Check out these pics from DesignerJots and my Saturday Afternoon in front of Outer Layer on Queen Street West. A special thanks to the Outer Layer Staff for their help :) Take note, their store-wide sale is till Labour Day!
As Carolyn says on her blog, "It was all kinds of weather on Saturday." Thankfully no rain, but at times lots of wind.
It was great introducing Ecojot to new people, and meeting fellow Ecojot fans! Two more events coming up... One in Guelph on Saturday, September 12 and again Toronto, in The Annex on Saturday, September 19. So save the dates, and remember to stop by ;)
Those dates happen to be in between TIFF, which I am getting excited about! I dropped off my 1st and 2nd choice requests off at the Box Office this morning.
Am off to do some grocery shopping... Happy Monday / Last Day of August!I will be picking out a winner of my End-of-August/ Back-to-School Giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned, and be sure to enter if you haven't yet already.
And finally, before I forget... I see I have some new Blogger Followers... YAY! Thanks to all those who visit here on a regular basis.
I'll be there from 12:30pm to 4pm. I am keeping my fingers cross that the weather will cooperate!
There'll be refreshments (bring your own drink bottle/cup to be extra green) and buttons! Outer Layer is holding a store-wide sale and Ecojot will be giving a $1 off all Ecojot purchases above $10! Not to mention a special onsite raffle giveaway. So if you're in town, please come by and say hello...
Speaking of giveaways, I've got my end-of-August Giveaway until August 31st, simply scroll down or click here to enter.
And finally, I came across this parody by Julia Stiles late last night on Cele|Bitchy... Yes, it's a guilty pleasure to browse through celebrity rag-sites. This video is hilarious...
So many celebrities claim to be green... But how green are they really? I like to think that Julia is bringing awareness to the prevalence greenwashing, and the need to be throughly ecoConscious. She's g got a website of the parody at: juliastilesstyles.com
Have a terrific weekend! I hope to see you tomorrow!
It's August 27th, and some students are starting school as early as the 31st. I recall school starting after Labour Day. But as it turns out not everyone. In fact, my taller little sis Pat, whom I dropped off with my brothers in Michigan at her new host family (hence my absence) is starting school next week! Then there's one of my closest BFFs, Amanda who is starting her MBA in Paris... She leaves tomorrow :,(
Check out the bon voyage cupcakes Pat baked for Amanda's farewell party... Not only is the icing multicoloured, but so are the actual cupcakes!
I am excited for Pat, Amanda and everyone else starting or going back to school... Although I will certainly miss them both immensely! So in honour of the fall, and the returning of back to the books, studying... I figured a Back-to-School Giveaway is in order ;D
So here's how to participate...
Comment below a Back-to-School Tip. Two entries for tips that are green!
I will hold the contest till August 31st, and draw a winner on September 1st.
Looking forward to reading your tips!
The prize? How about... An ecoAgenda (to keep track of your homework, and/or to-do lists), two sets of 6x9" ecoWorkbooks (they're my fave, and I keep track of all my different projects on them, and will be using one for the continuing-ed class I start next week), plus a nice big 9x12" ecoKids Sketchbook (for all your doodles!)
So share away :) Am off to Amanda's to help her with last minute tying up of loose-ends. *Sigh* I wish I were going to Paris with her! Looking forward to visiting her in the spring!
Bonne chance ! Good luck with my giveaway !
xo,
ej
PS-- Just a reminder, I can only unfortunately ship prizes within Canada and the US. But do please feel free to share your ecoSchool tips just the same, wherever you are!
So apparently last night it wasn't just windy and wet, but there were tornados that swept through Toronto and neighbouring areas. In fact here are some videos attesting to it:
Today however, the sun is shining, and from what I can see all is calm. The night before I was at a grocery store waiting for the rain to stop before walking back to meet friends to have a games night. It was fun watching the sky from inside, but I had no idea how powerful the storm was until we got back to meet up with our friends and an outdoor tent had collapsed on top of my friend's car. Thankfully his car was okay and we were able to disassemble the large white tent, and only a few pieces had been damaged.
It was definitely a good evening to stay in and play board games. We pretty much spent the evening just playing one... A Ticket to Ride - Europe. Have you heard of this game? I must admit, it is one of my favourites! In fact, now that I've played the Europe version, I think I may have to pick it up! Until yesterday I'd only played the North American version, and Europe has a few more fun twists to it, well to be more literal "tunnels!"
