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Outfit Inspiration [HIM] :Woodland Wander

What happens when you snag a good looking man, some ethical clothing and wander into the woods? You create the opportunity for an ethical fashion shoot! This past Saturday we headed outdoors taking advantage of the grey gloomy winter light to create some ethical inspiration and enjoy the great outdoors. I hope you got a chance to breath in some fresh air also! 

Get the look below...

A) Eco-Jaspe Zip Hoodie $136 - Alternative Apparel

Crafted from premium Eco-Jaspe, this Zip Hoodie features a heathered knit look with high-low texture and a super soft feel.    63% Polyester, 28% Cotton, 9% Rayon

Sweatshop Free - Socially Responsible - Vegan

B) Charcoal Mix Toque $32 - Muttonhead

Hat made from an acrylic blend.

Sweatshop Free - Made in Canada

C) Field Jacket $184 - Muttonhead

Quilted Field Jacket for Men and Women. Made from a Nylon Rip Stop  in Toronto, Canada.

Local - Sweatshop Free - Vegan

D) Adventure is Calling Shirt $32 - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle

Designed and printed in the Thrive Studio with Eco-friendly ink. Printed on an American Apparel crew neck T -shirt. 50% Cotton / 50% Polyester

Hand Made - Eco Friendly - Local - Vegan - Socially Conscious

Gift Ideas: Stay Cozy, Stay Warm

Happy December ladies and gentlemen! I am sure that many of you are starting to think about what to get the loved ones in your life this holiday season. Why not start with something that bring out that cozy warm feeling of the holidays. Here are some of our top pics from the shelves of Thrive Lifestyle.

a) Two Tone Crew $115 - Muttonhead

I am in love with this crew sweater. I think it is the perfect piece for any mans wardrobe, plus it is so darn soft and well made! 

[ Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free - Vegan ]

b) Charcoal Mix Toque $32 - Muttonhead

This cozy wool blend hat can be worn in the classic logger style, or as a slouchy toque making is a safe bet for any male in your life. (Side note: This is also a great hat for women!) Also available in Black, and smoke grey.

[ Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free  ]

c) Eco Mock Twist Henley $62 - Alternative Apparel

This henley is a great basic for every man. Made from a soft poly-cotton blend this henley is eco-friendly and comes in a great peppered mocha colour. 

[ Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Socially Responsible - Eco-Friendly ]

d) Head-Wrap $32 - PuddleDuck

These wonderful head wraps are hand knit locally using local wool. Perfect for keeping those ears cozy on west coast winter walks.

[Sweatshop Free - Local - Handmade ]

e) ShirtTail Cape $180 - Alternative Apparel 

This poncho like sweater is made from 100% organic cotton in a beautiful french terry knit. Perfect for layering in winter and spring this shirt tail cape is a excellent gift! 

[ Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Socially Responsible - Eco-Friendly ]

f) Art Bomber Jacket $185 - Amour Vert

This bomber jacket is a loose fit, designed with comfort and style in mind. Making it a great go to gift as it is easy to fit! Made from eco-friendly fabrics this jacket says LUXURY!

[ USA Made - Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Eco-Friendly ]

g) Velour Sleeper $50 - Imps + Elfs

This Velour sleeper in Mele Grey is super soft and cozy. It will make any new baby feel warm and cuddly! 

[ Sweatshop Free - Socially Responsible - Vegan ]

h) HoiHo Sweater $32 - Nui Organics

This Hoiho sweater is made from a salt + pepper organic french terry. It just yells snuggle me! 

[ Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Eco-Friendly ]

i) Knotty Hat $14 - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle

This knotty hat is one of many colour variations we have in the shop. It makes the perfect little add on or small gift at $14.00. Made in both bamboo fleece and jersey options. 

[ Local - Handmade - Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Eco-Friendly - Socially Responsible ]

j) Feather Pillow $56 - Thrive

In store we have a variety of Bamboo Fleece and Wool pillows for you to choose from all with our popular prints on them. Made in the Thrive studio with care and love! 

