PRETTY STINKIN' GREEN

Detective Work. Who Knew?

2012-02-04T15:36:00.000-05:00

You probably would never have guessed that a part of what we do involves investigative work. Yep, that's right, detective stuff.

Every so often, upon arriving home, I find abandoned bags on my doorstep. I know why they are there. The shrunken, outgrown, stained, and gifted gems are tshirts hoping to be given new life, remade into some Pretty Stinkin' Green wearable art.

The mystery is who gave up the treasures. Who snuck over and quietly left the noteless bundles? This is where a sharp mind comes into play. By now I have learned what clues to look for.

The bag: Does the packaging tell me anything? Of course, an American Eagle, Ambercrombie or Pac Sun bag points to a family with teenagers, whereas, a Gymboree bag, well, you get the picture.
Contents: This is broken down into several categories: gender, size, logos.
Total package: an overview of all the evidence is the only way to solve the ~~crime~~ thoughtful gesture.

For now this particular bag remains a mystery. I do have my suspicions. It is time to pull out some unrelieved techniques.

In the mean time THANK YOU. You know who you are.

SWEAT SHOP......"litter"ally

2011-12-01T13:03:00.003-05:00

Here is the scene.....

We are still unpacking and moving into our new home...

LOTS still to do...

But, I didn't waste anytime setting up my craft area! This place is literally a sweat shop right now! Haha. We have a wood burning fire place down stairs that we are using to heat our home this winter...well, this wonderful craft space is only about 10 feet away! So, it's VERY toasty down there!

AND, it's a MESS! A creative mess though, right?

Can you spot the baby monitor? It's there. On the cutting table, next to the soda (or wine, depending on the time of day). These two kids of mine are AWESOME! They are so cooperative! I am able to get lots done, both while they sleep and play...

How can you resist a break or two though to play with this little dude?

or to cuddle with our Lydi-Bug...

I am so BLESSED!

And, I'm having so much fun!

I've been working like crazy to bring as much fun to Traverse City as I can this weekend!

I can't wait to come up and join the party at the Open House!

It's been forever since I've visited...I can't wait to share with you what I've been working on...including our NEW KIDS LINE! Woo HOOOO! It's still in the beginning stages, but I'm bringing a few things to get you excited !

Look forward to seeing you all in a few days! Happy December.......Michigan, here i come!

oh....and a sneak......

Upcoming Events

2011-11-08T19:48:00.002-05:00

This update is long overdue. The fact is that I (Deb) would rather spend time creating than posting. We do, however, want you to be able to see and get your hands on our latest creations.

Here is a list of upcoming events and places you can find Pretty Stinkin' Green products.

November 12, Holiday Open House @ Amy's House.
November 20, 3:00 to 8:00, 2nd Annual Holiday Shopping Boutique, Clarkston MI
December 3, Pretty Stinkin' Green Open House, 559 W. Long Lake Rd., Traverse City. This year several other Mompreaneurs will be joining us for this event: Thirty One Gifts, Rejeweled by Gloria, Jeans Gone Green, Kristin's Kookies, Glamour girl Purses.
December 9 & 10, Mini Maker's Market (details coming soon)

Shops that carry Pretty Stinkin' Green products:
* Michigan's Gifts and Treasures
*The Red Dresser
* A Simpler Time Clarkston, MI
* Trishia's Boutique 19115 West Rd, Trenton, MI 48183

Email us @ prettystinkingreen@gmail for details.

Traverse City LipDub

2011-08-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

This is so cool! Out beautiful town did a lipdub. It is being featured at the Traverse City Film Festival that is currently happening here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKr7JctKat8&feature=player_embedded

One of the singers, Brandy Wheeler, is even wearing a Pretty Stinkin' Green skirt that Hannah made from some shirts with art that Brandy made years ago. I was in the (not so big) mob of people at the end of the video. The mob wasn't as big as planned because it was a smokin' hot day. Whew!

* This picture didn't copy so well, but watch the video. It is much better.

Exciting news for local shoppers

2011-07-19T19:23:00.000-04:00

We still don't have an official store front, but that won't stop you from having a place to come and enjoy your shopping experience. We are opening up my home on Thursdays from 12:00 to 7:00 for you to come and browse, try on, place orders, pick up orders or just visit with the PSG girls.

Please join us at 559 W. Long Lake Rd., Traverse City, Mi on Thursdays form 12:00 to 7:00. Bring friends. Come solo. We are here for you.

Need directions? Google or email prettystinkingreen@gmail.com.

Are you feeling left out? Not local? New Etsy listings also coming on Thursday!!! What a day.

tiny skirts

2011-05-09T12:51:00.001-04:00

Check out Miss Lydia May.....

showing off her PSG Skirt...

doesn't get much cuter, does it?

