|
Reading all entries in category "Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home"
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 8Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Back to Work and Corporate Gifts, Gifts for Women' on February 16, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
Can’t decide?
Kindred Gift’s "Buy Once, Give Twice” philosophy means that their gift cards aren’t just contributing to some corporate fat-cat’s private island fund. Instead, they’ve adopted a whole new way of doing business and buying from them means that you’re being eco friendly, buying handmade goodness or contributing to fair trade initiatives and charitable causes.
On top of that, Kindred Gifts also donate 2% of their revenue to charities, so if you can’t decide on one thing in their fantastic range then why not buy a pretty little gift card and let the person you’re buying for decide?
Valentine's Day Sweet Treats For Your Loved OnePosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Recipes, Events and special occasions' on February 11, 2012, 12:00 am Want to treat your sweet heart with a delightful desert? Here's a couple of recipe ideas from two of our favourite Australian cookbooks, Martha Goes Green and The Sustainable Table.
Martha Goes Green - Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

The Sustainable Table - Raw Chocolate and Banana Tarts

Makes 8-10 small, 6 medium or 4 large tarts
Seasons:
summer, autumn, spring
"Food is unparalleled in its nutritional quality in its raw and natural state." Angela Gioffre
Ingredients
Base
2 tbsp agave syrup
1 cup almonds, soaked in 1 cup of water for around 5 hrs
1/3 cup cashew cream
¼ cup cashews
¼ cup water
1/3 tsp vanilla essence/syrup
agave, to taste (optional)
ground cinnamon, to taste (optional)
Filling
3 tbsp cashew cream, see above
1 banana
1 tsp raw cacao powder
1 strawberry
Topping
strawberries, sliced
chocolate mint herb or mint leaves
METHOD
Base
1. Blend agave syrup and almonds, then press into flan tins of your desired size.
Cashew Cream
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. If you would like it a little sweeter add agave, or spices such as cinnamon.
3. Use, or store in the fridge until ready to use.
The cream keeps for about one week.
Filling
1. Blend cashew cream, banana, cacao powder and strawberry.
2. Spoon into flan tins.
3. Top with strawberries and a leaf of the chocolate mint or regular mint.
4. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and enjoy.
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 7Posted in 'Baby Gifts and Gifts for Kids, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on February 9, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
Battling the computer games..
Are you fighting the battle to seduce your kids away from technology and out into the bright sunshine of summer? Why not try introducing them to some old school favourites like the traditional Egg & Spoon Race? Fun In The Sack Egg and Spoon Race kit gives you everything you need without running the risk of broken eggs all over the back yard.
Living a Sustainable Life - Ideas to consider, things to try - Part 4Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Sustainable fashion, architecture and design' on February 8, 2012, 12:00 am Living a sustainable life – ideas to consider, things to try.
What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means meeting your current needs, instead of your current wants.
Sustainability is being conscious of not having a negative impact on the needs of future generations.
Sustainability requires us all to make more environmentally-conscious choices about the way we live. It might not be plausible for most of us to have a completely sustainable home or office or method of transportation, but sustainability is all about taking small steps towards improvement...
Make your holiday sustainable
 Sustainable holidays mean less stress - look at the things that cause you to stress. Why is it stressful? Is it necessary? Can you cut back on the distance that you travel so that you don’t need to cope with jet lag or time delays? Can you catch public transport (train holidays can be fantastic!) so that you don’t have to worry about finding your way or driving in unfamiliar areas?
Sustainable holidays mean less waste: look for things that create wasted resources. What are the alternatives?
Sustainable holidays mean relaxing: you may not be able to make sweeping changes in one season. Set yourself one holiday goal and do what you can. It is a holiday after all!
Guest Blog Post: The Benefits of Choosing Soy CandlesPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Health and happiness, Gifts for Women, Sustainable fashion, architecture and design' on February 8, 2012, 12:00 am 
This guest blog post comes from the lovely Meagan at the This Whole Family blog. Meagan is first and foremost a mama to two gorgeous little ones, a wife, a green cleaner and vegetarian chef, a writer, a yoga teacher, an animal rights activist and creator of all things homemade. She enjoys shopping, vegan baking and her newfound hobbies- sewing, knitting and photography. You can find her playing hide and seek at the park, drawing with crayons, reading a book or feeding her newborn while sipping soy chai lattes and nibbling on Fairtrade chocolate. 
Meagan says:
We love using candles to create mood in our home. We light a
candle each night before saying our grace at dinner; we light one or two
naturally scented candles throughout the house during the day when we’re
hanging out at home; we light a candle when we’re quietly drawing and we also light
a candle at storytime to create a sense of stillness, wonder and reflection. We
have been long-time fans of beeswax candles, but when we are in the mood for a
new scent and a bit more luxury our choice is soy candles.
Using soy candles instead of conventional paraffin based ones is
better for you and the environment- a win-win situation. Here’s why:
* Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than paraffin, while
paraffin based candles emit a petroleum exhaust leaving smokey residue on
walls, ceilings, furniture and even in your lungs.
* Soy candles burn longer, slower and cooler compared to
conventional candles.
* As long as the soybeans are grown sustainably, they are a
renewable resource, unlike paraffin which is derived from petroleum.
* Soywax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is therefore
naturally biodegradable.
Kindred Gifts sells a beautiful range of candles called Pompadour Soy Candles that are scented with
natural essential oils and fine fragrances of frangipani and willow bark
blended with jasmine, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, pettigrain, ylang ylang and
mimosa. Unlike many conventional candles these are free from paraffin, palm
oil, animal by-products and chemicals.
From
the Kindred
Gifts website: "The range draws inspiration from the legend of
Madame de Pompadour - a woman who personified learning, wit and style, who embraced
luxury, aesthetics and indulgence to please her soul in the same way that art,
literature and music did”. This sentence alone makes me want to light a candle
and get in touch with my creative side!
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 6Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on February 2, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
Remember, remember...
 Anywhere past year 12, writing notes to yourself on the back of your hand becomes less and less acceptable. After all, a client of yours doesn’t need to know that you need nappies and tomatoes when you’re on your way home tonight.
So why not pin up your ‘notes to self’ instead, and introduce the Actual by Josh Jakus ‘Dusty Man’ Corkboard to your home or office? He’s cute, functional and makes it much easier than trying to decipher the notes on the back of your hand after a day of wash and wear!
Living a Sustainable Life - Ideas to consider, things to try - Part 3Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Sustainable fashion, architecture and design' on February 1, 2012, 12:00 am What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means meeting your current needs, instead of your current wants.
Sustainability is being conscious of not having a negative impact on the needs of future generations.
Sustainability requires us all to make more environmentally-conscious choices about the way we live. It might not be plausible for most of us to have a completely sustainable home or office or method of transportation, but sustainability is all about taking small steps towards improvement...
Make your office sustainable

Being sustainable at work can be hard – it is all about getting your colleagues, peers and bosses on board too...How about suggesting a competition so that the staff member who implements the most successful reduce, reuse or recycle ideas wins a prize? Ask people to consider how you might all reuse materials in the workplace, persuade your boss to invest in some recycling bins or convince everyone to print double sided. Every little step is one that counts.
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 5Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 26, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
Man Up!
Buying for your typical twenty-something is not easy: he manscapes, straightens his hair and cares for the environment and has a solid knowledge about what makes a good Pinot Noir.
It’s his birthday, and you’re flummoxed as to what to get him. How about Vers Audio 1E Earphones? Stylish, suave and much far superior to their plastic counterparts, they’re designed to be noise cancelling, which is perfect for when you want to ramble about your latest shoe purchase: he can just plug in and drift off....
Living a Sustainable Life - Ideas to consider, things to try - Part 2Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Sustainable fashion, architecture and design' on January 25, 2012, 12:00 am What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means meeting your current needs, instead of your current wants.
Sustainability is being conscious of not having a negative impact on the needs of future generations.
Sustainability requires us all to make more environmentally-conscious choices about the way we live. It might not be plausible for most of us to have a completely sustainable home or office or method of transportation, but sustainability is all about taking small steps towards improvement...
Make your car/transport sustainable
It is a simple proposition - walk more and drive less - which isn’t always easy to implement. But if you swap just one car journey (say that Saturday afternoon dash to the supermarket) for a walk or a bike ride instead, imagine how much fitter you’d feel and you could be comfortable in the knowledge that a little less fossil fuel was used that day, so a little more environment was cherished...
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 4Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 19, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
Buying for your "kooky” best friend:

