Cottage in a Day

These modular pre-fab houses by Cottage in a Day are green and energy efficient, but also cool and stylish.

The construction is based on the use of structural insulated panels which provide superior strength, sound reduction, and energy efficiency.

The shed-style metal roof, low maintenance cement board siding and movable shutter doors are perfect for the weekend cottage, but I could also see living in one of these full-time. Built to withstand exreme weather conditions these would be perfect for Quebec.

I like the simple plywood interior and the open airy feel of the living spaces.

Pricing is really reasonable with the the most basic model starting at just $49k and going up to $200k for the large structures.

Since this is a Michigan-based company these structures conform to Michigan state standards. Plans would need to be approved for use outside this state.

B'Sbee

I just bought the most amazing, comfy, and eco-friendly plaid shirt from the Italian line B'Sbee. This line makes clothing for men and women out of organic cotton, hemp and recycyled plastic bottles. Wish I had a picture of this shirt to show because it's such a great color of green and blue, but instead here is a sweater jacket from the line at left.

I love the designer's philosopy of travel and exploration and respecting the earth and other people. B'Sbee takes it's name from a turquoise stone found in Arizona and in fact the tag for each article of clothing includes a small turquoise stone.

This line is a bit hard to find online, but you can check out the Italian online store at madeintheshadeshop.com. There are also a few items on yoox.com and revolveclothing.com.

If I ever go to Milan I definitely want to check out the B'Sbee boutique (at left). If you live in San Francisco you can find this line at August (in Oakland and Mill Valley).

Recycled Lighting

Recycled Mason Jar Lights

I love these Antique Mason Jar Lights ($198) from Napa Style. The lights use authentic mason jars from as far back as the turn of the century. The jars are gathered from all over California and then repurposed into their new form by a talented artisan. Lights come with a 41” cords with ceiling hardwire mounting. Lights use a 40w bulb so they are not going to throw a lot of light, but I'm thinking they would be great on the back porch of my country house or maybe the small downstairs bathroom.

Recyled Metal Globe Lights

Another great recycled light option are these hanging lights from Viva Terra ($174 or $244) . They are made from recycled metallic bands to form a delicate lattice that lets ambient light shine through. The lights look a bit morroccan., but could easiy fit in a more traditional setting as well. Currently 30% off so get one while they last!

Recycled Film Lamp Shades

These film lamp shades ($35) from Etsy artist emkpainter are created with movie trailer film strips. The lamp shades look almost black when unlit and you can see the images on the film when lit up.

D.I.Y. Lamp

There are several great DIY project ideas for making your own recycled lamp in the project archives of ReadyMade magazine. I like this modern styrofoam cup lamp.

Or, purchase a kit to make your own lamp like this one from Bulbs Unlimited (39,95 €) that provides you with little snaps that you glue to ordinary light bulbs to transform them into interesting table lamps or chandeliers.

Or, follow these detailed visual instructions from artist Anneke Jakobs to create this cool recycled cardboard chiquita lamp.

If you know of other cool recycled lighting or recycled lighting projects post a comment!

Blanket

No, not Michael Jackson's son (or is it daughter?), I'm talking about the warm, woolly kind. I've been wanting a really nice wool blanket to cover half of my bed--both as warmth and as a decoration. The look I'm going for is inspired by the Ace Hotel chain which has custom-made pendelton blankets gracing their guest beds like this:

Here's a few recent finds in my quest to replicate this look. Not sure I've quite hit it yet, but I may just have to get one of these.

LADAK

LADAK blankets ($285) are made from recycled sweaters, blankets, jeans and parts of mattresses. They have been embellished with ribbons, rich fabrics and a lace finish and best of all 15% of profits from these blankets are donated to homeless shelters! These blankets are machine washable. Available from Reform School. 78"x54.5".

San Miguel Blanket

This San Miguel Pendelton blanket ($189.99 marked down from $278) from Sundance Cataolgue has been reproduced from authentic Navajo textiles. The simple cross design looks very modern and classic. Woven blend of wool and cotton, the blanket comes in great palette of cream and gray with a dash of red. I don't they expect they will last long at the sale price! 90"L x 86"W

Vintage Swiss Army Blanket

I love the swiss army logo. Yet another cross motif! Dating from the 1930's - 1950's, these thick wool swiss army blankets ($95) are the genuine article produced for the Swiss Army. Sundance carries them for $298, but I like the price tag on these vintage blankets from P.O.S.H. Chicago better! Dimensions: 57" x 82".

Yakima Camp Blanket

These classic Pendelton camp blankets ($108) were first designed to meet the rigorous demands of the Pacific Northwest. I love the stripes and muted palette. Tough enough for a camping trip and outdoor use, these blankets will last forever. 86% wool/14% cotton. Available in grey, brown and green. 90" x 90".

In Black and White

Lights

These elegant pigeon lights ($155) from Areaware were created by British designer Ed Carpenter. They include a clothespin attachment for clamping to shelves or window ledges. Made of acrylic they take a maximum bulb wattage of 25W. Available in black or white. Available from Vivre.com.

Mix it Up

I've blogged about these confetti mixing bowls ($28) before and actually own a set of the yellow, blue and pink bowls. However, now they are available in black with white! Crafted from recycled melamine they are eco-friendly as well as cool. Available from urbanoutfitters.com.

Stick It

Add privacy to a window without curtains with this adhesive wall film from UK designer Emma Jeffs. I love this morroccan tile pattern. ($76) for a 37" x 52" roll. Just add water and adhere to a window. The film gives privacy while still letting light shine through and easy to remove later with no residue. Available from 2jane.com.

Also available from this same site, these adhesive tile tattoos jazz up plain white tiles. These stickers resist water and moisture and it only takes a few dabs of water to apply. ($16) for a set of six.

Just Like Old Times

Diner Mugs

I own a few of these cream colored old-fashioned diner mugs. They are heavy and substantial and feel good in your hand. I got mine at Sur La Table years ago, but they are also available online at Retroplanet.com and I'm sure other places as well. I wish I could find plates and bowls in the same style.

Hotel Silver

I've been wanting a set of vintage hotel silver flatware in mismatched patterns for a long time. Napa Style has this cool idea of silverware by the pound.($68 for 4 settings). These authentic vintage utensils date back to the ’ 20s and ’30s and are all silver-plated. Just picked up a set for our country house.

Mix it up

I just got a set of these recycled plastic confetti mixing bowls ($28). Brings me back to my 70's childhood. Stylish and eco-friendly. Available from Urbanoutfitters.com.