ecojotter thoughts

Au revoir my dearest eco-lovelies !

2010-03-03T08:21:00.001-05:00

To my dearest eco-lovelies,

Just a little over 17 months ago I excitedly started this blog, so it is with a bit of a heavy heart that I decide to bid ecojotting au revoir... For now anyway ;)

From Black*Eiffel

It has been such a delight to say the least connecting with all of you fellow bloggers (such as sweet CandiedFabrics and eco-enthusiasts (like D'angelo) all across the globe! From posting fun, quirky, beautiful, cute, silly videos, photos and eco innovative stories... to my Earth Day countdown rolling giveaway and helping promote ecojot's newest give campaign... Delightful is in fact an understatement!

Thank you for keeping tabs on my posts, participating in my giveaways and sharing your thoughts and ideas!

In the coming weeks I am transitioning into some exciting new projects.... Plus ecojot is launching a new company blog, called jot and dot - the ecojot blog:

My new projects will unfortunately limit my time to blog, hence this post... However, if from time to time you'd still like to continue to keep tabs on me and the "fun, quirky, beautiful, cute, silly" videos, photos, and eco-cool videos photos and stories I come across, you're very welcome to bookmark my new more personal blog, a cuppa tee:

I know I've always signed ej for ecojotter, yet my first initial is actually t !

Hope to see you for a cuppa tee ;) And in the meantime, this isn't goodbye, simply 'til next time...

Much love,

ej a.k.a. tee.

PS - For just one more special au revoir video, my absolute favourite of all... one filmed by my very talented taller lil sis... Enjoy! And take care ;)

Ecojot from ecojotter on Vimeo.

And my February Giveaway Winner is...

2010-02-24T16:35:00.007-05:00

Lucky #28 ! Sarah-Paige Copeland a.k.a. the candidreviewer who helped spread the word that ecojot isn't just about helping Mama Earth but directly advocating for children's arts and literacy in developing countries now too via blog post... Thank you Sarah :)

And thank you to everyone who participated! I wish I could send you all prizes for taking part in my special Feb GIVING is LOVE giveaway... Was so touched on how you all help share the ecojot giving news... THANK YOU AGAIN!

For a bonus chance to win not just ecojot stationery, but adorable pink mitts, visit DesignerJots' blog before February 28th... Quick you've got three days!

And for something green and inspiring... The other day I received photos and testimonials from the organizers of the 5th Annual Teens Turning Green National Summit. ecojot proudly provided notebooks to all the attendees to jot down all the awesome green ideas being exchanged and discussed! After all it's all about working together and encouraging others to be green, right?

Lastly, I stumbled on this photo today, and like the shot of my nephew as a super cute cupid, I couldn't not share it... How cool is that?

Lots of random from me today ;) Thanks for visiting and taking part! Remember to enter DesignerJots' WIN MITTS + ECOJOT giveaway (only 3 days left!)

xo,

"Struck" with LOVE, giving and sharing!

2010-02-22T12:37:00.008-05:00

+Simply love+ by ~mARTy---

25 comments a.k.a. entries and counting! YAY! Just a friendly reminder that only two days remain for my special February Giveaway: Giving is LOVE! If you haven't yet entered or want to enter again, there's still time!

So speaking of Valentine's, as it was after all V-day (and ecojot's new give campaign) that inspired the giveaway, I cannot resist sharing this adorable photo of my nephew Santi... the cutest cupid ever! Hopefully his mum won't kill me for posting this! Yna, please forgive me, just too adorable a photo not to share! Right, everyone? 0;)

So while, it's no longer Valentine's day, here's hoping you have a love-filled week, everyone! May cupid strike multiple times ;) In fact, I don't believe I ever posted this awesome short titled "Struck..." Please do check it out.

Happy Monday! Yup, I'm deep down inside I'm sappy romantic... Guilty as charged ;)

xo,

Introducing the ecoPrinter of the future.

2010-02-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

Introducing Prepeat, an inkless and tonerless rewritable printer! While Sanwa website's the Japanese to English translation may not be the best, the device itself is most definitely ecoInnovative! Plus I love their "Use example" graphics, as shown below:

But in all serious, this printer is literally inkless and tonerless... Instead it uses a "special-purpose thermal head." I'm guessing it's similar to many of the receipts we get at stores. You know the ones that usually fade into nothing?

Which has me wondering will the text/graphics fade of pages printed from the RP-3100? Perhaps since the printer only uses "special-purpose rewritable paper made of PET plastic" it won't fade. By the way, after a bit of googling, I learned PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester, and can typically be recycled (Yay!)

That's right, I said rewritable! As in "if the documents aren't needed any longer, they can be erased by inserting them into the printer. Then the sheets can be used again, as if by magic."

But didn't let me ruin the ecoFun and innovation by transcribing this great video demonstration:

By the way, the video mentions that the printer is priced at about 500,000 Yen. In case you're wondering that is equivalent to CAD$5,782.13! One PET paper sheet costs about 300 Yen. That's CAD$3.47 a pop. While it's pricey, I gotta say it excites me to see these type of ecoTechonological advances!

For now, I'll stick to my ecojot notebooks and occasionally using my big brother's printer when necessary ;)

Happy Wednesday!

xo,
ej

PS - Just 7 more days till my February Giveaway: Giving is LOVE! As is sharing it :) ends on Tuesday, February 23, 2010! So be sure to enter :)

Luvmud: the perfect way to say "I love you and the earth!"

2010-02-12T08:51:00.006-05:00

Still looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your eco-loving special someone? Well you're in luck... Introducing, Luvmud!

"Luvmud, by [architecture firm] super-interesting!, is a heart-shaped gift item that also functions as an educational tool, communication strategy, and community builder. Luvmud is made from soil, worm castings, cow manure, clay, and coconut coir, embedded with herb or vegetable seeds for germination, and decorated with a message written in baker’s icing."

Not yet available in stores or to purchase online, however if you live in NYC that you're in even more luck because starting today 'til Valentine's Day, super-interesting! is giving away their Luvmuds for free at Spring + Art Design: 126a Front Street, Brooklyn (DUMBO).

"Stop by, say hi, get Luvmud!

Limited supply. First come, first serve."

Otherwise, I suspect it's not too hard to make, in fact, according to their website, "NYC kitchen scraps digested by worms help make Luvmud rich in nutrients. Vermicomposting is fun and easy. You can make your own worm compost in a bin under your kitchen sink.

The smart folks at the Lower East Side Ecological Center host workshops, and also sell worm condos and live worms."

So why not try googling "vermicomposting" in your neck of the woods? Check out butternut squash Luvmud below. Shots taken in a three day span!

Whatever you do or don't do this Valentine's Day Weekend may it be eco and wonderful!

xo,

PS - Just a friendly reminder my February/Valentine's Giveaway runs until Tuesday, February. 23, 2010. Click here to enter :)

An ecojot love letter.

2010-02-11T08:02:00.002-05:00

penny love letters by gingerlillytea

About three weeks ago Mark of ecojot received the following email titled "A word from a happy customer."

With all my chatter about spreading the ecojot-giving word as my February Giveaway, it only seemed appropriate to share this ecojot-loving letter!

To: Mark and Carolyn Gavin

Hello!

I am writing to share with you how much I truly enjoy the existence of your ecojot line of products. I first discovered your notebooks in a shelf at a national bookstore, and among the other excellent designed booklets and notebooks in that shelf, a cardboard bird-themed spiral notebook stood out. At the time I was not aware of your company’s background, but the first impression told me that you cared about making something simple and beautiful and that you wanted to share these beautiful, useful things with others.

It was that notebook, among other things that inspired me to follow my passion: graphic design. I stood in front of that shelf looking at your notebook for a few minutes, and when I realized how happy looking at this notebook made me, I decided to take it home.

I have been a faithful user of your notebooks ever since, and it was about time to share with you the thoughts of one of your customers, it may not mean much, but I thought you and your sister would like to know that if I’m ever in a class and feeling down, I look at the cover of my notebook or down to the center of the page and it makes me feel happy.

Thank you for that.

Sincerely,
Sarah D. A.

P.S. If you could tell me if there is any way in which I can become involved with the creation of your awesome products, you would make my day!

Thank you for sending your letter, Sarah. I was as touched as Mark and Carolyn to hear your kind words.

Don't you just love receiving love letters no matter what time of year? Happy Thursday!

xo,

Homemade ecoLOVE

2010-02-10T15:23:00.006-05:00

A special thanks to d'angelo for suggesting this Homemade ecoLove Valentine's Day gift idea for a yogurt container... A heart-shaped cookie cutter!

Simply cut off the bottom.
Bend it into a heart, leaving one end a bit longer so you can make notches to hold it together :)

As d'angelo points out, it's "great for getting cookies out of people or homemade love!"

I certainly think the "Green Police" would approve... Have you seen this Super Bowl commercial...

Pretty funny!

xo,

PS - Many thanks to those who've begun spreading the ecojot giving word and in turn entered my February Giveaway: Giving is LOVE! As is sharing it :) Contest runs till Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Please keep spreading the ecojot giving love!

February Giveaway: Giving is LOVE! As is sharing it :)

2010-02-09T13:25:00.009-05:00

+Simply love+ by ~mARTy---

Is Valentine's Day really only 5 days away?

I must admit I've been a bit distracted by my recent apartment move, which I'm happy to report went smoothly by the way... Now I must just finish unpacking =/ But I shall stop whining 0;) and get back to Valentine's Day, giving, sharing and LOVE instead!

As you may or may not have noticed I have been excitedly trying to help promote ecojot's awesome new "Buy One, Give One" campaign. In fact, the new section titled "Our Give Campaign" on ecojot's website (that I designed) is now live!

So here's what I'm thinking for my February-Valentine's Day Giveaway... Help me spread the eco-giving love for a chance to win! It's such a fantastic new cause that helps a child in need simply by purchasing a jumbo journal, journal or sketchbook for yourself or someone you love! What's not to love about giving one for one?

So what do you say? I could really use your help spreading the word that ecojot isn't just about helping Mama Earth but directly advocating for children's arts and literacy in developing countries now too!

Simply...

Twitter about @ecojot's new give campaign, by including the following link in your tweet: http://ecojot.com/give_campaign.aspx
Twitter about this contest by retweeting me @ecojotter ;)
Spread the word via Facebook by posting http://ecojot.com/give_campaign.aspx on your wall.
Spread the word on Tumblr, DIGG, LinkedIn you name it!
Send a friend an ecojot ecard telling them about ecojot's new give campaign!
Or even simply tell a friend about in person... After all there's nothing like real word of mouth, right?
In fact, tell me what you think about the new campaign as a comment too!

Do any or all of the above, and each indivdual act of helping me spread the ecojot giving word = an entry! Just remember to post a new comment for each entry =)

By now you're wondering but what can I win?

Well I was thinking it only makes sense for you to have a chance to win 1 jumbo journal, 1 - 5x7" journal and 1 - 9x12" sketchbook, so that your win also means 3 notebooks (as shown below) for 3 children who otherwise can't afford school supplies!

So what are you waiting for? To sweeten the pot, winner gets to pick the design covers of his/her choice!

Thanks in advance for helping me spread the ecojot giving love! Can't wait to read your entries!

xo,

PS - Contest open to US and Canadian residents only, and to run until Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Good luck!

Belated HAPPY Groundhog's Day Everyone!

2010-02-03T13:06:00.006-05:00

amigurumi groundhog
Originally uploaded by planetjune

From the looks outside here in Toronto, all three groundhogs were right... We've got six more weeks of winter coming our way... It's snowing out! You know that perfect light powdery snow that gracefully floats to the ground?

I am however hoping it'll stop snowing by this evening because I'm moving apartments tonight! So keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

Just in case I'm not back blogging till next week due to the move, unpacking, connecting internet, etc... Just wanted to share this very cheesy, yet still very cute and well done video forwarded to me by my Uncle M (note: if you double click on the video, it will open in a new window and isn't cropped)...