Everyone has that friend, who is a little different from the norm; who isn’t going to appreciate a gift card or a cook book for their birthday. Ours is a Cartographer (she is map crazy!) So for her the Bold and Noble Type Map British Isles Print was a perfect combination of hobby and homely reminder. Now it takes pride of place amongst all the other standard maps!
Living a Sustainable Life - Ideas to consider, things to try - Part 1Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Sustainable fashion, architecture and design' on January 18, 2012, 12:00 am What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means meeting your current needs, instead of your current wants.
Sustainability is being conscious of not having a negative impact on the needs of future generations.
Sustainability requires us all to make more environmentally-conscious choices about the way we live. It might not be plausible for most of us to have a completely sustainable home or office or method of transportation, but sustainability is all about taking small steps towards improvement...
Make your home sustainable
Ever wondered how much power you’re using at home? Why those electricity bills just keep on getting bigger and bigger every year? Why not invest in a Power Meter as the first step to making your home sustainable? Plug any appliance into it and it will calculate how much energy your home appliances are using. It a great way to learn about energy consumption and to reduce your families carbon footprint.
Packing Essentials for your Summer HolidaysPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 13, 2012, 12:00 am Packing Essentials for your Summer Holidays
Whether you’re taking a much needed vacation, visiting friends and family overseas, planning a business trip or you’re a regular globe trotter, here’s a packing list featuring some amazing products found exclusively at Kindred Gifts that will help to make your trip more enjoyable, relaxed, organized and personalized.
The most crucial item for any traveller is their carry-on bag. No matter what happens to the rest of your luggage, you can rest assured knowing that you have the essentials and basics in your carry-on so that when you arrive at your destination you are feeling fresh, organized and prepared for anything.
The gorgeous Fleabags range of bags are stylish and very roomy. Their vegetable tanned leather handles sit comfortably and conveniently over your shoulder. The versatility and space Fleabags provide make them the perfect carry-on bag, nappy bag, beach bag or a simply stylish handbag.
When packing your carry-on make sure to include the following:
Toiletries :-
A small comb or brush with hair ties or elastics- the Same Sky Wrap Bracelets are not only colourful and stylish bracelets or necklaces, but can also be used as beautiful hairties.
Lip balm, make-up, a small mirror and moisturizer- Purestuf Skincare ‘s luxury Travel Packs come complete with face and eye cream, face scrub, lip balm, and soap and a shaver and shave cream for men . Choose from travel sized products tailored to men or women perfect for the travelling business man or woman.
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Paracetamol, motion sickness tablets, vitamins and medicines

Other :-
Jewelry, sunglasses and other valuables
Dogeared 100 Good Wishes necklace and the Make a Wish necklace as good pieces that go with every outfit and are good options for stylish travel.
Keys- the Resource Revival key chains in either blue, red, orange and silver are made from recycled bike parts and double as handy bottle openers so you can enjoy a cold drink, wherever you are.

Earplugs and earphones - Vers Audio earphones - handcrafted from eco friendly bamboo and natural walnut, these earphones have a beautiful warm, clear sound and look great too.

Laptop and carry-cases - Alchemy Goods laptop covers and Vers Audio iPad cases
Camera
Chewing gum or mints
Reusable Water Bottle- the 321 Water Bottle is not only sleek looking, it has a built-in carbon filtration system ensuring your water is fresh, clean and pure even on the go.
Inflatable travel pillow
A Travel Clock- the Lexon Safe Travel Clock simple and stylish, stores away easily and uses both solar energy and AAA batteries to ensure you sleep easy knowing it will do it’s job for you.
A spare set of clothing, rolled up to minimize wrinkles and a relief knowing you have them when your flight and/or luggage is delayed
Nappy Bag :- 
Nappies
Wipes, creams Little Pumpkin Organics range - They’re handmade in Australia from all natural ingredients and are perfect for newborn and babies soft, delicate skin.
Bottles, baby food, bibs and spoon
Depending on the length of flight up to to 3 changes of clothes per child
Healthy snacks and sandwiches- Fluf carries a range of organic cotton snack packs and lunch bags that are perfect for the plane and day trips
Don’t forget to pack a few other essentials that suit your particular travelling needs upon arrival:
Yoga junkies will love Yoga Paws- the yoga mat you can wear. Pack minimally. With sweat absorbent lining these 'paws' (gloves for your feet and hands) replace the need for a yoga mat and prevent slipping when your hands and feet get sweaty.

Coffee Addicts will never have to experience a withdrawal if they pack their Handpresso Espresso Maker: a truly portable espresso machine that uses no electricity. The Handpresso Outdoor Travel Set includes everything you need to take your espresso on the road - the machine, cups and napkins.
Alternatively, for those who are happier exploring local cafes, don’t forget to pack a reusable coffee cup, like the Hookturn BYO Cup so you can look stylish, enjoy a coffee on the go and feel good about reducing paper waste.

For those who are planning a beach holiday, the Fluf Little One Reversible Handbags and Dogeared’s ‘Life’s a Beach’ tote bag  are both great beach bags that have lots of room for towels, sunglasses, suncream, drinks, a good book and anything else you might need to enjoy a day in the sun.
For a day of shopping or a night out on the town, the simple yet funky Fuz Um Tote Handbag can unzip completely to lay flat, which makes it most convenient for travelling.
Finally, make sure to label all of your bags with Dynomighty Luggage Tags made from a super strong microfibre called Tyvek. The two unique design styles Airmail and Fragile will help make your bags stand out and protect them from mistaken identity.
Kindred Gifts offers a huge range of quality products that enable you to travel in style and comfort, while minimizing your eco footprint. There are so many wonderful gifts to choose from, perfect for avid travellers, businessmen and women, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and anyone in between.
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift part 3Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 12, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
The Letter:
When was the last time you wrote a letter? No, not an email. Or a customer-feedback survey or a Facebook post. A real letter. Our bet is that you can’t remember!
Well Isak are looking to revive this great art form with their Isak Apple EcoNotes Notecard Set. These quirky and beautiful handmade cards are just big enough for you to tell someone about your day without boring the pants of them with an encyclopaedic essay!
Simple Steps to Help the Environment – 4 tips that ANYONE can implement! - Part 4Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 11, 2012, 12:00 am Little steps go a long way in helping the environment. Here at Kindred Gifts we have done a little research and have put together the following steps we can instigate at home in an effort to be a little greener on a daily basis, without too much time or hassle...
Brushing your teeth without running water...an oldy but a goody!