[ Local - Sweatshop Free - Eco-Friendly - Handmade ]

k) Pollen Arts Candles $10-$20 

Pollen Arts is a candle company started by a young couple in California. They make beeswax candles shaped as vintage jars. We are in love with them, check in store for a wider variety then online! 

[ USA Made - Handmade - Sweatshop Free ]

i) Arrow Teacup $36 - Ashware

These teacups by Ashware studios in Brooklyn are easy to hold and will warm up your hand while you drink! 

[ USA Made - Handmade - Vegan - Sweatshop Free ]

Be sure to stop by the shop if you can and we will be glad to help you find a conscious gift for the loved ones in your life. And if you don't live locally, enjoy a friendly 10% OFF on our online shop use coupon code COZY-10 . 

Stay Cozy, Stay Warm!

Alternative Apparel : Always Evolving

We at Thrive have recently taken on Alternative Apparel, an American brand based out of LA, as a large part of the stock in our store. The more I learn about this company the better I feel about carrying their stylish pieces for the everyday modern individual. Not only do they focus on how their brand can have sustainable business practices, but if you check out there blog they actively seek to be a part of influencing, inspiring, and mentoring those around. A business built by entrepreneurs its a community full of passionate people with a mandate to do better, live better, and be better!

Since their beginnings as a brand a large part of their focus has been to consider there role in the world as a whole. How can their company better the lives of not only the client, but also every individual who makes these great items. With a belief that Social Change can happen through responsible business practices Alternative Apparel has been making conscious choices with regards to fabric innovation, ethical work environments and eco-friendly options while designing modern basics for a sustainable future. 

With factories working for them world wide they have taken special care to make sure all facilities have the proper credentials and respect for their employees. All factories meet the standards of the Fair Labor Association, (FLA) the Workplace Code of Conduct as well as the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production, (WRAP) a independent non-profit team for global social compliance. 

Alternative chooses to focus on fabric first when it comes to the construction of their garments. Considering themselves fabric innovators they are on a constant quest for signature blends that combine softness and make it happen responsibly. Some of their key fibers include 100% Organic Cotton from Peru, as well as unique eco-blends, knits and special environmentally friendly washing processes. Check out there latest innovation, the G2 Eco Wash. 

All in all, we at Thrive Lifestyle are proud to take on there fashion line and be able to share it with all of you! So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for new items that will arrive in the seasons to come! We are excited to carry it, and hope you are too! 

Below see the most recent styles to come in at Thrive Lifestyle from Alternative Apparel! 

For Her:

For Him:

Shop for more Alternative Apparel online, Click here!

Gift Ideas: Early Christmas Shopping

So its official, Halloween is over, and yes, that means we start thinking about Christmas. I know, it's only November 13th. But I for one, love Christmas! I love the season of giving and spending time with loved ones and family. I feel it gives us all an excuse to slow down a little and focus on those that matter in our lives. It's a chance to make them feel special, wether it be with a handmade gift, home baked cookies or that perfect item you found from your favourite local shop. So here is a teaser for ya, just a few things we have curated for the shelves our wee boutique. Enjoy!

For Him: 

a) Park Cap - Winston $52

b) Seasonal Dinners  - Foodie Dice $40

c) Galaxy Bow Tie - Exhibit B + Thrive $40

For Her:

d) Ceramic Mason Jar - Revisions Design $35

e)Antoinette Social Stationary - Rifle Paper Co. $28

f) Moth Hoops - Heavy Meadow $35

For Them:

g) Quinn Hat - Owl + dot dot $38

h) Slip On Tunic - Owl + dot dot $38

i) Adventure Kids Tee - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle $28

Amour Vert : Smart Fashion

Have you seen what we have new in store from Amour Vert? We have had some great pieces trickle in that we are so excited to share with you. We feel they are perfect for the climate of the west coast with there soft cozy feel always made from eco-friendly materials. 

Amour Vert is a San Francisco based company that has made it there mandate to produce what they call Smart Fashion, every garment is a step towards a cleaner world. Before starting out, the husband and wife team were on the search for ethical everyday clothing. However, what they found in the market was a lot of yoga/casual wear, or pieces so high end they were not fit for everyday. Already both entrepreneurs, they saw this as an opportunity and jumped in with both feet. 

