More Hip Than Hippie #241 - DIY Decor, Part 2

"House Whisperer" Christine MacShane returns for another round of spectacular holiday decorating tips.

Plunging headfirst toward Thanksgiving and the holiday party season, the Hipsters seek inspiration from their favorite local TV star, Christine MacShane. The Audacious Aussie delivers fresh ideas for green, frugal decor and hostess gifts! Also, Val imperils her friendship with Dori by threatening to eat...a goat.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Val's Portland roadtrip yields another goodie! Saison-Brett Limited Release Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co. packs lots of unique flavor into a big-ass bottle. Cool label, too.

Chocolate: Christine provided two of her faves. The Cadbury Crunchie has that yummy honeycomb center, while the Nestle Yorkie bar claims it's "not for girls". Bite us.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

 

• Al-literate. Val's Christmas card buddy, Al Gore, released his new book last week. "Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis" offers solutions to our most pressing planetary problems.
• Feed a fever. Keep the influenza bug at bay with these foods that fight the flu. Hey, they forgot beer and chocolate!
• The Red Diva? Join Val on Mars! She signed up with NASA to put her name on a microchip carried by the Mars Science Lab rover.

Hip News

• Toxic tins. Canned food often contains hazardous levels of Bisphenol-A, according to tests by Consumer Reports. Yes we CAN switch to fresh foods instead!
• Trick or treat? Kraft Foods is trying to get a piece of the market for sustainable sweets. Cote d'Or contains cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Hmmm...very Krafty.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Rack 'em up! As those cookies, cakes and holiday breads roll out of your oven, you'll need a place to set the pans while they cool. If you're short on metal racks, check in with your local appliance recycling center. Chances are they'll let you raid their fridges for little or no cost!

 

DIY Decor, Part 2

The Hipsters welcome "House Whisperer" Christine MacShane back for another round of spectacular decorating tips. Do you love her pink toolbelt and hardhat? Moxie Trades carries perfect gifts for the tradeswoman in your life!

 

• Mini pumpkins are often discounted or free after Halloween. Clean them out to hold votives, flowers...even the first course of a meal!
• Wreath forms can be adapted to each season. Just tuck in decorations instead of gluing them down.
• Large napkins are easy to make, provide great "coverage" during meals and can be used to wrap leftovers, furoshiki-style!
• Unmatched earrings make terrific wine charms.
• Local food products serve as ideal hostess gifts, as well as backup gifts for unexpected guests. Assemble them into attractive gift baskets!

 

Listener E-mails

Nice to hear from you! Send a question or a compliment to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and pleas for goat clemency at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Emily in Ohio wants to whiten her teeth safely and naturally. OK, try mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, or maybe brushing with cider vinegar. You could try rubbing your teeth with strawberries too. We prefer Uncle Harry's method.
• Patrick in NC found an article linking BPA to the "terrible two's", particularly in little girls.
• Lisa in Wisconsin shares the story of an eco-friendly pub with a worm bin and a "Low-Power Happy Hour". Cheers to the Bittercreek Alehouse in Boise!
• Rick in Virginia believes Canadians got the right idea when it comes to cough etiquette, eh?
• Sebastien enjoys this video trailer for next year's Going Green Film Festival in Beverly Hills.

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