by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Green Music Gear, Music, My Organic Life, My Photography
I like my commitments to be far-reaching into my life. When I decided to move, I didn’t just move a little bit. A state or two away. I moved all the way across the country (if I went any farther I’d be in Japan). Go hard or go home, y’dig?
Since the majority of my life, if I can help it, is “green”, organic or natural in some way, and Music is such a huge part of it, I’ve been trying to “Go Green” Musically for awhile now.
What that meant, exactly, I wasn’t sure.
Until I found Handmade Straps!
( Clearly “going green” didn’t mean “wearing your hair in a messy bun while you play”. I got that one down years ago. 😛 )
Handmade Straps are a wonderful commitment to craft and quality for your music gear ( also available for Ukulele, Banjo and Mandolin if Guitar isn’t your thing!) They’re completely handmade with love in the United States, sustainable, they’re beautiful, 1 of a kind and there’s only a limited number of them! Also, you’ll be supporting small business, which is one of the most rewarding things that one can do as a Musician (or consumer).
These are my first new straps in a long, long, long (did I mention long?) time, and I’m super proud of them! In the past I’ve had kinda cheap leather straps (not the most comfortable if you’re a tiny person playing for a long time) and me and Josh have shared his embarrassingly old First Act strap for almost 3 years now.
Someone always comments about how wonderful and comfortable my Handmade Straps look ( they really are!) and the straps, myself and my guitars were absolutely made for one another. Both the straps are really amazing quality, soft, and durable. Never mind the exquisite and unique patterns that just go on and on for days!
So, what do you need to know if you wanna get your Handmade Strap on?
Founder and Creator Amanda Brewer and I have outlined some good reasons to pick one up today:
– There’s a limited number of each strap made. Amanda says, “Working with the textile industry, fabrics are designed, produced and “retired” before you can say go! Often, I’ll find a really great fabric, buy as much of it as I can, and when it’s gone, that’s it, it’s gone! Maybe only 30 straps in that particular pattern will exist in the world, FOREVER! So, when you see a strap you love, buy it! Don’t wait, thinking it will still be available in 2 months for your girlfriend to buy as a birthday gift for you.”
– They are made in the USA by very few, real people (usually just Amanda!)
– You’ll be supporting an extremely unique and wonderful small business!
– There are straps for Ukulele, Banjo, Guitars, Mandolin, and there are leather strap options as well!
– The straps are made from Polypropylene Webbing – tough stuff! It would take over 1,500 pounds of force to break this webbing!
– Vinyl lines the inside of each end piece made from premium suede leather to resist stretching and hold up to years of use. If you’d prefer vinyl ends, just ask Amanda!
– Fabric on the outside of the straps is reinforced with a stabilizer for durability and not only looks great but makes the guitar straps more comfortable than webbing alone and more breathable than straps made of nylon or seat-belt material.
I am rocking Handmade Straps in Flower Child and Ocean Paisley.
Happy Playing!
As a reminder: There’s Only 48 HOURS Left To Enter My Giveaway!!
Good luck xo
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Love & Light
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty, Green Makeup, Green Music Gear, My Organic Life, My Photography, Product Reviews, Skincare
Whenever the Holidays roll around, it’s exciting for me to start focusing on gift giving! It’s so fulfilling to show my loved ones how much they mean to me with exciting and unique gifts! I have a very small, close-knit family, and I think it’s really important to shop local, sustainable, eco-friendly, and to buy handmade & locally grown items this Holiday Season for whatever you celebrate! For example, from your neighborhood grocer or farm, your friend’s etsy shop, your local baker or a neighbor or family member who sells crafts online! It’s important to sustain growth within organic and eco-friendly communities, give feedback to independent brands about their products, and spread awareness of the harmful effects of a lot of the products that we use and that are widely available and sold by the billions!!
