Don't Be Cruel..

Here are a handful of ideas to help keep your dress selections eco-friendly!

Stay tuned for next week - we will be featuring eco-friendly designers and their gorgeous dress creations!

Trade in the traditional white – your wedding dress wasn't born that white!
Toxic chemicals (and a lot of them!) are used to achieve that blinding brilliance. Dresses made from natural, eco-friendly fabrics like soy, hemp and organic cotton are available to most designers for a fairly similar price point.

Fair is fair – do some research and find out if the manufacturer of your dress supports fair trade. Everyone deserves decent wages, adequate benefits and a healthy work environment!

Don't sweat it – sweatshopwatch.org can help you find out if your dress manufacturer is keeping on the straight and narrow when it comes to fair business practices!

Double the enjoyment - buy dresses (both for yourself and for your bridesmaids) that can be worn again, or altered into a flirty cocktail dress! Or, if you're in the giving mood you can donate your dresses to a local women's shelter and give a hand to those in need.

Clean up the clean up – check with your dry cleaner and see if they offer eco-friendly dry cleaning services. Make sure your gown is wrapped in non-dyed paper (rather than plastic!) and stored in a box that does not contain a viewing window.
Store in a cool, dry area of your home.

We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way...

ok, so show of hands, who's getting sick of winter?

It has been cold, snowy, and grey for a few too many months now.

And it's that odd time between holidays and spring where everyone is in hibernation mode.

All the more reason to throw a party! Get your friends off the couch and let's have some fun!

A creative theme is a wonderful addition to a party at this time of year because it sets your party apart. Theme parties can help keep you organized by linking the food, decor and music to one place and tells your guests what to expect, what to bring and what to wear.

Here are some tips for hosting your very own indoor beach party:

Write a list! Include # of guests, budget and any ideas you have or want incorporated. Try and engage all the 5 senses. Sights, tastes, smells, sounds and touch, they make your party something to remember and engage your guests at the same time.

Invitations can be anything with a beach feel. Post cards with star fish, sand, sun, waves - you can even send invites in a bottle!

Get your guests in beach mode by having everyone wear board shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. (Make room for them to change once they arrive, bear in mind, parkas will be worn to get to you!)

Decorate your tables with tropical fruit, sea shells, flowers (birds of paradise, hibiscus etc.), palm fronds etc.

There are so many great ideas at the Dollar Store, so not only can your party look beachy, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune!

Your menu can include jerk chicken, coconut ice cream, tonnes of fruit! And don't forget tropical drinks! (Both alcoholic and non) Beer, mojitos, daiquiri's, margaritas, anything cool and refreshing works!

Play music or rent music videos that incorporate reggae, calypso, soca etc. Keep them on in the background, never louder than a conversation. Your guests should be able to enjoy the lively sound without having to scream over it.

You can do ANYTHING your heart desires with a theme party.

At this time of year, a beach party is almost as good as the real beach, not to mention it's a lot less expensive and everyone can be there!

ENJOY!