Celebrating Arbor Day, Giveaway Winner and Hugging Trees...

Happy Arbor Day! Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and encourages tree planting and care. To celebrate here are some tips, facts and ways to help or our beloved trees.

Take care of your trees by pruning them. It is important to prune both ornamental and shade trees for our safety, the tree's health and of course to keep it beautiful. Pruning is also used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber. For more tips on how and when to prune trees, please visit the National Forest Service.

Plant a tree. I didn't know this, but if a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted. Go to ArborDay.org to find out how to plant a containerized tree the right way.

Teach our youth about the importance of trees. ArborDay.org has fun & educational online games for children to learn such things as how seeds take root, the anatomy of a tree and the life of the forest. Teachers and parents also have access to volunteer opportunities, school curriculum and other educational resources that get kids excited about learning and caring for trees.

On another earth-friendly note, the winner of the waste-free lunch Food Kozy from Kids Konserve is Lauren. She was lucky comment #6. Congrats!

It is not too late to receive the 15% discount off all products at Kids Konserve - please use coupon code: "earth15" at checkout (expires 5.8.10). And many thanks to Kids Konserve for sponsoring such a wonderful giveaway and for helping keep our planet healthy.

Happy Arbor Day! Now go hug a tree...

*image source.

California Dreaming... Beach House

I am ready for summer and warm days at the beach. Having a beach house off the coast of California is a dream of mine and this one featured in Veranda is perfection in my book.

This airy beach house in Santa Barbara was designed by Richard Hallberg and Barbara Wiseley of Los Angeles-based Hallberg-Wiseley. Wall-to-wall windows with sweeping ocean and mountain views allows the home to be one with nature. The designers selected a simple, beach inspired off-white, beige and gray color palette harmonious with the coastal landscape. The home's earthy and ethnic furnishings include a commissioned rug made of antique linen, an antique Spanish vargueño and a reproduction stalactite side table by Formations {the designers' furniture company}. For more details regarding the interior design of this home, visit Veranda.

Ahhhh, a girl can dream can't she?

*images courtesy of Veranda

My Chat with Trina Turk

Home decor lines often follow the trends on the fashion runway. In fact many successful fashion designers have launched residential lines - the iconic Ralph Lauren was one of the first to lead the way. My favorite fashion designer, Trina Turk also comes to mind.

For fifteen years, Trina has created contemporary collections with vintage flair using her gorgeous signature prints. In 2009, Trina Turk Residential was launched in collaboration with F. Schumacher & Co. which also showcases her colorful, playful indoor/outdoor fabrics. The modern geometric print, Santorini in Marine {above} is one of my favorites - its simple, yet bold.

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Trina at her Burlingame, California boutique and talked to her about her collections, stores and residential line. When asked what she was most proud of in her Summer 2010 Collection, she said she was thrilled at how the colorways, prints and textures all worked together. And I agree, Trina designed a comprehensive collection that flows beautifully at every level including the handbags, jewelry and hats. My favorites include the silk Talitha Dress {above far right} with the Kaleidoscope print and her statement jewelry.

Trina said she also draws constant inspiration from the multicultural mix and varied landscape of Southern California. Her residential line also pulls inspiration from the poolside lifestyle of Palm Springs where she launched her first apparel store in 2002 .

Then in May of 2008, a flagship Trina Turk residential store opened next door to the original boutique on N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Trina is very pleased with the store's positive reception and success.

The light and airy store was designed by Phil Smith of The Art Office and I had the pleasure of dropping by in April for a tour. The glossy white floors, walls and shelves give the space a chic and modern feel. It is the perfect backdrop for Trina's pillows and other home accessories that showcase her colorful, signature prints.

In addition to items from Trina's collection, I found a wonderful selection of items for the home, including unique handmade vessels from Atwater Pottery, cloisonné jars from Fabienne Jouvin, colorful Moroccan poufs and chic housewares from Alice Supply Co. I ended up purchasing a white "I dream of Jeannie bottle" similar to the one above on the right. For a peek at other fun items in Trina Turk Residential, go here.

Trina also said she was thrilled with the success of her Burlingame apparel boutique. We talked about the store's design by architect Barbara Bestor . Trina was most proud of the carefully crafted custom details including locally reclaimed redwood wall siding and an implied butterfly roof comprised of false beams and mirror {my favorite too!}. The space includes a beautiful mixture of textures from leather, brass and even string used on a custom crafted art wall. The contrasting brown and white floor tile pattern is simple, yet makes a statement.