Gotta love this little one!

Hugs, Hannah

we have a new look....

2011-02-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

We hope you enjoy the new look of our little blog!
to visit our Etsy store, all you have to do is click on our logo at the left!
Let us know if you're having trouble getting around!

Peace,
deb & hannah

New Items!

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

After a long delay. . . we are finally getting ready to list more items in the shop. Here are several of the skirts that will be listed. We will be adding them throughout the week.

We will also be listing more pillows, scarves, hats, leg warmers and, headbands soon.

If you would like more information on a particular skirt before you see a shop listing, just leave your inquiry in the comments below, or email us prettystinkingreen@gmail.com. We will get the information to you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Peace,

Hannah and Deb

Home Parties!

2011-01-04T11:19:00.001-05:00

In addition to our Etsy store, we have been super busy with home parties!
It's such a fun way for us to get to know YOU, and hear your stories! We usually collect quite a few special orders from these parties, and some are even geared toward bringing a shirt (or pile of shirts!) with you!
Our hostesses have been wondering, welcoming, and so supportive!
We are so thankful for each of you who has hosted, and even been a guest at one of Pretty Stinin' Green's home parties!
Here are a couple images from one of our parties in November 2010!

It's so much fun meeting so many new people!
Thank you for this opportunity!

Peace,
Deb & Hannah

Growing.

2011-01-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

We want to thank you all so much!
Pretty Stinkin' Green continues to grow and grow!
Deb and I have had a hard time keeping up with the demand, and that is AWESOME!
thank you. thank you. thank you.

As a result, our Etsy store continues to be low in stock, but we are hoping to fill it up with some new goodness soon! So, don't give up on us, and keep checking back! I promise you'll be seeing new things added soon!

Poor Deb has been running and working like a mad woman! I've kinda left her high and dry and on her own with all the special orders, and keeping the inventory stocked because I've been growing something of my own....and it's been making me sleepy!

D and I are expecting twins in April! (you can read more HERE)
So, here is me, today....24 weeks pregnant!
and if you'll notice, I'm finding our Pretty Stinkin' Skirts to be SUPER comfy these days!

So.....
Here's to GROWING....in more ways than one these days!

Thank you again for your support! And, keep a lookout for some fun new items being added to our shop soon!

Hugs,
Hannah

Busy Girls

2010-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

We have been working away on lots of custom orders. Here is one order that includes three Christmas skirts. Well, really five if you count the doll skirts.

The before pile

I can't wait to see these on the models.

New to PSG :: T-Shirt Throws

2010-12-04T16:10:00.000-05:00

So much fun, huh!
These throws are awesome! They are super soft, and have a nice fleece backing that makes them warm and cozy too!

We are now taking orders for custom throws, so if you are interested, please shoot us an email for more information!
We hope to add a few to the shop soon too...but, no promises! HeeHee! You know how it is!

Model

2010-12-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

It is so fun to see people model at our events. Check out this happy shopper.

Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

So much has been happening here at Pretty Stinkin' Green! We have had several events and lots of great publicity in the past few weeks. Our poor Etsy shop has been neglected. We will be restocking the shop this weekend in preparation for a big store wide Cyber Monday Sale.

Click on over Monday and check out our new Skirts, Rose Scarves, Tshirt scarves, Pillows, Hats and more.

The girls are ready to help you! See you at the sale.

Welcome!

2010-11-16T08:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Pretty Stinkin' Green!
If you're visiting us from the article in Grand Traverse Women's Magazine, WELCOME!
We're so glad you stopped by!
We are currently working like crazy to get items in our shop, and prepare for our open house this weekend!
If you're in the Traverse City area, PLEASE feel welcome to stop by for a visit on Saturday, November 20th, between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

You can find more information about our open house below, in this post : OPEN HOUSE

Hope to see you then, and thanks again for stopping by to check us out!

Peace,
Deb&Hannah

We are on the cover!

2010-11-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

Grand Traverse Woman is a wonderful magazine published and distributed in northern Michigan. Not only a magazine, but a truely wonderful team of women who support women through networking, information and fun community activities. Pretty Stinkin' Green was not only fortunate enough to have an article featured in the November/December issue, but we also made the cover!

You can click on the files above to read the entire article, or to read it in Google Docs,
CLICK HERE!

holiday happenings!

2010-11-01T16:09:00.001-04:00

Reinvention Convention

2010-10-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

Our local Goodwill recently had an Art competition/gallery fundraiser. Artists purchased $30 of goods from Goodwill, made something out of it and submitted it for public judging. Money was raised through art sold and votes cast ($1 per vote ).

