Green Roost

Product Spotlight: Sophie the Giraffe

2012-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Sophie is one of our most popular items, and if you have ever received or given her as a gift, you know why...babies (and moms) can't get enough of her!

Here are some of the reasons Sophie is a fit for our store:
-Sophie is made from 100% Natural Rubber
-The harvesting of natural rubber occurs by harmlessly "tapping" into the tree to remove a milky sap from the bark. This does not affect the health of the tree.
-Her spots are printed with natural, food-safe inks
-She is completely safe to chew, just like a feeding bottle teat. Her soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs), make her perfect for soothing baby’s sore gums during teething.

So, if you have an upcoming baby shower or you're about to have a little one of your own, stop by today and pick up a Sophie giraffe!

Product Spotlight: Lunchskins

2012-02-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Lunchskins have been one of the most popular items in our store for over a year. They both are fun & functional, and we love them! But why do we carry Lunchskins? Here are our reasons:

-certified food-safe fabric
-hand sewn in the USA
-dishwasher-safe
-quick-drying, lightweight cotton fabric
-replaces hundreds of plastic baggies
-lead-free, bpa-free and phthalate-free

Stop by today and pick out your favorite size and pattern so you can stop using plastic baggies and start using Lunchskins!

Product Spotlight

2012-02-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

In the upcoming month, we will be featuring a different product in each "Product Spotlight" blog post. We want to focus on the amazing product lines we carry in our store, and help you understand why they are here.

Here's the best part, if you come into the store the day the product is featured, that product will be 10% off! All you have to do is mention the blog post, and you'll get the 10% discount.

The first product spotlight will go up tomorrow, so make sure to start checking the blog regularly to see what's being featured.

Any questions? Shoot us an email at greenroost@verizon.net.

Supporting the locals

2012-01-09T09:32:00.001-08:00

One of the things I love most about our store is the fact that we can support local artists. You may not know it, but some of your favorite products in the store are made right here in Culpeper! Some of the local talents we proudly represent are:

Krista Hagen Studio
Girls Day Out
Yesterday Reclaimed
Crooked Oak Designs

Stop by and pick up your favorite local item today!

Bamboo Sheet Giveaway!

2011-11-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

Have you liked our Facebook page yet? If not, hop on over and like us. If we hit 400 fans by Thanksgiving, we are giving away a set of Yala Bamboo Sheets (valued at almost $300!). If we hit our mark, we will choose one lucky Facebook fan on Black Friday, and let you pick your sheets!

find the page at: www.facebook.com/GreenRoost

Holiday Open House

2011-11-10T09:08:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Roost!

2011-10-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Now that we have expanded the store into furniture, bedding and home decor, we aren't just the nest anymore, we are growing to be the whole roost! So, we've decided to let our name grow with the store! But don't worry, our name is the only thing that's changing; our logo, store location, staff and, most importantly, mission will all stay the same. We will still be your source for the best selection of earth-friendly gifts and clothes, we are just adding a few new things to our little nest.

To help with the change, here are all the links to our new information:

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenroost

Read this blog: http://www.greenroostva.blogspot.com/

Check out our website: http://www.shopgreenroost.com/

Send us an email: greenroost@verizon.net

Any questions about the name change? I'm here for you...give me a call or send me an email, I'm happy to answer them.

As always, thanks for your continuing business. I'm appreciative of you, our customers, every single day. We wouldn't be here without you!

-Kelsey & the Green Roost Family

The lifecycle of a piece of refinished vintage furniture.

2011-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

While I can't share all my secrets, I find it fascinating to compare the before and after of a piece of furniture I've refinished...in this case a china cabinet. I documented the refinishing of this piece through pictures, and hope you'll love watching the transformation as much as I loved working on it.

This is my new friend, the china cabinet, in it's earliest form: dark, dingy, and, in my opinion, rather ugly.

Here it is with a coat of primer...

...after one coat of paint... ...two coats of paint and new hardware...
...and, finally, all done in better lighting.
It's a fun process...and even better when the end redult is as gorgeous as this!