From day one they have made choices that reduce fabric waste, eliminate harsh chemicals, a to create locally. They have been fortunate enough to work with a local mill in LA to create a custom fabrics made from a variety of natural fibers or recycled components. Each garment is also manufactured in the San Francisco area. And thats not all, for every items sold from the T(r)ee collection, they plant a tree, So far they have planted over 30,000 trees in partnership with the conservation nonprofit American Forests.

All in all, we at Thrive are proud to carry Amour Vert and there smart fashion. We find in an inspiration that another company out there is living our dream on a large scale! 

Thanks for reading and come on in the touch and feel these awesome pieces!

Outfit Inspiration [HIM] : Fall Walk

Click product titles to shop online.

a- Two Tone Crew - Muttonhead $120
We are so excited to be one of Muttonheads newest stockists this season. We have some great accessories and sweaters coming in November. One of which is this awesome two tone crew neck sweater. Canadian made ethical fashion at its best!

Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free - Vegan

b- Puff Daddy Natural Vest - Muttonhead $320
Another one of the fabulous pieces made by Muttonhead. This one however we are not bringing in… so you will have to buy it at the online shop!

Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free

c- Dirty Fade - Naked and Famous $158
These denim jeans have a button fly and are made from durable japanese denim. Hearty and designed to be worn in by there owner these jeans are built to last.

Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free - Eco-Friendly

d- Brooklyn Boot - Vegetarian Shoes $128
Another great shoe from vegetarian leather! These boots are ethically produced in Portugal. Vegetarian Shoes is a company to watch, hopefully there will make there way to Canada soon! Currently available online from Vegetarian Shoes.

Sweatshop Free - Eco-Friendly - Vegan

e- All Seasonn Touque - Muttonhead $32
These awesome all season hats will be a part of our November shipment. We have them coming in a handful of colours. Be sure to come in and check them out!

Canadian Made - Sweatshop Free

f- Tool Set - Tattly $18
Tattly's are this generations jewelry it seems, so try a fake one! Have fun with Tattly's! These are just a few of the ones that come in the tool set!

USA Made - Sweatshop Free - Vegan - Eco-Friendly - Socially Responsible

Come by the shop soon, (online or in store)!

Outfit Inspiration [HER] : Coffee Date

Click the titles below to shop online.

a- Phoenix Layering Tank - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle $36
One of the great basics we make here at Thrive. Made to cover your bra straps and be that perfect base layer!

b- Bamboo Dot Circle Scarf - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle $48
A long time favourite of mine, this bamboo circle scarf is cozy and fun all in one.

c- Honey Peach Lip Balm - Ripe $9
Can't start a date night without applying a perfect subtly scented lip balm. Keep your lips happy with Ripe's many flavours!

d- Sheer Cream Box Top - Grey by Thrive Lifestyle $68
This top is so elegant and subtly sexy. With just the right amount of sheer fabric show of your curves and stay classy.

e- The Skinny Super Stretch - Naked + Famous $120
These jeans are just in and so great! A favourite of mine they fit around all my curves. Made from rare japanese denim they are fitted, soft, and tailored. We also have them in a very deep Navy.

f- Silver Stacking Rings - Heavy Meadow $20 each
Made by the talented Ora Cogan these simple sterling silver stacking rings are made with love and care from recycled metal. Buy one, buy five, these rings are fun to collect.

g- Arrows - Tattly $6
If you don't have a tattoo currently and you were hoping to look a bit more bad ass, try a Tattly for fun! These temporary tattoos are non-toxic and socially responsible.

h- Lil Silver Cuff - Heavy Meadow $45
An elegant simple bracelet made once again by Ora Cogan of Heavy Meadow. This simple lil cuff is made from recycled sterling silver and perfect for an everyday wear.

i- Jeanette Boots - By Vegetarian Shoes $143
I came across these boots online by a company called vegetarian shoes. I think I may just have to have them. Made ethically in Portugal these shoes are Vegan, Sweatshop Free, and Socially Responsible.

