Feeling Like Fall?

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Thankfully we do have a few months of warm weather to look forward to yet, but a few weeks ago we had to channel a bit of autumn for our Fall/Holiday photo shoot.  It was a blue sky and brisk kind of morning, when we arrived at our lakeside, shoot location.  This venue offered up many great shots inside and out. Although an hour after our arrival the lake fly invasion happened. They must have been hatching at that exact moment, filling up all the windows with their little bodies.   Our hopes for some outdoor photograph’s “buzzed” right by!

A little tweaking.

Minus that unexpected arrival , our Fall 2012 catalog shoot went smoothly. We are all excited for the new line, as we have incorporated many high end fabrics into it.  Some of our new pieces are fun and playful and others have a dressed up feel to them.  A wide variety for many fashion tastes and all of our pieces keep our environmental promise at the fore front of production.

An unexpected hug for our mommy model.

 

5 Minutes, 5 Ingredients

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A little over a week ago, we had a 70 degree, blue sky kind of day.  It was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and what better way to do so then with an impromptu cook out.  I wanted an easy and quick side dish to go with burgers on the grill.  After a quick switch at the grocery store, (I was planning to make the ever popular, but time consuming stuffed mushrooms) I went with a light and summery couscous inspired dish.  Couscous takes only 5 minutes to make (simplicity at its finest).  I cut up cucumbers, tomatoes and scallions, threw it all in a bowl with Italian dressing to taste and my work was done.

This dish could only get better with fresh veggies from the garden or the farmers market.   If your looking to make this for a main dish adding any meat or fish would complete this as a meal.  What’s your 5 ingredient go-to recipe for entertaining on a whim?

Earth Day 2012

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Wouldn’t it be nice if Earth Day were every day?  Always thinking about the planet first, and how our waste and lifestyle will affect our future.  April 22nd marks its 42nd anniversary.  Sustainability has come along way and hopefully the efforts will continue to grow worldwide.  Do something good for the Earth today and everyday so that future generations can enjoy all of Earth’s amazing sights!

Teton Mountains

Great Horned Owl

Atlantic Ocean

Sunrise Lake Winnebago

The above photo was taken at sunrise on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  One of my favorite photographs.

A Dresser Revamp

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While in college I took on the task of painting my childhood dresser.  I turned the gold hardware, wood color and shiny finish into a sleek and modern black piece of furniture.  The dresser catered to my evolving style and it’s still being used by my sister, 10 years later!  If you like the lines and construction of your furniture it really is an affordable way to update.   There are many how to’s on the web and just as many great before and after shots. (here is one of my favorites)

Our art director, Jane, recently did a dresser revamp on a 50′s style dresser found on Craigslist.  I love that she used the top drawers to house her TV accessories and that the dresser is used in a main living space as an entertainment center.dresser, DIY, paint, sanding, before and after,

Taking a new look at ordinary objects, whether it’s furniture, clothing or fabric is a great way to give it a personal twist.  We continually have this stream of thought when we design a new line each season. Check out some of our past revamps here, here, here and here.  Now that the weather is nice, drag out an old piece of furniture and give it a twist.  I dare you:)

 

A.M. Oshkosh

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Last week we made our A.M. Oshkosh debut.  The number of people that attended this new networking opportunity was better then anyone expected.  This was only the second event and yet sixty plus people from around the city attended.  The event gives attendees a chance to meet new people and to learn about the host site.  We told our story and product history, gave a tour of our facility and answered questions.  A big thanks to Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and to all those that came out for the event.

 

Just A Little Time…For The Earth

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With unseasonable temperatures across the country last week, Mother Nature has me thinking about our environment.  Early this morning I came across this movement and knew jumping on board was one small thing I could do right now. Saturday, March 31st from 8:30pm to 9:30pm people around the world will turn off their lights, computers, phones, and TV’s to give the Earth a much needed break.

Morris the Monkey keeping time.

Here are a few things you could do:  Read a good book or play a family board game by candlelight, make a list of things your family can do to be more eco-concious, take a pajama walk and listen to all of natures sounds, sit and enjoy the peaceful quiet or just simply go to bed early.  As I am writing this I’ve realized I could easily do this once a week and it would be extremely refreshing to do so.   I think we all can get sucked into the TV or the internet and before you know it the night is gone.  So a break for the Earth could also mean a break for you.  A small simple gesture.

Green3 In The Garden

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The sixty degree weather I woke up to this morning prompted me to head out into the yard and photograph a few things sprouting up in my garden.  This is by far my favorite time of year, not only for the warmer temps but being able to witness all of the life and growth that’s coming back.   I just love how the green is peeking out from under the dead leaves and soil as if to say, “move over, get out of my way, I’m back”.

Ladies Mantle

Chives

This year I am most excited for the strawberries. Three years ago I planted them in a pot and later transferred them to the yard.  Over the past two summers there have been a few handfuls picked, tasted and savored.  The plants have multiplied and I’m hoping for a larger batch this summer.

Strawberries

While you are out enjoying the warmth make sure to take a few minutes to also enjoy all of the life sprouting up around you.  What garden plant are you most excited for?

High-Fivin’ Our Friends!

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Each season, several companies pick up some of our pieces to showcase in their catalogs. Many of these companies have similar visions when it comes to environment, fair trade and fair wages.  Our clothing continues to be a part of the following catalogs and we seriously want to high-five them, hug them, and thank them for their continued support:

catalog friends

That's us on the cover of Acacia and Uncommon Goods!

Acacia

Acacia provides distinctive, nature-oriented products to enhance customers’ enjoyment of their surroundings, and to improve their appearance and well-being. We cater to customers seeking quality products that focus on physical and spiritual well-being, fitness, and natural decor.

Fair Indigo 

This isn’t just about us. It’s about all of us. We created Fair Indigo with people in mind. A new company wholly committed to changing the way the apparel industry works.The Fair Indigo label was created to make much more than a fashion statement. Our mission is to create high-quality, wearable styles without the exploitation of workers and the environment that too often goes with the territory. With incredibly efficient operations and word-of-mouth advertising, we can keep our prices real too.

Solutions

Solutions Catalog is known for “Products that make life easier™”. But, we’re also committed to preserving the health of our environment for our children and future generations.

Uncommon Goods

We’re committed to offering you a creative and exciting merchandise assortment and are working with our suppliers – from artists to small manufacturers – to make their products in a more socially and environmentally responsible manner. Since our founding, we’ve featured products that contain recycled components and have not sold products containing leather, feathers or fur – our goal is to sell no product that harms humans or animals.

Company Kids

Signals

What on Earth

Wireless

International Women’s Day

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Thursday, March 8th is International Women’s Day.  The day marks the many accomplishments women have made, are making and will make. It is also a day to raise awareness of the violence and suffering against women that still goes on worldwide.

Join WoMEn on the Bridge is just one of the great events happening on the 8th. It is “the coming together of women and men around the world, united in taking a stand for PEACE and women’s EQUALITY.”  There are two locations in Wisconsin supporting this movement but there are also many locations across the US and worldwide.

Barstow Street Bridge in Waukesha, Wisconsin  12pm – 12:30pm

Maryland Avenue Footbridge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2:30pm – 3pm

In our own effort to empower and support women, our employees are paid fair wages, have good working conditions and all of our products are made in the US.  We also have a great line of inspirational and empowering t-shirts for women in our spring line.

empowering t-shirt, inspiring t-shirt

"Never underestimate the power of THIS women"

Happy International Women’s Day!