Enjoy!

xo,

PS - Watch out for a special Valentine's Ecojot Giveaway coming soon!

And my January 2010 Giveaway Winner is...

2010-02-01T11:32:00.002-05:00

Congratulations montg ! I shall be contacting you (unless you contact me first ;D) to arrange shipment of your January 2010 Giveaway prize: a complete set of ecojot teatime collection... as in a jumbo journal, 5x7” journal and 3x4” pocket notebook! Aren't you glad you decided to send your mum an ecojot card last night? ;)

And remember, your win also equals two workbook donations to a child in need in a developing program with ecojot's new "Buy One, Give One" campaign (ecojot's new business model committed to directly advocate children’s arts and literacy in developing countries). For every jumbo journal, 5x7" journal and sketchbook purchased (or in your case won!) ecojot will donate a specially designed ecojot workbook.

Thank you to everyone who participated! It felt so good knowing you were all spreading a bit of ecoCheer these past couple weeks! Watch out for my February Giveaway!

xo,

From clothes hangers to hangeliers!

2010-01-28T16:36:00.007-05:00

What are hangeliers, you ask? Clothes hanger chandeliers of course! Having just blogged about how to make expensive clothes hangers out of plastic bottles, blogging about hangeliers next couldn't seem more appropriate! Thanks for the lead, Pat!

My only criticism is the designers at Organelle Design made the above hangeliers from off-the-shelf plastic and wood hangers rather than finding old, used ones. According to Inhabitat where they were featured last year, "clothes hangers are clogging our landfills at a rate of nearly 8 billion per year." That's a whole lot of hangers! They should have tried and used some of those 8 million!

My compliment is that other materials designers Alex Witko and Courtney Hunt used to make their eye catching hangeliers are salvaged repurposed found objects such as bike rims, chainrings, and zipties.

Even more inspiring was Organelle Design's BYO_ event as in "build your own ____!" event. Their slogan: "resist consumerism.... by reusing it's wasteful by-products!" Check out how it went here. Below is a shot of one of the event's results... a snazzy coffee table 100% made from salvaged repurposed found objects!

xo,
ej

PS - 3 more days till my special ecojot ecard January giveaway ends, so keep sending those ecards for your chance to win ;D

Introducing ecojot's new "Buy One, We Give One" campaign.

2010-01-25T19:11:00.002-05:00

Have you heard? ecojot commits to giving one for one.

As I've mentioned, I've been busy helping launch an exciting new ecojot give campaign. In fact, we're currently in the midst of adding information to our main website. As a special sneak peek, here's the 411...

ecojot’s “Buy One, We Give One” campaign is the company’s new business model committed to directly advocate children’s arts and literacy in developing countries. In many poor areas young students cannot afford school supplies, nor are they provided them. In an effort to equip children in need with basic school supplies, ecojot will donate a notebook for every ecojot journal, jumbo journal and sketchbook purchased.

ecojot is partnering with three organizations to make this happen:

Ve’ahavta - A non-profit Jewish humanitarian and relief committee whose mandate is to accomplish tikun olam, the betterment of the world

Free the Children - The world’s largest network of children helping children through education.

The Stephen Leacock Foundation for Children - Dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth in South Africa.

ecojot understands that the success of the campaign is dependent on ensuring that the notebooks are delivered directly to the correct recipients. Therefore ecojot’s first shipment will be sent in a sealed container via the Ve’ahavta KinderKits Program, along with medical supplies, already destined for Zimbabwe. Kenyemba Primary and Secondary Schools will be the first recipients of ecojot’s “Buy One, We Give One” campaign.

Mark Gavin of ecojot says...

“ This becomes a deeper purpose for our business, so we can play an active role in helping better the global village we all belong to.

Inspired by the Toms Shoes model and by Whole Foods founder, John Mackay’s new commitment to conscious capitalism, I wanted to have our business play a part. Being that we make notebooks, it was an obvious decision to donate these to help needy children become educated and literate. ”

While ecojot is officially launching their new give campaign this year, they have in fact already donated 4,000 to 5,000 school supplies so far, and plan to donate 20,000 to 25,000 by spring 2010. Read more about it in a recent CJN news article here.

So now every time you jot or sketch in an ecojot, not only will you feel ecoAwesome, but you will also feel wonderful knowing a child in need is getting a chance to jot and sketch too!

Can't wait to hear what you think about the new give campaign! Have a great week!

xo,

A novel use for plastic bottles... A clothes hanger!

2010-01-22T17:19:00.007-05:00

Discovered via my Uncle M, and dvice.com, I bring you the very green, but unfortunately also very expensive... Rethink Hanger!

At 8 bucks a pop, it's definitely a tad on the costly side... However, I certainly do think it's a pretty ecoCool idea!

"Conceived by designer Xuan Yu, it's basically a hook with two holes that hold empty bottles. Once you've polished off a couple of Sprites, screw the bottles into the holes and you've got a deliciously convenient place to hang your shirt — without the awful flatness of a wire hanger."

What do you think? Would you use Rethink Hangers?

Well that's it for me this week.... I gotta say it's great to be back blogging again. Oh and keep those Ecojot Ecard January 2010 Giveaway entries coming! You've got nine more days to send ecojot ecards for a chance to win!

Bon weekend !

xo,

The Honest $10,000 SPAM.

2010-01-21T13:40:00.004-05:00

That's right, you're reading today's title correctly, I did say, "honest" and "spam" together, and no, I'm not attempting an oxymoron.... And that is exactly why I just couldn't help blog about this awesome story. Simply click play below for the full scope!

You can visit motherlondon.com to learn more about the ad agency who put on this unique experiment.

Happy YouTube Thursday! Here's to "Giving [which] is Glorious!"

Speaking of giving, soon I'll be blogging about ecojot's new give campaign called "Buy One, We Give One" that we are currently in the midst of launching... So be sure to stay tuned! And in the meantime, keep sending those ecards for your chance to win my special ecojot ecard January Giveaway ;)

xo,

PS - While, I heart this honest $10,000 spam story, please remember to continue being cautious of the many dishonest spam and phishing emails out there.

Metal scraps turned cute "BRENDA - The Born to Be Bad Little Girl Robot."

2010-01-20T11:57:00.007-05:00

The moment I saw these photos of BRENDA - The Born to Be Bad Little Girl Robot, I couldn't not blog about her! According to her etsy description, she's even got a story...

She was supposed to be a sweet and adorable, little robot
but something went terribly wrong...

She rolled off the assembly line on Halloween during a full moon.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shocked the factory...
this gal was destined to be trouble.
BRENDA - The Born To Be Bad Little Girl Robot

Designed by Will Wagenaar a.k.a. reclaim2fame, BRENDA measures 15" tall and 9.5" wide, is made of recycled parts and a bit of new hardware, including vintage clockworks and an antique key on her back.

Apparently the last photo (above) is BRENDA "giving Commander Cupcake a hard time."

"Is it really possible for a cute little robot to be evil? Just ask BRENDA."

Click here to check out 38 other items by reclaim2fame on etsy. I'm particularly drawn to "BEGGAR - A Remarkably Persuasive Robot" and "BINKY - A Robot for Baubles And Bangles" a.k.a. "a shiny new ride for your jewelry...." soooo cute!

While I can't personally afford any of Will's creations at the moment, I gotta say... ecoAWESOME! I am particularly impressed with his commitment "to create beautiful and fun new objects using at least 80% recycled materials. Most of [his] pieces are composed of much more than 80% reused material. [He has] been making art and objects from discarded items for over 15 years."

Happy Wednesday!

xo,

PS - Still enjoying reading all your entries into my special Ecojot Ecard January Giveaway :) Keep em' coming till the 31st!

Need or want a new scarf? But wanna be eco about it? Introducing Rekn.it!

2010-01-19T13:47:00.011-05:00

First and foremost, I must admit I am loving reading all of your entries into my special Ecojot Ecard January Giveaway! Thank you for participating and sharing them with me :) Keep 'em coming!

Today I blog about Rekn.it an awesome opportunity to take an old sweater, and this month turn it into a new scarf! Here's how it works...

That's right someone's mom in Boston has started an ecoAwesome service where she will (for a small fee) recycle your old sweater into something new again... This month it's a scarf!

Next month it could be beanie (we call 'em toques here up in Canada), iPod case, cut-off gloves or socks. You can vote at www.rekn.it what next month's recycled knitwear item will be!

As the e-newsletter I discovered Rekn.it from put it, "Consider it a second chance for all the ugly, saggy, oversized knitwear in the world, particularly the lumpy cable-knit mock turtleneck sweater currently collecting dust in the bottom of your dresser."

Happy Tuesday!

xo,

Happy Happy 2010... I'm baaaaaaaaack blogging with a special January 2010 Giveaway!

2010-01-18T11:53:00.010-05:00

That's right, I'm (finally) back blogging, and I figured what better way to start afresh and not only a new year, but a new decade but with a UNIQUE GIVEAWAY?

So once again my apologies for my disappearance, thanks for still reading, or for those new to my blog... WELCOME!

And to everyone of course, HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR & NEW DECADE! I'm convinced it's going to be ecoAMAZING!

So without further ado, here's how my first giveaway of 2010 will go...

Not just new year, but new decade equals new ecojot ecards featuring DesignerJots Carolyn Gavin’s newest designs for 2010, including: butterfly, city, forest, ladybugs, rosettes and teatime.

Check 'em out at ecojot.com (or by simply clicking the image above), and enjoy putting a smile on a special someone's face... PLUS until January 31st, for every ecard you send also equals a chance to win!

Each time you send an ecard, visit this post and leave a comment which design and to whom you sent the ecard. Every comment equals an entry to win a full set (jumbo journal, 5x7” journal and 3x4” pocket notebook) of one of the featured ecard designs!

There is no limit to how many ecards you send per day or even how many you send until January 31st. Just be sure to leave a new comment for each ecard/entry (and remember to tell me which design and to whom)! For example...

Sent Teatime to my Grandma Teresita; or
Sent Forest to my friend Gabe, just to say hi; or
Sent Ladybugs to my crush....

You get the idea ;) Otherwise, I have no other way of tracking it... Good luck and happy ecojot ecarding!

xo,

PS - Please note: Unfortunately, I'm only able to ship prizes within Canada and the US. Oh and remember to include a way for me to contact you if you win ;D

A brilliant work of collaborative web art.

2010-01-15T14:28:00.004-05:00

Greetings and Saluations Everyone!

I know it feels like eons since I've posted, at least for me it does (I've missed you all!)

I shall officially be back blogging as often as possible next week.... In the meantime came across this brilliant work of collaborative web art courtesy of my little sister that I wanted to share with you... Simply click on the image below ;)

Happy Happy New Year and Weekend!

See you Monday!

xo,

Absence explained... Sort of.

2009-12-28T08:57:00.004-05:00

Greetings Everyone! My sincerest apologies for my sudden disappearance. Wish I had some exciting excuse for dropping off the face of the blogosphere, such as I had to hop on a jet on a top-secret eco-mission... But alas it was just life's responsibilities catching up with me over the twister that is the holidays!

Speaking of which, here's wishing you

HAPPY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I shall be back blogging as often as I can in 2010... In meantime, this graphic says it all from me to you...

xo,
ej

Just 'cause it's fun, silly... and got a beat!

2009-12-05T16:13:00.004-05:00

Plus could this technically be considered eco-friendly too? The box looks like an old wooden box that would otherwise be thrown away, and it looks like you could use a couple balloon you've already gotten laying around... ;)

Either way, a fun video I got from my big brother G... Enjoy...

Here's hoping you're having a great weekend! Oh and Happy UN Climate Change Conference Eve!

xo,

3 new ecojot holiday eco-cards!

2009-12-03T16:06:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again... Holiday Card Season!

However, stress not, for I'm excited for you be the first to know that ecojot's got three new special holiday eco-cards... Literally just posted a few minutes ago!

Check 'em out here and enjoy putting a smile on a special someone's face with DesignerJots' adorably festive designs and your personalized holiday cheer!