When asked what was next for her residential line, Trina was excited to announce a bedding line that will launch in 2011. She said to expect bold, colorful prints. I am confident her bedding line will be a big hit - just can't wait to see it! Many thanks to Trina for taking the time to chat - she is so gracious, down-to-earth and of course stylishly beautiful.

LivingColor LED Lamp Giveaway Winner...

Congratulations Deanna! You were lucky comment #29 and have won the LivingColor LED lamp by Philips. You will have to let us know what color you like best!

This energy-saving, chic floor lamp projects 16 million colors that allows your to adjust the color to your mood. The intuitive remote control and automatic color-changing mode are a big hit with the guys and kids! Thank you Philips for sponsoring such a fun, eco-friendly giveaway!

It's still not too late to enter to win a waste-free lunch Food Kozy from Kids Konserve.

*cheer card image from RedStamp

Happy 40th Earth Day and Kids Konserve Discount & Giveaway

Forty years ago today marked the first Earth Day with a focus on our environment and its future. The celebration asks us to educate, raise awareness and make a difference. Earth Day is a perfect day to get children involved and review the three R’s - reduce, reuse and recycle {although some of our kids end up reminding us!}. We can do our part by buying green products, recycling, conserving water and using waste-free products.

Did you know that the average school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year? And the average sized elementary school generates 18,760 pounds of lunch waste per year? {yikes} We can all make a big difference by packing waste-free lunches and snacks. Kids Konserve has a wonderful Waste-Free Challenge for Schools that not only reduces waste, but teaches children about environmental stewardship and raises money for schools.

To help us celebrate Earth Day 2010, Kids Konserve is offering a 15% discount on their products until 5/8/10. Please use coupon code: "earth15" at checkout. In addition, Kids Konserve would like to giveaway a food kozy {set of five} to one lucky and eco-friendly Simplified Bee reader.

The food kozy is a reusable alternative to plastic baggies, plastic wrap and foil. We have a set and use them to wrap our kids' sandwiches. In the process we have saved countless plastic baggies. I also like the kozy because it is made from recycled, FDA approved, non-toxic and non-leaching recyclable PE plastic. It does not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) and is Phthalate free - yippee!

Here is how to enter to win the Food Kozy by Kids Konserve:

*Leave a comment (sorry, US residents only).
*Extra entry - Follow Simplified Bee™ Blog or follow Simplified Bee on Twitter.
*Extra entry - mention this giveaway in a post or tweet and leave a comment letting me know you've done so.
*Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
*Entry period closes at midnight PST, Thursday, April 29, 2010 and the winner will be announced Friday, April 30, 2010.
*The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

Happy Earth Day!

PS ~ Hop on over to A Soft Place to Land for some great DIY tips...

*earth image source.

Nesting Newbies - My Favorites

If you haven't checked out Nesting Newbies yet, its worth a visit. The new online platform blends a traditional magazine format with online videos and blogs. It features content for those who are new to nesting and need help when it comes to cooking, entertaining and decorating. They also offer plenty of inspiration. Here are some images from my favorite articles in the Winter Issue:

Loved the "drab to fab" DIY lampshade makeover. And it looks so easy to do!

Happy reading, happy day!

Smart Eat-in Kitchen Remodel by Louise Brooks

I love white kitchens and was naturally drawn to this beauty featured in Traditional Home. Connecticut-based architectural designer Louise Brooks created an open and cheery eat-in kitchen for her sister, Joan Gullans Pluck. The new kitchen renovation beautifully compliments the architecture of the 1930s shingle-style house, provides more storage and work space, and opens up the space to bring in more natural light.

A trio of stunning copper antique ship lights hang above the island. The copper finish inspired the cheery gold color for the walls which was layered and combed by a decorative painter to create a subtle crosshatch pattern. The paint was a custom blend of Benjamin Moore's Butterscotch 2157-30 and Glowing Apricot 165.

Brooks opens up the kitchen by adding a breakfast nook tucked under a window with classic wood trim and crown molding in step with the style of the 1930's home. An antique oval table and contrasting white-painted chairs are added to a built-in window seat {which serves double duty too by storing cooking supplies}.

A sunny and cozy sitting area was created just off the kitchen and is a great place for entertaining guests. The custom canary sofa by Tudor House Furniture is the perfect scale for the space.