Any questions? Shoot me an email at greennest@verizon.net, I'm here to help!

Are you ready for this?

2011-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to annouce that we are now carrying bamboo bedding & towels from Yala. If you love the great clothes we've been carrying from Yala for years, you'll adore their bedding. The linens feel like silk, and are gorgeous to boot! If you stop by the store, you can feel how incredible bamboo sheets are and pick up a set of your own! In their own words, Yala says:

"Some things just get better with wear and age. Our sheets made of 100% Viscose from Bamboo are no exception. The more you use them and wash them, the softer they become. We don’t add anti-wrinkling agents or chemicals, either. As in life, a few wrinkles are just part of the experience. Once you’ve had our Bamboo Dreams sheets, you’ll never go back. Machine wash and dry. That’s all the care they need."

Stop by today to find out details...

If you have any questions, shoot us an email at greennest@verizon.net, we'd love to tell you more!

Back by popular demand!

2011-09-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

After a short hiatus, diaper bags are back in stock at Green Nest. We found a new line of bags, Kalencom, that are made from organic cotton, colored with natural dyes, and coated in a plastic that is AZO free, with no Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP in our PVC. They range from simple and classic to bright and bold. We think they will make the perfect baby shower or new mom gift! What about you?

Here is a preview of one of the styles we are carrying:

Good Meat

2011-09-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

We just received another shipment of books, and this one included Good Meat, by Deborah Krasner. I don't know about you, but I'm super excited about this one!

Here is the publisher's description of the book:
Good Meat is a comprehensive guide to sourcing and enjoying sustainable meat. With the rising popularity of the locavore and organic food movements—and the terms “grass fed” and “free range” commonly seen on menus and in grocery stores—people across the country are turning their attention to where their meat comes from. Whether for environmental reasons, health benefits, or the astounding difference in taste, consumers want to know that their meat was raised well.

With more than 200 recipes for pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and game, stunning photos of delicious dishes, and tips on raising sustainable meat and buying from local farmers, Good Meat is sure to become the classic cooking resource of the sustainable meat movement.

Stop by today and pick up your copy!

Do you dig our furniture?

2011-09-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Around the nest, we love to bring old things back to life...whether it takes a coat of paint, and great sanding job, or just a little love, we love to make it happen! Did you know all of our furniture is for sale? Did you also know that almost every piece of furniture is refinished at the store? It's true! Come by today, and see great new pieces like these:

There are new pieces coming in and being refinished daily, so stop by and see us soon!

We love books!

2011-08-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are getting in new items daily, and I'm happy to report we just got our first order of green-living cookbooks! Come see us and check out these fun titles:

Life is Good ON SALE!!

2011-08-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

ALL LIFE IS GOOD ITEMS

NOW 40% OFF!

Hurry in to Green Nest,

while supplies last!!

Refreshing...

2011-07-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

This summer has proven to be a hot one already! But Green Nest has got you covered with a new shipment of Vapur Water Bottles!

Stay cool and refreshed with these BPA-free, made in the USA, completely collapsible, dishwasher-safe, and freezable bottles. What more could you ask for? How about two different size options! We have the 16 oz single size AND the twin pack of 14 oz bottles in bright summer colors!

Bag it up this summer!

2011-06-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun, easy summer bag this year? We've got 'em! Envirosax just released their new patterns, and they are perfect for summer!

Did we mention that they can hold up to 44 pounds, are water-resistent, and just plain stylish?

Stop by the store today to see all the fun patterns and pick yours out!

It's flop season!

2011-05-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the warm weather, we just received our first order of Planet Flops!

Dr. Sylvie, a Beverly Hills podiatrist and flip-flop aficionado, created Planet Flops™ after discovering FLOPS™, incredibly comfortable eco-chic flip-flops. FLOPS are made in beautiful Brazil with remarkably soft yet durable natural Brazilian rubber.