Here's spreading the ecojot eco-holiday love ;)

xo,

November Giveaway Winner Revealed...

2009-12-01T22:24:00.004-05:00

And the November Giveaway Winner is...

CONGRATULATIONS LIZZIE (please email me your contact info to ecojotter at gmail dot com)! And thank you to all of you who participated. It was such a treat reading all your entries...

ale_d_o_l ~ You are courageous... Thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes on a speedy recovery!

Julie ~ I heart art too!

Sara ~ Don't know what I'd do without my family and friends!

D'angelo ~ Thank you for the accolades. Not to mention, your ever steady readership is ever encouraging ;) I have heard of the riti printer, actually blogged about it earlier this year. Love your thoughts on Starbucks and how they could printer their own ads at the very least... Yum indeed!

the life of a teenage scrapbooker ~ It's a pleasure to host giveaways. Here's to health and family!

John and Christian ~ And basketball!

Candied Fabrics ~ What a great Thanksgiving blog entry! Your pies look too delicious not to show off... Hope you don't mind ;)

Mary ~ Isn't it amazing what inspiring things one can stumble upon on the blog-0-sphere?

Cathy ~ Here's to doing what you love!

AJ ~ Wow, that what just beautifully said.... To love and be loved in return!

And here's to all of you! I know my posts haven't been very consistent as of late... Thanks for still visiting :)

xo,

Happy American Thanksgiving = Happy November Giveaway!

2009-11-26T07:32:00.002-05:00

Remember the time D'Angelo sent me a shot of her awesome handmade paper pens? Well pencils are unfortunately a little harder to make since it's not so easy to pick up pencil lead to make 'em with. Enter Earthzone Recycled Pencils!

Last month Earthzone kindly offered to send me some pencils not just to test out but to giveaway!

Being my first official review-giveaway, I couldn't wait! But when they didn't show, I started to think they'd accidentally gotten lost in the mail. Turns out we have a new mailman, who's been putting our mail in a wooden box on our porch instead of our mail slot... Oops!

However, as usual, I digress... I excitedly took these eco-pencils for a jot, and I gotta say I was impressed! They without a doubt live up to their "World's Most Environmentally Friendly Pencil" claim...

Made from 100% recycled newspaper and graphite core.
No toxic chemicals

In fact, just like D'Angelo's paper pens, "old, whole newspaper sheets are flattened and cute into pieces. A coat of water-based glue is applied to the newspaper to tightly wrap the graphite." As shown below:

But my two fave things about these pencils...?

The Special Edition pencils keep their newspaper lookin' charm AND they make the perfect ecoCompanion to my ecojot journals, notebooks and sketchbooks!

Therefore, it only made sense for my November Giveaway to be both a 12 pack of Earthzone Special Edition Pencils and a handy 9x12" ecoKids Sketchbook... Perfect for some holiday sketching!

Contest will run till November 30th. I'll announce the winner on December 1st.

As it's American Thanksgiving today, how about you tell me what you're most thankful today as a comment entry? Such as the fact, that I am very thankful for your visit to my blog.... Thank you!

Am off to Connecticut to eat some turkey, and my Uncle M's super awesome mash potatoes... Happy American Thanksgiving!

See you back here on the 1st ;)

xo,

PS- Just 'cause, how about an extra entry for helping me advertise "my first official review-giveaway" if you tweet about this post or share it on Facebook profile? ;D Simply mention if you did as a separate comment!

ecojot 100% proud sponsor of R4 !

2009-11-23T14:45:00.007-05:00

Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending University of Waterloo's STEP (Sustainability Technology Education Project)'s R4 Fashion Show.

As blogto fashion writer Briony put it, "A squadron of sustainable tech nerds from Waterloo showed a packed crowd at their R4 Fashion event that going green can be high-fashion as well."

The event was headlined by some of Canada's top fashion designers: AIME by Monica Mei, CARRIE by Carrie Hayes, Thieves by Sonja den Elzen, and Rachel Jasmine Chan, and also included an Emerging Designers Competition.

While I don't count myself much of a fashionista, and most of the outfits seemed a little too out there for me, I was just so impressed by the university students who put the entire event together and their commitment "to promote sustainable design & technology, lifestyle, and eco-friendly consumer decisions in the community."

What do you think of the clothes? Anything catch your eye and could see in your closet?

xo,
ej

And the ecoLeadership winner is...

2009-11-20T15:02:00.006-05:00

And the ecojot Canadian Student Leadership Conference ecoLeadership Writing Contest Winner is.... Aimée Cunningham of Heritage Park Secondary...

It wasn't an easy choice, for as cliché as it sounds, we thought all the entries were winners... However, we were so impressed to hear that Aimée and her classmates built a recycling program from the ground up and are committed to continuing to improve it!

Congratulations to Aimée and her leadership classmates... Can't wait to send you your ecojot prize pack, and your ecoCause a $75 cheque!

Thank you to all who participated! It's been such an ecoInspiration reading all the entires... I hope for all of you too ;)

I shall be back with my semi-regular ecoLoving thoughts next week!

Bon Weekend !

xo,

ecoLeadership poetry, take 2

2009-11-19T11:40:00.005-05:00

According to Andrea Lee...
"Reduce, reuse, recycle... that's definitely the key!"

I've got just one more entry left, and the winner of the ecojot Canadian Student Leadership Conference ecoLeadership Writing Contest to reveal tomorrow!

Meanwhile, as it feels like ages since I've posted a random cool video, came across this and thought to myself, "I will never see dominos the same way again!"

Happy Thursday!

xo,

Being an ecoLeader means doing your part.

2009-11-18T17:22:00.004-05:00

Just three more entries to share, which means I'll be revealing the winner of the ecojot Canadian Student Leadership Conference ecoLeadership Writing Contest this Friday, so be sure to stay tuned! Here's hoping you've enjoyed the entries thus far :)

Sometimes many simple eco-friendly acts to make a major difference is what defines being an ecoLeader by Coreen McEwan...

Happy Hump Day ;D

xo,

ecoLeadership poetry

2009-11-17T17:34:00.003-05:00

Introducing Parker of PEI, the ecoLEader poet...

If you want clean air,
Fresh water and green land,
You'll have to get in motion,
An eco-friendly plan.

You could change your yellow bulbs,
Into curly white lights,
Or you could plant new trees,
That will grow to amazing heights.

Stop putting up those smoke stacks,
That cause acid rain,
Those hurtful little water drops,
Do nothing but cause pain.

Sort your garbage daily,
Into green and black cans,
Or grab some friends and pick up,
Debris out of the sand.

Recycling, Ebert & Roeper say,
Gets two green thumbs up.
Try to use some of ming china,
Instead of styrofoam cups.

Turn off everything,
Before you go to bed.
Change to graphite pencils,
Instead of lethal lead.

All of this should be,
Vegan food for thought.
Stop paving paradise,
To put up a parking lot.

Now that's what I call ecoPoetry!

xo,

ecoLeadership stories continued...

2009-11-16T14:19:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Here's hoping you had a lovely autumn weekend... Oh how I love watching the leaves change colour! As promised another entry from the ecoLeadership Writing Contest ecojot hosted at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference.

Thoughts on improving their recycling program by Taylor Cunningham...

Not only does Taylor's school recycle, but they compost too! And from the sounds of it they can use their school-made fertilizer at their cafeteria's garden.

More inspiring ecoLeadership stores to come!

xo,

"why it is so great to be an eco-leader"

2009-11-13T15:49:00.003-05:00

Fiona Bastiaansen's thoughts on ecoLeadership....

My favourite line is, "If we care as a leader about the environment, then we will inspire others to as well."

True story!

Thanks Fiona! More thoughts on ecoLeadership next week.... In the meantime....

Bon Weekend!

xo,

Making a difference as an ecoLEADER

2009-11-10T16:18:00.006-05:00

A few months ago ecojot was asked to sponsor the 25th annual Canadian Student Leadership Conference (CSLC), and we happily did. In fact, we even hosted an ecoLeadership Writing Contest!

For the next few days, I shall share the entries with you, and reveal the winner in the end!

So without further ado, please check out how Laura Broom of Mission, BC and how her classmates made an ecoDifference in their school...

Talk about inspiring! Oh and if you haven't yet already be sure to click on the second image from the top too, to zoom in and read "The Star Thrower" -another great story reminding us on how the littlest acts can make a difference!

xo,

Rechargable, colourful and oh-so cute!

2009-11-10T10:41:00.006-05:00

While I don't personally own anything that requires batteries... If I did, I'd totally pick myself up some Sanyo eneloop batteries. They're eco-friendly since they're rechargable, they're colourful... Not to mention there isn't a cuter way to check the state of your batteries!

Shaped like a dog, the eneloopy lets you know if your batteries require charging. "When you place your eneloop batteries into the device the dog's nose will light up: green for fully charged, orange for partially charged, red means your battery needs charging and no light means you have a dead battery on your hands."

Not sure if they're only available in Japan, but according to DVice eneloopy launches this weekend!

Random, but too eco-cute not to post ;)

xo,

October Giveaway Winner

2009-11-04T18:10:00.006-05:00

I'm back... And the October Giveaway Winner is... jennifer57

who re-used costumes from last year! Congratulations jennifer57! And thanks for being green this Halloween!

The special mystery prize? Well I decided to ask what your favourite ecojot is, so that I could surprise the winner with their preferred Ecojot treat! So jennifer57, you're going to receive some "dog ecoprints!"

Please excuse the delay of this post everyone 0:) I didn't have steady access to interweb while in NYC. But now I'm back to my semi-regular ;D blogging schedule. And what would my blog be without a video here and there?

Something upbeat, happy and randomly awesome....

Pearl and the Beard - Will Smith Medley from Goddamn Cobras Collective on Vimeo.

Happy Thursday!

xo,
ej

Be safe. Be green. Advanced Happy Happy Halloween!

2009-10-27T11:16:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone,

How was everyone's weekend? Wonderful I hope!

I've got a crazy busy week ahead of me hence my absence yesterday, and my decision to be absent for the rest of the week. I'll be back next week to announce the winner of my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway, in the meantime, be sure to enter if you haven't yet already ;)

And just because I happen to be going to NYC for a few days at the end of the week... A fun video, because you know how much I love them!

Be safe. Be green. Have a Happy Happy Halloween!

See you next week!

xo,

PS-- In fact, just for good measure, here's a link to InHabitat's Top 5 Green Halloween Treats and Tips by Yuka Yoneda!

Another Halloween Contest...

2009-10-23T15:15:00.006-04:00

As many of you have mentioned reusing old Halloween costumes, or shopping at Value Village for my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway... It only seemed appropriate to let you know about the Inhabitat Green Halloween Contest...

You can enter the Inhabitat Greeen Halloween Costume Contest any time before the deadline of 11:59pm EST on November 1st. To enter, upload up to 3 photos (as jpegs) of your awesome green halloween costume. They are looking for creative examples of DIY Halloween costumes – so you’ll get extra points for craft and creativity.

I've been battling a cold, so I haven't yet gotten a chance to check out any of the films at the Planet In Focus Film Festival but I'll be at the Eco-Exchange all day tomorrow. So if you're in the 'hood please come by and say hello. As I love to do, I will have a special raffle. And on this rare, occasion I will be selling some ecojot products!

If Toronto isn't home, not to worry, you can still enter my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway. All you have to do is tell me your favourite ecojot design/pattern!

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to load up on vitamin C to keep those unfriendly colds 'n flus away!

xo,

October Ecojot Treat Giveaway!

2009-10-22T07:59:00.000-04:00

That's right it's time for a giveaway! Whenever I see ecojot rough stripes or bumps patterns I think of candy. And being that Halloween is coming up, and Halloween is a lot about candy... I was thinking, I don't believe I've done a giveaway yet asking what your favourite ecojot designs/patterns are.

So... Trick or treat? Which ecojot is your sweet?