SALE: Graphic Lynx Tanks

We are clearing out our summer stock here at Thrive Lifestyle. These tank tops are a perfect layering peice all season long! Made from our super soft Bamboo Jersey you will never want to take it off.


Find them online here, or come in and say hi!

Outfit Inspiration [HER] : October Walk

When the leaves start to change and the fog rolls in there is nothing I would rather do then grab a cup of warm tea, my best friend, a cozy sweater, and head out for a fall walk. It's times like this I wish I had a loveable golden lab to run through the leaves with. Luckily, my brother does, so I often dog-nap maggie-mae and take her out. Wether i'm headed to the beach or down a forest trail, staying warm and comfy is always important. Above are some of my favourite ethical items to keep me at the right temperature and ready for adventure.

Follow the links to find these items online at Thrive Lifestyle.

a) Phoenix Layering Tank by Grey $36 

Made from bamboo Jersey this tank is a great base layer. Designed in the Thrive studio, sewn in Vancouver B.C Canada

[ Canadian Made - Local - Eco-Friendly - Handmade - Socially Responsible - Vegan ]

b) The Skinny - Olive $140

Made from rare japanese denim these olive green jeans are made in Montreal, Quebec. With 5% elastine these jeans are soft to the touch and made to fit over a women's subtle curves.

[ Canadian Made - Local  - Sweatshop Free - Vegan ]

c) Sterling Silver 3 point Pedant $39

Stop by the shop to pick up this elegant beauty. Handcrafted on Salt Spring Island by local designer Emily McPhee of Hart + Stone. Check out her etsy shop here. 

 [ Canadian Made - Local - Handmade -  Vegan ]

d) Campout Skin Cream $15

This scent is a Thrive favourite. A mix of woodsy pine and cedar, amber, sandalwood, dried leaves and the blissful scent of roasted marshmallows make a smell you want to last all day long. Handcrafted by Ripe from California see more of her products online here. 

[ USA Made - Local - Handmade - Vegan ]

e) Kamik Jennylo Boots $55

Kamik is a canadian brand established in 1932 that still manufactures in Canada today. Made from recyclable rubber these booths are a great option for your winter go to boot.

[ Canadian Made - Local - Eco-Friendly - Sweatshop Free - Socially Responsible - Vegan ]

f) Motif Links Sweater by Granted $395

Granted sweaters are a new spin on the iconic canadian heritage sweater. Made from canadian wool and hand knit in Vancouver, Canada Granted is a brand Thrive is proud to carry. Nothing beats a rugged wool sweater when wondering in the elements.

[ Canadian Made - Local -  Handmade - Socially Responsible ]

g) Camp Socks by Muttonhead $14

Available November in store and online these camp socks are made in Canada from wool and will keep your toes cozy and dry all winter long.

[ Canadian Made - Local - Eco-Friendly - Sweatshop Free ]

h) Camp Set - Tattly $18

Not sure what tattoo to get, why not try a Tattly. Non-toxic tattoos for the young at heart! These make a fun gift and are also just fun to play around with.

[ USA Made - Local - Eco-Friendly - Handmade - Vegan ]

i) Camp Mug by Muttonhead $14

Available November in store and online this camp cup is durable and perfect for taking on a fall stroll.

[ Canadian Made - Local  - Sweatshop Free  - Vegan ]

Have fun with Foodie Dice by Two Tumbleweeds

Its was September, and the hunt for unique gift items to fill the store was running through my mind as the gift giving season approaches. Yes, I know, I'm talking about Christmas already. AHH! However, in retail that is the way one has to think, always two steps ahead.

While searching through Etsy, (the handmade marketplace), I came across a great product, Foodie Dice created by Two Tumbleweeds. These dice demolish the mundane, routine dinners we have a habit of making and put the creative fun back into cooking.

A company created by two sisters living in Sanoma County, California that were tired of making the same five meals week after week. Working together to consciously craft and create Foodie Dice they decided to have a Kickstarter campaign to get them off the ground with a goal of raising $7,500. The response to this fun idea was astounding, and they raised a whopping $156,00 by the end of their campaign. WOW!

