Six Vegetarian Potato Recipes

Potato Focaccia Pugliese
An impressive Italian bread to serve for weekend lunches.
View at BBC Good Food


Potato, Rocket, Artichoke and Caper Salad
Recipe by Kate Murdoch, image: Ben Dearnley
A salad with substance that will be perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
View at Taste

Curried Aubergine and Potato Pie
This pie comes without pastry but is still packed with flavour thanks to the vegetables and green lentils.
View at BBC Good Food


Olive Oil Mashes Potatoes
Melissa Roberts, image Romulo Yanes
Proof you don't need butter, cream and the whole dairy machine to make good ol' mashed potatoes.
View at Epicurious


Rava Dosas with Potato Chickpea Masala
Melissa Roberts, image: Romula Yanes
These South Indian crêpes would be a perfect savoury treat!
View at Epicurious


Greek Potato and Almond Dip
Maggie Ruggiero, image: Roland Bello
Russet potatoes, sliced almonds and lemon juice make this a dip with a difference!
View at Epicurious

Eco Kitchen Trinkets

Vintage 1950s Seltzer Bottle - Grasshopper 510 ($80)
You could use these Argentinian seltzer bottles to hold liquid hand soap, moisturisers, oils or homemade dishwashing liquid.


Ice Cream Cone - Virginia Sin
These adorable porcelain cones would make me want to eat ice cream every day! They are sold individually ($18) and are handmade in Brooklyn using a non-toxic and lead free glaze. Also available at Grasshopper 510.


Vintage Snail Planter - Hindsvik (Etsy) $45
Maybe you could store your favourite herb in this snail or perhaps a stash of garlic?


Laksha Drinking Glass - Ecocentric - £5.05
Such pretty, embossed glasses! They are made from 100% recycled glass by a small co-operative in Northern India (certified by the World Fair Trade Organisation).


Vintage Teapot Napkin Holders
- Down Vintage Lane (Etsy) $14.95
These have Alice in Wonderland / Mad Hatter's Tea Party written all over them!


Vintage Chalkboard - From Gray to Gold (Etsy) $28
Chalkboards always look cute in the kitchen, especially vintage ones. Perfect for jotting down your shopping lists, dinner menu or favourite quotes and affirmations.

Discount Code for Umeboshi and More!

I'm not sure if it's the name, taste or health benefits of umeboshi that impresses me the most but whatever it is, I do know that umeboshi is worthy of your attention. These pickled plums are available whole, pureed or as a vinegar and they are excellent used in stir fries, sauces, dressings, sushi, spreads and even drinks. Umeboshi has a salty and sour flavour, so you only need to use a small amount. I've been using the umeboshi puree and I love its lush purple colour, sweet fruity scent and the fact it keeps so long in the fridge. I've been adding a teaspoon here and there to my stir-fries and boiled rice and I really like the way it gives any simple meal a bit of a wake-up call!

According to food author Robbie Swinnerton the 'Japenese pickled plums have remarkable medicinal qualities.' Swinnerton explains on Clearspring's website how they are 'the Far Eastern equivalent to both aspirin and apple' and 'an umeboshi a day is regarded as the best preventative medicine available.' You can read more about the health benefits of umeboshi here.

If you are eager to try umeboshi, the kind people at Goodness Direct are offering readers of Green Lashes and Fashion a 20% discount on umeboshi products and other groceries (excluding chilled, fresh and frozen products). To receive this discount, enter the code 32233VFN into the voucher code box at Goodness Direct's online checkout. This offer expires at the end of April 2010 and is valid for one order.
Visit Goodness Direct.


Once you've got your umeboshi, here are some vegetarian recipes you can try:

Vegetable Rice Bowl with Miso Dressing - Martha Stewart Living
Umeboshi and Rice Salad
Tofu and Broccoli Quiche

I'd love to hear about any recipes you've dried using umeboshi. Does anyone have a good noodle recipe or has anyone dried umeboshi as a drink?

Just as a final note, is it wrong that I totally want to use the name Umeboshi for my dog (when I get one) or for my own organic perfume (because a girl can dream). People will ask, 'who are you wearing?' (or 'who are you walking?') and I'll tell them dramatically, oo-may-boshay. I know, I've officially lost it today!


Image credits: here

Emily Ryan Organic Dresses

I had the fashion flurries big time when I happened upon Emily Ryan's Etsy store. Alas, I only found these two items that were made with organic fabric. Oh, how I wish this beyond beautiful Spiral Pleats Dress were made with organic or remnant fabric! Maybe if enough of us asked, Emily Ryan would consider adding more eco designs to her exquisite collection. At least we have these two unique dresses to keep us happy and warm for now (both are handmade in Portland using organic cotton fleece).