Okay, not my best rhyme. However, I honestly can't pick... But if you absolutely had to what ecojot would you pick? Visit the styles section at ecojot.com and tell me as a comment. An extra entry to those who include in a separate comment how you intend to be eco-savvy this Halloween.

Giveaway will run until Halloween. Winners to be announced Monday, November 2nd. My apologies contest only open to residents of Canada and the US. Please remember to include a way for me to contact you ;)

Good luck!

xo,

PS - What's the prize? That's a surprise! In the spirit of Halloween, winner will receive a special mystery ecojot prize to be revealed on November 2nd!

A thoughtful handmade thank you.

2009-10-21T15:18:00.004-04:00

Was at ecojot headquarters for my weekly visit this afternoon, and imagine my delight when I discovered we'd received a lovely handmade card from Anna Jordan of Albuquerque, NM. Not sure you can tell, but ecojot is delicately written with cut leaves!

Anna was thanking us for the ecoki prize pack that she won. Well Anna, once again, you're very welcome! Thank you for the lovely card! It was such a thoughtful creative thing to do :)

xo,

Fun Theory Tuesday

2009-10-20T07:48:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of the fun theory? What's the fun theory, you ask... Simple!

"The thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better."

I couldn't agree more. Check these ideas out... The third one, the Bottle Bank Arcade is my favourite, likely for obvious reasons ;)

Do you have a simple clever idea that exemplifies the fun theory? You could win the fun theory award and 2500 Euros! But you must act fast, the deadline is November 15, 2009. Full details available here.

Here's hoping the fun theory and the three examples above provided some fun inspiration!

xo,

Can you tell what this lamp is made from?

2009-10-19T09:34:00.005-04:00

Can you tell what this lamp is made from? Old keyboard parts!

Nifty, huh? "The keyboard is one such essential computer accessory which is extremely affordable and easy to replace with than repaired."

"Designer Nolan Herbut has meticulously removed and rearranged all the keys and wrapped the whole thing up to create this awesome Keyboard Parts Lamp. The light permeating through the gaps between keys creates an awesome surreal effect and it almost deceives one to believe that lamp is made of sophisticated cut glass, and unless specifically told no one will believe that good old humble boring keyboard has been transformed into an aesthetically beautiful lamp." -walyou.com

If only more designers could reuse material like that!

Here's hoping you had a terrific weekend. I sure did... Had loads of fun on a mini road trip to Stratford with my brother G, friends Aaron and Ana to meet up with my sister Pat, her host mum Lori, host sister Eleanor and friends Daniel and Adarsh. Good times coupled with lovely weather.

Macbeth turned out to be a contemporary production. I forgot how dark this play by the Bard of Avon is. All in all, I was impressed, especially considering it turns out actor Colm Feore is currently playing the leads in Macbeth and Cyrano.

Happy Monday!

xo,

ecoFashion Design Friday

2009-10-16T11:59:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday! It's crisp outside here in Toronto, but it is beautiful out... The sun is shining and skies are blue.

I was up relatively early for my yearly full medical check-up. Is it just me? Or no matter how early you arrive to your appointment, even when you're appointment is first thing in the morning, one manages to spend over two hours at the clinic? Waiting most of the time. I suppose all the lab work takes time, but I just had to get my rant in. Thank goodness it's only once a year! Plus I have an awesome family doc :)

So any big plans for the weekend? I am off to Stratford, a gorgeous town about two hours from Toronto that is famous for its theatre productions. Especially its Shakespearean ones. It just so happens my lil sis Pat will be there with her host mom and sis seeing shows, and so my big brother G and I decided to take a trip to meet up with them and see Macbeth!

I remember reading Macbeth in tenth grade, it suddenly seems so long ago.. Should be fun, my friends Aaron and Ana are coming too... Good times!

If I didn't have plans already, I'd totally be checking out this party... How can one go wrong at a Clothing Swap Party? Especially as the weather gets colder and that old sweater that's still great but just doesn't fit you right any more could score you a new-to-you sweater?

Save money and get new wardrobe... Better than a sample sale... The only cost is the entrance fee. I just don't see why they're charging women more... Hardly seems fair... But supposedly there are snacks, so hopefully that's included in the price!

Plus there will be a seamstress there to help you with any alterations you need. The seamstress happens to be a friend, AnotherWordforPink fashion designer Breeyn McCarney.

Speaking of AnotherWordforPink... Want a chance to win one of their dresses? In fact the one above to be exact? Visit DesignforMankind.com here, Erin will be posting this Friday's Giveaway alert soon.

The awesome thing about AnotherWordforPink other than the talented designer being a friend of mine? Their effort to be green...

"We make everything locally and ethically, and as environmentally-minded as possible. We aren’t perfect - we do our best to keep our price points low enough that you can afford our fabulous services - but it gets easier all the time as more and more stores and companies get on the green band-wagon. You can rest assured that whenever the option to make an environmentally healthy choice is before us, we will take it. Our goal is to become 100% sustainable and zero impact. Our designer is obsessed with caring for the Earth."

So check out the Clothing Swap Party if you're in Toronto tomorrow. Visit DesignforMankind.com for a chance to win the gorgeous dress above. I certainly will be entering... Besides I need something gorgeous and green to wear to the upcoming 30th Anniversary Flare Gala! Oh and be sure to check out AnotherWordforPink.com --each week a limited edition dress is posted, and "all dresses are made to order, just for you, to your specific measurements."

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

Countdown to Copenhagen... Ways to be a Climate Ally!

2009-10-15T16:15:00.010-04:00

So I'm sitting at café in the Annex in Toronto... And as it happens I am sitting next to a blog interview! It's a little loud in the café so I can't successfully eavesdrop, but clearly it's about the growing popularity of blogs, how that there is just an over-concentration of blogs now and how it is effecting the journalism profession.

"Technorati currently states it is tracking over 112.8 million blogs, a number which obviously does not include all the 72.82 million Chinese blogs as counted by The China Internet Network Information Center" - Blog Herald - How Many Blogs Are There?

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? All I know is that I believe this Blog Action Day phenomenon is such a fantastic idea! As of the moment I write this and when I wrote earlier today... There are 853 more bloggers and two more countries dedicating today to "Climate Change!"

How amazing is that? After I write this post I shall check out all the different participants out there!

So what is Climate Change? Versus Global Warming? Well if you click on the hyperlinks you'll go to the wiki definitions. Bottom line...

"Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years. It can be a change in the average weather or a change in the distribution of weather events around an average (for example, greater or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change may be limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth."

So I suppose you could say global warming is a type of climate change.

So what's the deal? How do we make a difference? Well I thought I'd take the time to break things down for you...

1) Here is a link of some very useful things you can do at home, work and all the time from the David Suzuki Foundation. Remember little things make a huge difference!

2) Join the fight for climate justice, add your "tck" here. I plan to video myself adding my "tck!"

3) Read up on what the deal is and "Why we need to 'Seal the Deal' in Copenhagen" in December.

What to know is this...

"On 7 December 2009, representatives from 193 Parties will convene in Copenhagen seeking to seal the deal on a fair, comprehensive and scientifically rigorous climate agreement for the post-2012 period.

This year, we have the opportunity to choose a new path. Copenhagen offers the chance to retool our global economy – to invest in clean energy, boost prosperity and lift millions out of poverty. By sealing the deal in Copenhagen, we can provide a more livable planet for our children and generations to come."

So what I'm thinking is we have 52 days, less than two months to make sure our voice is heard. Buying ecofriendly products such as ecojot is one thing, and I am very proud of doing my part by using such green products whenever I can, but there is more we can do! So think about it. Visit some of the links I've shared with you. I haven't come up with a giveaway yet this month, and I really want it to count, so I'm thinking I may do another rolling giveaway specific to Climate Change so stay tuned.

At 27 years old, I think it is so important to do our part. I want future generations to be able to love their planet. To take care of it, but it all starts with ourselves!

Again, Happy Blog Action Day '09! If you've got a special rolling giveaway idea that I can do leading up to December 7, 2009 share it with me ;)

xo,

Happy Blog Action '09 Day!

2009-10-15T10:50:00.007-04:00

When I discovered yesterday it was "Blog Action Day 09" today I had to sign up! I want to contribute a more comprehensive blog post on "Climate Change" than just posting a couple YouTube videos... But as you know I love visuals, and as it happens I went to a concert last night, so coming across this powerful song asking us "how can we dance when are beds are burning..." seemed very appropriate to post today. In fact, if you want to be a "Climate Ally" and download the song for free you can at TimeforClimateJustice.org.

Here is the video. Definitely some excellent music for thought.

I am off to ecojot headquarters. I'll be blogging again later today/evening. It's so cool thinking 8,939 blogs (148 countries / 12,592,373 readers) will be dedicating today to "Climate Change!" Wow! If you've got a blog consider joining too!

xo,
ej

Thankful for poutine, pie, and most of all young people who are making the world a better place.

2009-10-14T14:24:00.013-04:00

How was your weekend? Mine was filled with lots of food. Sunday was a full turkey dinner with many sides. And then on (Canadian) Thanksgiving Monday, a twist on the Canadian part. Jamie made a pumpkin pie and I had poutine.... That's right... Pie + Poutine = Canadian Thanksgiving, at least for Jamie, Simon and I. Ok, we had zucchini-blue cheese quiche too... Yeah can you say clogged arteries for Thanksgiving? Lol 0;D

For those of you who don't know what poutine is... It's my favourite 100% French Canadian delicacy... French fries topped with brown gravy and fresh cheese curds. It originated from Quebec, and I was very happy to discover that my local grocery store sells cheese curds!

I don't have any pics, as we rather gluttonous and so we didn't take any, but there's a shot of our more traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I love that I am fortunate enough to celebrate two Thanksgivings again this year... Canadian and American :) I'll be in Connecticut again this year with my family!

So I have no way of seamlessly segueing in to this, so I will just dive right into it... My brother G told me about this awesome story on BBC yesterday, that I can't not share... "The 'youngest'headmaster in the world..."

"Around the world millions of children are not getting a proper education because their families are too poor to afford to send them to school. In India, one schoolboy is trying to change that. In the first report in the BBC's Hunger to Learn series, Damian Grammaticas meets Babar Ali, whose remarkable education project is transforming the lives of hundreds of poor children.

At 16 years old, Babar Ali must be the youngest headmaster in the world. He's a teenager who is in charge of teaching hundreds of students in his family's backyard, where he runs classes for poor children from his village. "

There are a couple videos, and the full article here. The story is just so inspiring! It reminds us where there is a will, there is a way.

And it makes me so excited about the ways in which together with ecojot, we are working towards encouraging education and helping others all the time... And as I said in a project we're doing in 2010! So be sure to stay tuned ;)

Meanwhile, check out some photos I received from Lisa, the Development and Program Director of Teens Turning Green, one of the many awesome causes ecojot supports...

"Students are working diligently on projects greening their schools and planning some terrific events and more students are joining us weekly." - Lisa

I am thankful there are young people out there close to home and abroad, who have a desire to make a difference! Kudos.

xo,

A Perfect Flush Friday... Plus a SUPERCRAWL in Hamilton!

2009-10-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

When I lived in France last year all the toilets I came across always had two flushing options... I've noticed since coming back to Canada that newer toilets have the dual-flush option. But how about those who rent an apartment (like myself) or who just can't afford to buy a new toilet?

Well I just came across this terrific eco-invention on ecofriend called the Brondell Perfect Flush

Did you know...?

55 billion gallons of drinkable water are flushed everyday.
8 out of 10 bathroom visits don't require a full flush.

See their brief less than two-minute video on how it works. In a nutshell, "The system installs in less than 30 minutes and cuts water use by 30 to 50%, which the company claims will save an average home up to $100 annually in water use, thereby recouping its cost of $99 in just one year."

I'm certainly going to try and convince my landlady to give it a try for all the toilets in the building, and consider it as a Christmas present to my homeowner friends and family.

