Bamboo is making itself at home everywhere, from your bedroom to your kitchen to your dining room.  We may compare it to wood, but technically bamboo is a grass.  It is the fastest growing woody plant in the world; making it nature’s most sustainable resource.  It can reach maturity in 4 years.  One species has been clocked at growing 47 inches in 24 hours!

The more obvious uses of bamboo are seen in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and cutting boards.  There are also new items making the scene that incorporate fabric that is made from bamboo.  Examples include supple sheets and towels, fashionable clothing, and light and airy drapery sheers. There are oodles of options.

Let’s not forget that the bamboo motif is ultra attractive and adds an exotic flair to any room.  Chandeliers, mirrors, pillows, wallpaper and chairs look fantastic in a multitude of colors and patterns. 

Bamboo is a double duty design item that can add a terrific twist to your home!

You will find many items with Bamboo motifs in My Secret Database. The Eco-Friendly companies are indicated with this symbol!

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Memorial Day bring family and friends traveling from near and far.  Is your guest room ready to do its job?  When they arrive on your freshly swept doorstep, welcome them with open arms and a well-appointed space they can call their own (for the weekend:-)).  Beyond decorating the bedroom with your personal flair and style, think about furnishing your guest room with the same consideration you give to your own bedroom.  Carefully contemplate how the room will be used and by whom.

Here are a few Back-to-Basics suggestions:

• Cradle them in Luxury- A good foundation is critical, so why not go all out on the bedding?  Purchase 400+ thread count sheets and some wonderful pillows and a comforter that suits your climate.  Make them feel like they are at a luxury hotel.
• Wake them up Gently - Put an alarm clock with a CD player in the room and leave them a variety of Cd’s.  Soothing tunes to fall asleep and something upbeat for during the day.  Why not burn a CD with a mix of songs you know they will like and let them take it home as a gift?
• Remember what they Forgot - Put an extra robe in the closet and extra toiletries in the bathroom.  They will really appreciate not having to ask for these items.
• Make Room - Make sure your closet and drawers have extra space for their belongings.  Nothing says “we are happy you are here” like some extra space and a few empty hangers.
• Stay Tuned In - Whether you like having a TV in your bedroom or not, most guests appreciate one.  They may use it to go to sleep or just to take a break on their own.
• Creature Comforts - Put a glass of water by their bedside and let them know where they can easily find a snack in the kitchen. 
• Light the Way - Make sure the room is well lit for safety and comfort.  Do they have a good light for reading?  How about a night light to the restroom?  It’s best if you have a light that can be switched from the doorway and the bedside.

The best way to assess the comfort of your guest room is to  spend a night sleeping there yourself!  You will be amazed at the small things you notice.  This is the easiest way to get the full experience; giving you time to replace lumpy mattresses and stale towels before your guests arrive.

There are many people in our lives that we wish we could see more often.  It’s great to show them how much you care through the little things you do to prepare for their visit.  Just like a gift, it’s the thought that counts most.

Explore Furniture & Bedding in My Secret Database!

Today is Earth Day, but our planet needs a lot more attention than one day, so here are some tips you can use all year long.  It is simple to help our environment by choosing products for your home wisely.  Here are some top eco-friendly picks that qualify for different reasons, but they do not sacrifice style in the least.

Sumptuous Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Towels from Garnet Hill.  Their pastel colors are soothing, but what is more comforting is the fact that you are not drying your body with towels that are full of pesticides.  Less pesticides are good for the environment and the people who work in the cotton fields and factories.

 The Classic Schoolhouse Pendant fixture from Rejuvenation Lighting can be ordered with a socket for a compact fluorescent bulb.  This is the same style of fixture I have in my kitchen and I love it.  Compact Fluorescent bulbs are going to be the standard in the future, so get on board now!  They use 75% less electricity and produce 75% less heat than an incandescent bulb.  They last about 10,000 hours, so there will be less burned out bulbs in landfills.

Mythic Paint - 0% Toxic. 100% Smart!  Mythic paint has a fun and easy to use 50’s style website that shows all of their lovely colors and gives you the VOC lowdown.  The traditional formula that paint companies have used for years were very toxic and emitted gases in our home environment for years.  I am sure you have heard the term “no VOC” or “low VOC”.  VOC’s are volatile organic compounds and they are dangerous for people, pets and the planet.  They are bad for our lungs and can produce greenhouse gases.  Mythic Paint.  There is an alternative!

It is much simpler to live in a more eco-friendly manner if you develop an awareness of items you use everyday.  Here are some quick fixes:

• Do not use disposable serving items - no paper or plastic cups, napkins or utensils. Start using cloth napkins and reusable lunch sacks. 

• Unplug small appliances when they are not being used because they are always drawing electricity- Toaster, blender, etc.

• Turn down your heat down 1 degree or the A/C up 1 degree.

• Wash most clothes in cold water (unless you need to use hot water for allergies).

• Buy loose veggies instead of those in Styrofoam trays.

• Return all plastic bags to your grocery store for recycling.

Every little thing helps!

Don’t forget that when you are using My Secret Database that vendors who have this symbol feature Eco-friendly products!