Ticket to Ride is an award-winning German-style boardgame. I was first introduced to it last year when my friend Premek got it for his birthday. I definitely think I need to pick myself up a copy. As you can see from the photo above (from Wiki), it's a very colourful game... Likely the reason it has so much appeal for me! What are your favourite boardgames?
Speaking of colour, I received a dozen colourful roses the other day from a not-so-secret admirer :) It was very unexpected, being that it as not my birthday, an anniversary nor had he done anything wrong (hehe)... Very pleasant none-the-less, as when don't we ladies love receiving flowers? ;)
Lastly, yesterday I received a fabulous email from the second prize winner of my first annual Flickr Photo Contest, and couldn't resist sharing it with you...
Sammy, am so happy to know you were so pleased with the prize pack I picked out for you.
I am going to host an August giveaway early next week. I'll post it from Ann Arbor, Michigan if need be. I shall be heading down to Michigan this Sunday till Tuesday... I can't wait! Four out of five of my sibs and I will be together for a little while, plus we'll be going to the beach!
Saw "The Time Traveler's Wife" at 9, since it was sold out at 630. Note to future self: Arrive at least 40 minutes before a show if you want to take advantage of Two-Toonie Tuesdays at Rainbow Cinema.
Back to my movie review... It was worth the later showing... I loved it! In fact, Megan, am reading the book already too. I adore how it's written in both Clare and Henry's perspective. I don't want to typecast Rachel McAdams, but she definitely has a talent for chick flicks such as this and The Notebook.
I haven't read Jodi Picoult... Yet. Didn't she write "My Sister's Keeper," now also a movie starring Cameron Diaz? Thanks for the recommendation, Megan... And glad you like my approach on movies and books.
Speaking of a movie based on a book, and trailers... Have you seen the trailer for "Where the Wild Things Are?" I manage to find a YouTube version that is embed-able...
One of my favourite children's books, alongside "Good Night Moon..." The trailer gives me the impression that the book just magically comes alive before your eyes with this film! I haven't seen it yet, but I think this is rather impressive considering that there are some books that are just really poorly adapted on the big screen. I guess I will have to wait and find out...
Finally, all this talk about movies is getting me excited about tiff, the Toronto International Festival. It's fast approaching, and I can't wait for the list of films to be released on August 25th! I've festivaled before, but this will be the first time I am organizing it. In the past, I am usually tagging along with a friend who does all the work... This year, I've even invited a friend in Connecticut to drive up and check out the festival I keep raving about, and a girlfriend from Toronto who's never gone to tiff! Should be fun!
I don't know if you've ever been to a festival, but they are definitely an experience. One of my faves in fact.... Even waiting in line. Whenever in queue, I've chatted up with some really cool folks, lots of out-of-towners and locals as well. Last year, while my girlfriend Sheya and I were waiting patiently hoping to get in to a ticket in the rush line, we ended up chatting up with two local filmmakers. We didn't get into the movie we wanted, but we got in to the next one... Was fun waiting in line. The following rush queue, I waited patiently and ended up being given a free ticket by one of the directors of the short film... You just never know what'll happen!
It's as if the festival transforms the city with buzz and excitement! Much like when I travel, opportunities abound to people watch and make new friends. Plus, there's of course the actual screening of films... Also different from the regular experience, because during the festival the audience really comes alive. If it's funny, you really hear the entire audience fill with laughter... Not a good movie, and you'll hear people grumbling. Then there are the occasional chances to ask the filmmaker questions. All in all, definitely something to check out!
I'm pretty certain there are still tickets... Plus there's always rushing ;)
That's it for my movie reviews... Off to Ecojot Headquarters to mail stuff, a.k.a. prizes!
How's everyone doing? Yesterday I received some photographs from a friend who just got back from Japan. En route to Japan a couple weeks ago he noticed something at Pearsons International Airport... Check out my friend Johnson's photo above and photos below...
How cool is that? Being recognized as a leader in socially and environmentally responsible design!