Every little bit counts, right? Oh and if you live in Toronto and are considering purchasing a new toilet, and didn't know... "The City of Toronto offers residents a $60 or $75 cash incentive to replace a water-guzzling toilet with a City-selected water-efficient model!" Full details available here.

Here's to being truly green. And in case I hadn't mentioned it, if you live in the Hamilton area... ecojot is making an appearance at Mixed Media at 154 James Street North.

If you need help getting to the exact location, see below. Have you tested out Google Street View, yet? It's so much fun, not to mention a super convenient way to know where you're going!

View Larger Map

But I digress, Mark of ecojot, unfortunately not along with me this time around, will be checking out the James Street North Supercrawl tomorrow night... Lot's of music, plus the usual ecojot Fan appreciation fair... dollar-off coupons, gourmet jellybeans and of course a free raffle to win some of your favourite 100% recycled stationery! Please check it out if you're nearby!

Have a fabulous weekend... Oh and advanced Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians out there! Gobble gobble!

xo,

Romantic Shorts Thursday... Plus keeping the "Planet in Focus!"

2009-10-08T13:43:00.006-04:00

As you may or may not know, I am a bit of a hopeless romantic... I rarely like admitting it but I really enjoy romantic comedies... I recently saw "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds and totally enjoyed it 0;)

But I also enjoy shorts, and so of course I have a particular fondness for sweet, cute, mushy shorts... Signs below was a short sent to me by my friend Johnson a while back, and I hadn't realized until today when I went searching for it here on my blog that I haven't shared it... The characters aren't exactly environmentally friendly with their paper-use, but it's still super cute and worth the share...

Signs from Kevin Ferguson on Vimeo.

Then there's "Struck" which my brother G posted on his Facebook profile recently... Another great short by Director Taron Lexton, Screenplay by Milena Ferreira and produced by her husband Nathan Lorch. Full info on their website StrucktheFilm.com. Turns out it has done a full film festival circuit and one many accolades!

Struck from weian zhou on Vimeo.

Clearly both male characters are "struck!" I hope you enjoy!

Speaking of films, I gotta make a plug for "Planet in Focus," Canada's preeminent international environmental film and video festival! It start's Wednesday, October 21st and goes on until Sunday, October 25th. Venues include Royal Cinema, Innis College, Bata Shoe Museum, Festival Box Office, the ROM, and the Gardiner Museum.

And I am excited to say that Ecojot will be attending the Eco Exchange, on the last two days of the film fest, Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25! So mark your calendars, watch some ecoFILMS and stop by and say hello at the Eco Exchange... I'll have jellybellies, buttons and a free Ecojot raffle... Plus some Ecojot journals for purchase!

Tickets are $10 each, $8 for students and seniors and a pass for the whole festival is only $100... That's cheaper than seeing a movie on a regular night out ;)

Happy Thursday! Hope you enjoyed the shorts!

xo,
ej

I've gotta feeling... that I love giving!

2009-10-07T14:21:00.003-04:00

I love helping great causes, especially ones that encourage reading and writing, and most of all creativity and expression, so it was so wonderful to hear back from one of the events that I personally helped donate ecojot workbooks to!

Check out the lovely thank you email I received the other day....

---

Dear Ecojotter,

On behalf of the Spencertown Academy, I would like to send my deepest gratitude for Ecojot's generous contribution of 50 notepads to the Festival of Books event last September 4th - 13th. The Festival was well-attended by visitors and locals alike. The notepads were a topical addition to the 2nd weekend of the event, when we showcased a New York State Poet Laureate, who read from her latest collection, thus inspiring would-be poets to start jotting down thoughts and feelings. How handy the notepads proved to be!

The Ecojot notepads were a hit among the school-age children; they especially liked the "cool" and "fun" designs and the fact that they were made from recycled materials.

Thank you again for your support and generosity.

Sincerely,
Marie

Volunteer, Spencertown Academy

---

It was my pleasure, Marie! Am so pleased to hear the little ecoWorkbooks were such a hit!

Want to know a little secret? Well I'm at ecojot headquarters this afternoon and I am currently working on something huge for 2010 with Mark, one of the owners of ecojot. Something very inspiring and very philanthropic. Something that will make you feel warm and fuzzy every time you purchase and use an ecojot notebook, and not just because it's 100% recycled! Something I can't wait to tell you more about... But can't (sorry!) until it's all finalized. But I promise you'll hear it here first on blog ;)

But in the meantime, I just want to share this great video clip that you've probably already seen floating around the interweb, but if you haven't, you gotta check out... Watching it each time just makes me smile and want to get up and dance, it reminds me how everyone can do their little part and end up getting together to do something huge, fun and exciting!

Happy Hump Day!

xo,
ej

I spy with my little eye... ecojot!

2009-10-02T16:34:00.002-04:00

NYC Inhabitat Party Goodie Giveaway
Originally uploaded by Inhabitat

A few weeks ago I'd heard that Inhabitat New York was launching. Being the big Inhabitat and of course NYC fan that I am, while I couldn't be there in person... I thought why not try and send some Ecojot goodies. As luck would have it my offer arrived in time, and I managed to send some Ecojot gift-in-kind donations for a the "NYC Inhabitat Party Goodie Giveaway."

Inhabitat sent out word they'd posted pics of the launch party on Flickr, and so I of course had to check 'em out!

Speaking of giveaways, SliceofLemon.com is hosting a giveaway for five Ecojot jumbo journals, or as Sabrina, the blogger refers to them "jumbo-jots...." "The Greatest Notebooks on Earth!"

The contest is going on until 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009. So hurry, one entry per person, all you have to do is share "your fondest childhood memory!"

It's very wet and gray here in Toronto., which is unfortunate since well it's a tad depressing, plus not only is it Nuit Blanche tomorrow in Paris and Toronto, but I am riding my first tall-ship sail boat tomorrow for a ride on Lake Ontario and a delicious dinner... But brrrr, it sure is going to be cold. I may have to bring my parka!

Bon weekend however you spend it!

xo,
ej

2 ECOfashionably awesome ideas: ThredUp and The Uniform Project.

2009-10-01T15:17:00.012-04:00

Wow, my 176th post... And I have 50 Google followers... This is reason to celebrate! I am celebrating with a cup of hot tea. It's a bit on the cool side in my apartment. It's definitely autumn here in Toronto.

Thank you to all those who've opened their pocketbooks to donate to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Mother Nature continues to hit Southeast Asia hard, most recently with an earthquake in Indonesia. *Sigh* just yet another reminder why we need to take good care of our Mother Earth, she's clearly hurting and we need to take note.

So speaking of being ECOconscious I came across two very clever fashionably sustainable ideas...

One called ThredUp "Like Netflix for Clothes" according to the online newsletter UrbanDaddy. The concept is simple...

People change.

You grow. And before you know it, things just don't fit anymore.

Yes, we're talking about that relationship of utmost importance: the one you have with your clothes. And when that relationship goes sour (as it sometimes does), you'll need a mess-free way to breakup.

As usual, look to the Internet…

Introducing ThredUp.com, a first-of-its-kind service devoted to helping you get rid of the clothes you don't want anymore, and just maybe, getting some new threads to replace them, in beta now.

In a nutshell: Think webwide clothing swap. From what I gathered it's only available in the US. But being a big fan of clothing swaps, I think this is one ECOfabulous way of exchanging your threads for gently used ones with the very slim chance of running into the previous owner. What do you think?

The second fashionably clever idea that is not only sustainable but philanthropic! The Uniform Project. This one was passed on to me courtesy of my brother G. Thanks for forwarding this along G!

I love this idea. I grew up attending a few schools requiring uniforms, and I quite frankly preferred it. I love clothes, but I also love sleeping in, and deciding what to wear can be such a drag in the morning.

So here's the scoop, starting May 2009, Sheena the author of the year long blog will "wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion."

Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir.

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums.

I think this is an awesome idea. Plus, I've already found myself scrolling back to May 2009 to see all the very clever ways Sheena has worm this adorable dress. I love how you can visit every day and rate what she's wearing. In fact, the Uniform Project is at their sixth-month mark... And they have raised over $27,000! I will definitely be contributing to this somehow... I wonder if she'll take paper donations?

Speaking of philanthropy... I am currently in the midst of working with Mark of Ecojot on an amazing cause starting 2010, that I cannot wait to tell you more about. All I can say is... It'll be one more awesome reason to feel good about owning an Ecojot!

Here's a peek of Day 1 to today, Day 154 of The Uniform Project...

Kudos, Sheena for this awesome project! I look forward to staying tuned on all the awesome ways you wear your year-long uniform. Is it just me, or do you want to own this dress too?

xo,

A Request for Help for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy

2009-09-29T11:35:00.005-04:00

Photo: Francis R. Malasig

Today's post is a little more on the solemn side of things... Please take a moment to read about the recent floods in Southeast Asia that have severely affected the Philippines. This natural disaster is without a doubt directly related to how we treat Mother Earth. Please remember that Everyday is Earth Day.

As you have likely heard...

On Sept. 26, the Philippine capital Manila and its neighboring provinces suffered one of nature's worst beating. Typhoon Ondoy, international code name Ketsana, poured more than a month's worth of rain in six hours, submerging most parts of the bustling metropolis, drowning at least a hundred people as of press time. My prayers to the victims, and may we emerge victorious and live by the lessons of this tragedy. (Photos by Reuters. Music by Ennio Morricone, "Love Theme" from "Cinema Paradiso."

I happen to be originally from the Philippines so this hits very close to home. In fact my parents and one of my brothers live in Manila, as do my grandmothers, many aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. Thankfully with the exception of some being stranded for a few hours, all my friends and relatives are safe and sound, however many others are not...

I didn't post this yesterday, as I was waiting for Red Cross Canada to include this recent calamity to their list of online donations. This morning I made a personal donation to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (listed as "Philippines Typhoon"). Please consider making a donation too. The minimum online donation is only $5, and even that much will go a long way.

RedCross.ca will accept donations from Canada and the US, but if you're American and would prefer you may make a donation at RedCross.org, or wherever you may call home at the Red Cross near you.

If you make any sort of donation large or small (no need to tell me how much), please let me know as I would like to personally thank you via snail mail :)

Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal for donations. Every bit helps, even just hopeful thoughts and prayers :)

xo,

A typophile?

2009-09-28T16:07:00.004-04:00

Happy Yom Kippur to all those observing today :)

Quick post before I head to my night class at UofT...

Second to photographs of food, when it comes to art, I am a huge fan of typography... I guess that makes me a "typophile?" Check out this awesome video of the "Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles..." As my friend Caroline who posted on her wall, its "AH-MAZING!"

Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

Happy Monday!

xo,

Random Friday Blog Find: "The 4417 Mile Diet"

2009-09-25T17:44:00.006-04:00

I love food. And ever since moving to my new apartment in April which is furnished with a cute little white gas stove... I find myself more inclined to cook.

While I prefer eating food, I very much appreciate food photography... Plus, as previously mentioned I am a sucker for a good love story. It's the hopeless romantic side of my perpetually singledom =p So imagine my delight when I came across this adorable blog...

"She can never find enough dishes to cook tomatoes in, and he can never have brunch without bacon. They love cooking together, eating, exploring the great diverse city of Toronto; and of course, they are in love.

In September, she moved to Rome for 4 months for school, leaving him behind in Toronto. And although 4417 miles apart, they decided to share their meals with each other like they always have."

Introducing The 4417 Mile Diet. The food looks so tasty. I can't think of a better way to keep in touch!

I happen to know one of the bloggers, Gabe. We worked together at an architectural firm back in the day... Check out his photography too. Great stuff. You two, are adorable Gabe and May!

Happy Friday ! Bon Weekend !

Tonight I'm going to attempt my aunt's simple shrimp scampi linguni recipe for dinner... If I remember to take a photo before devouring it, I'll post a pic up!

xo,

too many m&ms tonight + love happens review

2009-09-23T21:41:00.006-04:00

Originally uploaded by Brandy Shaul

I got to see "Love Happens" tonight with Kate. It was fun spotting the ecojot logo twice, and Jennifer Aniston character's Eloise jotting in an ecojot journal.