All the art was wonderful. I loved meeting and talking to the other artists. The positive feedback I got from the I two outfits I made was fantastic too. It was really difficult to get a good photo in the gallery. In fact I didn't. But I want to share anyway. Here is a peek at the before and after.

Input Needed

2010-09-28T20:03:00.000-04:00

We have two new styles of skirts to add to our already great line. As with all of your products, they are refashioned from discarded t-shirts and dresses. We will be posting some on our Etsy site next week (that is if your response is good).
I would love your input on what you think of the new styles. Drum role please . . . .


The second style

The pictures are not the best. The light around here has been really bad lately. Please leave a comment and tell me your thoughts.. Thumbs up or thumbs down.

Gretta is workin' it!

2010-09-10T17:39:00.000-04:00

Yep, we hired the right girl. Gretta is workin' her stuff! She has been at Michigan's Gifts and Treasures this week displaying Pretty Stinkin' Green products.

And, guess what . . . tonight she was even on the local news! She was lookin' great in her Pretty Stinkin' Scarf, Skirt and bag. Check her out.

Click Here

New Items :: SKIRTS!

2010-09-02T14:11:00.000-04:00

and here they are folks!

Don't mind Sally Green...she's still a little pale from her journey in a box....we'll work on sprucing her up soon!

We've just added these skirts to our STORE, make sure you check them out! Lots of different sizes! We'll be adding more shortly...so, keep an eye out!

sneak peek!

2010-09-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

We've been REALLY busy stocking up our skirts!
Look for some new ones to be added to the STORE soon!

Introducing our new helpers

2010-08-27T20:25:00.000-04:00

Hannah and I decided that we could each use a helper.   It is always nice to have an extra body at the photo shoots. So, Hannah did some looking around and found some very qualified help. The Green Sisters.
There are actually four sister who will be working with us. Sally Green is on her way to Hannah's right now. Gretta Green is here at my house. We are getting to know each other and having a lot of fun doing so.

A couple things I have learned so far about Gretta:
    *She loves to dress up. She constantly digs through my clothes trying on whatever she feels like (even though           she is a lot smaller then I am).
    *She is very outgoing and comfortable to be around.
    I really love having her here.

Here she is . . . Gretta Green

I can't wait to hear from Hannah and Sally. We will keep you up to date on the adventures of the Green sister.

Handpicked Fall :: 2010

2010-08-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hey Friends!
One of the items from our store has been handpicked and featured on Pronta's blog!
You can see it HERE!

Aren't those colors beautiful?
I can't wait for fall!
You'll find our item (which is still for sale) HERE

NETWORKING PARTY.pdf - Google Docs

2010-08-05T22:30:00.000-04:00

NETWORKING PARTY.pdf - Google Docs

Today: New Item Added

2010-08-05T13:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!
As I'm sure you can relate, summer gets so busy for all of us, doesn't it?
I feel like I've been going non-stop over the past month, working in the garden, canning and freezing, planning for parties and weekends, and trying to keep the lawn mowed!
The work never ends, but I am so thankful that I am still able to make time for fun!
I'm in the process of working on some new totes/purses to add to the shop!
They are turning out so cute..and honestly, I wasn't sure I even wanted to list this one, I just love the orange so much I wanted to keep it!
But, I like to think I'm good at sharing, sometimes!
SO...
I just added this super cute new tote to our shop,
and you can find it HERE.

I'm looking forward to the coming week...If all goes well, I'll be seeing Deb!
I can't wait, I need some inspiration and she's the perfect resource!

Have a great weekend.

Love, Hannah

The Unexpected

2010-07-24T21:16:00.000-04:00

I love making recycled things. I love that we are extending the life of things that otherwise would be wasted. I love being able to create what I want without spending huge amounts of money or resources.

When Hannah and I started Pretty Stinkin' Green we wanted to share creative ideas, use recycled materials, have an online shop and blog, and participate in local shows. We have had a blast together (even though we live 400 miles apart) doing all of this.

What I didn't expect was to be touched by so many wonderful people. A few weeks ago a friend had a "skirt party". She invited friends to come and bring their own t-shirts to have made into skirts. Something special happened as each person unveiled their stash of old shirts. Stories began to pour out of each bag along with the t-shirts. There were stories of races ran and trails hiked. Stories of careers started, colleges attended, and concerts enjoyed. Stories of first dates, marriages, and children's favorite cartoon characters. I didn't even realize until the party was over and the sewing began what a wonderfully unexpected event it was.

I love that the stories will continue to be told as the skirts travel and experience new adventures.
Maybe we should be calling our skirts "Pretty Stinkin' Story Skirts".

Event

2010-07-06T21:43:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share a few pictures from a show we did last week. The event was basically an Open House for several of us who have small businesses.