Speaking of "socially and environmentally responsible..." Canopy in Vancouver is fantastic organization we're collaborating with. Best known for the greening of the Harry Potter series globally, Canopy has brokered innovative environmental solutions such as the Wheat Sheet and worked closely with ally organizations to translate companies’ eco-policies into landmark conservation gains in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and Canada’s Boreal forests.
We're doing three major projects with them in the coming months, including one called the "World Forest" project where Canopy and Ecojot will be sending out 100 Ecojot journals/sketchbooks across the globe for people to share their stories through words, pictures, poetry, etc on why forest are loved. More details to come but in the meantime, check out Canopy for a glimpse of the great work they do!
I have a busy hump day ahead of me sending winners of my Flickr Photo Contest their prizes and thank you gifts ;) If you haven't yet already sent me your address, if you entered my contest, please do!
Off to see Time Traveler's Wife with my sister Pat! It's $4 Tuesday at Rainbow Cinemas... If you live in Ontario and love movies as much as I do, I highly recommend Rainbow Cinemas on Tuesday Nights!
xo, ej
PS-- If you haven't yet already... If you live in Toronto, be sure to RSVP yes to my first ever Ecojot Fan Appreciation Event! Click here for details... It's on August 29th at Outer Layer on Queen Street West.
If you didn't catch it from Facebook and Twitter statuses... Here's a clip of the CTV Canada AM piece that Ecojot was featured in.... I'm not able to embed it... But just click here to view or click on the image below :) It was definitely great press! Thank you to Melissa Thibodeau for the link!
With the world economy where it's at, I am not a believer in the concept of protectionism. However I do like how BuyCanadianFirst.ca encourages consumers to really inquire what it is they're buying... Where is it coming from? A sweatshop-free environment? What is it made from? Is it truly green? As I frequently mention, there is so much greenwashing going on with being eco-friendly being very popular and marketable... Sometimes it is hard to tell. Something may appear recycled, but not at all... So beware and eco-conscious consumers ;D
So my sister is in town again for a little over a week before she starts class in Michigan. It's nearly noon, and as a typical teen, she's still sleeping! I suppose one must enjoy their summer vacation while it's still here =p She's actually going to help put together a little Ecojot project I'm working on that involves some fun video editing... Pat happens to be a little video editing star, so I'm excited to see the results!
So speaking of projects (okay, not the best segway, but I try...)
Candy-- I finally saw "Julie & Julia" with my sister and good friend Amanda yesterday! Loved it! In fact, I miss cooking French cuisine... I called France home last year, and I sure do miss it! Ordered a copy of "How to Master the Art of French Cooking" last night... Hehe. I bet that book has seen a resurgence!
I still intend to read Julie & Julia (which I will borrow from the library)... I know this sounds rather odd, but I prefer to see a movie first and then read the book. I know it's usually the reverse for most, but for me, I'd rather watch the movie, and then read the book to expand the details of a story. I find when I read a book first, I usually get quite frustrated that the movie doesn't give it justice... So I am also doing to same with "The Time Traveler's Wife" which a friend has already loaned me. A bit odd perhaps ;)
Have you seen the trailer for Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana's new flick opening today? Click here for a peek.
Finally as per my headline.... three dates to mark on your calendar... I am hosting three Ecojot Fans Appreciation Afternoons...
We're going to have prizes, coupons, and other cool surprises. So if you are in the neighbourhood stop by and say hello. I'll be at all the locations listed above from 12:30pm - 4pm! Hope to see you there.
I hope to expand these events in to other parts of Canada and the US. So fingers crossed, I can get other stores to participate!!! Own a store? Want to have an Ecojot Fans Appreciation Afternoon? Contact me!
I don't have a television at home (I am old school and listen to the radio... And new school, and watch streaming television online)... However, if you have a TV and live in Canada then be sure to tune in to CTV's Canada AM tomorrow morning around 845am. Isabelle Remy of Buy Canadian First will be talking about how Canadian and eco-wonderful we are!
We've become recent members of BuyCanadianFirst.ca and are thrilled that Ecojot has been invited to be part of the feature.
I will be posting a link to the clip tomorrow... In meantime, be sure to check us out if you! I'm so wishing I had a television now ;) Maybe I'll pick up some rabbit ears to connect to my laptop... I've got a special USB contraption that will let me watch TV on my Macbook, if I have cable or an antennae!
