Zero waste homes..

We all realize that we have waste leaving our homes: plastic, foil, boxes, glass bottles, food waste. But what can we do about it? So many times in the supermarket, we are forced to buy excessive amounts of packaging. It's very irritating, and super wasteful. Here is a wonderful example of a woman/family who have taken reducing their waste to a whole new level..Zero.
Zero waste home.

I give them a lot of credit, they have made big changes in their lifestyle on a daily basis. I understand not everyone can be as diligent as they are, and we all don't have access to composting bins, bulk food, etc
But, she does give lots of great ideas that can be used in our daily life. Sometimes it is just a small change of habit, other things require a mindful lifestyle change/attitude.
One other thing that she has chosen to do, is regarding wardrobe. She has a VERY limited caspsule wardrobe, that she usually buys once a season, USED. And she sticks to those pieces, for the whole season/year, and that's it. This is something I would love to be Zen enough to do..but there is a little part of my pre-cavewoman "collecting" DNA..that likes to have a wide choice of items in my wardrobe. Granted, I do buy about 85% of my things used, at the street markets here in Milan, or wherever I happen to travel to, also consignment store, church sales..But this is her idea of packing light on vacation/ having a capsule wardrobe

30 days /30 ways to wear a black shirt

Ok..she's French, beautiful and a size 2..but she is very creative, and has some great ideas.

Check out her blog..and become inspired as well! We can all do our share, and every little bit matters!
We may not all be able to become a Zero Waste Home, with a capsule recycled wardrobe, and have everything we eat  0 Km and organic, but it's something we can all aspire to, don't you think?
Sali

Creative recycling..beautiful home idea

We all try to recycle as much as we can. Other good options are a little DIY projects with recyclable items, everybody wins. I happened across this idea over at A Beautiful Mess and
I can't wait to do it myself, I just need one or two more bottles, and then off on a search for the paint! I will post the finished project as soon as I can..Enjoy! Sali


Before:


After:  how simple, easy and gorgeous is this? What a great idea for Mother's Day, for a friend, Grandmother, etc. Also you could do any color combinations to match the decor/interior of the home.

DIY kitchen

It's funny how sometimes, you throw something together in a moment of brilliant creativity. Afterwards  you pat yourself on the back, thinking what a great and unique idea you had....only to find out it's already been done..by LOTS of other brilliantly minded people! But, it doesn't make the idea any less great or the end product any less cute..(And I can't take all the credit, this was a co-project, with a lovely Italian Mom that I work for, Flaminia..good job!)

                              

Case in point: here are the full instructions to make your own kitchen (this site is in Italian, but the visuals are easy enough to follow)

A DIY kitchen..all you need is a medium size cardboard box, maybe some paint, contact paper, pens..and have at it. The only limit is your creativity, or at the very least, your ability to do a Google/Pinterest search ;)
Have fun and help the environment at the same time..it's a win-win. Enjoy!
Sali

Carnevale costumes

Here in Italy,  it is almost time to start preparing for Carnevale. It's a time to wear masks, dress up, dance, parade and celebrate. Here are some ideas for your next masquerade party.

Little racoon.

'Bonjour' Eiffel tower costume.

And these great little creatures.

Easy cute animal masks

Enjoy!

Valentines day origami hearts DIY

In our house we are getting ready to spread some love this Valentines day with these super easy origami hearts, my kids and I love to play and create with paper and these hearts are a great project to do together.

 Keep reading for my full tutorial