Little things that matter

I try to be very conscientious of our environment. Re-purpose, recycle, re-use, rei-nvent, I find myself purchasing things that I can multi-use. This is a trend that we hold to strongly in the Northwest. As we've been on a GREEN WEDDING kick lately, there are a number of things you can do that are clever and environmentally friendly for your wedding.

I love the idea of  http://www.weddings.myevent.com/1/accept_donations.htm On this site, you can set up your own wedding website, keep everyone informed and guests can give monetary wedding gifts. You can then donate a portion of your gifts to your favorite charity. Another great idea is to take canned food donations at your wedding for your local food bank. There are many ways to utilize your wedding as a way to give back.

I ran across a great idea for wedding favors on your tables. Instead of having cut flowers, try potting fresh herbs in little terracotta post for each of your guests and putting their name on a plastic pick (you can find bio-degradable plastic picks for gardening, so eco-friendly.)

                                         
Your guests will have a plantable favor to take home. You can also have little note cards on the table with the symbolism of each herb. Here are a few that are easy to come by.

Rosemary :  rememberance, fidelity, love, loyalty
Marjoram: joy happiness
Chamomile: energy in adversity, patience, long life, wisdom
Lavender: housewifely virtue, acknowledgement
Parsley: useful knowledge, feast, joy, victory
Thyme: activity, bravery, courage, strength
Sage: wisdom, long life, esteem immortality, esteem
Ivy: patience, fidelity, undying love, eternal life
Pansy: happy thoughts, meditation

You can also use a caterer that uses local products. Ask them if they use farmer markets and if they use organic products.

Offer your guests a non-alcoholic alternative such as an 'herbal cooler,' from a company in Eugene, http://www.herbaljunctionelixirs.com/junset.htm, these coolers are a naturally effervescent herbal beverage rich in enzymes and B vitamins.Give your guests an energy boost for all that dancing! A smoothie bar might also be a good alternative too.

Take a eco-honeymoon. You can find sustainable resorts locally, such as Sunriver Resort in Bend. Oregon is one of the most environmentally friendly states working hard to protect our natural resources. Discover what is in your own back yard!. My husband and I spent several weekends in Central Oregon rock hounding for thunder eggs, we went to the lava tunnels, the obsidian flow, hiking and fishing the Deschutes River and many reservoirs. The enjoyment we got out of being together and discovering the diversity in our state is a memory that stays with me and my husband. We are always looking for new things to discover in the Northwest.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle - I always make sure to have a recycling station set up for any event I am hosting. Make sure everything is labeled clearly!

Have fun incorporating some green ideas into your wedding. You will then be starting your new life creating a better healthier world for your future.

I cant' leave my dog to go to a wedding!

Our pets are such an important part of our lives. We spoil them terribly just like our children. What to do with our pets is often a delima when traveling. Planning ahead is important. If you are having out of town guests that travel with their pets, help them make travel plans by researching pet friendly options in your area.

When looking for lodging, ask about pet friendly policies. Find out if there is a weight or size limit, additional cost or deposits. Where the nearest dog park is located. The Northwest has may hotels that cater to pet owners, even offering doggy spas and nutritional snacks.

You will also want to find some doggy daycare options. I was at a wedding a couple of weeks ago and the brides mom had a hard time between helping her daughter and checking on her beloved pup that was patiently waiting out in the car. It is best to make reservations ahead of time with the facility and find out what records are required. Most facilites will require current shot records, and kennel cough vaccinations. Getting any forms filled out before traveling will make preparations much easier for your guests.

It may seem like extra work, but in the long run it will be worth it for your pet loving guests and the pets will be happier too.

Here are a few links to check out.

Daycare

http://www.bendpetresort.net/

http://www.noahsarf.com/about_pet_day_care.php

http://www.mthoodpetresort.com/

www.countrysidepetspa.com

Pet Friendly Hotels

http://www.vintageplaza.com/

http://www.jupiterhotel.com/

www.oxfordhotelbend.com/