After providing FLOPS to her exclusive clientele and hearing rave reviews, Dr. Sylvie decided to make them available throughout the United States.

Natural rubber, as opposed to synthetic rubber, comes from the rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis). The harvesting of natural rubber occurs by harmlessly "tapping" into the tree to remove a milky sap from the bark. This does not affect the health of the tree.

We've got a whole slew of colors in for men & women! Trust us, these just may be the most comfortable flip flops you'll ever try on!

This just in...

2011-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Jenny Krauss belts are here!

All of these belts are hand made by women's cooperatives in rural areas of Peru. The work is done according to fair trade guidelines; most of the artisans sew in their homes or at a communal studio workshop and are paid a living wage. Each belt is a one-of-a-kind work of beautiful craftsmanship using a contemporary take on traditional Andean techniques.

We think they are the perfect accessory to add some color to your jeans & white tee summer look! Stop by today to check out all the colors available.

See you soon!

This just in...

2011-05-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

We just got our shipment of Make Love Not Trash wallets and small bags! Pop in today to see what great pieces arrived (I am loving the Zipper Clutch!).

Sophie is coming!

2011-05-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

In just a few days, Sophie the Giraffe will make her first appearance at Green Nest! Sophie is a teething toy for your little ones, and made from 100% natural rubber (you may recognize her from the strollers of many celeb babies).

We will let you know when she makes her arrival!

Bring on the (local) produce!

2011-04-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day in Culpeper...it's Opening Day for the Culpeper Downtown Farmer's Market!

According to The Culpeper Renaissance, "Tom Hennaman will return for another busy season as the market manager. Tom has created an exciting atmosphere with local musicians playing in the background while familiar faces peruse the market in search of fresh seasonal produce, plants, cheeses, and meats. Local artists display handmade arts and crafts for all to enjoy.

The market has grown to more than 40 participants for this season's market. There is no doubt that the Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market has become a destination on Saturday mornings creating quite an attraction for the downtown district. Stroll through the market for locally grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, vibrant flowers, delicious baked goods, farm fresh eggs, and much more. Buy Fresh! Buy Local! You'll be amazed by what's around!"

Why is this such a big day? Easy. Buying local is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the planet. When you buy local, you're supporting local growers and businesses, you know where you food is coming from and how it's grown, and you are significantly reducing the energy used to get the food from the farm to your table.

Did you know, most produce in the US is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and is shipped for an average of 1500 miles before being sold? And this is when taking into account only US grown products! Those distances are substantially longer when we take into consideration produce imported from Mexico, Asia, Canada, South America, and other places. Think of the amount of carbon emissions put off by that amount of travel.

So, this Saturday morning, we hope you'll get up and take a stroll down to the Farmer's Market and then swing by Green Nest while you're downtown. See you Saturday!

FYI-Our Farmer's Market is open every Saturday from now until November 19th, from 7:30am until noon.

Coming soon...

2011-04-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneak preview of what's to come at Green Nest. Don't worry, we will let you know as soon as Love Heals arrives at the store...get excited!

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift?

2011-04-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

We have it!

Our supply of Figs & Ginger Nesting Necklaces just arrived, and they will make the perfect gift for mom this Mother's Day!

Hurry in, because they will go fast!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally here, the day we've been waiting for all month for (actually, all year)...Earth Day!

We've had a fun month sharing tips, links and stories, and it's all come down to today. If you're a Culpeper local, we hope you'll join us this evening at 6pm for our 2nd annual Davis Street Clean Up! We will meets at Green Nest, where you can pick up any supplies you may need, and then we will disperse from there (in the case that it is raining, the Clean Up will be rescheduled until Monday, 4/25 at 6pm...stay tuned into our facebook page for updates).

We also hope you will check out our YouTube page to see some Culpeper locals answering the question, "How are you green?". You can find the videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/greennestva

Today, instead of a tip, we are going to share a little bit about Earth Day:

According to Wikipedia, "Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970...Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year."

How incredible that one day can bring 175 countries together for one celebration...especially when that celebration is our planet.