The homeowner has lovely a view of the sitting area and wood-burning fireplace from the farm sink by Klaff's located in the middle of the kitchen island topped with Calacatta Marble. Custom cabinets cleverly house paper towels and a space-saving pull-out trash bin below.

For even more storage, Brooks designed a pantry that connects the kitchen to an outdoor terrace. I love the glass-front cabinets and vintage style faucet added to the prep sink.

What is not to love about this gorgeous kitchen?

*images courtesy of Traditional Home

Top Ten Eco-Friendly Home Decor Finds & LED Lamp Giveaway

To celebrate Earth Day's 40th birthday {April 22, 2010}, here are ten great eco-friendly home decor finds. Who says our homes can't be stylishly beautiful, sustainable and responsible all at the same time?

Philips is also giving away one of their LivingColor LED lamps to one lucky Simplified Bee reader. Details on how to enter and the bottom of this post.

One - Since 1969 it has been Lee Industries' mission to create stylish, high quality home furnishings that are eco-friendly. Lee manufactures earth-friendly furniture products, like this sofa using sustainable processes and bio-based upholstery.

Two - Amy Butler's fresh, bright and modern bedding line and best of all its 100% Organic. Butler's bedding collections include 400 thread count sheets, elegant embroidery and low-impact dye prints that hold their color.

Three - This chic Cabana Desk and Desk Stool by ducduc are both made from sustainably harvested hardwoods, and water based, non-toxic finishes. I love that the furniture in all manufactured in ducduc's factory in Connecticut.

Four - Virtually odorless Natura paint by Benjamin Moore is one of the greenest paint available on the market. I love it because it is virtually odorless, zero VOC emissions and best yet is available in any color selection.

The walls is this darling eco-friendly nursery {above} were designed by Shannon Kaye. Using a soft yellow {Opaline OC-33} as the base, Kaye adds visual interest with a modern tree stencil in Carob AF-160, August Morning 2156-40, Fairview Taupe HC-85 and Sundance 2022-50. An old rocking chair and dresser look new again in Sundance. The ceiling in August Morning orange is bright and cheery.

Five - These simple, modern and versatile Wall Tiles are made from 100% bamboo pulp {a renewable resource}. This embossed three-dimensional wallcovering is also free of chemicals and are 100% bio-degradable. Available at Inhabit.

Six - The Cyrilla Daybed by Pure is one of my favorites. Pure's uses materials that are biodegradable, sustainable and have non-emitting finishes.

Seven - With a trademark design style and eco-friendly printing practices wallpaper by Given Campbell is a cut above the rest. The Divine Collection {sampling above} is based on different patron saints and was designed with the hopes of inspiring you to hang it in unexpected places.

Eight - Luxurious upholstery fabrics by O Ecotextiles are produced in non-toxic, ethical and sustainable ways. Opulent, yet organic - love it!

Nine- Mod Green Pod's stylish and colorful fabrics are printed on 100% certified organic cotton grown in the United States. By weaving and printing their product line completely in the United States they also reduce energy expenditures on shipping. Mod Green Pod uses non-toxic, low-impact printing pigments and dyes give our fabrics rich, saturated color. In addition their textiles do not contain any dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde (wrinkle-free agents), PBDEs (flame retardents) or PFOA (i.e. Teflon/Scotchgard) off-gassing into your home.

Ten - LEDs. This LED edison bulb is up to 90% more energy efficient than an incandescent bulb and can last up to 100,000 hours, over ten years, reducing cost and conserving energy. These bulbs do not heat up or emit mercury and offer colorfast, stable decorative lighting for accents and ambience.

Leveraging LED technology, the Philips LivingColor floor lamp is small, chic and modern. With four LEDs, it casts light onto any wall or room creating instant mood, ambience and color. It comes with a really easy to use cute little remote that controls the color and saturation giving you 16 million different choices of color. The folks at Philips sent one to me to test out and now I’m addicted {so are my kids}! Philips would like you to have one too. Here is how to win one for yourself:

*Leave a comment (sorry, US residents only).
*Extra entry - Follow Simplified Bee™ Blog (by adding yourself to the follower group on the sidebar) or follow Simplified Bee on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/simplifiedbee.
* Extra entry - mention this giveaway in a post or tweet and leave a comment letting me know you've done so.
* Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
* Entry period closes at midnight PST, Thursday, April 22, 2010 and the winner will be announced Monday, April 26, 2010.
*The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi