Sweet Greens

I woke up today to learn the news about Steve Jobs and was overcome with sadness. Mr. Sweet Greens and I spent the morning discussing his death and Eben worried that we were talking about a close family member. Apple products have had a huge impact on our lives and Steve made living more beautiful.

When I first decided to start my own business, one of the first contracts that I secured was with Apple. I worked virtually as a technical support representative, part of my contract was to stay current on all of Apple’s keynote addresses, conferences, products, and press releases. This has always been a large part of the contracts that I hold with my clients. However, with Apple it was different – it was the first time that I actually looked forward to them. I loved to watch the creative genius [Steve] in action. Apple’s advances in technology have had a direct impact on my career.

A quote from Steve: “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” 

How was your life impacted by Steve Jobs?

*Thank you Josh for the Steve Jobs quote.
photo credit Matthew Yohe

Children are like sponges, soaking up everything around them, all day long. Finding ways to incorporate green learning into everyday life is great for expanding their horizons and instilling a love of our environment. Plus, it can be a lot of fun, too. There are many ways to make your everyday routine a green learning experience. You don’t need stack of books or a computer. Errands you need to run or chores you must do can provide teachable moments that can educate kids through life experiences. Check out my seven favorite eco-friendly ways to incorporate learning on the go for little ones.

photo credit Pratham Books via Inhabitots

Hello, Friends. Can you believe that when we chat again it will be October! I love October and can hardly wait!

Yesterday, on our paddle boarding adventure, Eben stepped on a sea urchin while we were snorkeling. Thank goodness he is alright. That is a part of the adventure that I had not anticipated! Right before he stepped on the sea urchin, he said, “Today is the best day of my life…..so far.” After a visit from the paramedics and a late night in the emergency room, he is home from school today – resting and letting his foot heal. He is a trooper and is excited to get back to the beach this weekend. Sunday, we will be taking our paddle boards out into the open ocean to give paddle surfing a shot + we will be snorkeling with friends.

Also, this Sunday, Mr. Sweet Greens and I will celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary. 12 years! Is that fantastic or what? I am so glad that we found each other – Mr. Sweet Greens is the most wonderful part of my life. I am a lucky, lucky girl to have him. Fact.

While I get ready for a weekend of fun and sun, here are a few green things to keep you busy:

– Lucky’s Eco-Friendly Bamboo Snowboards, make me miss the west!
– I love these junkyard birdhouses.
– Sewn Natural’s heart-shaped ornaments are back.
– Are you on Pinterest? I am, join me.
– I am going to make a wine box garden. Promise.
– A dress made of cow-nipples?

Have a lovely weekend, enjoy the rest of September and I will see you back here on Monday.

xo,
Sweet Greens

Martine Camillieri is a visual artist and author – a pioneer in recycling everyday items into toys, in this case recycled bottles become toy automobiles. Camillieri transforms household bottles into ambulances, campers, race cars, an ice cream truck, and other vehicles inspired by bottles different sizes and shapes. Martine Camillieri’s recycled bottle automobiles are truly an example of playful upcycling at its best, check out all of the automobiles here. 

photo credit Martine Camillieri via Inhabitots