Earth Day is just around the corner, and to celebrate, we've listed 8 things you can do to save money and the planet. That's right - a major benefit of "going green" is more green in your pocket. So let's make haste for less waste!

1. Tired of going through boxes of sandwich bags? Switch to Bee Wraps, which are  reusable, and have fun themes. You can seal containers or wrap up lunch items to go.
2. Slow your roll - specifically that roll of aluminum foil. These playful silicone lids were designed by Charles Viancin, and take on the shapes of lemon slices, cherry blossoms and more! 
3. We've heard enough stories about sea life dying from ingesting too much single-use plastic. Do your part by switching to these festive silicone straws. They're dishwasher safe, and food grade BPA-free.
4. Teach the kiddos while they're young, and stock up on some short straws too.
5. These stainless steel straws will class up any mojito. They won't rust or break, and come with their own brush cleaners.
6. The Swedish have always been a few steps ahead of us, and we can't take our eyes off their stylish collection of dish cloths. Paper towels have never looked so drab. 
7. Zip-closed storage bags don't come cheap, and you usually have to toss them after a single use. Not the case with these storage bags. They've got the Southern charm of an old-fashioned jam jar, but are reusable, leak-proof and dishwasher safe. Also available in medium and large. 
8. Research is beginning to emerge about plastic particles found in our atmosphere, and the air we breathe. Why not join the movement to limit plastics by switching to these stainless steel food containers? Non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA-free.

Have a happy Earth Day!

Spring has officially sprung, and our Instagram pages are awash with Easter tablescapes and fresh flowers. As we swap pine cones for bud vases, why not enjoy flowers in a whole new way? Chef Lori Stern has been making waves with her shortbread cookies, with baked-in flowers from her own garden in Montecito. While they look Insta-worthy, they taste so scrumptious, she’s been shipping them all over the country. Unlike many chefs, she’s happy to share her secret and you can find it here.

Want to give it a shot? Quick cooking videos do make it look easy, but that’s how Chef Stern learned – on the Internet! There is one secret weapon every baker uses to cut down on time and labor, and that’s the Kitchen Aid Mixer. You can also cut down on waste by using this handy non-stick baking mat.

Let the gorgeous blooms take center stage when served on this pristine white serving platter. 

And sweets aren’t the only way to enjoy spring’s bounty. Nasturtium (pictured above) is a peppery-tasting flower with deep jewel tones. When thrown in salads, along with their photogenic round leaves, it offers a real kick. Go for the smaller leaves, unless you'd like a more bitter green. 

Serve your salads in style with a rounded acacia bowl. These matching serving hands will be the talk of your dinner party.

My personal favorite is wood sorrel (pictured above), a flowering plant so common, one sees it daily. They bunch on the ground like clover, only they're more leggy with yellow flowers. The lemony taste is so addictive that my son tears at it during walks. When he tries to snack on sorrel from sidewalks and parking lots, I insist they must be washed first.

You can throw mounds of raw sorrel atop fish, chicken breasts and salads. Mince them in a flash with these herb scissors and add some cheer to your presentation with this Le Cadeaux set.

You may have noticed that rose is kind of a thing right now. Rose All Day tees are as ubiquitous as bridesmaids shirts, and I’m pretty sure they use the same fonts.

Why all the hype? Let’s start with the obvious. It’s often fizzy, always pink and when served chilled, feels as celebratory as spring! While a Cabernet is perfect with a sweater by the fire, rose sees you on the patio, watching a pastel sunset. 

The wine is made from a variety of grapes, vinified with the grape skin on for just a limited time, lending to the blush in color. They run the gamut from dry to sweet as moscato, and range in color from pale pink to magenta. They often hint at fruity flavors, such as cherry and strawberry. Below are some ways to usher in spring with rose and see what the buzz (the pun stays) is about!

Headed to a BBQ or beach picnic? Keep your rose cool in the sun with this wine cooling wand, complete with a pour spout.

Make your next party simply magical, with these unicorn markers for your wine glasses.

When was the last time a towel made you laugh? There's a variety of wine-themed hand towels at Ladles and Linens!

 Prefer a bubbly rose? Keep the fizz on lock with this little helper.

Step up your rose with some complimentary snacks. Everyone loves a good charcuterie board, and this artisan treasure will show your Virginia pride!

Now enjoy your rose, s'il vous plait!