Gathered Hoodie Dress - $174
A-line Criss Cross Dress - $230

Outfit Ideas for the Week

Sometimes deciding what to wear for the week ahead can spin you into a fashion frenzy and land you in a style rut! If you require a little inspiration, here are a few outfit ideas to get you started for this week. Why not see if you can create similar looks using the clothes you (or a friend) already own? This is one way you can stick to your eco-values, save money and still enjoy a little fashion frivolity!

Monday (All About the Shoes) - Find a pale or neutral toned jacket and a white top to wear underneath along with dark blue jeans, oversized ring and your quirkiest pair of heels (Cri de Coeur have an edgy range of vegan shoes if you are on the lookout).

Tuesday (Ballerina) - Wear any delicate little dress with a thick pair of black tights and a masculine pair of shoes (brogues or lace up vintage boots). Wear hair up in a loose ballerina bun! The dress in the picture above is made in the USA from remnant silk and can be purchased at Sublet).

Wednesday (Hello Colour!) - This outfit suggests spring is just around the corner with the pretty pop of colour from the cardigan and the playful print of the dress. Try wearing a long, colourful cardigan or coat over any print dress you have and accessorise with a colourful handbag.

Thursday (Noir) - Wear head to toe black and some oversized sunglasses for an effortless Parisien look a la Clémence Poésy.

Friday (Chandelier Earrings) - search around for the biggest pair of earrings you own and then find your most colourful jacket or coat and complete the look with a chic black scarf.



Image credits: Monday (Olivia Palermo - It's On With Alexa Chung, MTV), Wednesday (Anthropologie look via here), Thursday (via here) and Friday (via: Copenhagen Street Style).

Monday Inspiration - Be Present

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

- Nathaniel Hawthorne


Image found via: CO2 Free Now

Stay Warm In These Long Sleeve Dresses

Mock the pseudo button dress and I, if you must but I appreciate its kooky quality. The second dress appeals to the travel writer within. What could be better than a pretty dress with a map on it? You would never be lost in the fashion world when wearing this. The final two dresses are classics. Sleeveless dresses are at their most stylish when they are done in a simple yet sumptuous red or black.

All vintage dresses are available at Etsy
1. Button Sweater Dress - Diecastme / 2. Map Dress - Mime Vintage / 3. Red Dress - LoveCharles / 4. Black Dress - MimeQIQI.

Giveaway - Spices from Steenbergs Organic (NOW CLOSED)

Congratulations Katie! You were the lucky winner of this delicious giveaway. Thank you very much to everyone who entered.

Gourmet girls and guys are going to love this weeks giveaway. Steenbergs Organic are kindly offering a box of 16 organic spices (plus organic green tea) to one lucky reader! The Storecupboard Minis Spice Box contains all the essential spices (and more) that you could need in your kitchen. You'll be able to create anything from a cake to a curry and it will all be organic!

How to Enter
Please leave a comment naming your favourite spice from the Storecupboard Minis Box (it can be any of the 16) and leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. Please only leave one comment.

The giveaway will close Wednesday 27th January, 8am (London time) and the winner will be selected at random. This giveaway is open to residents of the UK, Europe, USA and Canada (I will try and arrange a giveaway for other countries soon).

To see the selection of spices offered in the Storecupboard Minis Spice Box, you can visit Steenbergs Organic.

Best of luck!




ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Livia Firth Turns the Red Carpet Green

I was so excited to learn about the green carpet challenge, Livia Firth was undertaking and recently commenced at the Golden Globe awards. Livia, owner of London store Eco Age is working with journalist Lucy Siegle to showcase ethical dresses on the red carpet as she accompanies her husband, actor Colin Firth (nominated for his work in 'A Single Man) during award season. You can follow Livia's progress at Vogue and learn more about the story behind this stunning white dress, which is a repurposed bridal gown made in Pimlico, London. Let's hope this positive couture contribution will increase the profile and presence of beautiful eco fashion on the red carpet!

Photography by Caroline Schiff
Livia Firth's Blog - Vogue UK

WrecordsByMonkey Jewelry

I'm always on the look out for jewelry that oozes individuality and ethics, so I was rapt to stumble across these stellar designs from WrecordsByMonkey. What was once beautiful music has now become beautiful jewelry, thanks to WrecordsByMonkey's use of reclaimed vinyl records in each of their creations. From the Victorian style cameo pendants and earrings to the utterly unique frame and chandelier pendants, I now feel spoilt for choice the next time I need to make an eco jewelry purchase! WrecordsByMonkey - Hand made in Brooklyn.