There was other product placement, yet it was nice knowing that ecojot was asked to be there!

I'd love to see ecojot on the the big screen more often... Heck, I'd love to see ecojot on the small screen too!

So what's with the title of my entry tonight? Well, I have a tendency to indulge when watching movies... Tonight was no exception... Kate and I stopped at the nearby grocert store in the bulk section where I picked us up some peanut m&ms... I think I had too many. My tummy started to hurt.

It made me think of this month's issue of Fast Company magazine's numerlogy piece about candy... I couldn't find the cool infographic that was attached to the article online, but here are some crazy candy numerlogy facts, just in time for Halloween...

The U.S. candy manufacturing industry includes about 1,600 companies, but just 2 (the Hersheys Co. and Mars Snackfoods U.S.) make 15 of the top-20 selling chocolate candy bars.

Only 26% of homes gives out full-sized candy bars. Fun-sized Snickers bars are the most popular Halloween candy.

Treat: Austin, Charlotte, and San Antonio lead U.S. Halloween spending on candy and decorations, with $53 per household.
Trick: Cincinnati spends the least, $35.

93% of kids go trick-or-treating.

There are 22 M&M colors.
Mar's M&Ms are the most popular chocolate candies in the United States, with annual sales of almost $425 million.

Halloween is responsible for three-fourths of candy corn's annual sales.

October 30th is national Candy Corn Day. Nearly 9 billion pieces of candy corn are produced annually.

Prohibition was a sweet age of revenge: Baby Ruths, Oh Henry!, Charleston Chew, Mounds, Milky Way, Reese's peanut butter cups, Bit-O-Honey, Mr Goodbar, Milk Duds, Butterfinger, and Snickers all debuted between 1920 and 1930.

America will spend $9 billion on Halloween. The average person will spend $20.39 of that on candy.

Every day, Tootsie Roll Industries produces 16 million Tootsie Pops. According to Purdue University study, it takes an average of 252 licks to get to the center.

Twizzlers, Good & Plenty, a Milky Way, and a Vosges Mo's Bar were consumed during the production of this story.

Anyway, I enjoyed "Love Happens"... Aaron Eckhart is dreamy in it, even if he was dealing with his own stuff ;) As I told DesignerJots, "it was a cute feel-good-movie, a little bit of drama, a bit comedy and just the right amount of gushy romance." Check it out and let me know what you think!

xo,
ej

PS - No, I did not just have m&ms for dinner tonight! Promise... I had two small salads too before the m&ms =D

Ecojot's Feature Film Debut

2009-09-22T12:58:00.006-04:00

As you may recall a few months ago, I mentioned that a movie titled "Love Happens," originally called "Traveling" when being filmed was coming out this month, and was not only starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston, but Ecojot too. Okay, not starring, but making a cameo appearance.

Well I haven't seen the film yet, I will be seeing tomorrow with my girlfriend Kate, who happens to have been crushing on Aaron Eckhart played a "sensitive motorcycle type" named George in Erin Brockovich.

Meanwhile, Lori of Universal Pictures was kind enough to send me a couple stills of the hunky Mr. Eckhart standing in front of a whole bunch of Ecojot journals!

Thank you again, Lori for permission to share this photo with my readers and fellow Ecojot fans. I can't wait to see the film... I am so a sucker for chick-flicks. Remember my review of the "The Time Traveler's Wife" last month? Needless to say, I'm a fan of this genre 0;)

Check out the trailer for "Love Happens..." If you check it out, please be sure to let me know what you think! I love hearing others reviews!

More exciting Ecojot and film news soon... In the meantime, Happy Tuesday!

xo,

PS - According to Apple Trailers and BoxOfficeMojo... "Love Happens" came in 4th this past weekend for Box Office Results ($8M)... Not bad, eh? ;D

Born to Dance?

2009-09-22T12:42:00.003-04:00

Made me smile as much as this super cute rendition of "Hey Jude..." While I am busy blogging some more about movies... Check out this young dancer...

Be back later with more fun tidbits...

xo,

one more tiff thought

2009-09-20T00:02:00.002-04:00

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, Director: Lee Daniels, Principal Cast: Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Gabourey Sidibe

So thanks to my friend Heather, I managed to see the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Winner "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire." This time around since I'd heard bits and pieces, I couldn't help but take a glimpse of the trailer before tonight. It still did not completely prepare me for the intensity of this film.

Yet a more appropriate adjective is powerful. This movie most definitely let me thinking. At times difficult to watch, especially with its strong realism. The first paragraph of the tiff description sums it up perfectly...

"Raw, vibrant and resoundingly hopeful, Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire will stand in years to come as one of the strongest American films of 2009. Although the details of its plot may shock, it is at heart the story of a young woman determined to better herself despite overwhelming obstacles set against her."

Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe's performance absolutely awing. There is no doubt as to why Oprah backed this film as a co-executive producer to Tyler Perry.

I look forward to seeing the response to this film as it opens to a mainstream audience in the near future. Apparently Director Lee Daniels is already in Spain showcasing it at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Daniels' technique of juxtaposing certain elements of Precious' story, such as her dreams and "rich inner world full of colourful fantasies of celebrity and adoration" made the way the story was told that much more impressive. I now most definitely want to read the book!

I am honoured to have had a chance to see this film tonight at tiff. Totally made me excited for tiff 2010.

More thoughts on films soon... Especially with one with Ecojot having a cameo in one that just opened yesterday!

xo,

my tiff thoughts. warning: long post 0;)

2009-09-18T22:57:00.013-04:00

I must admit I don't want to necessarily rank the seven films I had the opportunity to watch... But I will share with you my thoughts, and my reasoning behind my voting.

Same Same But Different, Director: Detlev Buck, Principal Cast: David Kross, Apinya Sakuljaroensuk, Stefan Konarske, Jens Harzer, Wanda Badwal

As you may have read from my post on Monday, of my review of this German-Cambodian Based-On-A-True-Love-Story, I was quite impressed with this film. I had the pleasure of watching the North American premiere. And what can I say? I am a sucker for a great love story... And this was definitely one, in the most unlikely of places between Sreykeo, a young Cambodian prostitute, and Ben, the young German backpacker. It was more than a one-night stand, it was connection.

Since, I'm not much a film critic, an excerpt from The Variety's review:

"Throughout the movie, these two bring a lightness to their scenes with the more serious Ben that helps keep the drama from becoming maudlin.

But from the start, too, Sreykeo is shown as a very grounded young woman, not some wilting oriental rose. Though she genuinely loves Ben, she sees that love as carrying financial responsibilities (like supporting her mom's gambling habit) which Ben sometimes sees as bare-assed exploitation of a "rich" Westerner.

By not making Sreykeo a victim, the film avoids playing into the usual East-West cliches, and even bustling Phnom Penh is portrayed in an offhand, everyday way."

Glorious 39, Director: Stephen Poliakoff, Principal Cast: Romola Garai, Bill Nighy, Julie Christie, Christopher Lee, Hugh Bonneville

This was the sixth film I saw... And while it wasn't the first screening during the festival, we were fortunate enough to have the director Stephen Poliakoff, the star Romola Garai and co-star Bill Nighy present the film with a bit of an intro at the beginning.

This was the last film I saw with Mathew, Jamie and Maria... Very appropriately screened at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre, this film most definitely lived up to its name of being "Glorious." Garai's performance as Anne Keyes, as well as Nighy's of her father, Alexander was superb!

Before the film, I believe it was Nighy who said there isn't a movie out there that is presented like this, that tells the story like this... Set in 1939 on the eve of World War II, Poliakoff emphasized that the story was based on facts, although the character fictional and embellished for dramatic purposes.

Mathew said it was his favourite film. I know Jamie loved the costume design and make-up... Who couldn't? Garai looked stunning in every shot! Most definitely a thriller unlike any other I've seen!

Harry Brown, Director: Daniel Barberk, Principal Cast: Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Charlie Creed-Miles, Ben Drew, Liam Cunningham

Now this was the film that was difficult to watch! It was a Mathew-pick, one he admitted afterwards was solely based on the fact that Michael Caine starred. As Jamie pointed out, after seeing "Harry Brown" one will never see Sir Michael Caine the same ever again! A major departure from the character in Cider House Rules, Dr. Wilbur Larch who memorably says... "Goodnight, you princes of Maine. You kings of New England."

All I can say is the first line, which clearly neither Mathew, Jamie or I read in the tiff description was quite accurate, "Michael Caine is Harry Brown. If that sentence carries a hint of action-movie menace, it's not entirely misplaced. Caine's Harry is eventually roused to awesome and satisfying vengeance, but this film begins in more troubling, nuanced territory."

I will be shocked if Caine does not receive an Oscar nomination for his role in this film!

The Informant!, Director: Steven Soderbergh, Principal Cast: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Melanie Lynskey

This film opened in theatres today. I watched it with Mathew, my big brother G, and our friend David. G apparently was reading the reviews today, and was quite pleased he got a sneak peak. Definitely a perk of attending the film fest! I honestly had a difficult time picturing anyone but Matt Damon playing the role of Mark Whitacre a.k.a. "the tattle-tale."

This was most definitely the quirkest of the films I got to see. Highly entertaining, and at times only difficult to watch because Whitacre would find himself in such ridiculous lying predicaments! Did I mention this movie is based on a true story on the exposure of price-fixing by an agri-business giant in the early 90s? Hilarious to say the least!

Partir, Director: Catherine Corsini, Principal Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas, Sergi Lopez, Yvan Attal

Partir translates to Leaving in English. This film I saw by myself today. J'ai eu envie à voir un film en français... I wanted so very much to see a French film, à la practice my French! All I could find myself thinking is, wow, I would love to be able to speak French as well as Kristen Scott Thomas.

I was drawn to this film, after hearing the glowing reviews of her performance in "Il y a longtemps que je t'aime" also known as "I Loved You So Long" which I believe also had its North Amercian Premiere at last year's tiff!

Much like Harry Brown, what stood out most was the acting of the lead, minus the gore. When I was checking out the details on imdb.com of this film, I ended up reading a review by a fellow fesitval goer... I like how he summed it up at the end of his review, "Catherine Corsini directed and wrote the movie. A male director, like the doomed husband in the movie, might not have understood that love is love, regardless of the cause."

The Vintner's Luck, Director: Niki Caro, Principal Cast: Jérémie Renier, Gaspard Ulliel, Vera Farmiga, Keisha Castle-Hughes

Now this film, which I saw on Tuesday at 9am... The first of three films I saw that day was definitely different. And yes, in a good way. While I new it was about a winemaker's life and the relationships in it.... I had no idea it was directed by Niki Caro, the same director behind "The Whale Rider," starring Keisha Castle-Hughes when she was a mere tween!

Without giving away too much, this film was set in 19th century France (but filmed in New Zealand), and based on a novel by a well-known New Zealander, Elizabeth Knox... It co-starred a gorgeous angel named Xas who played Renier's Sobran's bff! If that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will...

As Mathew pointed out, the only complaint is that the film didn't seem to afford thorough relationship development.

Google Baby, Director: Zippi Brand Frank

This was the one documentary we got to see. It was the final screening during the fest, so no FAQ or pre-amble. But this film definitely got a lot of festival buzz, and rightly so... It shed light on a topic so rarely discussed. This was a pick off mine, and what drew me to it was reading an article last year in the New York Times titled "Her Body, My Baby," that and the Tina Fey movie "Baby Mama."

As the title implies, the doc tells the story of "a journey across three continents telling the story of the up and coming baby production industry in the age of globalization." Most definitely interesting food for thought.

Tomorrow, I will be trying to get tickets to the free screening of the Cadillac People's Choice Award Winner at the Elgin Theatre. Tickets are available starting 7pm. So I guess it'll be eight screenings in all, if Heather and I successfully get tickets!

Off to bed, for a busy afternoon in front of Midoco... Hope to see you if you live in Toronto!