So, today, we hope you will remember your reusable shopping bag, think twice before throwing away a recyclable item, turn off the light when you leave a room, and pick up that piece of liter off the street.

Davis Street Clean Up

2011-04-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

In the case that there is rain tomorrow, the Davis Street Clean Up will be postponed until Monday, April 25th. Please stay tuned into our Facebook page and blog for updates.

Thank you, sunshine!

2011-04-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

The sunny days and cool breezes make this next tip even better!

Exercise outside. Gyms overload on A/C, and most of those training machines use electricity too. So, go for a run, play a sport outside, or take your pooch for a walk! Enjoy this gorgeous weather, while we can!

Our countdown is almost over...and tomorrow is Earth Day 2011! If you're local, we hope you will stop by Green Nest for your free gift (while supplies last), and more importantly, we hope you'll meet us at the store at 6pm for our 2nd annual Davis Street Clean-Up! We will have all the supplies you need!

See you tomorrow!

Link Love.

2011-04-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

For today's tip, I am leading you to another blog, Boulder Locavore, for an earth-friendly Easter tip. Who doesn't love Easter Eggs? And they're even better when they are natuarally dyed!

Check out the post at:

http://boulderlocavore.blogspot.com/2011/04/naturally-dyed-easter-eggs-and-best.html

See y'all tomorrow!

Not a tip, just a thought...

2011-04-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

I received this email yesterday, and was intrigued. Just something to think about...

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to her and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.”

That’s right; they didn’t have the green thing in her day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, Coke bottles and beer bottles to
the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, using the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn’t have the green thing back her day.

In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every
time they had to go two blocks.

But she’s right. They didn’t have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby’s diapers because they didn’t have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really
did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right; they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a pizza dish, not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn’t have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used wadded up newspaper to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she’s right; they didn’t have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty, instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They
refilled pens with ink, instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus, instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from
satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But they didn't have the green thing back then!

Will be back with another tip tomorrow!

Use cloth, #2!

2011-04-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday...here's our daily tip, and another way you can switch to cloth!

Ditch disposable diapers. Babies go through about 2,500 diapers; cloth diapers washed at home cost $0.03 per use, while disposables cost about $0.22 each. Disposable diapers produce at least 70 times more waste than cloth diapers, and Americans trash 18 billion diapers each year. Conventional diapers are also more irritating to baby skin. Not into cloth? Some new diapers offer convenient inserts that break down in 150 days or fewer (versus 500 years for standard disposable ones).

We are getting closer to Earth Day! Hope to see everyone at Green Nest on Friday at 6 to help with our second annual Davis Street Clean-Up!

Use safe bottles

2011-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

This is an important one. We hope everybody is using reusable water bottles, but please make sure they are the right ones for you and your family:

Use safe bottles. Many baby and adult water bottles are made from plastic that contains the toxin bisphenol A (BPA). Opt for BPA-free bottles to avoid toxins in the body and in the environment.Vapur are our favorite. They are BPA-free, made in the USA, completely collapsible, dishwasher-safe, and freezable. Oh, and did we mention that the packaging is recycled and printed with soy ink? What more could we ask for? Answer: not much.

And, guess what? You can find both sizes of Vapur water bottles in many fun colors at Green Nest!

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...see you Monday!

Don't flush...

2011-04-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

...your unused meds down the toilet! Today we bring you this tip:

Don't trash your meds. When we flush meds down drains or send them to landfills, they make their way into rivers and even drinking water. Take unused meds to your next pharmacy visit.

It's almost Friday and the sun is shining...enjoy it!

Swap for the planet!

2011-04-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the tips that save the planet AND your wallet? Because we do! Here you go:

Swap maternity and kids products. The average cost of raising a kid 'til age 2 can top $13,430. Trade with friends instead of buying all new stuff. After all, the greenest item you can buy/acquire is something that already exists!

I bet that stork gets good gas mileage! (Too corny?)

Happy Wednesday!