Doodles: Donsol

Our Donsol trip was such a beautiful experience, that I highly recommend it to EVERYONE. I could go on and on about our trip, but we'll be sharing more of it in our group blog: Isla Boheme. So for now, I'll let my doodles speak for themselves. :-D

To see photos of us and the awesome whalesharks, check our post.:-D

EVERYONE is encouraged to join.

Shut down your computer, have a candle-lit dinner, lie under the stars, cuddle with the one you love - there are tons of things you can do in the dark.
While at it, help save the earth...and enjoy it.

Summer Rayne Oakes "The Hottest Girl in Green"

The fact that most girls idolize fashion models all the time wouldn't be so bad if the models they look up to were more like Summer Rayne Oakes. Known as the world's first "Eco-Model", Summer has devoted her time to representing environmentally-conscious brands and causes.

A graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and Entomology (yes, the study of insects and bugs), she has worked on programs in aquatic systems, mine reclamation, waste management and sustainable development before applying her knowledge to the fashion industry. Which just kind of happened because she's gorgeous too. ;-)

Aside from being a spokesperson for the environment, Summer runs a Sustainability Innovation Consulting firm as well as an online marketplace for sustainable textile and other materials called Source4Style. In an industry where being green has become a trend, Summer stands out as the real green thing.

Earth lover, Beach lover, bug keeper, Summer Rayne Oakes is one beautiful person who's photos I wouldn't mind posting on my wall (or in this case, my blog).

Check out her site. Or follow her on twitter. :)

CTWW Challenge Two - Check!

That's my answer to last wednesday's challenge. Living in a 7km stretch of island, getting around by walking is very doable and is my number one mode of transportation. To walk is free and it is such a pleasant experience when you live in a lovely island. But sometimes, I get lazy or am in such a hurry that I take a motorbike or tricycle. This week though, I got through my errands simply by walking to and from the laundry shop, photo store, grocery, beach etc. So even if I usually walk, this week, I walked more.

To choose to walk simply takes a little common sense. Stay on the safe side of the road, look before you cross, take an umbrella if the sky is gloomy, wear comfortable shoes (or in my case, flip flops) and leave earlier because it will take you longer. My favorite: take some music with you. It always makes walking more enjoyable, it kinda makes me imagine myself in my own music video. I even have a playlist on my Ipod called: "Smiling While Walking" with songs like A Beautiful Morning by the Rascals or 5 Years Time by Noah and the Whale. Choose your own strolling music! :) Just remember: NOT TO LOUD. Make sure you can still hear if a car horn is beeping closely.

Since we're on the topic, I want to share this AWESOME AWESOME ( it's so awesome, I had to say it twice, or thrice) artwork done by pedestrians in China to encourage more people to walk for nature. Must see! :D

Thanks to CTWW for another challenge that makes me double-check and appreciate my home and my lifestyle. Looking forward to the next one. :)

CCTW Challenge 2

The second challenge for me has been given. This is easy. :)
Click on the challenge if you want to learn more about Change the World Wednesdays.

This week, if you drive, reduce your speed. Reducing your driving speed reduces the amount of fuel you burn ... and that is very Eco-friendly. So ... this week ... slow down!

Or ...

If you don't use a car for transportation, please share your alternate choice and give us practical ideas for making it work. For example, if you ride a bike or walk, please share how you manage inclement weather, shopping and getting to the other side of the city/state. Tell us about the ways in which you stay safe while riding a bike in heavy traffic or walking when there isn't a sidewalk. We'd like to know exactly how you make an Eco-friendly form of transportation work in today's world.

CCTW Challenge One - Check!

Using toilet paper isn't big in the Philippines. People here usually use a pail of water and a manual bidet or water dipper called a Tabo (tah-boh) to wash. Fortunately though, the house we are currently renting comes with a bidet spray, which is even more convenient. And this is how I have been reducing my use of toilet paper. Which answers the last Change the World Wednesday Challenge! :D Yey!

To those of you who are iffy about using a bidet, (and I know there are a lot of you) you may want to read this. To learn more about bidets and to check where I got my toilet paper facts, you may click here.

Living on the beach also requires us to bring water with us all the time. And one of the ways I have reduced disposing of plastic water bottles is to bring my own bottle with me everywhere I go. I am especially concerned with plastic water bottles ever since we watched this video. Please feel free to share it too to create more awareness.

That's it! I'm sure there are a lot of alternatives for our usual disposables. With a little creativity we can come up with so many things. And for some, a step out of our comfort zone, could mean a step to Changing the World.

CTWW

The challenge has been given! It's:

This week, take a look at all the disposable items you use and find Eco-friendly alternatives.

Small footprints was even nice enough to mention me in her post! Yey! I'm excited to start doing whatever it is I figure out to do, and to start sharing it with everyone. (Hey you're free to join too.) :D


:-D

CTWW or Change The World Wednesday

One day, I googled images for "change the world" ( i don't remember why, this happens a lot) and came across a photo that eventually led to this blog. I thought "hey! what an awesome blog!" and almost immediately committed myself to joining the challenge that is Change the World Wednesday.

What it is exactly is a weekly "green" challenge, like refusing plastic bags for the week or having an oven-free or stove-free day. The simple idea is, little actions (when done by many) will create a big impact. And everyone is welcome to join! The challenges are easy! Especially for someone like me who has chosen to not eat meat and refuse plastic bags a long time ago.

The blog is full of great ideas for people who want to be more gentle to the earth, and aren't afraid of a few good deeds. ;-D So go ahead and check it out!

Click on the link if you want to join, they have all the info you need. As for me, I will repost the challenge, try my best to accomplish it, write about it and help change the world, every week. :-D

Anywhere With You

Here's to more laugh trips and colorful adventures.
Happy birthday. :)

Jim Datz

Mid-century style, positive vibes and sea-inspired - these illustrations just tickle me. :-D Jim Datz has the perfect formula.

Visit his site, I guarantee you it will make you smile. If not, then you're a rain cloud. Hehehe.

The TREEtment Project

The Treetment Project is an environmental initiative I helped start with Mandala Spa, Boracay. It's Mandala Spa's pledge to plant a tree for every spa treatment purchased. After all the earth's wellness is our wellness.

I wish more establishments had environmental initiatives. Is it possible for the government to give tax breaks to companies with earth-friendly practices? I wonder.

More about the Treetment Project here.