You've heard this one before, but so many people still leave the tap running when they’re brushing their teeth – wasting gallons of water each day! Just by turning the tap off while you brush those pearly whites, you will be reducing your water bill and saving on the wastage – another double bonus!
Activities for the School HolidaysPosted in 'Baby Gifts and Gifts for Kids, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 11, 2012, 12:00 am
Make
this year’s school holidays memorable whether you’re enjoying nature in the
great outdoors, exploring your city or cozying up for a rainy day at
home.
The School Holiday Directory is
the perfect place to start your search for activities, facilities and events
that are happening in your city and neighbourhood. Simply visit the site, choose
the type of activity you’d like to experience and enter in your state. This is
your A-Z guide of what’s on and where throughout the country. Another wonderful
online resource is Kidspot- here you can search for local
events and a huge range of interesting and fun activities you can enjoy at home
and out and about.
Some
other fun school holiday activity ideas include:
*
Visiting your local zoo, aquarium or animal sanctuary to learn about and see
wild animals and their natural habitats.
*
Playing beach family volleyball; heading to the tennis courts; to the beach for
a surf or hitting some local biketrails. 
*
Painting, drawing, modelling and crafting are always a huge hit with children
of all ages. Make your own playdough,
get out the kid’s easels, make a sock
puppet or for the more serious art lovers head to the park and challenge
them to write short nature poems or to sketch their surroundings in the
Compendium ‘My
Writing’ or ‘My
Artwork’ journals.
On
rainy days head to the local library to read some books or to the museum to gaze
in  wonder at dinosaur bones. If you’re enjoying a leisurely day at home and
would like a bit of time to yourself the Makedo
Make Your Own Kits keep older children entertained for hours and inspire
imagination and creativity. Choose from making your own dollhouse, robot, car, cup
critters, flowers, playhouse
or make
your own invention.
Alternatively
the Tiger Tribe
Boxsets are a unique gift for younger children that encourage creativity and
also give you a little peace and quiet. Choose from the Beach
Villa; Airport, Car, Train
and Dollhouse
Boxsets to suit your 3-6 year-olds unique preferences. Each is portable,
practical, stylish and and guaranteed to occupy your little one with hours of
quiet fun and imaginative play.
Family
game nights are back in style, lots of fun, educational and a great alternative
to turning on the TV, especially when bedtimes are a bit later than usual. BrainBox
games by the Green
Board Game Company are fast and fun memory games that don’t require any
pens, pencils, paper, a playing board or even a table! Play them around the
dinner table, lounging in the backyard or in the car to pass the time on
roadtrips. They come in a huge variety of themes, including, The
World, Nature, Australia, World
History, Maths
for older children and ABCs
and My
First Brainbox for children as young as 4.
Enjoy
the school holidays this year! There are tons of activities, events and games to
choose from ensuring that the words "I’m bored!” will never again be heard from
your children’s mouths.
Go Green in 2012 : EcoMilf's Meagan Genovese Shares How to Remember your Re-usable Eco Accessories Every DayPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 10, 2012, 12:00 am We asked wonderful EcoMILF founder and blogger Meagan Genovese to share her wisdom on remembering how you can use your re-usable Eco Accessories everyday.

Meagan is first and foremost a mama to two gorgeous little ones, a wife, a green cleaner and vegetarian chef, a writer, a yoga teacher, an animal rights activist and creator of all things homemade. She enjoys shopping, vegan baking and her newfound hobbies- sewing, knitting and photography. You can find her playing hide and seek at the park, drawing with crayons, reading a book or feeding her newborn while sipping soy chai lattes and nibbling on Fairtrade chocolate.
Perhaps you’ve had great green intentions in the past. You’ve resolved to remember your  green bags when you go to the shops and your water bottle when you’re heading out the door. But sometimes life throws you a surprise farmer’s market, a spontaneous trip to the beach, or a coffee you just weren’t planning. Follow these little tips and you’ll never be without your beloved eco accessories.
Green Bags
Everyone has big bulky green bags purchased from the supermarket. Store a bunch of these in the back of your car and keep them there. Don’t have an alternative spot for them in your house, so that when they’re unloaded they must be put back into the boot.

Keep 2-3 small bags that fold, zip or scrunch up into themselves neatly tucked away in your purse or handbag, the nappy bag and the bottom of the pram. That way, if you’re inspired to do a last minute shop you’ll have a few reusable bags on hand whether on foot or on the road and you won’t have to feel guilty at the check-out. Baggu Bags fold up into their own little pouch and come in two beautifully striking colours.
Re-usable coffee cups
Again, I have a couple of these available in case I forget one somewhere. Keep one at home, cleaned and close to the front door by the keys so you can grab it when you walk out the door. Alternatively, keep one on your desk at work if you buy your coffee mid-morning. If you want to be really prepared, keep a third in the car for an unplanned emergency caffeine fix. The key here is never to stash it away in your kitchen cupboards. When it’s clean, put it back at it’s station ready to be picked up and used again. Don't have a reusable coffee cup yet? Try Hookturn BYO Reusable Coffee Cups. They're made from BPA-free silicone and come in all sorts of funky colours.
Re-usable Water Bottle
 For me, leaving the house without a water bottle can feel like leaving without an essential item of clothing on! We have a small collection of stainless steel bottles of varying sizes in our home, which ensures there’s always one kicking around to fill up and throw in my handbag or nappy bag. If you have a small cupboard, mantle or cabinet somewhere near the front door, consider storing your clean reusable water bottles in here for convenience. I’m drooling over the gorgeous 321 Water Bottle with a built-in carbon filter so that you can stay healthy and hydrated no matter where you are.
When I am running out the door I usually do a mental check and visual sweep before shutting the door that goes something like this: lights out, stove and oven off, hats, sunscreen, nappies, wipes, water, snacks, bag, wallet, phone, keys! Get into the habit of checking your eco-accessories off the list in your head before you leave the house.
Other Eco-Accessories to store in your handbag, backpack, office desk and/or car :-
There are many other instances where reusable containers and accessories can be used instead of disposable plastic or paper. If you’re motivated to make a few more changes add these to your handbag when you head out the door:
- reusable produce bags
- a fork, spoon and knife
- cloth napkins (see Manor12 napkins)
- vintage hankies
-reusable or recycled take-away containers
- reusable snack packs and sandwich wraps (see the Fluf range for very cute snack packs and lunch bags)
- cloth nappies
- cloth wipes
- glass or stainless steel straws
- stainless steel malt cup for smoothies and/or shakes
You don’t have to be an eco-saint to make a difference. Choose one or two reusable items you intend to use over the next year and make a concerted effort to have them available when you need them. It will only take a few weeks for the effort to transform into habit and soon bringing and using your reusable eco accessories will become second nature.
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 2Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Gifts for Women' on January 5, 2012, 12:00 am Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in it.
The "I’m sorry" gift :
 Ever had a stupid argument with your best friend? Or called your mum something that you have regretted for weeks afterwards?
Moments like this are the perfect opportunity to give a little I’m sorry gift that lets them know you really do mean it when you apologise. But that's no reason for sorry gifts to be sombre – what about something that makes them smile like the Dogeared Pearls of Friendship Sterling Silver Reminder Necklace?
Simple Steps to Help the Environment – 4 tips that ANYONE can implement! - Part 3Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 4, 2012, 12:00 am Little steps go a long way in helping the environment. Here at Kindred Gifts we have done a little research and have put together the following steps we can instigate at home in an effort to be a little greener on a daily basis, without too much time or hassle...
Cruise Control – good for you and the environment

Next time you go out in the car, put those extra buttons you paid for to work! When using cruise control your vehicle can get 15% better mileage, on average, than when you’re driving it. Considering today's fuel prices, this is a benefit to your wallet as well as to the environment!
Gift Giving - Choosing the right gift - part 1Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Gifts for Women' on December 29, 2011, 12:00 am
Gift Giving
We all have our own reasons for giving
gifts but regardless of the occasion, the intention is the same: that small
smile as the wrapping comes away and the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you
have made someone feel that little bit special.
Now, with www.kindredgifts.com.au that gift can bring smiles all round, as you shop from a range of gifts which
are all helping to support the environment, and the people and animals in
it.
Effort:
Finding a gift for
someone which reflects what they mean to you far outshines how expensive (or
inexpensive !) it was: in this coffee crazy era, the Handpresso Wild Outdoor Espresso Maker Travel
Set is perfect for those
caffeine crazy buddies we have who live in tiny city apartments and don’t have
the space for a regular sized coffee machine.
Simple Steps to Help the Environment – 4 tips that ANYONE can implement! - Part 2Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on December 28, 2011, 12:00 am Little steps go a long way in helping the environment. Here at Kindred Gifts we have done a little research and have put together the following steps we can instigate at home in an effort to be a little greener on a daily basis, without too much time or hassle...
Stop paper bank statements
By stopping paper statements from banks or building societies you’re doing two things – protecting yourself from all the fraudsters and thieves that root around people’s rubbish trying to steal their identity AND saving millions of trees every year, preventing billions of tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being produced in the manufacturing process, AND cutting down on your household’s solid waste – brilliant!
Getting organised for the New Year ahead!Posted in 'Gifts for Men, Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Gifts for Women' on December 26, 2011, 12:00 am Have you thought about the New Year yet? And getting organised in your business and life for the year ahead? A little organisation now can cause a lot less stress as we step into 2012!
All it takes is some planning and thinking ahead of the things (products, apps and tips) to help you avoid stressful times by being a bit more "on top of things” from the start!
We live in such a technological age. These days it seems everyone has a smartphone! So let’s look at a few apps to help you be a bit more organised in the New Year.
Evernote