The sisters behind Two Tumbleweeds and Foodie Dice have been keenly aware of making smart choices throughout the creation of their products and the growth of there business. They wanted to present a package that people would be proud to have on a shelf in there kitchen. Starting we strong graphics, they moved towards smart packaging. Partnering with Refresh Glass, they use recycled wine bottles as a storage jar. The dice themselves are made out of birch and laser engraved in the USA.

 So, what are Foodie Dice and how do they work?

Upon opening your Foodie Dice container you will find nine laser engraved dice. Five primary dice and four seasonal veggie dice. The ingredients on the dice are a mix on common and slightly more unusual giving you room to try new things. (However to us Salt Spring Islanders many of the 'unusual' ingredients are just a regular part of our varied food choices! What city folk would call hippie food.) With these nine dice it is possible to create over 186,000 combinations, something I doubt any of us could think up on our own.

The girls at Two Tumbleweeds have done an awesome job thinking of all the dietary choices or restrictions out there. These dice are gluten free friendly and quite easily transformed to be Palio friendly by just leaving out the grain die and rolling the veggie die twice. They are also fairly Vegan friendly as the 'meat' die gives an option for both meat and a similar vegan item on the same side. Ex. Turkey or Seitan, Chicken or Tofu, Beef or Tempeh. All in all these ladies have thought of everything when creating this awesome product.

So how do you play Foodie Dice?

Step One: Choose your die. 

Step Two: Roll, Roll, Roll

Step Three: Assess your combo

Step Four: Prepare

Step Five: Ta-dah! Dinner is served. 

Its as simple and fun as that. I think this would be a great thing to do with friends for a evening in! I just can't wait until they make a Delicious Breakfast set! Because we all know, that is the best meal of the day! Or at least it is in my world. Two Tumbleweeds have also come out with a Mixology Set that we will be carrying soon, stay tuned for a post on that. So, come on in and grab your set today. They come at two price points, in the recycled jar for $40 or in a cotton bag for $24. Also, check out there site here for booster die including seasonal beer! 

Click here to purchase online at the Thrive Lifestyle webshop. 

All photo credits to Two Tumbleweeds and there photographers.

Granted - Hand-knit Canadian Heritage Sweaters.

As the summer sun sets earlier and the chill of an autumn night starts to settle we west coasters are all reminded of the winters ahead. We start to prepare, digging out our coziest items to keep us comfortable through the season. One of the items we reach for, a cozy knit sweater. Granted, a hand-knit line from Vancouver has become a part of the iconic movement towards Canadian Heritage Sweaters over the past few years.

Living in the colder climates that Canada has to offer we are often in need of a durable layer that will keep us warm while wandering in the raw elements of nature. Wool being natures perfect gift for sustainable warmth it is breathable, temperature regulating and water repellant. Granted sweaters are all hand-knit using canadian even spun wool roving, a long narrow bundle of wool used for this specialized kind of sweater. These sweaters have also been know to fit under the realm of Intarsia knitting, a style based around graphic bold prints of two or more colours. All these elements combined, create what we like to call a Canadian Heritage Sweater, a sweater rooted in the raw elements of nature that we canadians are lucky enough to call home.

Granted's dedication to sustainable business practices is something that we are proud to support here at Thrive Lifestyle. Granted was established in 1978, in the wonderful city of Vancouver B.C. Starting small they spun roving in the living room and hand-knit every item themselves. Today, they have grown and now have knitters all around the city as well as sourcing the canadian wool from a mill in New Brunswick. 

Today the Granted family of knitters extends beyond there own doors to homes around the city, stay at home moms, grandmas with a passion to knit and many others have created these iconic sweaters with love. Hand-knit with two hands, two knitting needles and a skein of yarn these sweaters are carefully crafted over 10-15 hours from start to finish. 

Once these sweaters are complete and brought into the head office they are finished to perfection with zippers and tags. The granted zipper pulls are durable YKK brass zippers and completed with salvaged Yew wood collected from Lasquiti Island. These pulls are shaped, sanded and branded in the Granted studio. A process they say helps them connect to the outdoors and the reason granted was started in the first place.  

