A Greener Apple

Okay - so electronics probably aren't the first thing you think of when you think "green," but a lot of kids get new gadgets for their bar and bat mitzvahs. Therefore, I thought you might be interested to know about some of the things one of the greener electronic companies are doing. Click here to read about how Apple is leading the way.

If you are looking for a new phone or iPod, consider getting an all-in-one iPhone and reduce the number of devices you need...



If you are looking for a new computer you can be even greener by buying a refurbished (aka recycled) model...



Remember, when your old electronics break don't throw them away! Google your state's name and the words "e-waste recycling" or "cell phone recycling" etc. to find local drop off points for everything form microwaves to old televisions.

MitzvahChic: How to Host a Meaningful, Fun, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Bar or Bat Mitzvah

My sister bought this book and thought it was really well done, helpful and clever. As one Amazon reader wrote:

"Five stars are not enough - Fifty stars would be more fitting!"

For Kids--Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Reminds our young people that becoming b'nai mitzvah is less about the quality of their performance than about the quality of their lives. It is an important contribution in helping our youth make coming of age a sacred passage. (Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Reconstructionist), author of In God's Name; God's Paintbrush; and other books)

And I liked what this Amazon reviewer said:

"In the frenzy of preparing for the big day, it can be easy to lose the focus and meaning of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Many kids may wonder "What is this really all about? Why am I doing this?" This inspiring, clearly-written book urges kids to think about the deeper meaning of the ceremony and of being a Jew. The emphasis is on spirituality and being mindful of God's presence everyday. I especially liked the section with suggestions and resources for acts of tzedakah as well as little mitzvahs."

Here are links to both the adult and child versions:

Simply Green - Danny Seo

Danny Seo (picture above taken from his blog Daily Danny), has often been compared to a green Martha Stewart. Now he has two "Simply Green" books available - each with wonderful pictures and ideas that could enhance any party.



He also has a calender with one green thing to do a day:

The Tofu Tollbooth - by Elizabeth Zipern + Dar Williams

The Tofu Tollbooth is considered a bible for vegetarian and vegan travel. It lists restaurants, health food stores and other naturally inclined venues by state:

"The guide contains more than 1,000 health-food options, and for each site, the concise write-ups contain address and phone number, directions from the highways (a wonderful addition), hours of operation, and the parade of cute icons that let you know what to expect to find there (once you memorize that the face with beret stands for café, the carrot in a glass denotes juice bar, and the hot pepper means an especially hot tip)." - Amazon.com

This book is not only good for road trips - it can also help you find sources of natural food for your bar or bat mitzvah!


If you like folk music and do not own any of Dar Williams albums I also highly recommend checking out some of her CDs:



You can also download her music directly from iTunes

Make paper flowers for decorations!

Fanciful Paper Flowers: Creative Techniques for Crafting an Enchanted Garden

From amazon:
Eleven different paper flower-making techniques, three projects for each, all developed by a proven author with an enchanting, whimsical, flea-market-meets-fantasy sensibility: that’s what makes this volume so irresistible. Sandra Evertson follows up her Fanciful Paper Projects with a fabulously feminine collection of paper flower jewelry, garlands, barrettes, hatpins, ornaments, and decorative objects ... Each chapter features a page from her very own sketchbook, plus she’s provided several pages of vintage ephemera, templates, and her original papers for readers to copy and use... this collection truly offers a garden of artistic possibilities!



Paper Bouquet: Using Paper Punches to Create Beautiful Flowers

From Amazon:
Cherry blossoms, forsythia, marigolds, and petunias: Who would have imagined you could recreate such gorgeous blooms with just paper and craft punches? ... Using her own original, unique techniques, Susan Tierney Cockburn offers 40 beloved flowers to make for decorating gifts and home décor. She teaches the simple basics, including paper manipulation, gluing, and coloring, and presents her flowers as colorfully as they’re found in nature. From A (Amaryllis) to Z (Zinnia), there’s a bountiful bouquet of blooms to choose from! Photographs document every step, and a visual template of the punches accompanies each flower. A dozen sample projects range from picture frames to wreaths.



I also recently came across Origami Flowers: Popular Blossoms and Creative Bouquets which looks fantastic!



You can do these projects with leftover and recycled paper from your house or use colorful origami paper made from rice (link available on the DIY page of the look book).

Happy crafting!

Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking

Interested in making your own invitations or save-the-dates? Check out this book from the definitive expert!

"Master papermaker Grummer (Tin Can Papermaking) presents a detailed and well-illustrated guide to recycling all sorts of wastepaper into one-of-a-kind handmade paper. Home papermaking can be done with easily obtained equipment such as a blender. The techniques are all well laid out with good illustrations and explanations of the properties of paper. Practice projects are included. This complete guide is highly recommended for crafts collections." - Amazon

Arnold Grummer also offers a complete line of paper making supplies - see the DIY page for two of their most popular kits.

Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Paper Casting

Interested in making your own table decor or favor? Consider paper casting.

"This new book offers readers clear, step-by-step instructions, tips, and techniques for the craft of paper casting. Covers the basics of casting, drying, tinting, and surface finishing, as well as project ideas for making paper casts with readily available molds and rubber stamps. Readers will also learn how to make their own molds with everyday objects, such as brass plates, bowls, shells, leaves, and paw prints. Paper-casted bowls, plaques, and other items can be decorated and embellished to suit any home décor." - Amazon