With their help, I’ve collected some Natural, Eco-Friendly & Handmade Brands to get you started on Brands to Bring Home for the Holidays! As part of my commitment to My Organic Life, I have taken all of the Product and Beauty shots myself!* I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Marie Natie
I have teamed up with All Natural Cosmetics brand Marie Natie to bring you some great products to gift for the Holidays! They also make perfect stocking stuffers for anyone who is looking to try some really great, affordable, organic makeup this coming year! The greatest part about all Natural Makeup is that it’s entirely safe to use! You can give it to young and old alike without any worry about it putting anything but FUN into their day!
Some products by Marie Natie that I highly recommend:
Marie Natie Eye Liner ($15)
My first go with all natural liner has been nothing but FUN! It’s goes on clean and smooth, lasts ALL day long, and makes my eyes pop! I love that it contains no harmful ingredients and it makes a great gift!
Marie Natie Lip Gloss in Love Struck ($18)
This gloss is absolutely beautiful, decadent, long lasting, and 100% natural! It feels good, tastes good, and looks absolutely stunning! I’d recommend Love Struck to anyone – a voluptuous color but not striking!
Find Marie Natie online:
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Couch Guitar & Camera Straps
I didn’t forget the boys! Couch is a great place to start for all your eco-friendly music or camera needs! I personally have a lot of musicians in my life and these stylish, made in USA, extra durable, cruelty-free guitar straps from Couch are perfect for the Holidays! They strive also to use 25% recycled materials in their products! They’ve got a ton of great styles and colors to choose from! Personally, my strap has traversed everything from city streets to mountain ranges and hikes, and I am really, really happy with it!
Find Couch Guitar & Camera Straps Online:
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The Cat’s Meow
Annnnnd back to the girls! 🙂 The Cat’s Meow is a high fashion, vintage inspired beauty & fashion line created and hard crafted by Rachel L. Olson. Rachel says, ” The collection features false eyelashes embellished with feathers & fabulousness. Eyelashes are a fabulous upgrade to any look, subtle or dramatic, as they frame your eyes & drop jaws at the same time! My lashes will bring attention to your eyes and face, where attention should be! Each piece is individual and unique, just like my customers. Cat’s Meow lashes are great for parties, holidays, weddings, or just being fabulous everyday.”
Custom orders are also available!
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Eucalypto Organics
Eucalypto Organics uses only nourishing organic and natural ingredients in their formulas to create effective skin care for the entire family. Creator and Organic Chef Laurie ” Always had an interest in beauty products and started to make my own when I couldnt find anything on the market that satisfied my dry, sensitive skin. When my products produced such amazing results I though why not share them with the world.”
Lavender Facial Toner is a great start and super refreshing after a long bath or hot shower and before your moisturizing routine!
Sugar & Lavender Spa Body Scrub is wonderful to relax with in a long bath! It’s the key to glowing skin and a great mood! It smells great, feels great, and is 100% Natural and Organic!
Find Eucalypto Organics Online
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The Hemp Butterfly
This fashionable, eco-conscious, organic and vintage line offers one of a kind jewelry & accessories. All are hand made & hand knotted in Hemp by Jennifer Robison’s own little fingers. I really love the detail and intricacies of her work! From the boho – chic and the ultra fashionable all the way to the creepy cool.
I can explain The Hemp Butterfly no better than in Jennifer’s own words:
” When I was very little I was fascinated by color. I would give life to my crayons and give them each tasks. Little did I know that many years later in my late teens I would discover an outlet for all this color fascination. I put myself into every piece. I aim to make you happy with the colors of my work. Sustainable, organic, vintage, recycled and up cycled. I want you to see that Hemp is every bit as wonderful and fashionable as any other jewelry or art form.
Most pieces are one of a kind and put up as they are born. Even if I attempt recreation I am forced to add something new, a pop of color or a quirky addition. Expect beaded work along with macrame knotting. Some complex , some are not. Trendy, swift and unique.”
Find The Hemp Butterfly Online
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Buying local, organic & handmade is part of the American tradition of self-sufficiency and serves as the basis for a lot of local communities. Thank you to the Brands who have helped me to help you get started shopping this Holiday Season! Be sure to check back for more!
I’d also love to hear your experience with Organic, Natural, and Eco-Friendly Brands!
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Love & Light
* All Photographs (C) Tara Mackey 2012