I was more than thrilled at the reception that Pretty Stinkin' Green got from those who attended the event. Our t-skirts and burlap bags were a big hit. So much so that I had to hit the serger right after to begin replenishing our stock for more upcoming events.

A strong gusty wind kept us from setting up outside. We all managed to fit nicely together inside My friend Nicole'shouse.

While these gals may look like professional models, a couple of the shoppers even posed for me in their Pretty Stinkin' t-skirts. Thanks Girls!

2010-06-24T17:48:00.000-04:00

Fun Event

Pretty Stinkin' Green along with Thirty One Gifts, Party Lite, Arbonne, Goldswap, Pampered Chef, Silpada, Cards by Amber (and more), will be displaying our wears at a gathering for women on Friday, June 25th. Nicole Shoemaker has opened her house for the event. She lives on the west side of Traverse City. If you can come and need the address please contact me.

We will have skirts, bags, scarves, and some smaller treasures scrounge through. We can also take custom orders. Wouldn't a Cherry Festival, Film Festival, or beach cover skirt be fun?

Oh, and how about a recycled coffee sack bag to carry your picnic supplies in?

Hope to see you there!

More Stinkin' Skirts

2010-06-10T23:26:00.000-04:00

Whoooo! The serger has been humming away. Our tshirt skirts have really taken off. . . oh, wait. No one is taking anything off. This is a family blog. Sorry about that. The skirts. We will be posting some in the shop tomorrow. Here is a sneak preview.

There are several more too.

We have several Pretty Stinkin' Green events coming up. We will keep you posted as they approach.

Thanks for taking a peak.

pretty stinkin' back at it!

2010-05-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

Hi friends!
Have you been wondering where we've been?

Well, it's spring/summer now, and that means we've both been itching to be outside rather than cooped up in our craft rooms! Please forgive us!

But, we're back at it...

Deb has been working on some AWESOME summer skirts! You MUST check THESE babies out! I promise you won't be disappointed! I've been wearing one almost every day!
You know why? Because they stretch nicely! And, they are super comfy!
Why would I want my skirt to stretch? Well, I think any woman is happy with a little stretch, right? But, I also am loving these skirts right now because of my growing belly!
Yep, that's right....if you follow my blog you've probably already read it, but Dustin and I are expecting our first baby in October! (part of my reason for being MIA lately!) We are SO excited! And let me tell you girls, these skirts make awesome maternity skirts! I just LOVE them! I've been wearing them to work, to church, to shop, to hoe my garden, cooking, cleaning...you name it! So, I've done the test, they rock!

I'm starting to make a mess of burlap again too...so, you'll start seeing some much loved burlap totes in the shop soon! I've been nearly sold out for a while now without much ambition to create more...but, now that I've got some of my energy back (that this growing baby keeps taking away from me!) I'll be making some more totes for the shop! I promise, you'll love them...and you'll want them all! Haha!
You know what I'm going to use one of these totes for? A diaper bag! Hehe! How fun will that be! I just love this hobby!

ya'all have a great night! You'll be seeing us around more...I promise!

Hannah

Garage Sales & Yard Sales & Giveaway!

2010-05-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

Hey, FRIENDS!
Remember back when we did THIS post?

Well...check this out!

Introducing the new iPhone Application

Stay Green and Don't waste Gas with this Garage Sale App

With a lot of people driving around every Saturday and Sunday wasting a lot of gasoline and fumagating our planet while they traverse the globe looking for bargains and deals at yard sales was a rather large problem up until now. There is a new iPhone application out from Garage Sales Tracker that allows you to save gas and stop polluting by finding all the local garage sales, consignment shops, and flea markets with turn by turn directions so that you do not get lost ever again.

These sales are great for the environment as well because they offer a ton of re-used and second hand goods that get bought and re-cycled over and over again as opposed as going to the dump. Also if you don't have an iPhone you can enter to win a free iPhone in the garage sales tracker iPhone giveaway running from now till the beginning of June.

Find out MORE HERE!

Happy Earth Day !!!!

2010-04-22T11:12:00.000-04:00

I am off planting the seedlings that I got from the Nature Conservancy the other day.

Trash Pick Up Party after school today!

What are you doing on this Earth Day??

YAY

2010-04-01T15:36:00.001-04:00

I'm headed out the door right now and on my way to Michigan to visit my family for Easter!
I can't wait to see them!

But, real quick....I wanted to send you over to Try Handmade. They just did an awesome post featuring Pretty Stinkin' Green!

Check it out HERE

So sorry I don't have more time to chat today!
Gotta go get in the car before my hubby leaves me! :)

Happy Easter!