How many of us have To-Do lists? Sometimes we just scribble things on a piece of paper as we think of them and hope we can find that piece of paper later when we want to remember what we wanted to do. Sound confusing.
Evernote is a great app that allows you to leave yourself notes in three ways - Text, Picture, or Audio to remind you where, how and what you decided was worth remembering. Yes, it’s really an extension of your brain on your phone for everything that happens in your life! AND the bonus is you can have it synch to your computer as well!! And now with icloud, you can synch it up to the cloud as well!
Dropbox
Dropbox is so simple and so efficient as a business organisational tool or a personal tool.  It’s a free service that allows you to upload documents, photos and videos anywhere. After you install dropbox, any file you save to dropbox , even if you’re out and about with your laptop, ipad or smartphone, is automatically synched to all your other devices that you install dropbox on - AND you can give access to other people to view your files. So easy to share with your friends, family and business colleagues.
It’s as simple as signing up, and being given a "virtual box” to drop everything into for easy storage and sharing. This way you will always have your "stuff” with you and be super organised with files, photos and documents.
BillMinder for iPhone
 This app is a favourite by the Apple staff.
This great app means you never have to pay another late fee.
Imagine all your bills in one manageable place so you’ll be able to see at a glance which bills are due for payment. You can also track your other expenses, synch between your different devices, see charts and reports, and of course be reminded when your bills are due!
Gift Plan
Are you the person who forgets birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions year after  year? Then Gift Plan is the perfect app for you.
Gift plan features chronological filtering of upcoming special occasions so you can never forget again! Import birthday lists from your contacts and facebook contacts, upload the person’s photo, colour coded occasion types, shopping list with support for prices, all in a calendar view and with notifications leading up to the occasions and another reminder on the day.
Now, wouldn’t that be nice? No more forgotten special occasions, PLUS with Gift Plan you can list people’s tastes, gift ideas and sizes for future reference!
Some Kindred Gifts' suggestions to help you be more organised in 2012
2012 OTi organiser
 The "On to It” (OTi) Organiser is a stylish and practical organiser to help you better manage your busy life, streamline your day-to-day activities and have more control in your life. It’s a fresh and sophisticated way to de-clutter your life and plan your day.
It’s a total all-in-one organiser with a diary, to do list, shopping pad and much more and fits comfortably into your handbag.
Available in three delicious and stylish colours, we love the OTi organiser as it makes life easier, looks good, is kind to the environment AND part of the proceeds go to charity... really, does anymore need to be said?
2012 People & Planet diary and calendar

This unique diary and calendar feature beautiful and extraordinary images of people and places around the world, selected from over 4,000 entries across 84 countries. The images are all accompanied by a unique short story about one of the planet’s social or environmental challenges.
 The diary and calendars are printed on a mix of recycled and plantation paper. The calendar includes 12 striking and inspiring large-sized images of people and places around the world and each facing page covers one month, from January to December 2012.
We love that the The People & Planet Diary and Calendar are published by a partnership of 49 not-for-profit, Australian social justice and environment organisations, and raise funds for the work of these organisations in promoting a just, sustainable world.
2012 Bold & Noble wall calendars

Perfect for your work space, home office or living room, these eye catching wall calendars make a unique statement of their own. Available in Sheer Slate or Duck Egg Blue colour options, this wall calendar adds a touch of style and design.
These Bold & Noble wall calendars make a very impressive, stylish and thoughtful gift.
Thabto "Buckle Up” key holder
 Doesn’t it always happen? Someone in the household loses their keys and the morning rush is compounded by the frantic search for those important keys. That can be somewhat frustrating to say the least, and not a fun way to start the morning!
Well now, with the Thabto "Buckle Up” key holder, they can be safely "buckled up”, which means no more running round in the morning looking for them!
Made from reconditioned and discontinued car seat belt buckles, this wonderfully perfect green gift idea is a must for anyone who always finds themselves misplacing their keys.
It’s as easy as mounting to a wall for instant easy location of your keys!
We love it because it’s fun, it means old and discontinued products don’t end up as landfill, and it’s so creative and innovative.
Simple Steps to Help the Environment – 4 tips that ANYONE can implement! - Part 1Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Health and happiness' on December 21, 2011, 10:39 am Little steps go a long way in helping the environment. Here at Kindred Gifts we have done a little research and have put together the following steps we can instigate at home in an effort to be a little greener on a daily basis, without too much time or hassle...
Christmas doesn’t have to mean mass waste!