 

all images credited to the Granted website and their photographers

Here at Thrive we are so excited to be granted's newest stockist, carrying sweaters and accessories from their hand-knit line. We can't wait to share these fantastic items with you in-store and online. These sweaters are an item you buy to last, which is why we have chosen to stock a selection of there muted grey and charcoal toned sweaters so you can purchase something to cherish for years to come.

You and your Granted sweater…
There are a few simple tips to follow when caring for your granted item. On the rare occasion that you are not wearing it, store long term in a plastic container with lavender or cedar balls to avoid damage by moths. As far as regular care, pilling will occur naturally just pick them off. If you happen to spill your mid-day mocha, spot wash with mild soap and gently rub. Do not over scrub as you will cause felting. If you have a large spill, drop it at the dry cleaners.  Lastly, fold don't hang. Hanging the sweater will cause the shoulders to stretch out and shape to be lost.

Granted also offers a lifetime of free repairs due to stitch pulls, unraveling due to normal wear and pill removal. Shipping must be paid both ways, but the repairs are free.

Below are the granted items we have in stock at Thrive Lifestyle.

Stop by the store or check out our granted items online here. So stay cozy and stay warm, happy adventuring!

In The Studio With... Indigo Pixie

Indigo Pixie of Art By Indigo is not just a summer volunteer here at Thrive lifestyle but she is also an extremely talented up and coming artist. About to enter highschool Indigo is an extremely unique, definitely an artist to keep your eyes open for. 

Thrive: What started you on your creative path and how long have you been at it?

Indigo: I have always liked to draw; I have been drawing and making art for as long as I can remember. It mostly started as tornados and scribbles. I remember the first person I drew looked like a potato. As I got older I began to use drawing as a method of impressing people drawing mostly chibis, but as I got older I began to really love doing it.

I started making cards last summer for the Saturday Market, but now they are making a comeback! Besides making cards, I also make t-shirts, bowties, and snuffies (dead “snuffed” animals).  I can be found most Saturdays at the markets selling whatever crazy thing I have thought up that week. 

T: Favorite thing about your studio space? 

I: My bedroom and Thrive are my studio spaces. In my room I have a table made for me by my grandpa for my crafts and sewing. I try to keep my drawing supplies and my sewing supplies organized, but it all ends up mixed up. 

I’ve filled my room with things that inspire me, and lots of colour, to help me when I’m working on my art. 

T: What music do you play in your studio to get you in the creative mood? 

I: I choose to listen to fast paced music, something to keep me pumped while I’m creating. Right now I like Foster the People and Grimes. I like listening to Grimes because of her ability to use her voice as an instrument along with her lyrics. She also has an incredibly funky sense of style. 

Indigo's mini cards that can be found on the counter at Thrive Lifestyle. $3 each

T: Where do you get your Inspiration?

I: I love Adventuretime, Pendleton Ward, the creators is one of my favorite animators. I like the styles they use; I feel it is similar to the way I draw.

I really like to come up with my own ideas, but when I am unsure what to draw I ask the people around me, Zoe and Jess have been a big help, as well as my mom, dad and big sister Alix. 

I found a lot of my inspiration for my current cards from being in Thrive. I tried to use aspects from around the store in my drawings. But my cat Mountain will always be my true mew-use. 

T: What is your favourite place in the world? 

I: Hawaii, it is beautiful, smells good, and is the sand is soft and without rocks. Although, I could do without the centipedes. Also my school, because of all the people I like being around my friends. 

Find Indigo's products on the Thrive website here.

Current Obsession: House Plants

Over the past month if have become happily obsessed with house plants! Prior to my current living situation I have always had plenty of outdoor space to play in. Also, before Thrive, I was a part time gardener. Therefor, I never had much time for plants indoors..... they belonged outdoors... I thought.

Fast forward to today, I live in a sunny apartment on a private property with immaculately manicured garden space outside for me to enjoy, but nothing for me to do. So, as the sun shone brighter and the days grew warmer I found I had a longing to nurture something. So, I got hooked on house plants. In the last month I have purchased six unique gems to care for in my living room. Which now has a tasteful amount of plants. Yet, I fear that if I buy more I may become the crazy plant lady that lives in the jungle apartment. Oh well, at least I will be happy! ha! 