Nest Tutorial

2010-03-23T21:06:00.000-04:00

Tutorial Here

Composting

2010-03-20T14:46:00.000-04:00

Well, now that you are all expecting this big exciting post . . . I have nothing for you. No, not true. I actually had pictures to go with my post, because what would a composting post be without pictures- right? Well, I didn't download the pics the other day and my hubby took the camera with him on a short trip and left the camera in the rental car. Grrrrrrr, The rental company is on the lookout.

The snow melted early this year here in northern Michigan. And like the rest of you I am anxious to get into the garden. We are warned in this area not to plan until the end of May though. It is going to be tough to wait that long, so I am trying to think of outdoor projects that I can do until that time. One of the things I can do now is compost.

During the winter months I do not compost. I live in the woods and so when we have scraps they just get thrown into the woods (out of dog range) to feed whatever critters are wondering past or just to add to the natural composting occurring on the forest floor.

I began composting years ago when we lived in Pennsylvania.   We had wonderful vegetable garden that a neighbor tilled for me. I made cow pie tea to fertilize and the washing machine drained down the hill to the garden plot. My garden was very happy. We did not have trash service and so we burned our trash which made me very aware of what we were disposing of. Thus, the birth of my first compost pile. It was built from old (free) pallets that I dragged home.

Now, I use a composting container that I purchased from the county. I am not an expert on the subject. I just follow a few simple rules:
    -add produce scraps & peels, coffee ground and tea
    -add plant and grass clippings
    -keep moist
    -turn pile occasionally
    -no meat, pits or oak leaves

You can find a lot of composting information on the web and in gardening books. Here are a few links;
http://moregreenforlessgreen.blogspot.com/search/label/Composting
http://www.howtocompost.org/
http://www.composting101.com/
http://www.mastercomposter.com/

It's your turn.

Share your comments with us here. Where are you and what spring activities are you up to?

Ellie, since you left a comment on my last NON-POST you have won a little Pretty Stinkin' Something. Please email your address to me debhepner@gmail.com

****************************

peace of Deb

This week's topic. . . .

2010-03-15T08:16:00.000-04:00

Composing

Stay tuned. . .

Here they are!

2010-02-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Pretty Stinkin' Skirts!

you'll start to see these lovelies in the PSG shop real soon!

Hugs,
Deb & Hannah

and she's gone....

2010-02-26T18:30:00.000-05:00

Deb is on her way back to Michigan!
We had such a wonderful time together.
We are well on our way to being ready for a few craft shows this summer too, and we are SO excited for that!
We spent lots of stinkin' time together, and created lots of stinkin' stuff to put in our shop...the weather didn't cooperate today, so I'm sorry I don't have photos of the new goodies! I hope to have them in the shop tomorrow! I hope I hope I hope! Because....I REALLY can't wait for you to see them!!! :)
Here's a hint...

hmmmmmmmmmmm.....
any ideas about what we've been making?

hope you all had a great week!
and, have a wonderful weekend!
thanks for joining us this week for our specials in the shop!

Giveaway :: Day 4

2010-02-25T07:50:00.000-05:00

Giveaway :: Day 3

2010-02-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

Giveaway :: Day 2

2010-02-23T06:10:00.000-05:00

Just leave us a message with your order with your choice of a Pretty Stinkin' Pin from our shop!
Today only!

Oh, and don't forget.....the FREE SHIPPING coupon still applies!!!
Have fun shopping!

Giveaway :: Day 1

2010-02-22T03:01:00.000-05:00

enjoy this great opportunity!
FREE SHIPPING on your ENTIRE order this week!
use coupon code

FREESHIP

at checkout!

our exciting news!

2010-02-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

Giveaway at Donna's!

2010-02-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

Do you know Donna?
Well, if you don't...you really should go check her out (when you're done here!)
Deb and I both have been huge fans of Donna for quite a while now! We just love her style!

Donna is doing a giveaway TODAY!
Go visit her, and follow her instructions for entering (one of which is to be a "follower" here!)
and, you'll be entered in for a chance at a $35 gift certificate to our store!
Woo Hoo! Exciting, huh!
We are adding new items daily...so go check it out!

Donna's GIVEAWAY
it's today ONLY, so don't wait!

******************************************

I have some super duper exciting news to share with you tomorrow too! I can't wait to tell you all about it....come back soon!

planning for spring

2010-02-19T07:35:00.000-05:00

I love gardening just about as much as I love scrap booking, and sewing, and every other hobby...I just love being outside, getting my hands dirty....but, I think I enjoy the planning for a garden just as much!