Being creative with your wrapping doesn’t just mean reusing gift bags, bows and event paper, why not tailor the wrapping to reflect the receiver? Old maps for a keen walker; coloured cloth for your "crafty-friend”; or a celebrity magazine page for your Kim Kardashian obsessed sister? Get the kids involved by giving them paper bags and glitter, glue, stamps or markers to go wild with.
The Sustainable Table: EcoMilf's Meagan Genovese Shares A Healthy, Mouth Watering Breakfast RecipePosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on December 18, 2011, 8:57 pm We asked wonderful EcoMILF founder and blogger Meagan Genovese to share her wisdom on running a  green household, and will be featuring a series of blogs with her handy tips and ideas over the next few months.
Meagan is first and foremost a mama to two gorgeous little ones, a wife, a green cleaner and vegetarian chef, a writer, a yoga teacher, an animal rights activist and creator of all things homemade. She enjoys shopping, vegan baking and her newfound hobbies- sewing, knitting and photography. You can find her playing hide and seek at the park, drawing with crayons, reading a book or feeding her newborn while sipping soy chai lattes and nibbling on Fairtrade chocolate.
Today Meagan shares a mouth watering brunch recipe:
The Sustainable Table is a collection of recipes and stories from
notable chefs, farmers, producers, winemakers, gardeners and everyday people who are reducing their impact on the environment by altering their food choices. These inspiring people eat seasonally, shop locally, buy organic, reduce food waste, purchase ethically and make backyards and public spaces productive. This book was gifted to me by a dear friend and remains one of my favourite when looking for simple yet satisfying home cooked meal ideas.
With two kids under 3 at home, full-time, a quiet moment to myself is  hard to find. But that is just what I had when I cooked this simple, elegant and sustainable brunch for
myself before sitting down at the computer to get a bit of work done. I think this would also be a classy breakfast to serve to house guests over the holidays.
From The Sustainable Table
Asparagus with Boiled Egg and Toasted Crumbles (adapted for one)
by contributor Annie Smithers' Bistrot. Kyneton
***
Ingredients
asparagus
egg
breadcrumbs
chevril, chives, parsley
ghee or butter
sea salt
Directions
Trim ends of asparagus
Heat butter in a pan and toss breadcrumbs in in until golden
Mix herbs into breadcrumbs and set aside
Bring large saucepan of salted water to boil and a smaller saucepan for the eggs
Cook asparagus until al dente (3-5 minutes)
Soft boil the eggs for 2-4 minutes
Serve on a warm plate
***
You can buy The Sustainable Table from Kindred Gifts- the perfect gift for conscious consumers, foodies and those who enjoy a delicious, simple and sustainable home-cooked meal.
Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 8Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on December 10, 2011, 9:28 am
Can’t decide what to buy?
Kindred Gift’s "Buy Once, Give Twice” philosophy means that
their gift cards aren’t
just contributing to some corporate fat-cat’s private island fund. Instead, they’ve adopted a whole new way of
doing business and buying from them means that you’re being eco friendly,
buying handmade goodness or contributing to fair trade initiatives and
charitable causes. 
On top of that, Kindred Gifts also donate 2% of their
revenue to charities, so if you can’t decide on one thing in their fantastic
range then why not buy a pretty little gift card and let the person you’re
buying for decide?
Guest Blog Post - Catherine McCord Gives Us 4 Summer Recipes for a Cool Summer Down UnderPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home, Health and happiness' on November 29, 2011, 7:00 pm Guest Blog Post - 4 Summer Recipes For a Cool Summer Down Under Catherine McCord is a Mum
and model who now channels her biggest passion - cooking easy, healthy
food - into a popular website for parents, www.weelicious.com. Since it
launched in October 2007, Catherine’s website, Weelicious.com, has been
changing the family kitchen dynamic – parents are being more conscious
of what they feed their families and by involving kids at an early age,
Weelicious is getting youngsters excited about eating nutritional food.
Catherine posts a new recipe or tip daily as well as how-to cooking
videos every Friday. She doesn't promote "tricking" kids into eating
healthy food, so no sneaking pureed veggies into the usual kid-fare like
mac and cheese. Her philosophy is to be honest, while including and
engaging kids in the kitchen.Catherine generously provided us with 4 fantastic (yet healthy) recipes that everyone will love.
Catherine says:1) My inspirations for weelicious recipes come from a lot of different places. For some, they’re simply based on a food I see at our farmers’ market, for others it can be a dish I love from a restaurant or a food memory I had as a kid that I now find myself craving (and possibly want to make a bit healthier). In the case of this Summer Fruit Gazpacho, my muses were the mint growing wild in our garden and all of the naturally sweet fruits sitting on our kitchen counter that I was afraid would spoil. Traditional gazpacho is a cold soup made with tomatoes and other vegetables. This version is completely different, but I wanted to call it a gazpacho because I love the idea of a cold soup during these hot summer months and truthfully…I just dig the word "gazpacho”! Summer Fruit Gazpacho (Serves 4) 6 Cups Cantaloupe, peeled & seeded, cut into chunks 1 Tbsp Fresh Mint, chiffonade 1 Cup Strawberries, stemmed & quartered 1 Peach, seeded & diced 1/2 Cup Blueberries 1/2 Cup Yogurt 1 Tbsp Honey 1. Place cantaloupe chunks into a food processor and puree. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the mint, strawberries, peach, and blueberries. 3. In a separate small bowl, combine the yogurt and honey. 4. Evenly divide the cantaloupe puree into small bowls, top with mixed fruit and add a dollop of the honey yogurt sauce on top. 5. Serve. * If you want to make this dish vegan, replace the yogurt and honey with soy yogurt and agave 2) Many nights, I serve sliced cucumbers and cubes of avocado as individual side dishes at dinner, so I thought, why not mix them together, add a few fresh herbs and turn them into a bright salsa! It’s a cool, refreshing side dish that you can also serve alongside chips or even on top of fish or chicken on those warm nights when you want something nutritious and light but that also takes little time or effort to prepare. Cucumber Avocado Salsa (serves 4) 1 Large Cucumber, seeded and chopped 2 Avocados, peeled, pitted, & cubed 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped 1 Tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped Juice of 1 Lime 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt 1. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and combine. 2. Serve. 3) With all the fun things my kids have going on during the summer, the last thing I want to do is be in the kitchen. So, on Sundays I grill a few pieces of chicken and several ears of corn to keep in the fridge and turn into different meals over the next few days. Since my kids love chicken and corn and quesadillas, this unbelievably delicious and simple to prepare dish couldn’t make them any happier. With just a few additional ingredients to make it even more of a complete meal, this is a great recipe to keep in your file when you want to make the most out of the leftovers in your fridge! Grilled Chicken & Corn Quesadilla (Serves 6) 1 Tsp Kosher Salt 1 Lb Chicken Breast, boneless & skinless 2 Ears Fresh Corn 1/2 Tsp Ground Cumin 1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped 2 Green Onions, sliced 1 1/2 Cups Jack Cheese, grated 6 Flour Tortillas 1. Preheat grill. 2. Season chicken breasts with 1 tsp of salt, brush grill with oil and grill corn and chicken breasts for a total of 8 minutes until juicy and cooked through. 3. Allow chicken and corn to cool, then remove the kernels from the corn and dice the chicken into small cubes. 4. Place the chicken and corn into a bowl along with the remaining ingredients and toss to combine. 5. Lower the heat on your grill and place a 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto one side of the tortilla and fold over. 6. Grill the stuffed tortilla for 2 minutes on each side, being careful not to burn the tortilla. 7. Continue to make the remaining quesadillas. 8. Slice into triangles and serve. 4) Especially when it gets hot, I like to take really ripe fruit and make popsicles. Between the luscious strawberries and succulent peaches available at this time of year, you probably only need a dash of honey to brighten the flavor of these pops. Why spend a bunch of money on packaged icy poles made with artificial coloring and all sorts of additives when you and your kids can make these super easy, truly all-natural, refreshing pops that are the perfect treat on a warm summer’s day! Peach & Strawberry Popsicles (Makes 6 Popsicles) 2 Ripe Peaches, pitted 1 Cup Strawberries, stems removed 2 Tbsp Honey 1/2 Cup Milk (any variety works) 1. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree. 2. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours. 3. Serve. Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 7Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 26, 2011, 11:35 am
Battling the computer
games..
Are you fighting the battle to seduce your kids away from
technology and out into the bright sunshine of summer? Why not try introducing
them to some old school favourites like the traditional Egg & Spoon Race? The Fun In The Sack Egg and Spoon Race kit gives you everything you need without
running the risk of broken eggs all over the back yard. It keeps the kids outside in the fresh air, moving, having fun, and staying away from nasty, chemical laden plastic toys at the same time!
Guest Blog Post - Kati Williams from One Bottle Talks the Benefits of Reusable Water BottlesPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 26, 2011, 11:13 am Kati Williams from One Bottle Talks the Benefits of Reusable Water Bottles Thousands of plastic water bottles are wasted daily which is why we like to offer alternative, stylish, reusable water bottles. We proudly added a great Australian brand to our range recently. One Bottle, designed on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland by Kati Williams and Rory Morgan, offers fun, colourful designs that are sure to draw attention. We asked co-founder Kati to share some background on their business and the benefits of using reusable stainless steel water bottles. Kati: We started our stainless steel water bottle business in early 2010 and I, subconsciously, became a huge advocate for all sorts of reusable products. I was always somewhat aware of sustainability issues. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a community that was very pro-organic and eco conscientious, which made being ecologically responsible seem like a no brainer to me. Believe it or not, at my high school it was actually cool to have a reusable, BPA-free water bottle. In August of 2010, we began selling our stainless steel bottles and believe me - my serious research was about to pay off. It marked the beginning of me being questioned why stainless steel? Why reusable? So, why should people choose reusable water bottles over plastic ones?  Well, there are lots of reas ons. In Australia, we are fortunate enough to have widespread (and free) access to clean drinking water. The mark up on single-use bottled water is huge; sometimes people end up spending $20 a week on water without even realising it. Plastic water bottles are not designed to be re-used and over time the plastic breaks down and starts to leach into the water. Stainless steel is great because it doesn’t hold onto bacteria and is very durable. It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t rust —making it ideal for a water bottle.  We’ve also designed our bottles so they are fresh and (hopefully) exciting. We often have people buy our bottles purely because of the designs, or because they feel like they are spending way too much money on water all the time. I think sometimes they don’t even notice they are taking a small step in living more sustainably. Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 6Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 20, 2011, 10:53 am Ever dragged a surly child around the supermarket?
It’s difficult to motivate kids to enjoy the weekly food shop, but the "sustainability challenge” is sure to boost their interest. Each child gets a list of the items you need at home and it’s their challenge is to find the most environmentally friendly products. It could be the "greenest” washing up liquid or the loo roll with the highest recycled paper content. Getting them involved and making the trip more entertaining for them will teach them and save you the chore of doing it all yourself!
Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 6Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 10, 2011, 6:37 pm
Remember, remember...
Anywhere past year 12, writing notes to yourself on the back
of your hand becomes less and less acceptable. After all, a client of yours
doesn’t need to know that you need nappies and tomatoes when you’re on your way
home tonight.
So why not invest in the Fuz by Josh Jakus - Dusty Woman Chalkboard, $39.95? It’s cute, functional and much easier than
trying to decipher the notes on the back of your hand after a day of wash and
wear! Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 5Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 4, 2011, 5:31 pm Man Up!
Buying for your typical twentysomething is not easy: he
manscapes, straightens his hair and cares for the environment and has a solid
knowledge about what makes a good Pinot Noir.
It’s his birthday,
and you’re flummoxed as to what to get him. How about Vers Audio 1E Earphones? Stylish, suave and much far superior to
their plastic counterparts, they’re designed to be noise cancelling, which is
perfect for when you want to ramble about your latest shoe purchase: he can
just plug in and drift off.... Guest Blog: EcoMilf's Meagan Genovese Shares Eco Friendly Tips For Packing a Waste-Free LunchPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 2, 2011, 2:03 pm
We asked wonderful EcoMILF founder and blogger Meagan Genovese to share her wisdom on running a green household, and will be featuring a series of blogs with her handy tips and ideas over the next few months.
Meagan is first and foremost a mama to two gorgeous little ones, a wife, a green cleaner and vegetarian chef, a writer, a yoga teacher, an animal rights activist and creator of all things homemade. She enjoys shopping, vegan baking and her newfound hobbies- sewing, knitting and photography. You can find her playing hide and seek at the park, drawing with crayons, reading a book or feeding her newborn while sipping soy chai lattes and nibbling on fairtrade chocolate.
Today Meagan shares: Tips for Packing a Waste-Free Lunch
Thankfully, "waste-free lunch days” are becoming more and more prevalent in schools and workplaces, although at first the task can seem a bit daunting. But, with a bit of planning and the right tools and ingredients, packing a waste free lunch can become a part of your daily rhythm.
Here are some tips to get your started:
Sandwiches
Sandwich wraps can be made easily with just a few supplies. If you’re brave enough, try this tutorial. Otherwise you can always purchase them to be used over and over again. If you’re worried your sandwich might get soggy and you think your child will be up for making their own, pack the sliced tomato and any dressings in a little container for them to put together at lunchtime.
Left-overs
Left-over soups and stews can be reheated in the morning and put into a thermos with a lid that also acts as a bowl. If you’re doing this for a small child make sure the soup isn’t too hot when you put it in. A thermos can hold heat very well and the soup will come out steaming even hours later. Don’t forget to pack a spoon!