Thank you for sharing this tiff journey with me... It was loads of fun recapping the seven great films I got to see... While it was a lot of movie... I am definitely in for 2010 ;)

xo,

ecojotter @ midoco in the annex in toronto... tomorrow!

2009-09-18T12:43:00.003-04:00

off to see my last tiff film of the season "partir"... just a quick reminder to all the torontonians out there...

i'll be at midoco from 12-4pm at 555 bloor street west, toronto this saturday, september 19th...

lemonade, jellybeans, buttons, coupons and an awesome raffle... in fact, i got this awesome thank you note from our outer layer event winner...

"Just wanted you to know that I just received the package. Holy crap, it's amazing. Everyone was crowding around my desk admiring the booty (not that one) ; )

You guys really do terrific work...just gorgeous stuff. My 8 year old, who loves to draw and write poetry is going to be thrilled.

Thanks again. Keep up the great work."

yay! happy to cause a bit of green stationery jealously once in a while ;)

i hope to have a chance to chillax at home this evening with my laptop, some tea and cookies (tim tams to be exact!) and think about all the films i've seen and share my thoughts on them.

meanwhile... completely random, but i'm a bit of a nerd, and so i thoroughly enjoyed this recap of the elements... introducing the elements (found via my brother g)...

happy friday! hope to see you at midoco... and if not, hope to make it to a city near you soon!

xo,
ej

"If You Printed the Internet..."

2009-09-16T23:51:00.003-04:00

I'm pretty certain I've posted this "Did You Know" video before (at the bottom of the post)... And when CandiedFabrics kindly tweeted to me about the following graphics.. I instantly knew I had to share them with you!

Great ecoFood for thought... Thanks again CandiedFabrics! By the way, I love the response "@ecojotter Whenever hubby complains about my time online, I can say "But honey, it's so good for the environment!" ;-)"

I certainly hope everyone thinks twice before printing something! I personally do not own a printer (even though I work from home!) If I need to print something work-related I'll wait till I have to go in to the office, which I think is great since I will only print it if I really need it. Otherwise, even when I find myself jotting things down in my ecojotter or having it readily available on my iPod touch to look up.

The awesome "If You Printed the Internet" graphics were originally posted here on CreativeCloud/CartridgeSave.co.uk.

Here's the video, that I'm pretty certain I've shared before, but if not, enjoy for the first time ;) Some other interesting stats...

I'm off to Ecojot headquarters tomorrow to meet with Mark about some exciting ecoCollaborations in the works. I will try to squeeze in some time to chat about the other five films I've seen since "Same Same But Different." I see my seventh and final tiff film this Friday... A French film called "Partir" starring Kristen Scott Thomas.

There are some exciting Ecojot giveaways hosted at various blogs and other noteworthy ecoCool things coming up... so stay tuned ;)

xo,

Our Saturday @ Wyndham Art Supplies, Guelph

2009-09-15T07:36:00.000-04:00

Woke up late yesterday morning 'cause I was tired from a packed weekend. Saturday was spent in Guelph. Saturday evening was spent at a delicious end-of-summer barbeque complete with grilled corn on the cob, juicy mini burgers, fresh watermelon juice... And I brought a camembert-tomate tarte (a.k.a. quiche)! Oh and there were sparklers! I'm hoping that photos will turn up on Facebook for me to post... Speaking of photos... Here are some from Saturday!

Mark (head of sales at Ecojot) and I had tons of fun set up in front of Wyndham Art Supplies. Not only was the weather gorgeous! But our Ecojot Fan Appreciation Day in Guelph coincided with the Guelph Jazz Festival! Check out some of the highlights...

Off to see tiff film #3... Yikes and it starts at 9am! So gotta ready to be picked up... Seeing three films todays:

The Vitner's Luck

The Informant! and

Google Baby.

Reviews to follow ;)

xo,

Same Same But Different = Splendid

2009-09-14T00:37:00.005-04:00

Just got home not too long ago after a great start to tiff. I went to the North American premiere of "Same Same But Different" with my friends Mathew, Jamie, and Jamie's mum, Maria.

All three of them trusted me with the film choices. Mathew made a few recommendations, but I lined up at the box office twice. I must admit "Same Same But Different" just sounded appealing to me. I didn't really research the story. I like to be surprised from time to time, but surprised good, not surprised bad. Plus I wanted to take picking films a bit seriously for my friends, all of whom have never experienced the Toronto International Film Festival until tonight!

To my delight, and theirs... "Same Same But Different" was splendid. A beautiful cross-cultural star-crossed lovers set in Germany and Cambodia, but I don't think that description does it justice. All I can say is if you have the chance, see this film! David Kross (of The Reader) stars as Ben, and Apinya Sakuljaroensuk stars as Streykeo.... And both are amazing, very believable performances, for roles based on real-life characters. Director Detlev Buck, producer Claus Boje, and David Kross and Apinya Sakuljaroensuk were all there for the screening, and did a Q&A afterwards.

From googling the film just now, I discovered the film opened at the Locarno Film Fest, and within two days of its world premiere it won the "Piazza Grande Award!" I hope to see the film get more nods!

Time for bed... Tomorrow afternoon I see Harry Brown (a Mathew pick), all I know is it stars Michael Caine. I'll resist the temptation of reading the brief description on the tiff site.

I'll be sure to post pics of the great Saturday in Guelph before I head off to my second tiff flick ;)

Just wanted to post 'bout the film, while it was fresh in my mind... Again... Splendid!... Or as they say in Germany... "großartig!"

xo,

Ecojot Wyndham Event in Guelph on Saturday... Come say hello!

2009-09-11T13:10:00.006-04:00

Just checked the forecast, and it's suppose to be sunny, high of 22, which isn't bad for autumn-time! I've never been Guelph, which I hear is a very quaint little city! It's going to be loads of fun, just like last month here in Toronto at Outer Layer!

Full details:

Ecojot Fan Appreciation Event @ Wyndham Art Supplies

A Saturday Afternoon of Ecojot Love

Host:	ecojot
Type:	Other - Retail
Network:	Global
Price:	Free

Date:	Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time:	11:00am - 4:00pm
Location:	Wyndham Art Supplies
Street:	125 Wydham Street North
City/Town:	Guelph, ON

RSVP on Facebook here :) We'll have free lemonade, gourmet jellybeans and buttons for you! Plus $1 off Ecojot products of $9 or more coupons!

For a different event, that's open to you all Canadian Residents... I got a lovely email from Natalie Bahadur, Senior Web Editor of StyleAtHome.com the other day...

"Hi there. How are you? I love your blog and check it out frequently!

There are some really exciting initiatives happening at www.styleathome.com and I wanted to share the details with you!

Our latest project is the Style at Home Makeover Contest 2009. This fabulous contest invites Canadians to share a photo of a room in their home that’s in desperate need of a makeover. Whether it’s a kitchen that’s buried under a sea of clutter or a bedroom that’s just plain boring, we want to see pictures of rooms that need a decorating overhaul! There are two grand prizes of $2,000 each in Home Depot gift certificates, plus 20 $50 Home Depot gift cards are up for grabs, just for voting and posting comments. Visit http://makeover2009.styleathome.com/ for full contest details. "

While I love the simplicity of our living room and dining room, I am so tempted to submit it... I'll have to see what my roommate has to say ;) How fun it would be to win some $$$ to redecorate our apartment!

If you live in Guelph or nearby, I hope to see you tomorrow. If not... Hopefully next Saturday at Midoco for another event right here in Toronto!

Seeing my first tiff film this Sunday night, a German movie called "Same Same But Different!" Can't wait to write all about it. I'll be sure to let you know if I spot any celebs as I'm festivaling ;D

Bon weekend!

xo,

A Very ecoCLEVER Science Project: A Solar Panel Made from Human Hair.

2009-09-10T10:57:00.008-04:00

My Uncle M forwarded this article to me yesterday from DVICE with the message:

"With your longer hair I think you could power a city!"

My hair is at its longest these days. Part laziness for booking a haircut, part economical and well a much bigger part that I have become quite fond of long hair :) But back to the topic at hand.... Full excerpt from DVICE article:

A schoolboy from Nepal has come up with a recession-busting new solar panel which replaces the silicon component with human hair. Milan Karki, an 18-year-old student from the region of Khotang, devised the idea after discovering that hair pigment Melanin acts as an energy converter.

Each panel, which is around 15 inches square, produces 9 Volts (18 Watts) of energy, and costs $38 to make. This, it has to be said, is mainly due to the price of the raw materials: half a kilo of human hair costs around 25¢ in Nepal. Karki is hoping to commercialize his invention, which can charge a cellphone or power batteries to provide an evening's worth of light, and eventually mass produce it.

"First I wanted to provide electricity for my home, then my village," says Karki, who was inspired by British physicist Stephen Hawking. "Now I am thinking for the whole world. We have begun the long walk to save the planet." Catch a shot of the teenager's invention below.

I love stories like this. So inspiring. An 18-year old how was simply inspired to provide electricity for his home and then his village! I certainly hope that Milan Karki is able to parlay this into something amazing for him and his village... And hopefully the world!

xo,

PS - A more in depth article posted by my bro on Daily Mail here.

Super Cute Rendition of Hey Jude

2009-09-09T22:47:00.005-04:00

Super Cute!

It's a late Wednesday night post... But I saw this on a friend's Facebook wall, too cute not to share here if you haven't yet already. Plus seems apropos considering they just released the newly digitally remastered Beatles albums...

Belated Happy Hump Day! TIFF officially starts tomorrow... I was at the Box Office today to pick up my tickets... I'm seeing a total of seven films, starting Sunday! I can't wait!

xo,

Getting excited for TIFF, and a film premiering at UN Climate Week

2009-09-08T10:52:00.006-04:00

Wow, 43 Google Followers!!! Welcome to all the new subscribers... Perhaps many by way of PegCityMomma's Giveaway, enter here, if you haven't yet already... Giveaway ends September 14th :D

Just a quick Tuesday hello... I was reading the Globe this morning when I came across this fantastic photograph of the Snowbirds ("Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron) in Toronto.

Photo: Ryan Enn Hughes/The Globe and Mail

I'm still wondering how this was shot... Helicopter? One of the other Snowbirds? The latter seems unlikely considering how much attention the pilots need to pay when they're that close to each other as it is.

Keeping this short 'cause have you ever noticed how a short work week after a long weekend seems to pile up the to-dos? But before I sign off just a quick ecoFilm plug...

I was visiting Inhabitat.com this morning when I came across this film trailer for "The Age of Stupid." After watching the trailer, I quickly logged on to the TIFF website to see if it's screening here before it premieres in the US on Monday, September 21 in conjunction with US Climate Week. Unfortunately, it's not screening at TIFF, but I am hopeful it'll open here too.

I'm getting really excited about TIFF, and I'll be sure to share my thoughts on the films I get to see. I'm seeing at least six in all, the most I've ever seen at one festival! Should be tons of fun, and for those of you who are in Toronto, and didn't know there are many free events. All the TIFF Free Events are being held at Yonge and Dundas Square, including not just screenings but concerts as well! Full details and schedule here.

xo,

Happy Labour Day + Happy Birthday DesignerJots !

2009-09-07T11:53:00.002-04:00

b_IMG_7907
Originally uploaded by torontofoto

Just thought I'd do a quick post... To greet you all a Happy Labour Day! Here's hoping that you're having a wonderful long weekend!

I sure am :) The weather, albeit a bit chilly at night has been sunny and delightful. A perfect clear day yesteday to watch the Air Show. I didn't go to the EX, but instead went to the pier across from the Toronto Island Airport to catch a free glimpse of the summer ending Air Show...

Whenever the EX comes to end, it feels like the end of the summer to me. I am hoping however that like last autumn, we have a nice sunny end of summer, beginning of autumn... Especially with the weather we had this summer!