I started a journal last spring when I was planning my garden.
I thought that this would be a good place to record what I planted, where I planted it and my crop yield.
I'm am learning more and more about being self sufficient. I would love to someday grow enough foods that I won't need to rely on a grocery store for my family.
What I love about having my own garden....I know exactly where my food comes from! I know that it hasn't been shipped across the country, or world, and it's fresh...straight from my back yard. Not to mention how rewarding it is to eat something you've worked so hard at growing!
Now...I'm still new to all this...for sure! But, I have a wonderful neighbor that shared her garden with me last year, Elouise. She calls me a Michigan Hillbilly! Feel free to go read more about her...and everything I learned from her last year...we are blessed to have her for a neighbor and friend. And, I can't forget to mention my family who has taught me so much of what I already know. I was so excited to bring home my very own rhubarb (which came from both of my grandmothers, and is now in my parent's garden, and now mine too!) and chives...I love chives, and all herbs...What a wonderful way to start my own garden last year!

This year I hope to build a couple of raised beds. I still don't want to dig up our yard, since we are renting. And, I don't' plan to have a huge garden...I'll save that planning for down the road...right now, I would like to focus on herbs, and just a few other basics....green beans for sure, maybe some peas, spinach, squash, potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, summer squash...I'll probably want to add more and more to this list...no doubt, but I just don't have the room this summer! I have plans to go visit Elouise soon and talk about her garden this summer...last year she shared so much with us, I'd like to plan my garden around what she's planting...if we can plant different things, we can continue to share with each other...I'm so excited about what is to come...
This winter I have been reading and researching quite a few books.
Here are a few that I really like right now::
I usually start to drool when I look at the photos inside...I get so excited about future plans!
What I want to research more on this year: heirloom seeds.

So...
As I plan my garden this year, and work on other ways in my life to be self sufficient (like the ricotta cheese I made this week, and the sprouts that are growing on the kitchen counter right now!) I hope to share with you my journey...little tid bits here, and much more detail on my blog
if you're interested!
Join me, won't you?

***************************
Love, Hannah

A Little Tipsy

2010-02-17T14:37:00.000-05:00

http://alittletipsy.blogspot.com/

Pretty Stinkin" Green is being Featured today at
A Little Tipsy

2010-02-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

OH, how fun!
We've been nominated as a favorite blog on ::

Please share and vote for your favorite blog and/or shop. Each nomination gets their own post where you can vote by either commenting and/or twittering using the widget at the bottom of each nomination.

NOTE: Nominations will end on the 20th so get them in soon! We will be keeping the top 5 nominations in each category for the last week of February.

You can vote for PRETTY STINKIN' GREEN
HERE
Thanks for taking the time to vote!

Garage Sales and more

2010-02-07T14:20:00.001-05:00

Since Hannah and I opened Pretty Stinkin' Green in December, I have been amazed at the networking that can be done on the Internet. Hannah is the computer dynamo in our little company. I wouldn't be here without her, that's for sure.

Anyway, we sure appreciate all those who have mentioned us and hosted give aways on our behalf. We are hoping to use this blog as a "green" forum : A resource for products and information. And so, today I would like to follow up this post, by introducing you to:

GARAGE SALES TRACKER

You can find them on facebook too:
HERE

And Twitter: twitter.com/garagesales1

It is a great spot to list and search for garage sales, consignment shops, flea markets, and even find coupons.

Garage Sales Tracker is a great resource for both the BUYER and the SELLER...not only can you search listings, you can also list your Sale!

Make sure you start "following" them, and don't forget to bookmark their site! This is an awesome resource that we can all benefit from!

Go check em out!

it's our first SALE!

2010-02-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about these Pretty Stinkin' Market Totes that I am adding to the shop tonight!
They are just SO cute, and SO unique!
I can't wait for you to see them!

We are also excited to announce that Pretty Stinkin' Green is having a Pretty Stinkin' Sale through Sunday...Yep, that's right, a sale! FREE shipping now through Sunday!

In other words, you won't pay any stinkin' shippin' through Sunday, February 7th, 2010!
How awesome is that? We {HEART} free shipping!

So, go get that Valentine gift for your best girl...friend, daughter, wife...whomever it may be, you know you have someone special that deserves a Stinkin' Gift!
Can't find the perfect item? We've just added Gift Certificates to our shop to help make the decision even easier for you, if you choose!

Have fun shopping!
Love,
the Girls at Pretty Stinkin' Green

We are on the NEWS

2010-02-02T18:21:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how excited we are to have had this opportunity!
Thank you TV 9 and 10 News!
And, thank you to all of our friends, followers, and customers for your continual support!

Watch the video clip HERE
Love,
Deb and Hannah

on the NEWS!

2010-02-01T07:05:00.000-05:00

We have some exciting news for Pretty Stinkin' Green this week...
We are being featured on the Project Green segment of
Northern Michigan's local news, TV 9&10 News.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 @ 5:50 p.m.
(I will post a link to the show back here once it airs!)