Salads
Pasta salads, green salads, quinoa salads and alike can be put in a container with loads of veggies, cubed cheese or chopped egg. Store the dressing on the side. We love re-using mini vegemite containers for dressings and sauces because they don’t leak.
Drinks
Our stainless steel water bottles go with us everywhere. Kindred Gifts carries gorgeous styles by One Bottle to choose from. If you want to pack some tea or a warm broth on a cold day warm it up in the morning and pour it into a thermos to enjoy later.
Snacks
A lot of waste in lunches can come from pre-packaged snacks. These are easy to imitate and much more healthy when you are selecting the ingredients yourself:
Whole bananas, apples, pears and mandarins make for excellent finger food. For a special treat cut some fruit up and put it in a container with a bit of orange or apple juice for homemade fruit salad.
Sliced veggies, pita and crackers all go nicely with homemade hummus, cream cheese or baba ganoush. Use a small vegemite jar or a small BPA-free plastic container to store dips in.
Hard boiled eggs are a regular packed snack in our household: full of protein, delicious and completely waste-free. You can choose to remove the shell at home or out and about. Just depending on who it is who will be doing the peeling.
Cheese blocks can be cut into cubes or sticks and kept in a small container.
You can make your own ‘snack bag’ or buy fun ready-made options, like these Fluf organic cotton Snack Packs (above) to put cookies, squares, biscuits, popcorn, sultanas, or dried fruit in.
Napkins and Cutlery

Cloth napkins made from natural materials like organic cotton, hemp or bamboo fabrics are readily available online or in stores, or if you’re feeling creative you can make your own napkins and placemats easily.
A Lunchbag
Finally, no waste-free lunch would be complete without a lunchbag to carry it in.

The Fluf Organic Cotton Lunchbags are adorable and come in a huge range of designs to suit a variety of ages and personalities.
Packing a waste-free lunch can be stress free and enjoyable. Cutting out packaging often means cutting out the preservatives, flavourings and colourings that come with it. Homemade food will always be more delicious and nutritious. And above all else, waste-free lunches make for a healthier, happier planet. Leftover Halloween pumpkins? No problem - make muffins!Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on November 1, 2011, 11:31 am Pumpkin and Feta Savoury Muffins Looking for a way to use up all that leftover Halloween pumpkin? How about making some healthy, vegetarian Pumpkin and Feta Savoury Muffins, as seen in fabulous handmade Australian cookbook, Martha Goes Green: A Vegetarian Cookbook?
The recipe makes 12, and contains simple ingredients that are easily found at your local shops or markets.

Top Tips for a Green HalloweenPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 30, 2011, 1:29 pm Top 5 Ways to Green Up Your Halloween
Once a Celtic celebration of the harvest and a new season, Halloween is now a lot less spiritual and a whole lot more commercial - these days it's an industry worth more than $6 billion a year! With that kind of consumption comes a hefty carbon footprint and an environmental impact that lasts long after you've see the last of those fun-size Snickers bars.
Luckily, there are plenty of simple and cost effective ways to go greener this Halloween, without causing tantrums from the kids. To help you on your way we've compiled our list of the top 5 tips to have a more eco friendly Halloween this year, and teach the kids a thing or two while you're at it.
1. Make your own costumes for the kids out of bits and pieces you have lying around at home.

