Going Green is easier than you think! Not only is so much information readily available- but its information that actually works in our busy lives.

Here are some of my favorite books, magazines, and websites for "Going Green".

A great book for easy green living, Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home , by Renee Loux. It delivers exactly what the title says! Available at Amazon.com for $16.50.

This magazine gives you the back to basics of living! A country lifestyle publication that helps readers with how-to information on home improvement, organic gardening, small business development, outdoor recreation, wood working projects, and natural country cooking from scratch. A subscription is $15. (6 issues/12months) from Amazon.com.

Wine Barrel Chairs from Gaiam.com. A clever way to reuse and recycle wine barrels, and like a good wine, better over time! Available at Gaiam.com for $199.

 Some favorite "green" websites:

www.treehugger.com. One of the first to realize we need a change for the planet.

www. idealbite.com.  Get their "daily bites"  delivered to your inbox- fun and useful!

www.vivaterra.com. Check out the Eco Salon for tips and ideas on green living.

Succulent Wreaths are my new favorite garden accessory! As versatile as they are "green", these wreaths are a conversation starter in any garden. They are green because of the water-tolerant plants that are used, and gorgeous because of the water-tolerant succulents that are used! Its a win for everyone.

Some ideas as to how to enjoy this great wreath.

As pictured, hang it on a fence, gate, or door as a welcome to friends and family. Its a great decor statement and will definitely be admired.

Use the wreath horizontally as a centerpiece on your outdoor table- place it on a tray in the center of your table. Fill the middle of the wreath with chunky, varying height candles and enjoy! You can also fill the middle with a vase/pitcher of fresh flowers or put a cakeplate in the center and show off your fabulous dessert!

My favorite use  for this wreath is as a decorative accent around the rim of your birdbath. The birds will think they have arrived at "The Spa"! It finishes off the usually plain garden piece and will draw some water from it, so there is less water usage also. Now, if you use your birdbath simply as an accent piece and do not want to entice the birds, fill the center with a piece of garden art. You can use a metal or grapevine sphere, terra cotta pot filled with plantings, or anything else that is whimsical and fits in the center!

To make your own wreath, simply form chicken wire into a wreath shape and fill with sheet moss and dirt. Then plant your succulents, and leave it alone. Succulents do not like coddling- they rather have it a bit drier, hence do not overwater! Or simply purchase the wreath pictured from Viva Terra, an eco friendly company and enjoy!

Succulent wreath from Viva Terra - $89.

Hostess Gifts

Have you ever been invited last minute and did not have a hostess gift to bring? Keep a stash of these great, and unique items, for the hostess with the mostest!  Treat your friends and families to thoughtful gifts that actually took a moment to find- they don't need to know that you bought them all here!                

Sol Recycled Glass Mini Bowls & Saucers

What hostess could turn down these shimmering, vibrant as sunshine, recycled glass mini bowls. They  instantly brighten the mood of any meal. Sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and delightfully cheerful. Assorted set includes one each turquoise, lime, orange and red bowls and four clear saucers. Since they are recycled, also good for the environmentand all of your "green" friends! Available from Viva Terra for only $39!

 Tricycle Table Top Wine Rack

This Tricycle Table Top Wine Rack is perfect for a dinner party invitation or casual Barbeque! Stock up on these because they are versatile (put a plant in it instead of a bottle of wine), and a conversation starter if you only know the host at the party! On sale now for $12.47, regularly $22.99, at VisionDecor.com.