Pretty Stinkin' Awesome, huh!

Deb and I are so very excited about this opportunity to help publicize our business, what we stand for, and what we are trying to do!

Most of you probably don't know how PSG (Pretty Stinkin' Green) really got started, so here is a bit of our story ::

Deb and I (Hannah) met about three years ago at the local scrapbook store in Traverse City, Michigan. We both enjoy using our creative minds to express ourselves, and scrapbooking was (and still is) a great way to release some of that creative energy! As we spent time together, and got to know each other a little more we realized that we had so much more in common, and so many more shared hobbies and interests than just paper crafts. And, so it began...our minds went crazy with ideas...every time we were together (and with some of our other creative friends, too!) we came up with new projects that we wanted to try, things we wanted to make, ideas we wanted to put into action, and we just couldn't help ourselves, we wanted to do it all!

In the background of all this fun, my husband and I were planning to move out of town. Not a move that any of us were exactly excited about, but it was something we needed to do to keep food on the table! Employment trumps fun sometimes! So, Dustin and I moved to Ohio.
Deb and I, and our good friend Kim decided that we needed to find a good way to stay connected, so we created our own Kit Club, for scrapbooking, mostly. Each month we exchanged kits between the three of us. What an awesome way to keep us connected...we created our own blog and everything!
That has been just less than a year ago, and we are closer now than ever! I love our friendship with each other! While we continue to enjoy our paper crafting with each other, Deb and I have also continued to share our other passions, and inspire each other along the way.

And so we developed PRETTY STINKIN' GREEN, a business that we share together to sell our green products. Our products have and always will start from up cycled, recycled, and reused items that we find in thrift stores, garage sales, or donations that have been given to us along the way. It is fun and challenging to create items for our shop, since each piece we make is 100% unique, just like a snowflake! We are constantly being inspired to create new items, and have great intentions of filling our shop with many more unique and creative things!

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about us...two friends, living nearly 400 miles apart, that create with each other, inspire each other, and have continued to grow a lasting friendship along the way!
Thank you for all of your wonderful support!

Love, Hannah

Pretty Stinkin' Giveaway!

2010-01-27T19:53:00.000-05:00

Kimm, at REINVENTED is doing a giveaway for Pretty Stinkin' Green this week! Go check it out!
Make sure you follow her instructions to enter the giveaway for a $30 gift certificate

Thanks Kimm, for the wonderful article you put together for Pretty Stinkin' Green!

Why Thrift?

2010-01-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

My mom went to garage sales. I thought it was kind of icky.

Thrifting, junking, garage saling : none of these verbs are in the dictionary.

Why do we thrift, garage sale, junk?

Well, for several reasons. Obviously, we like to save money. Why pay full price when we can get what we want for less? But, I truly think that for most of us there are other reasons. I know for me there are. I go junking because, well, I enjoy the hunt. There is something about finding that unexpected bargain that thrills me.

I find unique things when I am scrounging in castoff treasures. As a self proclaimed artist, I see things in a different light. Thrifting awakens my creative side. I love to repurpose items, sometimes more than once.

Probably the greatest reason to thrift is because it is green. More green than one might think. Not only does reusing a product prevent it from ending up in a landfill, but less manufacturing of new products is needed.

Packaging is greatly reduced. Packaging is a big pet peeve of mine that I'm sure we will be talking about that

another time.

Most junking is done locally. Loads of fossil fuels are not used to get the product to where it is going. It is probably close to home when you purchase it.

Where can you thrift??

In most communities there are numerous places to find green bargains. The obvious places are the national non-profits; Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. Your area may also have local charity organizations with stored. We have House of Hope and Woman's Resource Center. Many churches have thrift shops. Check your phone book to find these hidden gems. check your area for cast off construction supplies too. We have Restore, run be Habitat for Humanity, and another privately owned company where I find a lot of fun stuff. In fact I will have some refurbished item showing up in our shop soon

Consignment shops carry a wonderful selection of gently used items, clothing, children's clothing and toys, household goods, furniture, garden goods and sporting goods. Most of my wardrobe is from consignment shops. Also, remember when shopping consignment that each store has its own style. In our smallish town, for clothing, we have a hip and trendy shop (my favorite) , a classic/career shop, and an all around family shop. One store just opened just for teen wear. These are also great places to take things you are ready to get rid of. You may have a gold mine in your closet or garage!

Your computer is also a great resource for thrifting. I haven't done much on these sites, but I know they are out there. Craig's List, Freecycle, and Ebay are widely known sites to shop for preloved goods in your area. Surf the net for local resources. Take a look at http://www.recyclechicken.com/ , a new site based in my town where Pretty Stinkin' Green is listed as a resource to take items people and businesses are looking to donate their discarded items. I'm sure sites like this are popping up all over.