Also, a quick shout out to DesignerJots, who's birthday it is today! Happy Birthday Carolyn :)

xo,
ej

One Man's Trash is Another Man's New Home

2009-09-05T06:48:00.007-04:00

I woke up relatively early this morning and came across this article titled "One Man's Trash" on the NYTimes.com and was instantly intrigued... I pulled some photographs from the the Slide Show, but for more pics click here.

"AMONG the traditional brick and clapboard structures that line the streets of this sleepy East Texas town, 70 miles north of Houston, a few houses stand out: their roofs are made of license plates, and their windows of crystal platters.

They are the creations of Dan Phillips, 64, who has had an astonishingly varied life, working as an intelligence officer in the Army, a college dance instructor, an antiques dealer and a syndicated cryptogram puzzle maker. About 12 years ago, Mr. Phillips began his latest career: building low-income housing out of trash."

The photographs just draw you in, especially the one of Mr. Phillips' ceiling made of sample frames! I was particularly intrigued since I recently read an article, also in the NYTimes about how "LEED Seeks to Beef Up Its Credentials." As you may recall, I wrote about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a couple months ago. I was pleased to hear that they're seeking to improve their credentials, considering it turns out may LEED certified designs are not living up to their green name.

The simplicity of Mr. Phillips' desire to help others by way of preventing trash to otherwise end up on a landfill and instead be made useful to provide a roof over heads is very inspiring. Not to mention the fact that it resulted in both his town and Houston to set up a donation site for recycled material.

I like to come up with new uses for things I would otherwise through away, but Mr. Phillips takes it to a whole new level... He's built 14 homes made up of 80% recycled materials... Kudos!

Am going to finish my fluffy pancakes covered in wild blueberry syrup and maple syrup, then enjoy the day!

Happy Labour Day Weekend! Not sure if I'll be posting on Monday, but I'll definitely be back on Tuesday ;)

xo,
ej

PS- If you call Guelph home, don't forget that next Saturday, September 12th, I'll be at Wyndham Art Supplies, 164 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, Ontario from 12-4pm for my second Ecojot Fan Appreciation Event!

Pie for Life... Mmm, that's a LOT OF PIE!

2009-09-03T16:08:00.006-04:00

So I love pie, and if you will recall, I loved the movie Waitress starring Keri Russell and a many many many pies!

So imagine my excitement when I heard via UrbanDaddy about a café in Texas called Royers Roundtop that offers a "Pie for Life" membership! I am just filled with random ecoCOOL and delicious info aren't I? Sadly I don't have the ~$10,000 entry fee for having a pie shipped to me once a month... However, I just couldn't help giggle with delight at the thought of being mailed a pie every month of my existence!

Apparently Royers has several different pie-a-month plans from 3, 6, 12 and of course your life. My friend Dave calls it a "Pie Annuity"... Except pie in lieu of cash! Browse their site like I did, but be forewarned, the images are mouth-watering!

I wonder if I could bake a pie month myself... Hmm, the thing is I'm more of a cook than a baker... That's why I left the baking of the three-colour-layered cupcakes to my sister ;)

However, it has gotten cooler here in Toronto, and I have definitely found myself very much in the mood to cook more. In fact, I brought some Hot Italian Sausage (and Veggies of course!) Spaghetti for my colleagues for lunch today =) I think next week, I will prepare a tuna casserole for them.

I love cooking for people... I just can't cook for myself, just not as satisfying! I think it's because I grew up in such a big family (5 kids!) and so there was no such thing as eating alone. In fact, my older brother, hates eating by himself. I don't mind, but I always cook big portions, and invite people over when I can, and freeze what I can save for another day ;)

Maybe I'll go to a farmers market this weekend and find some ingredients for a pie!

It's the last long weekend of the summer. I don't have any big plans. Do you have any?

Finally, you know how I love to host giveaways, and tell you about others... Especially Ecojot ones... Well Ecojot is sponsoring one on PegCityMomma.com, click here for full details! Really simple to enter ;) Thanks to Shannon for hosting! Contest ends September 14, 2009, 8pm CST.

xo,

PS -- Appreciated all the comments here and on Facebook, re: my last post on Sigg water bottles. It was definitely much swig for thought!

Sigg in serious troubled waters...

2009-09-02T14:16:00.008-04:00

In case you haven't heard, Sigg the well-known Swiss metal water bottle makers admitted "last Friday that the closely guarded secret ingredients of the lining inside all Sigg bottles made before August 2008 contain traces of BPA."

Tsk, tsk, considering the popularity of Sigg bottles grew dramatically as word-spread of the potential harmful links of BPA.

In case you're wondering what exactly BPA is (a.k.a. Bisphenol A)...

"BPA is a chemical used for making polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. It's also a material in the resin linings that coat metal food cans (think soup, beans and the fruits and veggies in your pantry) and beverage containers, (think Coke, Pepsi and all the brands that wish they were)."

As author, Nena Baker continues to point out in her article titled "Why I'll Swig from My Sigg No More," she "learned how stacks of peer-reviewed studies plausibly link BPA to infertility, prostate and breast cancers, a decline in semen quality, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. And [she] saw chemical manufacturers using tricks straight out of Big Tobacco's playbook in an attempt to downplay the hazards of BPA."

You can read the full Sigg CEO letter here, that state "To be clear, all SIGG bottles made since August 2008 contain our new BPA free EcoCare liner. SIGG bottles manufactured prior to August 2008 have the former water‐based epoxy liner which contains trace amounts of BPA. These bottles have been thoroughly tested and showed 0% leaching of BPA."

Regardless, I think Sigg is in serious hot water. And I must admit, I for one, am glad I do not own one! I have a metal water bottle I picked up in Paris at Au Vieux Campeur before my trip to India last year. I'm not carrying it with me at the moment, so I don't recall the brand, but I do recall checking to see it was BPA-free. Anyway, I'd been considering buying a smaller one to carry around. Loved the designs of Sigg, and I can honestly say now... No thank you. Talk about serious greenwashing, in fact, more like plain out consumer-lying!

So I just thought I'd pass along this email forward from my friend Simon, "How Can [You] Tell When A Product Is Being Greenwashed?" Thanks, Simon. And thank you, Leiko for posting this original Advertising Age article, "Marketing News: Sigg Does Damage Control" that lead me to investigate all this further.

Tell me... Do you own a Sigg bottle? Are you concerned? Would you mail it in for a new one, OR consider switching to Klean Kanteen? They may not have designy patterns... But they have beautiful bright colours to choose from!

Okay, all this water bottle talk is so serious... I know many of you already follow DesignerJots' blog, but if you don't, and/or didn't know, she's hosting a cross-blog giveaway (two giveaways!) check it out here... You can win a signed copy of Illustrator Claudia Pearson's "Tribal Alphabet" and/or DesignerJots' newest jumbo journal designs!

That's all the news from Ecojot headquarters... I have to pack up some little ecoWorkbooks for Spencertown Academy Arts Center's Fourth Annual FESTIVAL OF BOOKS! It's a great event that will "explore the relationship of books and readers in the digital age with twenty outstanding guest authors including Francine Prose, Mary Gaitskill, Lynne Sharon Schwartz, poet Sharon Olds, and many others."

The even starts this Friday, but since it was a last minute request, they'll be getting the ecoWorkbooks next week =) If you live in and around Columbia County in Upstate New York be sure to check the event out!

xo,

And my end-of-August / Back-to-School WINNER is...

2009-09-01T19:01:00.004-04:00

according to RANDOM.org is #3...

And for the first time ever, it happens to be someone I know! Miss Agnes Bolinkska, who just so happens to be a PhD student at UofT studying the History of Science. Congratulations Agnes... And thank you for suggesting that we all (students and non-students alike)...

Great advice! In fact, all your Back-to-School tips were great!

I hope the ecoAgenda, ecoWorkbooks and ecoKids sketchbook come in handy to write all your notes about how science came to be ;) Agnes, please shoot me an email or Facebook message to claim your prize. And thanks again for all the entries... I'll be having a September Giveaway soon. In the meantime, for a chance to still win an Ecojot Back-to-School Giveaway, visit GreenEarthJourney.Blogspot.com, I attached the direct link. Green Earth Journey's giveaway is going on until tomorrow, so you still have time! If you haven't yet already ;) One of the entries is simply following me on Twitter ;D

xo,

PS - I've never used RANDOM.org until now, but I was not working from home or Ecojot's headquarters, and didn't really have scrap paper, so I wanted to save on paper and go electronic. More helpful when I have more entries, I suppose, but not as fun as pulling something from my straw hat. Have a lovely evening everyone!

our saturday afternoon @ outer layer, queen street west

2009-08-31T17:26:00.005-04:00

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.

xo,

Ecojot Outer Layer Event in Toronto on Saturday... Come say hello!

2009-08-28T07:53:00.001-04:00

Come see me and Ecojot DesignerJots Carolyn Gavin tomorrow at Outer Layer at 577 Queen Street West in Toronto for our first ever Ecojot Customer Appreciation Event!

You can rsvp on the Facebook Event Page here.

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!

xo,

End-of-August/Back-to-School Giveaway... Mmm plus Pat's cupcakes!

2009-08-26T17:41:00.008-04:00

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,

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!

Blogging from Michigan

2009-08-25T12:18:00.002-04:00

I hadn't realized my internet access would be so limited while visiting Ann Arbor. I will be back online tomorrow to post an end-of-August giveaway.

In the meantime, I hope it is as sunny where you are, and it is here in Ann Arbor.

xo,

PS - Gracias, Mary Carmen San Vicente, for the lovely comment and following from Mexico :)

The Sunny Colourful Calm After a Tornado in Toronto

2009-08-21T10:46:00.009-04:00

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!

Before I go... Ecojot is co-hosting a giveaway with Green Earth Journey. Visit this great green blog for your chance to win a $35 Back-to-School Ecojot prize pack, and other great prizes! Contest is running till September 2nd, and there are many ways to enter... Good luck!

Bon weekend mes amis ! Happy weekend my dear friends !

xo,

Film Review Wednesday

2009-08-19T09:55:00.008-04:00

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!

Happy Hump Day!

xo,

Ecojot: a leader in socially and environmentally responsible design.

2009-08-18T17:13:00.006-04:00

Happy Tuesday Evening!

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.

Three Saturday afternoons to appreciate YOU!

2009-08-14T11:42:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

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...

Saturday, August 29th, 2009 at Outer Layer: 577 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.

Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Wyndham Art Supplies: 164 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, ON.

Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Midocco: 555 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON.

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!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

xo,

Ecojot to be on TV across Canada!

2009-08-12T16:37:00.004-04:00

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!

xo,

An Ecojot sneak peek...

2009-08-11T14:48:00.004-04:00

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!

xo,
ej

CONGRATULATIONS Ecojot Flickr Photo Contest Winners!

2009-08-08T13:10:00.005-04:00

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!

Well done, everyone! Have a fabulous weekend!

Till the next contest... ;)

xo,

ecojotter

design • style • recycled

2009-08-06T16:17:00.006-04:00

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."

Speaking of recycled design... How's this...?

An entire kitchen made of recycled material by Milestone (as seen on EcoFriend). Also in the UK... Is it just me or the British trying to lead the way for green design?

"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!

xo,

Ecojot "The Write Stuff" on 'O' in SA!

2009-08-05T16:32:00.004-04:00

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!

xo,

PS-- We'll be announcing the Ecojot Flickr Photo Contest Winners this Friday! Be sure to vote for your fave, otherwise, we may have to decide the second prize winner too... so vote, vote and ask your friends to vote, here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ecojotter/pool/

Ecojot at ANTHROPOLOGIE, BlackoutDay.ca Sweepstakes Reminder plus vote for your favourite Ecojot photo!

2009-08-04T13:52:00.009-04:00

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!

Yesterday was the last day to get your Flickr Photos in... I was thrilled to see some new last-minute entries. Even one with an adorable dog named Alexis with his favourite Ecojot notebook on his collar on a surf board! So visit my Flickr Group and start faving and commenting, to help us pick out the second prize winner! We'll be announcing the special winners soon!

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!

Happy Tuesday!

xo,