So, I just thought that I would share with you some unique house plants that are more like sculptures as well as some tips on caring for them. Also, if you don’t have any house plants, go buy some! They range from $5-$10 and don’t be limited by things that are supposed to be indoors. Buy what you like, plant it in a pot were it will be happy, care for it, and watch it grow. Its fun! 

Air Plants - Tillandsia

There are around 540 species of these evergreen flowering perennials. They originate from the lush mountains, hillsides, deserts and forests of Central and South America, the Caribbean and the southern United States.  

Air plants are the first nifty plant on the 'to buy' list for new house plant connoisseurs due to the fact they are nearly impossible to kill. However, contrary to there name, these plants do live on water, not air. Confusing right! Air plants take a bit of care in order for them to Thrive, yet they are also okay with a little neglect every once in a while. So the growth of your plant really depends on the care you give it. (like most things in life!)

Watering: Air plants need to be watered 2-3 times per week. Misting there leaves is not enough, it will work in a pinch, but proper watering should take place with their roots soaking in water for about 2-4 hours depending on the size. Also, be sure to let the roots fully dry before watering again. I find it best to water in the morning. You will be able to see a change in the colour and moisture content of the plants leaves once watered. Its gratifying to watch the leaves slowly change colour!

Light: Avoid all day direct sunlight, air plants do best with a few hours of direct sunlight a day. But they do like the light, so put them in a bright corner of the room! 

I have mine in a window, that gets direct sunlight for half the day, yet the window is open which helps with air flow and cooling so the leaves don't get burnt. 

Succulent Terrariums

These terrariums are made by Score + Solder out of Pemberton B.C

Many find succulents to be the ideal houseplant because they are very forgiving plants, and need very little maintenance. Succulents actually tend to thrive on neglect. How can this be? Succulents live in arid environments and need very little water.  When placed in a glass terrarium succulents will actually recreate a natural rain cycle and recycle water (Yay Recycling!)  through condensation. 

You can water your succulent by lightly spraying them each week or by dipping their roots in water every two weeks. Succulents in closed terrariums need even less water because they are able to recycle water for about a month ** It is actually better to underwater your succulent rather then overwatering** Over watering a succulent can lead to rot, which will eventually kill the plant. When under watered the plant will begin to shrivel and droop, but is able to recover quickly once you water them 

Succulents like plenty of indirect light, and do well when placed by a window that experiences indirect light for the majority of the day. Too much sunlight may burn the plant and cause your terrarium to get too warm. 

It is important to maintain your plant to avoid rotting or cramping. If you find that your succulent is outgrowing its limited space trimming will bring them back into bounds it also help the plant produce shorter side shoots that will fill out your plant. Any rotten shoots should also be trimmed and removed. Rotting is a result of overwatering, in a closed terrarium this can be fixed by removing the cover to allow for drying. 

Outdoor plants indoors!

I have always been in love with the elegant shape of a Hosta Leaf. They are so simple yet so bold. So, even though they are considered a garden plant I decided I wanted one in my living room! They are fairly low maintenance requiring regular watering and the occasional fertilizer. Hostas do not like direct sun, so place them in a location away from the window, but still a bright room. Mine is quite happy on a shelf in my living room. The Hosta shown below is a Blue Hosta, one of my favourites for its grey/blue undertones and simple colour palate. 

Purple Heart is a tropical plant native to the gulf coast of Mexico. When I bought this unique plant a month ago in a local nursery I was drawn to its deep purple leaves and rubbery texture. Little did I know this plant was going to triple in size in one month! Originally planted in a small pot I have had to move it to a hanging basket as it has long trailing limbs. 

Purple Heart is commonly used as a ground cover in shady areas, however if not maintained it can take over. As a house plant it has been found to be exceptionally effective at improving indoor air quality. I highly suggest finding one of these little beauties to grow indoors from a hanging basket as they grow fast, are easy to care for and fun to look at!

All that said, go get a house plant! I think herbs and tomato plants are also fun to grow indoors, and think thats what I will get next!