and pursue positive change in their lives."

Please visit Gaiam on their website, or connect via their blog, Gaiam Life, Gaiam TV, or facebook page.

Organic Children's Clothing Resources

Here it is, the long awaited (on my part anyway!) article on Organic Children's Clothing Resources. If you have searched for organic kids clothing, you will know how many hours it can take trying to find a good selection of clothing in one place. Well, now I have done the footwork for you! 

Although there are many other children’s organic clothing resources on the web, I have tried to only include the resources that have a larger selection or hard to find/unique items.

*The R and/or M after the name of the company stand for “Retailer” and “Manufacturer”. If the company has both, that means that they manufacture the items, and offers the items for sale directly on their sites.

USA Companies

Abes Market  (R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Tees, Pjs, Socks, Tights, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Size Range: 3 months –XL

B nature  (M, R): Onesies, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Rompers, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Made In: China

Size Range: 0-24 months

*I received a prompt and courteous reply to inquiries.

Fair Indigo  (R): Onesies, Dresses, Sweaters, Socks, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Accessories

Size Range: 0-12 months

Garden Kids (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Pjs      

Made In: USA

Size Range: 0-12 years

                                                                                   

gogentlybaby (M, R): Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Sweaters, Caps/Hats, Jackets, Scarves

Made In: USA

Size Range: 3 months – 6 years

           

Hannah Andersson (M, R): Pants, Tees, Skirts, Sweaters, Unders, Pjs, Tights, Caps/Hats, Jackets  

Made In: Unavailable

Size Range: 18 months - 14 years

           

Kate Quinn Organics (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Made In: Unavailable

Size Range: 0-8 years

Kiwi Industries (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Tees, Shorts, Rompers, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Accessories

Made In: USA, South America

Size Range: 0-6 years

Kusikuy (M, R): Shorts, Sweaters, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Scarves

Made In: Bolivia

Size Range: 0-12 years

           

Levana Naturals (R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Sweaters, Unders, Pjs, Socks, Caps/Hats       

Size Range: 0-9 years

                                                           

Little Lark (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Sweaters, Unders, Caps/Hats, Jackets, Scarves, Accessories

Made In: Unavailable

Size Range: 3 mos-12 years

Maggies Functional Organics (M, R): Socks, Tights, Scarves

Made In: USA

Size Range: 0-10 years

Nana's Fine Baby (R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Shorts, Rompers, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Size Range: 0-8 years

Nature Wear Organics (R): Onesies, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Shorts, Rompers, Socks, Tights, Jackets

Size Range: 3 months-9 years

Nui Organics  (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Sweaters, Unders, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Accessories

Made In: India, New Zealand, Korea, Lithuania and Bulgaria

Size Range: 0-6 years
*I received a prompt and courteous reply to inquiries.

Sage Creek Organics  (M, R): years Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Pjs, Caps/Hats           

Made In: India

Size Range: 0 - 8
*I received a prompt and courteous reply to inquiries.

                                                           

Seedling Kids  (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Rompers

Made In: USA

Size Range: 3 months-8 years

                                                                                                                                   

Sprout San Francisco (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Sweaters, Unders, Pjs, Socks, Tights, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Coats, Jackets, Accessories

Made In: Peru, China, India, USA

Size Range: 0-4 years

The Green Creation (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Rompers, Pjs, Jackets, Accessories

Made In: Unavailable

Size Range: 0-6 years

The Organic Company (R): Onesies, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Sweaters, Pjs, Socks, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Size Range: 0-4 years

Tomat (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees                                                             

Made In: USA

Size Range: 3 months – 4 years

                                                                                               

Under The Nile (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Rompers, Unders, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Mittens, Accessories

Made In: Egypt

Size Range: 0-6 years

Woolino (M, R): Onesies, Pants, Pjs, Caps/Hats, Accessories

Made In: China

Size Range: 0-4 years

Xylem (M, R): Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts                                         

Made In: USA

Size Range: 2-4 years

Canadian Companies

Minimoche (M, R): Onesies, Dresses, Pants, Shirts, Tees, Skirts, Shorts, Rompers, Sweaters, Caps/Hats, Scarves, Accessories

Made In: Canada

Size Range: 0 – 6 years

If you are interested in additional resources:

•  EcoBabyBuys.com and GreenBabyBargains.com are discount sites offering a "green" deal of the day. Just be aware that popular items can sell out within an hour! You can subscribe to their email list to be emailed of their daily deals.
•  The Green Guide has many resources for sustainable and organic companies.
•  As always, the most eco-friendly and sustainable you can get is to buy used, make, or repurpose items yourself.         