Yesterday, I was helping out at the CGTA Gift Show. I hadn't been to a trade show in a while... It's where retailers go to check out the latest designs and purchase new items for their stores! I took some photos with my cellphone camera... Thought perhaps my readers a.k.a. fellow Ecojot-fans deserved a sneak peek of what's being showcased in Toronto and the NYC International Gift Show! The NYC Gift Show is also happening this week from August 16-20!
My favourite newest designs of Carolyn Gavin are the the four new jumbo journal quotes (below). I am especially fond of the "Everyday is Earth Day" - Unknown one!
Ecojot is now also offering in-store displays. If you think your favourite store nearest you should have a display, you should let 'em know they're available ;)
Finally, there's a new ecoWRAP pattern... Can you spot it in the picture below?
That's it for now folks... Tell me what you think of the new quote books!
Please excuse the delay, I got caught up with lots of stuff yesterday... But without further ado, introducing my Ecojot Flickr Photo winners...
That's right, everyone is a winner! We at Ecojot loved all the entries so very very much that we'd like to personally thank you with a little gift from us. So kindly email me at ecojotter at ecojot dot com with your full contact details so that we may mail your little thank you gift to you! *NOTE: Please remember to include a link and/or your Flickr nickname with your email to me with your address details, so that I know which of your photo(s) were your entries. Thank you.*
And tashi and me & -_- Jeroge HAIR congratulations on being our first and second prize winners respectively! tashi and me, we look forward to hearing who your green cause is to whom we'll be sending a $75 donation on your behalf!
I quite like these "Clever Lids" by Jack Bresnahan (as seen on InHabitat) that convert tin cans into stylish containers. Jack is a recent graduate of Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK and showcased his designs at the New Designers exhibition in London.
As Bresnahan points out "Bresnahan says that “concentration should be given to a product’s life from birth to death and designers should take responsibility for their products when they eventually need to be disposed of.” The standard “tin” can was patented in 1810, but since the 1960’s they have been made primarily with aluminum, making them entirely recyclable, corrosion resistant, and durable."
"Classed as a ‘hard & rigid’ plastic, the board material for the unit doors shown here is made from factory reject and post consumer waste… yoghurt pots! It takes 700 yoghurt pots to make 1 sanded unit door!"
As I happen to own a great "bazura bag" (pictured on the stairs above) made entirely of recycled material (juice packs that would otherwise end up in the landfill). Therefore, I think a whole kitchen would be fabulous! My mum gave me my bazura bag which looks very similar to the one pictured below that I just adore, especially for my grocery shopping trips! They're made in my home country of the Philippines!
Till tomorrow when I announce my Flickr Photo Contest Winners... So be sure to stay tuned, especially if you participated! Happy Thursday!
Ecojot was featured last month on O, The Oprah Magazine in South Africa... Just wanted to share this little tidbit, as I recently added it to Ecojot's press section! Now if only we got get 'O' here in North America to feature us ;)
Regardless, Ecojot is certainly getting a lot of attention on print and web these days!
Here's hoping you're having a lovely Wednesday! It's sunny in Toronto... Yipee... Summer's finally here!
Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending a special opening of Toronto Yorkville ANTHROPOLOGIE with my girlfriend Amanda. I stole her digicam and snapped up some photos of Ecojot (of course!) which was after all in the cute swag bags given out at the end of the evening! Plus the cool decor made from recycled material: plastic chandelier and ostriches, and delicious catered goodies white sangria and cute petit fours!
My weekend was quite busy, as I had an unexpected proposal deadline thrown at me, plus I was helping out with Amanda by playing photographer for a fashion accessories line called Paulette Rose. I still managed to have a great Civic Holiday weekend, even saw my first live comedy act thanks to my other girlfriend Jamie who won tickets to the show!
Lastly, if you want a chance to win Ecojot's Dog ecoCollection and/or an Organically Gifted Organic Sprouts Gift Pack, visit: BlackoutDay.ca, or click on the image to your left, and share your eco-smarts on a daily basis! Each daily eco-smart increases your chance to win. There will be a special prize pack next week too from Ecojot, so be sure to bookmark BlackoutDay.ca!
20-something who loves to " REthink • REcycle • REjoice"
a.k.a. your friendly neighbourhood ecojotting eco-enthusiast.
here's to being green, savin' the green and enjoying it all in the process!
Posts
