ALL Knitwear by Annie Larson

ALL Knitwear is a Minneapolis based company headed by Miss Annie Larson. It's all American - design, construction, etc. The small handmade batches of yummy knits are sold exclusively online. Super important to support small American businesses, especially ones who support lovely, fun knits (gosh I love knits, though that's probably abundantly clear by now...) Visit her site here. Enjoy!

The Loaded Trunk

Loving these Mexican Bedspreads, wouldn't they look so fresh with all white bed linens?:

Roni, the owner of The Loaded Trunk, states on the website: "Each piece is either created specifically for The Loaded Trunk, or purchased from a local market across the globe. I believe in supporting the local economy throughout my travels, and respectfully pay the artisan’s asking price."

Hobbit House

I'm obsessed with hobbit houses & I used this one, in particular, for a class paper last semester. He built it all himself! The detail he goes into on the construction methods is incredible. I don't understand most of what he's talking about, but it sure looks pretty! This house is totally low-impact development, environmentally friendly, the whole she-bang. I think my soul would feel happy living in a house like this. Although, New England's weather might not be the best place for it, I'm thinking more mild/even temps would be more appropriate.

While this type of house might be too extreme for most people, we do need to start doing more in terms of sustainable building. Here's why:

Also, sorry for the overload of "sustainability" stuff. I'm working on my thesis {Sustainable tourism in New Bedford, MA}. I actually started a new blog for it. If you're interested, here's the link.

To Bike or not to Bike?

I don't know about you, but not only have I not ridden a bike since I was in middle school, I am also terrified to ride a bike as a main form of transportation. Something about being neck in neck with trucks & cars, faster & bigger than I, competing for road space. Eek!

However, as a historic preservationist with an interest in urban planning & sustainability, I am saddened, especially after my recent trip to The Netherlands, that the United States is failing in supporting more environmentally friendly forms of transportation. What's the cause of all this anyways? And how can it be rectified?

This article: 6 Ways To Boost Your City's Bike Mojo via Treehugger gives a handful of clear & concise methods to improving this problem.

1. Make it work for women

2. Do that Bike share thing. Right now.

• Washington D.C recently became the first U.S city to incorporate this idea!

3. E-Bikes are one less car. Support them.

4. Have a Pedalpalooza.

• yah, I didn't know what this was either, but check out Portland, Oregon's bike festival. It look so much fun - I wanna go!

5. Slow & Steady arrives alive

6. Repurpose a little used stadium as a Velodrome.

• I could see this working in smaller, economically devastated cities. There are always plenty of abandoned structures like stadiums, mills, or warehouses available. They could be a great project for a creative, up-and-coming architect!

What do you think? Can these work here?

Do you ride a bicycle as your main form of transportation? If not, why?

Down East Doormats

Check out this inspiring idea for a company & home design.

These are perfect for that Maine cottage I plan on owning.

Plus, they have a soul to them.

About

Lobstermen use float-rope to tie multiple lobster traps together on the ocean floor. The problem with this is it can tangle up whales -leading to injury or death {much like seagulls and plastic soda holders}.

Now, Maine lobstermen have to use sink-rope instead. Without a good way/place to recycle this rope, much of it could end up in Maine landfills.

After purchasing turned in float rope from Maine lobstermen, the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, recycles the rope and turns it into these amazing doormats.

The benefits: safer habitat for whales, some economic gain for lobstermen, and a cleaner environment. Made in Maine from Maine products, so supporting local endeavors & craftspeople. Also, they give a percentage of their profits to groups that protect the Northern Right Whale, Maine lobstermen, and those that use environmentally friendly practices in the Gulf of Maine.