Jewelry can be purchased online at WrecordsByMonkey's website
(see direct links below):

Vinyl Record Cameo Pendant- $56
Frame Pendant - $55
Chandelier Pendant - $62
Silhouette Earrings - $19
Pigeon Earrings - $21
Toile Bracelet - $25


Visit WrecordsByMonkey

Monday Inspiration - Gratitude

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul
- Henry Ward Beecher


"The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get."
- Oprah


If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
- Meister Eckhart



image credit: BlissTree

The Eco Alternative

Two very different ways to wear a stunning red dress. Michelle Obama opts for the statement necklace while the vintage dress achieves a quirkier look with a black hat.
Purchase vintage dress at Etsy (Mime QIQI) $69

If you want a similar, glittering gold dress to the one Blake Lively wore on Gossip Girl, Rokit's vintage dress may be the one for you.
Purchase at Rokit - £65


Love Miss Daisy have a lovely pink vintage equivalent to the dress worn by Blake Lively.
Purchase at Love Miss Daisy - £65


Image credits: Michelle Obama on the cover of Glamour (glamour.com) / Gossip Girl gold dress image from here / Pink dress from here.

Eco Blazers and Coats

Snob Blazer - Alexis Lamontagna
Made in L.A. / 95% Organic Cotton

An edgy black blazer will never let you or your style down. Angelina herself, has been spotted wearing Alexis Lamontagna so you know it's a name to watch out for, especially if they keep delivering organic wonders such as this.
Purchase at Green With Glamour - $210

Adella Coat in Mauve and Charcoal - Kelly B
Made in USA / 50% Recycled Poly + 50 % Organic Cotton

I can't decide between the pretty mauve or the cool charcoal! They both look equally wonderful with the stud detailing at the front, cropped sleeves and nice, deep pockets.
Purchase Mauve and Charcoal at Kind Boutique - $196


Pretty Birdie's Hemp and Organic Cotton Blouser
- Stephanie Teague
Hand made in North Carolina / Hemp and Organic Cotton

Blouse + Blazer= Blouser. I love it! This Blouser can be made to your measurements in either strong navy, black, chocolate brown, charcoal or dark eggplant.
Purchase at Etsy (Stephanie Teague) - $135


Vintage 60s Red and Navy Coat - Secret Lake
Striking red with navy velvet trims and gold buttons.
Purchase at Etsy (Secret Lake) $88


Mary Jane Coat - Julia Elin Burnbaum (Juleselin)
Made in San Francisco / 70% Organic Cotton

A stylish black coat such as this will never date. The unusual hood can also be worn over the shoulders as a shawl.
Purchase at BTC Elements - $253.30

It's a French Thing

Reusable French Lunch Tote
- Paris Chic Boutique
Pack your lunch baguette or vegan macaroons (see end of post for recipe) into one of these cute, reusable lunch bags made in New York with organic cotton.
Purchase at Etsy (Paris Chic Boutique) $15

Vintage Sculptural Black and White Dress

- Avantanthologue
A one-of-a-kind dress in classic black and white.
Purchase at Etsy (Avantanthologue) $120

Black Vintage Evening Gown, Falling Leaves
- Venust
Understated elegance with French touches of lace and trademark all black.
Purchase at Etsy (Venust) $98

Vintage Black Wool Beret
- Dores Vintage
We all need a cute beret during winter to achieve that Sorbonne student look and to disguise bad hair days!
Purchase at Etsy (Dores Vintage) $14

Etsy Seller - La Pomme
I was left enchanted by the inspiring range of goodies made by La Pomme in the south of France. I was particularly taken with the lavender sachets made from vintage bed sheets and filled with organic French lavender. How cute would they look placed in your closet or draw, wafting lavender loveliness among your clothes? I also adore the lavender shoe fresheners. Items are prettily packaged with recycled fabric.
Life Mantras, Organic Lavender Bags - Etsy $18
Lavender Shoe Fresheners - Etsy $21

Magnolia Halterneck Bra - Luva Huva
Pretty underwear is essential. This lovely piece is handmade in the UK from end of line fabrics.
Purchase at Luva Huva - £27

Organic Poodle T Shirt
- Monkey C Baby
If I were five again, I would have so wanted to wear this playful, pink poodle top. Made in Arizona with organic cotton and non-toxic azo-free dyes (available in sizes for 2, 4 and 6 year olds).
Purchase at Etsy (Monkey C Baby) $25

Vintage 1950s Jolles Junior Beaded Poodle Purse
- Jackie Haltom
More poodle emblazoned fashion! I think you're lucky the whole post didn't feature all things poodle-licious today. I've really had to restrain myself by only featuring two pooch pieces.
Purchase at Etsy (Jackie Haltom) $18

Raw, Vegan Macaroons - Ani Phyo
France is filled with gorgeous macaroons but here is a much healthier option. The easy part is making the macaroons as only five ingredients are needed and the hard part is deciding which flavour will be your favourite; chocolate, strawberry or pineapple!
View recipe at Ani Phyo