Thursday, May 28, 2009

De Plastico Purses in Ethical Fashion Show!

The infamous De Plastico Purses were featured in a local Ethical Fashion Show presented by Vic High School students. There were 15 companies contributing to the event, all proudly showing their eco-friendly styles!


The De Plastico Purses are made from recycled plastic bags. Seven to 10 bags are fused together with a hot iron to create a strong base. Then different colored plastics, letters, designs, etc. are 
cut out and fused to the base. A funky handle and buttons (all recycled, salvaged, and/or donated of course!) are then attached. Some are lined with t-shirts and cloth from vintage stores.

I originally came up with the idea of making purses and wallets from plastic when my cupboard was overflowing 
with plastic! 'What do you do with all this plastic??' I asked the internet, and fusing plastic was the answer. A great way (though very toxic so take precautions!) to reuse something we produce too much of and making something useful in the process! They are  100% handmade and unique.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Amazing Raw Muesli

I can smell this awesome aroma coming from my oven as I type! I'm not much for measurements ~ kinda a see and do as you go type girl! So here's a guideline for my Amazing Raw Muesli recipe. Feel free to add more/less or substitute depending on your preferences.


Organic Oats
Quinoa Flakes
Soaked Whole Nuts (almonds, pine, sunflower, etc.)
Olive Oil/Ghee/Butter
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Ground Ginger (I like lots!)
Salt & Pepper (sm amounts)
And throw in a Vanilla Bean and/or Cinnamon Stick if you've got 'em

Preheat the Oven/Dehydrator as low as it can go! Mix everything up together in a pan (I like to use a lasagna pan, but whatever works) really well. Bake for 2-4 hours, depending on how well you like it done, stirring every 30-40 mins.

I'm currently on the Candida Free Diet, which means no sugar, yeast, dairy. Those of you who are familiar with this type of diet, know that it is damn near impossible to find a breakfast cereal or muesli without some kind of sugar or dried fruit! And after 2 months of Oat Bran, I was oated out! So, I decided to create my own and viola (!) an amazing breaky full of energy and vitamins! Enjoy!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Mother's Day!


Looking for that special gift for Mother's Day? How about a 'Love Your Breasts' t-shirt! They are meant to inspire positive emotions towards our bodies. $5 from each sale benefits either:


the BC Cancer Foundation
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

A perfect gift for Mom that helps Breast Cancer Research ~ what could be better?! Check 'em out here: 

www.TheGypsySoul.com


Here's a little background info about the tees:

About a year ago, a friend asked me to create an art piece for a silent auction benefitting the BC Cancer Foundation. One word came to mind ~ love, and at that moment a design popped into my head. I began creating and the ‘Love Your Breasts’ t-shirt was born! A design meant to inspire positive emotions towards ourselves and our bodies. 

The design is a heart made from words describing ‘breasts’. The universal symbol of the heart creates feelings of love, while also encompassing the two breasts. The design is meant to spark a smile.

My company, The Gypsy Soul, has been partnering with the BC Cancer Foundation for the past year and selling the t-shirts at their retail location in Vancouver. Recently, wanting to reach across Canada with this idea, we have been working with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as well.

The t-shirts are currently available on our website:
http://www.TheGypsySoul.com

$5 from each tee goes to either the BC Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has a goal set for Canada to be breast cancer free by 2020. To accomplish this, early detection and a positive mindset are essential. I believe this design will promote awareness and increase support in achieving this goal.