With a little planning and creativity, even the least handy DIYers can put together a costume with items they have at home. Let's face it, with kids around, there are always extra odds and ends that you could make use of. Empty boxes and egg cartons; the kids' crayons and textas; old fabric remnants; pipecleaners... Be creative and avoid buying cheap plastic masks and other costume accessories because they cannot be recycled. You'll not only save money, but teach the kids a valuable lesson at the same time.
Not very crafty? What about getting together with a group of creative friends and putting your heads together to see what costume ideas you can create? Throw in a glass of wine and some tasty snacks, and we think you have a fun night (or day) ahead!
2. Green Your Treats
When the neighbourhood kids come knocking on your door for their candy stash, make sure you have more wholesome treats to offer. Try to avoid lollies full of sugar, flavours and preservative, and choose organic or natural treats when you can. Also, look for brands that donate part of their profits to environmental causes or use Fair Trade-sourced cocoa and other ingredients. Do your best to avoid individually wrapped candies, and consider making your own organic fudge, brownies or cupcakes etc.
If you want the kids to skip the sweets altogether, try handing out small wooden toys, handmade barrettes & clips, or soy crayons. The other parents in the neighbourhood will love you for not adding to their child's sugar rollercoaster on the night too!
3. Decorate from nature - not plastic
Spend some qualiy time with the kids on the weekend hunting around the garden or park for fallen leaves and feathers and other natural items you can use use for decoration, rather than the standard chemical laden plastic banners and signs that just end up in landfill.
Have fun choosing a pumpkin from a Farmer's Market or organic grocer, and let them express their creativity in helping you design the perfect Jack-o-Lantern.
4. Choose a kid-friendly bag or backpack to lug around the loot
When it comes to hauling all those treasures home, reusable hemp, bamboo, organic cotton or natural canvas bags easily win over standard toxic-laden plastic for both safety and environmental reasons. Choose kid- friendly sized backpacks or totes rather than large shopping bags (less room for a truckload of lollies that way!).
5. Choose your candles carefully
The soft flickering of candles and jack-o-lanterns certainly give Halloween its spooky feel, but the paraffin in wax candles releases toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene through smoke and soot. Not to mention that the palm oil used in most traditional candles is causing massive deforestation in many areas around the world (80% of the world's palm oil production is in Indonesia and Malaysia, where irreplaceable rainforests that are home to wildlife such as the Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo Orangutans, Asian Elephant and the Clouded Leopard are being destroyed).
Clean up your home and keep your lungs healthy with organic soy or beeswax candles, which last longer and don't have the same environmental costs. Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 5Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 28, 2011, 11:09 pm Green is a Community
Help make the community green by volunteering time at a community garden where your children can learn how others grow fruits and vegetables. Learning to cook the food you grow together will provide an ideal opportunity to encourage your kids to think green. You can teach them all about nutritional health, where our food comes from, and the importance of eating together as a family.
Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 4Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 27, 2011, 10:06 pm
Buying for your
"kooky” best friend....
Everyone has that friend, who is a little different from the
norm; who isn’t going to appreciate a gift card or a cookbook for their
birthday. Ours is a Cartographer (she is
map crazy!) so for her the Bold and Noble Type Map British Isles Print was a perfect combination of hobby and
homely reminder. Now it takes pride of place amongst all the other standard
maps! Do you have a friend with a passion or hobby that you can buy for? Look for a gift that speaks to their interests, or that says something about who they are and what they value, and you know you'll be getting them something that really shows you care.
Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 4Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 21, 2011, 2:48 pm Turn off that
computer!
Childhood
should mean playtime, and the most important thing you can do to teach your
children about the environment from an early age is easy – just give them plenty
of opportunities to play outside and switch off their computers or whichever
electrical device they are currently absorbed in. Why not bond on a family bike
ride out in the woods or on the seafront? Collect rocks or spot birds or sit in
the shallows of the local lake and watch the fish – after all, isn’t it the
simplest memories that you have with your parents that you treasure the most
now you’re all grown up? Another great idea for birthday parties or school holidays is to take the games outside. Instead of the usual fare like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, why not try getting the kids out in the fresh air and sunshine playing fun retro games like Fun In The Sack's Egg and Spoon Race or Ring Toss games? The kids will love it, and you'll love that there is a lot less mess to clean up! 
Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 3Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 20, 2011, 7:49 pm
The Letter
When was the last time you wrote a letter? No, not an
email. Or a customer-feedback survey or
a Facebook post. A real letter. Our bet
is that you can’t remember!
Well Isak are looking to revive this great art form with
their Isak Happy Little Things Quicknotes Notecard
Pack. These quirky and
beautiful handmade cards are just big enough for you to tell someone about your
day without boring the pants of them with an encyclopaedic essay!
Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 3Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 16, 2011, 7:25 pm
Sustainable Produce for Zero Food Miles –
growing fresh veggies at home
Growing
your own vegetable garden provides a great outdoor activity for your whole
family and there really is nothing like the taste of home grown vegetables! Not
only that, but working together on your own vegetable patch will provide your
children with a chance to exercise regularly and help them to avoid the pale
"all I do is sit on my computer” look that so many youngsters are suffering
from these days. Add to that the fresh flavours and chemical-free benefits of home grown vegies, and you'll never want to go back to store bought produce again! Looking for some great new recipes to use for cooking all those fresh veg? You could take a look at two of our favourite sustainable cookbooks - Martha Goes Green: A Vegetarian Cookbook, and The Sustainable Table, both produced sustainably and locally here in Australia. 
 Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift: An 8 Part Guide to Getting It Right - Part 2Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 15, 2011, 9:46 am
The "I’m sorry gift”
Ever had a stupid argument with your best friend? Or called
your mum something that you have regretted for weeks afterwards?
Moments like this are the perfect opportunity to give a
little I’m sorry gift that lets them know you really do mean it when you
apologise. But that's no reason for sorry gifts to be sombre – what about
something that makes them smile like the Dogeared Pearls of Friendship Sterling Silver
Reminder Necklace?
Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 2Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on October 7, 2011, 7:04 pm
Sustainability at Home - Part 2:
Just like love, sustainability starts at home...
Sharing ecological tasks with your kids will help them to understand the impact they are having on the environment, as well as bringing you all together as a family.
Look at all of the rubbish that your family throw away each day. Did you know that on average more than 400 kilograms of waste is produced by each Australian household every year? Scary, huh?
So why not build a multi-coloured recycle station in your back yard to make recycling more fun for the family? Or develop a competition between family members which rewards the use of the recycle bin? Think about ways that you can encourage the whole family to reuse and recycle all those things around the home which can quickly add up to a whole lot of landfill.
Another terrific way to encourage the kids to recycle, while also encouraging their creativity AND keeping them busy on those rainy days, is the fantastic Makedo craft kits for kids. Starting from just $14.95, Makedo kits are about sustainability, imagination, creativity, community and play - but most of all fun! Using the materials around them, kids enjoy the open ended possibilities as their playful creativity is set free.
The Makedo founders believe that by e ncouraging people to use their imagination and see the creative possibilities in the things around them, we not only reveal a boundless source of creative play but plant the seed for a new way of seeing and thinking about this world we share. They want people to see and inject new value into things that might otherwise be regarded as waste. Their aim is to encourage people to use their imagination and see the creative possibilities in the reuse of everyday materials around them. Through this process we can begin to redefine what’s considered waste. Sustainability At Home: an 8 part guide to living green - Part 1 Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on September 30, 2011, 9:47 pm You know the song...
” I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way”
But how often do we really put the words in to practice? 
Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean huge, expensive changes –the smallest lifestyle change can make a difference and with thousands of resources available on the internet, we can all learn about the benefits of a veggie patch in your back garden or why investing in a reusable travel mug is better than using paper cups for your coffee each morning.
To help make it nice and simple, and ban the brain overload, we decided to put together our top 8 tips for living sustainably to help you on your way. We'll be posting one tip a week, starting with...
Tip 1:
Move more (or as Nike like to say, 'Just Do It'!)
Sustainable lifestyle changes can mean something simple – like utilising public transport. Did you know that 81% of Australians never use public transport? By minimising your car use and taking public transport, riding a bike, or walking to the shops you’re not only improving your impact on the environment but benefitting your own health as well. Don't forget the little ones either - kids love to be active and will happily jump on their bike to ride to school or meet up with their mates to walk together.
Do you know someone who loves their bike and regularly cycles to work, home or school? You can reward their good work (or your own) with a fabulous upcycled messenger bag or haversack from eco friendly innovators Alchemy Goods.
Made from recycled bicycle inner tubes and car seat belts, all these bags are one-of-a-kind, practical, yet sustainably stylish beauties for keeping all those goodies in one place and safe and sound on the commute to work or school.
With reflective panels and plenty of storage pockets, these bags are a great option any time you're looking online for gifts for men or teenage guys. An easy choice for Christmas gifts or when you're looking for really unique birthday gifts for men, these bags are sure to make a lasting impression, and show just how thoughtful you can be!
Stay tuned next week for our next tip, and change your life for the better! 20 Easy Uses For Bi-Carb Soda - the cheap and cheerful way to clean a home naturally.Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on September 1, 2011, 8:15 pm 20 Easy Uses For Bi-Carb Soda - the cheap and cheerful way to clean a home naturally. Used by households around the world for generations, bicarbonate (or bi-carb) soda is natural, easy on the earth, and definitely easy on the pocket. An affordable cleaning solution for any home or work environment, bi-carb soda is a must have pantry staple. Throw out all those nasty, chemical laden, and expensive cleaners, and buy a big box of bi-carb for your house instead. You'll not only help the environment, but also your whole family's health, and save money at the same time!
Here are our top 20 uses for bi-carb in the home or office:
1. Unblock your kitchen sink by pouring 1 tbsp of bi-carb plus 3 tbsp of vinegar down the drain. Allwo to fizz and then pour boiling water (a full jug's worth) down the drain.
2. Pop a small container of bi-carb into the fridge to absorb strong odours.
3. Use bi-carb to remove tarnish from your silverware by applying a paste of bi-carb and water with a damp cloth and then rubbing clean.
4. Sprinkle bi-carb onto a damp cloth and then wipe over the inside of cups and mugs to remove tea or coffee stains.
5. Soften your skin by adding 1/2 cup of bi-carb to your bath.
6. Use bi-carb to clean multiple surfaces around the house. Add it to a damp cloth to remove stains from bench tops, soap scum from showers, baked on grease from ovens, and rust from sinks.
7. Soak greasy, food-caked pot and pans overnight in warm water and 2 tbsp bi-carb soda.
8. Sprinkle inside shoes to deodorise.
9. Add bi-carb to kitty litter to absorb odours.
10. Soak food and drink containers, or porous surfaces such as chopping boards, in a mixture of bicarb soda and water to remove strong food odours.
11. Sprinkle bicarb soda over the carpet to deodorise carpets. Leave for a few hours and vacuum as usual. (You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the bi-carb before sprinkling it over carpets for a fresh smell).
12. Use baking soda to relieve the itch and sting from mosquito or ant bites, or bee stings, by simply applying a paste of bi-carb soda and warm water to the affected area of skin.
13. Remove liquid stains from carpet by pouring a liberal amount of bicarb on the fresh stain and leaving to dry, before vaccuming off.
14. Add bi-carb to your wash to soften and whiten clothes. To whiten clothes add 2 teaspoons to half a bucket of cold water, soak the clothes for 30 minutes and then wash them as normal. Freshen up your laundry by adding half a cup of bi-carb to the rinse cycle of your laundry which will give your sheets and towels a nice freshness.