I hope with this article that I can make your life easier, and it will be a resource that you will come back to time and time again. If you know of another company that you think should be included on the list, please send me a comment to let me know!      

Organic Kids Clothing - Creating a Sustainable Market

For many years I have been shopping for organic kids clothing. I have found few companies who make organic kids clothing. I think one problem is that the costs for producing organic goods at a fair wage price are much higher than most can pay. You can find organic baby clothing pretty readily, but I believe that is because babies don't wear out their clothing, and they can be reused/resold. After toddler age, kids become much harder on clothing, especially boys! The knees on my son's pants usually have holes within 3 months. They also become stained and worn quickly. If an organic pair of pants cost $40 or more but only last for 3 months, then that is not an option for most families.

So how do we make a sustainable and organic kids clothing market? First, I believe we need a switch in thinking; How many clothes do we really need? If we buy quality products, how much longer do they last? What price do we pay environmentally, socially, and health-wise when we buy conventional products? What about learning to repair clothing instead of throwing them away when they have a rip, tear, or hole? For those who have the time, what about making the clothing ourselves? I think that if we get back to the basics it would be much easier on our pocketbooks to purchase or even make organic clothing.

If we purchase from organic companies, the demand will increase. If the demand increases, there will be more options and resources. If we make it a point as much as possible to only buy used or organic clothing, we take the first step to creating a sustainable market.

Let's start with an idea of a basic, seasonal wardrobe. Buying items that will mix and match will help the child to put outfits together themselves. For kids, I think that this would suffice:

Boys:
2 pair play/school pants or shorts
1 pair sport pants or shorts
1 pair Sunday pants
2 short sleeve tee shirts
2 long sleeve shirts
1-2 button-up shirts
1 sweater
1 pair pajamas
1 bathrobe
6 pairs socks
6 briefs/boxers
1 swimsuit
1 warm hat, 1 sun hat
1 pair gloves (seasonal)
1 scarf (seasonal)
1 sweatshirt or jacket
1 coat (seasonal)

Girls:
2 pair play/school pants or shorts
1 skirt
1 pair sport pants or shorts
1-2 dresses
2 short sleeve shirts or tees
2 long sleeve shirts
1 sweater
1 pair pajamas
1 bathrobe
6 pairs socks
6 panties
1 swimsuit
1 warm hat, 1 sun hat
1 pair gloves (seasonal)
1 scarf (seasonal)
1 sweatshirt or jacket
1 coat (seasonal)

You would also need:
2 pair play/school shoes
1 pair Sunday shoes
1 pair boots

The next step is to take inventory of what your child already has. If they have to many clothes, donate the ones that are not used, or if they are in good condition, they can be brought to consignment stores or sold in lots on ebay. If your child needs an item/items, search for used or organic options. I will soon be writing a post on organic and sustainable children's clothing resources, so stay tuned!

~Sonya

photo credit: <a href=""></a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a>

Exercise in Sustainable Fashion - The Uniform Project

I wanted to share a link with you about the Uniform Project, created by a woman named Sheena Matheiken. This woman pledged to wear a Little Black Dress for 365 days - as an exercise in sustainable fashion as well as a fundraiser to support the Akanksha Foundation— a non-profit organization providing education to underprivileged children living in Indian slums.

The rules were that she had to wear the one dress each day, but could accessorize with vintage, handmade, reused, or donated pieces.