Anyway, have fun, go green, and get creative. we would love to hear what you are think about thrifting, junking, garaging, surfing. . . whatever YOU like to call it.

How to Create A Paperless Home :: Kitchen

2010-01-18T08:10:00.000-05:00

I have been casually working on going paper free in our home. Yep, I know...it's crazy, but true!
Or, it's not really that crazy...it's a great thing!

*We no longer use paper plates, I can't even remember the last time I bought them!
*I have a stash of paper napkins, but they probably have some dust on the top of the stack because it's been so long since we've used from the pile! Deb sent me a wonderful supply of vintage table napkins for my birthday last year and we use a few of those for our daily napkins! I also have purchased a couple packs of flour sacks that make for great napkins!
*There is a roll of paper towels under our sink. Dustin is the only one who still uses them. But, that roll has been there for a couple months now.

So....

YES, I have a few more dishes to wash....
YES, I have a few more items in the wash.....

But, once you go paper free...you'll never go back!

***********************

Now, those of your who know how much I LOVE to scrapbook are probably going to start laughing at this post! Scrapbooking is all about PAPER!!!
But, here's the deal....I have SO much in my stash right now, that I don't need any more paper! And, for the last 8 months or so, two of my girlfriends and I have been swapping supplies monthly! Yep! We started our own little "kit club" when I moved from Michigan, and we swapped kits once a month...either via mail, or face to face visits (which were the best!). We just swapped stuff that we already had...! It worked great! We always had a fresh supply of new product to work with, and we didn't have to spend a dime!
What an awesome way to "recycle" or things!

***********************
Here is a little more info for you too:

I just LOVED this post: HERE from Simple Mom.

Love, Hannah

Hope for Haiti

2010-01-14T21:36:00.001-05:00

Please join us in helping out!
Check out Hope for Haiti, and see all the wonderful donations that are being given in hopes to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

A makeover

2010-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share a recent project that I completed.

I purchased this solid maple dresser from a thrift shop last summer for just $5. It was teal green, the same color as the bedskirt in the photo above, and had three drawers in it. The top piece was very warped. I painted it black because it was for the upstairs hallway. Well, it didn't work out for the hallway so I swapped it out for a dresser in our bedroom.

I pulled the drawers out and thought it would work better as three shelves. Well, I remembered the gym locker wire baskets that I have had scattered around the house serving various purposes. I gathered them and they are the perfuct fit. To replace the warped top I went to the salvage store and purchased a $4 window. The guy threw in a piece of this scrapboard and even cut it to fit the window frame (it pays to be a frequent shopper). I painted those and wah-lah ! I love the results. I can display different things under the window when I feel like a change. It is now sitting comfortably under our bedroom window.

Meet Deb

2009-12-09T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hi I'm Deb. I live in Northern Michigan with my wonderful husband Bruce, who has been very supportive of all my crazy ideas for many years now. We have a 12 year old son, Walker, who is the joy of our everyday lives. He keeps us involved in sports, music and many other activities. We also have fun-loving labradoodle named Cloe.

Beside my deep love and commitment to our environment and my need to create, I also enjoy health and fitness, knitting, scrapbooking, volunteering in the community and in our local schools. I love animals and anything outdoors.

Pretty Stinkin' Green is a wonderful opportunity for us to play and create and share with others. Hannah and I have found inspiration in each other. We are so excited to invite you to experience our fun, recycled products. Please check with us often as we are constantly updating our shop. Also, please feel free to share your ideas and requests with us.

Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm in our new venture.

Meet Hannah

2009-12-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

Hello!
I am a stay at home wife, working part time for an investment company, part time cleaning for an elderly couple, and part time volunteering for our church. When I'm not working, I'm "working" at my new job with Pretty Stinkin' Green. I am so excited about this new adventure, and more ideas keep brewing in my head!
I am married to Dustin and mother to Oakley (our 4 year old, 100# Rhodesian Ridgeback)
I also delight other crafts...scrapbooking, crocheting, tatting, baking & cooking, along with many other things. I love spending time outside no matter the season! I am a big fan of winter! I just love the snow...but, I can't single out the season of white...I enjoy EVERY season for many reasons! I get excited each spring to plan my garden, and value the summer months for their harvests and sunshine. Fall, and its endless displays of color....GOD is GOOD!
My husband and I have recently moved to the oh so wonderful state of Ohio where we are finally finding our place in this little part of the country.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us here at Pretty Stinkin' Green, we look forward to your visits! Please let us know if we can help you, or answer any questions for you.

Hannah