15. Mix three parts bicarb soda to one part water for a gentle facial scrub that won't strip oils from the skin. (You can also create an exfoliating facial scrub by adding three parts ground oatmeal to the mix).
15. Use bi-carb as a pre-soaker for soiled nappies; or to help get rid of stubborn mould, grease or oil stains. Simply dissolve 45 grams of the soda in a bucket of warm water, let the clothes soak for half an hour, then wash in hot soapy water and dry in the sun.
16. Remove the smell of baby spit or stale milk from your shirt or jacket by wiping it with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda.
17. Help your children to alleviate the itchiness of chicken pox by soaking them in a bath that is filled with slightly cool water and a cup of baking soda.
18. Create your own homemade skin acne treatment by mixing a little bit of both baking soda and water to form a paste. After washing your face first, apply this natural acne cleanser as a mask to your entire face, taking care to avoid getting it in your eyes. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
19. Clean the dirt and insecticides off your store bought fruits and vegetables by washing them in a sink full of water mixed with ¼ cup of bicarb soda.
20. Use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water to clean walls and wallpaper of crayon and other dirty marks.

Top Tips for an Eco Friendly EasterPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on April 19, 2011, 9:06 pm Want to have an environmentally friendly Easter this year? Follow our tips to green up your Easter and have a guilt-free holiday!
- Buy fairtrade or organic chocolates so that you know the treats weren't made from ingredients that exploited workers or contain chemicals and toxins. Buy ethical store-made options or make your own eggs and treats using good quality, organic and fairtrade cooking chocolate.
- Want to have fun creating pretty dyed egg creations without the toxicity? Firstly, make sure you buy organic or at least free range eggs so you know the chickens that laid them were kept in cruelty free conditions. Next, use natural dyes from vegetables instead of the usual chemical laden synthetic dyes. Not only will the colours will look great, but you can also teach the kids (or yourself!) a mini science experiment as you discover what colours come from which ingredients. Suggested vegetables to use for the dyes include carrots peels (yellow colour); spinach (green); beetroot (pink); purple grape juice (soft purple); and red onion skins (red).
- Instead of a traditional Easter egg hunt which results in lots of little pieces of foiled paper floating through the yard and house, how about creating a treasure hunt style of game whereby a series of clues leads the children to one eco friendly gift option at the end? Not only will they likely consume less chocolate (always a good thing!) but they'll also have fun solving the clues and learning as they go.
- Instead of buying a traditional Easter card, why not have the kids make one themselves - it will be all the more special and eco friendly to boot. Other greener options include sending an E-card (electronic version, easily accessible online on multiple sites for free these days) or at least purchase a store bought card that is printed on recycled stock and using soy based inks (look for eco friendly logos on the back of the card).
- Hosting a dinner party or lunch time East er feast? Create a sustainable table and you'll be well on your way to a more environmentally friendly holiday. Start by buying local, organic and free range produce and meat from farmers' markets, organic butchers or organic food stores. If you can, serve a vegetarian dinner or at least have some of the dishes meat free. Carry reusable shopping bags with you so that you forgo the need to use plastic bags; and set the table with organic napkins and table runners or tablecloths, eco friendly napkin holders and simple table decorations like soy candles, flowers picked straight from the garden, or naturally dyed hard boiled Easter eggs sitting in a cute holder.
- Give an Easter gift that is not only eco friendly, handmade, fairtrade or charitable, but also long lasting. While most people like the idea of chocolate at Easter, many will find themselves inundated with the sweet treats and really appreciate a special gift that they can use long after Easter has passed. Some fantastic Easter gift options include an organic lunch bag (like this 'Chirp' version from Fluf); some funky yet practical fridge magnets (like these Kate Grenier Designs 'Chocolate' magnets made from recycled bottle tops); a fantastic outdoor game for kids like the Fun In The Sack 'Egg & Spoon Race'; or a beautiful Noah's Ark inspired print (like this 'Ark' version from Bold & Noble).

Sweets for your sweet this Valentine's DayPosted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on February 13, 2011, 6:47 pm Sweets for your sweet, and sugar for your honey...how to tempt their tastebuds this Valentine's Day
This recipe has kindly been supplied by Mrs Byrnes, CEO Kellie's mum.
(This recipe was used to make coconut ice which was placed in bowls on the tables at Kellie's wedding. Trust us - it's very tasty!).
Coconut Ice

Ingredients:
500g icing mixture, sifted
250g desiccated coconut
2 egg whites, slightly whipped with a pinch of salt
l teaspoon vanilla
125g copha, melted, warm not hot
Pink food colouring
Method:
Combine icing sugar and coconut and then add in egg whites
Mix in the melted copha
Divide into two bowls
Colour one mixture with food colouring
Press the white half into paper lined, 20cm square cake tin
Top with pink coloured mixture and press evenly
Sprinkle with extra coconut if you like
Refrigerate well before removing from tin and cutting into squares
Enjoy this sweet sugar fix with your loved one at anytime! Also perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Yum! Super special recipes for Australia Day! Yummo!Posted in 'Tips and Helpful Hints for Life, Work and the Home' on January 21, 2011, 5:35 pm
This is more than an ethical gift store, we do more than just sell gifts online! We want Kindred Gifts to be a place where you can also come and learn something, have a browse around, interact with like minded others and feel part of something that makes you feel good. With this in mind, we have persuaded our mums to unlock the vault and part with some family legacies! It took a bit of coercing but Mum's will do anything for their kids won't they, even when they have long left the nest. So, here you go, here are some special recipes, sourced directly from our Mums. Best pavlova and best anzac biscuits ever! (Yes, we're biased, but we think you will agree).
Let us know if you like them. We will pass your comments on to our Mums. Do you have another great Australia Day recipe? Maybe a Lamington recipe? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you.
A recipe from Mrs Byrnes - CEO Kellie's mum!
Easy Peasy Pavlova
Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1 1/4 cups castor sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon vinegar
½ teaspoon vanilla
Method:
Heat oven to l90 degrees C.
Mix cornflour with sugar. Put all ingredients into mix-master bowl and mix for about l5 minutes until thick. Pile mixture in a 20cm circle (approx.) on very lightly greased foil set on a baking tray.
Put in oven and turn down to 110 degrees C.
Leave for one hour.
If not cooked hard, turn oven to 95 deg C for a further l5 minutes.
Cool in oven.
Fill as desired with whipped cream, strawberries, passionfruit etc.
Kel says: I always leave a bit of room for this Pavlova at Christmas lunch. It wouldn't be Christmas without it!
A recipe from Mrs Bennett - Chief of Operations Pete's mum!
Anzac Bikkies

Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
2 tablespoons boiling water
½ cup melted butter (4oz)
1 tablespoon golden syrup
Method:
Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
Next, melt butter and golden syrup together.
Mix bi-carb and boiling water and add to melted butter and syrup. This will fizz very quickly. Add dry ingredients quickly while it's fizzing.
Place separate tablespoons of mixture on to greased baking tray.
Bake in slow conventional oven at 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit (120–150 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Check after 12 minutes that they are not burnt on the bottom.
Pete says: These are the business! They were a favourite with my friends as I was growing up. I was always partial to spreading some lemon icing on them or making an ice cream sandwich. Yum!
View older entries |