Now, I think this is quite a feat, and kudos to her! Wearing the same dress for a whole year would have been something that our great-great grandmothers maybe would have done due to necessity, but never really done by choice. Especially in the United States, we live in a time of excess. When I watch the show House Hunters, it always amazes me how some women say that the walk-in closets are not large enough to fit all of their clothing or shoes. What?!! Mine certainly would. I love fashion, but there is a limit to what you actually need and what is excessive.

I think the Uniform Project is a wonderful example of charity, sustainability, and resourcefulness that can inspire us all.

Spotlight on Pashen

While surfing the web for sustainable clothing resources, I came across the site Eco Fashion World, and in turn its owner and editor Magaly Fuentes-Sagan. This woman’s accomplishments and sustainable vision are inspiring, and I would like to spotlight her women’s clothing company Pashen.

Pashen is an online women's ethical clothing boutique. “The Pashen collection is a womens' clothing and accessories brand created as an homage to art, craftsmanship, culture, sustainability and ethics in fashion.”

Ethics in fashion - that is a very important yet often overlooked aspect of sustainable clothing. It is not just about the materials. It is also about the aspects of how, where, and by whom it is made; as well as how long the item is going to last. I think that Magaly has overcome a large hurdle in the fashion industry of finding and enlisting artisans to make beautiful handmade items to bring to the market. These handmade items are not only sustainable and fair trade, but quality items you can enjoy for many seasons.

Pashen is a true beacon of light in the fashion industry, and I hope that you will visit their website to see what they have to offer! I absolutely love the Heart Strings Alpaca Wool Shawl below - what a beautiful way to be sustainable!

Images courtesy of Pashen

Images by Becky Prada of Secret Garden Photography

Like what you see? You can follow Pashen on the following social media sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pashencollection
Blog: https://www.pashencollection.com/blog/
Twitter: @followpashen
Instagram: http://instagram.com/pashencollection

A New Rage: Infinity Scarves

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sudrishta/8444412918/">sudrishta</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">cc</a>

Infinity scarves are also called circle scarves. They are a length of fabric, fabric strands, or fabric braids that are sewn or tied at the end to form a circle or oval shape. They can also be knit. Some can we worn at full length, or wound in two or more loops to make the scarf fuller and shorter. They can be embellished or plain, and are not just for women! In the case of the flat fabric scarves, they can be pulled up as a hood or worn over the shoulders as a cape. American Apparel has a great chart showing how you can wear an infinity scarf.

If you are interested in organic options for purchase, here is a Google Search link for organic infinity scarves: https://www.google.com/search?q=Organic+infinity+Scarf&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS551US551&oq=Organic+infinity+Scarf&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.8866j0j8&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=Organic+infinity+Scarf&tbm=shop

You may be the thrifty, crafty kind like I am. In that case, I have found some links on how to make one yourself:

How to make a circle scarf from Made by Me

Upcycled Sweater to Hooded Circle Scarf and Leg Warmers from The Cheese Thief

12 Ways to Tie a Scarf from In the Loop

DIY Decontructed T-Shirt Scarf You Tube Video

Circle Scarf Twist by allparenting.com

Tshirt ruffle scarf tutorial by Simply Salvage

How to Turn a Normal Scarf into an Infinity Scarf in Just a Few Minutes by gimme some Style

I took a flat scarf that I purchased for the amazing price of $1.00 at a flea market (score!) and turned it into an infinity scarf. It was pretty easy being that it had tassels at the end which I could simply tie together.  

I made a video on how to do this which you can find on YouTube: http://youtu.be/poYM3py-D2c   Sorry that it sounds a little monotone, I am new at video making!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

~Sonya

The Newest Additions to the Organic Wardrobe

Say Hello to the newest additions to the organic wardrobe.... the Marina Tunic in Slate, and the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress in Mud. These two items are from the sustainable company Earth Creations. I have already worn these items a few times each, and am loving them! They are comfortable and stylish, and can be worn with leggings, skinny jeans, capris, or alone in the case of the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress.

