Organic Soap with Good Kaarma

Chocolate Bliss, Marmalade Queen, Dance of the Dakini! The delectable names, pretty packaging (100% recycled with vegetable inks) and all important dose of good karma with every wash have turned me into a great fan of this handmade soap range from Estonia. The soaps contain over 97% organic ingredients of oils and spices which they combine in such a way that choosing just one soap is virtually impossible.

Being a chocolate lover, I of course opted for the 'Chocolate Bliss' soap which contains fair trade cocoa powder and essential oils of orange, cinnamon and patchouli. In a word it was, bliss! But I also really loved the spiciness of the GKNY bar which contained orange, cinnamon and clove essential oils with turmeric and paprika! The soaps lather well and last a very long time (despite their smallish appearance).

With over 10 bars, I’m sure you will find the right one (or several) to suit you and you may even become slightly addicted to their intoxicating scents like I have.

Available at Lovelula.com for £3.50.

Detox The Organic Way

Is your recycling bin overflowing with wine bottles, chocolate wrappers, mince pie packaging and any other evidence that you had a fantastic Christmas? No need to feel guilty but maybe a detox is in order, especially if you are feeling sluggish, stressed and sallow of skin. The Organic Pharmacy is offering a special on their Detox at Home Kit for a limited time only. The kit contains a skin brush, detox cellulite body oil (with grapefruit and fennel essential oils) and all sorts of wonderful tinctures and capsules. If the price is too steep for some, you can always purchase detox products individually such as the Liver and Kidney Detox Tincture (£10.76 - 50ml) or Superantioxidants Capsules (£29.31 - 60 capsules). Detox at Home Kit - £110

NEW SHOP: Keep an eye out for a new Organic Pharmacy store opening in Hampstead Heath soon.

UPCOMING POST: Budget Detox Ideas to do at home

A Beautiful New Year!

As you know, I can't stand seeing a new magazine on the newsstand before it's arrived in my mailbox so I had to buy the new February 2009 issue of House Beautiful when I saw it today. The cover is gorgeous and showcases the new collection of fabrics from Annie Selke for Calico Corners. I was just looking at their site the other day and they have a wonderful selection of affordable fabrics that are perfect for those of us without deep pockets.

There was also another little surprise inside that I had forgotten about! Recently, House Beautiful asked eight bloggers to send them a photo of their living room and I'm very honored that Habitually Chic was among those included. I won't ruin it and tell you who the others are so you're just going to have to go out and buy the magazine. Or if you better willpower than me, you could just wait for it to arrive in your mailbox!

London Walking Directions (and other UK cities)

January is the perfect month to start incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. Walking is one of the best options during this financially challenging time and suits green girls perfectly. Using the website, Walkit.com, you can receive simple walking directions for your UK city just by typing in your starting and finishing post codes. You will also receive the walking time, distance, calories burned and carbon emissions saved. Sure, it is winter and a wee bit chilly but a brisk walk in the fresh air is a great stress buster. Don't be put off if your urban jungle is high on traffic because Walkit.com also provide alternative greener walking routes (less pollution and noise). I think walking is definitely the best way to shift those unwanted pounds. My mum embarked on a daily walking regime 6 months ago and has lost over 44 pounds to date!

UK Cities with Walking Routes (as of January 2009)

Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Gateshead, Norwich and Sheffield.

Noir et Blanc

I spent part of this New Year's Day surfing the internet in search of interesting interiors and I'm so glad I did because I it led me to Fabrice Diomard. Most of the information about Fabrice is in French and has caused me to add "take a refresher French class" to my New Year's resolutions since I can only make out bits and pieces of the story. What I did manage to figure out is that Fabrice Diomard is an interior designer of Italian and Nordic descent and influence and owns a shop in Paris called L'Autre Maison. He works with the George V hotel and other clients and I think also designs furniture. I know his boutique is going to be my premier stop on my next trip to Paris.

His apartment featured here displays that wonderful European flair for mixing antiques and in this case ancient statues with modern furniture including plexiglass pieces. There is a wonderful video tour of the home on Interieurs and although it is in French, it is worth checking out. I also found a few other articles and a floor plan which might looks a little off but will still give you a sense of the space. Even though the color palette is mostly black and white, it's never dull due to the varying shades of color and patina.

I especially love how the apartment glows with warm candle light in the Interieurs video. The small dark and cozy bedroom would be good inspiration for many tiny New York City bedrooms. Oh, and if you didn't notice already, Fabrice is a bit of a hottie. Just another reason to check out his designs and shop!

Taking Stock

I was reading over my list of resolutions and things I wanted to do in 2008 and although I didn't keep them all or make all of them happen, I think I had a pretty good year!

I never expected that my friend would actually ask me to decorate his bachelor pad or that I would be profiled by 1stdibs. I never thought that I would write for a magazine and am so grateful to Kansas City Home Design for giving me a chance and to Domino for asking me to write the story I pitched to them about the Next Generation and who included me as one of their favorite blogs in 2008. I am excited that a few other people took a chance and hired me to decorate their apartments which you will hear about soon!

I am also so happy about all the wonderful people whom I met and became friends with in 2008 from the team at Domino and Williams-Sonoma Home, Flair and Maison24, to my fabulous friend Kelly at Dorothy Draper/Carelton V and Eddie and Jaithan who inspire me everyday, Stefan of Architect Design who is so sweet, Emily of Scented Glossy Magazines who makes me laugh out loud, the lovely David Jimenez and especially my wonderfully supportive and encouraging readers! I value all of you who take the time to email me and leave comments as well as those who just stop by from time to time.

It really has been a good year but I just know that 2009 is going to be even better...for all of us! Happy New Year!

Your Organic Exercise Kit for 2009

Yoga and Meditation Badger Balm

If your 2008 exercise routine was more sloth-like and less gym bunny-ish, you may find yourself without any decent or eco exercise gear. Here are some ideas on how to look good the organic way, whilst doing your sun salutations.

To really get in the yoga mind zone, you can use ‘Yoga and Meditation’ Badger Balm. These USDA certified organic balms contain essential oils of mandarin, ginger, sandalwood and frankincense and can be used to soothe the mind and body. I think their website says it best though that the ‘Yoga and Meditation’ balm will ‘calm, centre and balance your inner Badger’. Available at the Ethical Superstore for £5.86.

Organic Yoga Pants

Take advantage of the clearance sale price of the organic Blue Canoe yoga pants at Yogi Wear. These 90% organic cotton pants were £37.50 and are now £22. They are made in the USA and come in cocoa and khaki colours (only small and medium size).

Organic Exercise Bra

For a pretty organic exercise bra, check out Adili’s sale where you can find the Odette Practice Bra for £16.10, reduced from £23 (made in the USA).

Eco Yoga Mat

No one can enjoy ‘Child’s Pose’ on an icky yoga mat, so take a look at the UK made, yoga mats by, ecoYoga. Their mats are PVC free, biodegradable and ‘made from entirely natural and plant based material’ which is sustainable. Price: £30.83