The Mod Hoody is warm, and super comfortable and soft. It is made from 66% bamboo, 28% organic cotton, and  6% spandex French terry. It is currently available in 4 colors, but I have the Mud color which I love. It is just the right length for me (I am 5'9"), and falls halfway between the thigh and the knee. (It covers the bum which is the purpose when you are wearing leggings underneath!) I was only disappointed in one aspect of the design - it says on the site that you can wear the cowl down over the shoulders, but it is much to tight to do that. I wear it as a neck cowl and still like it, but I would have enjoyed the option to slouch it over the shoulders.

The Marina Tunic is really cute, and it is currently available in 4 colors. They still have 3 discontinued colors which are on sale right now for $59.50 each (including the slate color below). It looks better on than it does in the photo below! I tend to stick to a gray/black palette for clothing with splashes of color here and there. I like the drape and the fit, but the hemp/organic cotton fabric is just a bit rough. It isn't to much so that it bothers me when I wear it, but certainly not as soft as the Mod Hoody. The tunic also has a hood which I could pull up if the beach gets a little to breezy. :)

All of Earth Creation's creations are colored with natural clay dyes, so they have a bit of a natural, faded effect. Be aware that the clothing will shrink if washed with hot water or dried on hot, so washing cold or warm and line drying would be best. Most of the clothing is made in Alabama, with a very small percent of the tee shirts made in Nicaragua.

You can find the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress here: http://www.earthcreations.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_42&products_id=883

You can find the Marina Tunic here: http://www.earthcreations.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_31_37&products_id=1002

Thrift - The Cheapest Way to Sustainability

Let's face it - Things cost a lot these days. It seems that we just work to pay the bills with not much left over. When we do start making more, we seem to spend more as well. The cycle never ends. I try to stay within a budget for everything, but it can be difficult when most organic products and food cost so much more than conventional.

I am not ashamed to tell you that the bulk of my closet is actually from thrift or consignment stores. Yes, I am a "second hand Rose". I buy used clothing. I have my favorite pieces that may or may not be purchased new. I have found many great items for $10 or less, unheard of in the world of organic clothing. Sustainable isn't just about organic, it is about where the item comes from, what it is made out of, and if it has a second life. In the case of thrift, I check what the items are made out of as well as if they are still trendy. But for me, they do not need to be organic if I am buying second hand. I am giving an item new life, and not supporting the company that made the item. I am supporting a business that reuses, repurposes, and recycles. That is green in my book. Plus, I spend a fraction of the cost of new organic goods. Don't get me wrong, many times the new organic clothing is worth the price, I just can't always pay that price. So before you go buy that new organic sweater you have been eyeing, go to the local thrift or consignment store to see what you can find first. You may be surprised! You can find used clothing at:

Garage Sales
Estate Sales
Flea Markets
Antique Shops
Consignment Stores
Thrift Stores
Online Thrift Stores
Ebay

Did I miss any?

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimcorealty/9558199036/">Kimco Realty</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

Need resources? Check out EcoSites.org!

Eco Fashion World

Logo courtesy of  ecofashionworld

Eco Fashion World is an online resource for sustainable designer brands and online Eco fashion stores. Their Eco Fashion Guide is very easy to use, and offers the ability to search by brand, store, category, Eco criteria, and country. The site also offers articles, designer profiles, store profiles, a deals page, and links to organizations that support sustainable industry.

The contributors are all educated and experienced professionals with a passion for sustainability in the fashion industry. The Owner and Editor-In-Chief of efw, Magaly Fuentes-Sagan, is also owner of the online women's ethical clothing boutique, Pashen Collection. I always want to point out what it is like to contact companies, and it was a pleasure speaking to Magaly. She is very gracious and accommodating!

Bravo to Eco Fashion World for helping to spread the word about sustainable fashion! 

Photo by Becky Prada of Secret Garden Photography

You can visit them at:

www.ecofashionworld.com

www.facebook.com/ecofashionworld
www.twitter.com/ecofashionworld

What is in My Closet? My Favorite Eco-friendly Clothing Brands

I have a couple of brands that I tend to stick to, mainly because the prices are reasonable and they offer active clothing. As someone who likes to go from workout to computer to pick up the kids at school, I appreciate the ability to transition throughout my day in the same outfit! This does not mean that there are no other brands out there that I love, and I will feature many more brands in articles to come. The top three brands you will find in my closet unfortunately only offer women's clothing, besides Gaiam which has a very small mens section.

Blue Canoe Organic
Clothing you can wear all day, every day.

Offerings: Women's active wear and casual wear

Materials: Organic cotton and Bamboo Rayon

Made in: San Francisco, USA

My fave from Blue Canoe (now discontinued):

I love this dress! The fabrics are soft and flowing, and it drapes very well.

Their clothing can transition from studio, to work, to home. 

Although I love some of their clothing, I find that I have to pick through their offerings, as they are not all my style. I also don't care for their newer color selections. I tend to stick with a black/white/gray palette. I do love their yoga pants with the fold over waist option - this helps to hide the "mommy pouch" that I have after 3 kids!

Gaiam
"We bring you eco-friendly, organic products and healthy living solutions to help you live your best life."

Offerings: Women's active wear and casual wear, sleepwear, footwear, accessories, and a very small offering of mens active wear

Materials: Organic Cotton, Bamboo Rayon , Silk, Upcycled Acrylic and Polyester

Made in: USA and elsewhere (fair trade)

My fave from Gaiam (now discontinued):

I love Gaiam clothing for the luxurious feel and comfort of the clothing , and for the design offerings. I like the color palette, and styling is sophisticated yet casual. To the left is my favorite fall and winter cardigan, but for summer I like this lightweight wrap below:

Aventura
"AventuraClothing.com is helping the Earth... One garment at a time with organic and eco-friendly clothing desined for women."

Offerings: Womens casual clothing, Accessories

Materials: Organic cotton, Spandex, Viscose/Modal, Nylon, 

Made in: USA

My fave from Aventura: 

This Ella shirt is still available on the website, and they also make an "Ella" dress. I love the top, it hides what I want it to, and I think would flatter any figure. I love the colors they have to offer, and the designs are super cute and wearable! You can find some awesome deals on their SALE tab.

*Be aware that not all of the clothing options are organic and/or natural.If you are like me, you can pick and choose what you like from the site, as they have a decent selection. 

I have more brands to introduce you to, so stay tuned!

What does “Mode Eco” Mean?

I know that some of you will be asking this, so I decided to post on this right away. The word "mode" is French for fashionable, or stylish. Eco stands for ecological, sustainable, and organic. So this blog is about Eco fashion, and where you can find it. In America, the word "mode" is mainly associated with the phrase "a la mode", which to us means putting ice cream on a desert. In France, "à la mode" means in style, or in fashion. We may explore how that phrase became something associated with ice cream at a later date!

I have always had a passion for fashion, and in the past 10 years have become aware of the importance of living a sustainable life. I have tried to live by the rule of buying only organic or used. Don't get me wrong, I do have many conventional items in my possession. I would love to have only eco-friendly items in my home, but that is not always an option. But once one has the realization of sustainable living, it weaves its way into your life, no matter what your socioeconomic status or lifestyle. You start to think if you really need that item, or what it is made of, or where it comes from. Once you gain that knowledge, it is difficult to ignore it.

It is important that I emphasize that the fashion that I love is not only eco-friendly, but must be comfortable and attractive as well. This fashion is not your run of-the-mill tie died T shirts, or your boring unbleached clothing. This is wear every day, for work, for play, for day or night kind of clothing. Clothing that you feel good buying and feel good in.

Photo courtesy of PhotoPin

We will explore the world of sustainable textiles and growing practices, as well as the eco-designers and where you can buy organic and sustainable clothing for the whole family. I would also like to incorporate a non-fashion post on Saturdays, to introduce the many eco-friendly companies out there offering everyday goods. I have found in my search that I cannot find all of the clothing items I need for my whole family in one place, and it is a dream of mine to be able to offer that through an online store and ultimately a storefront as well. But for now, the budget allows only the blog, where I can interact with others of my mindset and hopefully gain more understanding of what others are looking for as well. I hope that my posts will be helpful to you.

My journey starts here, and I would be so happy if you joined me! I welcome your input, so please let me know how I can improve, and what you would like to see on my blog.