Am I an Expert??

Am I an expert??  Good question... I never feel like an expert because there is so much I don't know, but I have learn so much the last 14 years! I find when searching for information on organic and eco-friendly living, the vast majority of information is focused on organic food and safe cleaning products. My focus has always been on fabric, flooring, and furniture - Over the years I tried to fill this gap because I love sharing and teaching what I know with others.  Here is a little information about me:

• 2000 - Started my interior design firm, Interiors by Samantha Cobos.
• 2008 - Re-branded my design firm to focus on Green Design and renamed it PURE Inspired Design.
• 2008 - Became a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) - This is a test and it is HARD! 
• 2009 - Started this blog!
• 2010 - Launched PURE Inspired Home, which provides Custom Organic Fabric and Eco-Friendly Upholstery.
• 2012 - Built our eco-friendly PURE Sol Beach House featuring our PURE Beach Collection.
• 2014 - Launched nest PURE, which provides organic and eco-friendly products that are all under $50.

I've learned an enormous amount through the years so maybe I am sort of an expert...  In the coming weeks and months I will share with you my knowledge and insights on organic and eco-friendly products which will help make your home not only healthy for your family but also modern, happy, and fun!

Why the Big Change?!

I've made a BIG change over the last few weeks. I feel so at peace and happy about the change and I want to share not only the change, but the reason behind the change.

Over the years I have struggled between doing what I love and trying to make money doing what I love. My products were priced high - a pillow cover started at $89!  I would joke that I can't even afford my own products - this made me stressed and uncomfortable. Why were my prices high? Well, creating products on demand is expensive plus offering trade discounts increase our prices even more...  Are our pillow covers really worth $89? Yes, I believe they are worth every penny. They are top quality, original, organic, made in the USA.... BUT could my reach go farther by lower my prices and changing my business model? YES! YES! YES!

We are now nest PURE! It is not just a name change, it is whole new concept. All my products are still organic + eco-friendly and made in the USA, but they are also all under $50!

Here is the criteria for our products:

• Organic + Eco-Friendly
• Made in the USA
• Under $50
• Quality Handmade Construction
• Ships within 5 days
• All fabrics are design by me and will not be found anywhere else!
• New products added weekly

How did I lower the prices?

• I'm only selling what I currently have available
• NO trade discounts or coupons because the prices are already low
• Limited quantities – Many items are one of a kind
• Most of the fabrication is done in house (I do love to sew)

Currently nest PURE sells Organic Pillow Covers, Organic Totes + Pouches, and Organic Crocheted Scarfs. Our quantities are very limited so if you see something you love don't hesitate! 

Coming soon - Modern Veneer Prints!

Pillow Covers starting at $45

Organic Totes starting at $38

Organic Pouches starting at $18

Scarfs starting at $36

Goals { Blogging, Giveaways, and More }

Happy New Year!

I have a lot of goals for this year both personal and professional.  I say "goals" not "resolutions".  Goals seem more permanent and attainable.  Some of my personal goals include giving up gluten and limiting my coffee intake to 1/2 cup a day (can't give coffee up 100%, I tried and failed many times).  I'm off to a great start and feel REALLY GOOD - And I'm not just saying that, I mean it.

Our family is moving to a new home at the end of February.  For those who don't know, I work out of my home office so personal crosses into professional.  Our new home is smaller so there will be challenges, which I share with you along the way.  One of my professional goals is to share more through my blog.  Here is a the mood board for our Family Room.  Everything will be bright, fresh, modern, and uncluttered (I hope)!

A few months back I learned to sew.  I NEVER thought I would enjoy it because it seems so domesticated. I never feel like a great homemaker and I'm not very good at cooking (just ask my family) so who would of thought that I would LOVE sewing.  It is almost like meditation for me - it quiets my mind and I love the results. It gives me the freedom to experiment and make my own products.  Here are the first professional pillows I made and sold!

My new sewing abilities have allowed me to see potential in all my fabric scraps and discontinued fabrics that I have in storage.  I plan to have monthly GIVEAWAYS of "one of a kind" organic pillows covers - Keep your eyes open because this will start soon.

So these are few of my professional goals:  1.) Share more through my blog  2.) Monthly pillow cover giveaways

I have other goals and news,which I will be sharing soon.  I will also be sharing more about my partnership with Mod Mom Furniture and all the new products we will be creating under the name PUREMOD.

It will be an exciting year full of change and progress!!!

Announcing a New Addition!{ PURE "Sol" Beach House }

We have a new beautiful lime green Organic cotton bean bag chair at the PURE "Sol" Beach House!  Ahh! Products sent us this wonderful new addition.  The bean bag chair is top quality and looks great in the kids room - the lime green is perfect!  I love how plump it is and that it has a water-repellent liner, which means the cover can be washed and the bag can easily be refilled when needed.

Thank you Ahh! Products for the perfect bean bag!!

What makes Ahh! Bean Bag Chairs eco-friendly?

• Top quality (so it will not end up in the landfill any time soon)
• 100% certified organic cotton twill cover
• Filled with reground strofoam
• Made in the USA 

Oh baby, these knits will warm your heart...

I love these CUTE baby clothes by Joretta Natural Knits!  These precious knits look so soft and cuddly.  Baby's always make me smile - combine that with the comfy knits, and it just warms my heart on this cool Fall day :)

What makes Joretta Natural Knits eco-friendly:

• uses natural, recycled, and organic materials from local producers & dyers
• made to order
• handmade in the USA

Brain{dead} Wednesday

Usually Wednesday is reserved for my creative Brainstorming, but today is different. Let me explain, yesterday I didn't drink any COFFEE! Does that explain the problem? Anyone with a coffee addiction understands the problem - tired, crabby, lack of concentration, not to mention the splitting headache... No, I wasn't doing some cruel experiment on myself - it was cold & snowy so I didn't want to go to the store. I didn't really think it would be a problem and thought I will just drink herbal tea all day. Well, I will NEVER go cold turkey off the java again!!!

This morning as I sip my glorious cup of coffee, I did a little research on micro coffee roasters who specialize in organic, free trade coffee. I was surprised to find so many and that the prices are very reasonable. Here are few I found, I NEED to get back to my cup - OH how I LOVE Coffee!!!

Vermont Coffee Company in Middlebury, VT
{ twitter @VermontCoffeeCo }

Higher Ground in Leeds, AL
{ twitter @highergroundrst }

Wandering Goat Coffee Company in Eugene, OR
{ twitter @DieByTheHorn }

Eco-Friendly, NUT Jewelry

These beautiful, bright jewelry pieces by Muichic are made from tagua nuts. The tagua nut is also know as vegetable ivory. The nuts are collected off the rainforest floor, dried, carved, dyed, and polished. Each nut has a different gain and once dried they are extremely hard. I love the chunky designs and bold colors!

What makes this wonderful jewelry eco-friendly? They are:

• made from organic tagua nuts (no pesticides or foreign chemicals are used)
• protects elephants
• protects the rain forest
• eco-friendly dyes
• non-toxic and allergen free
• made by artisans who are given a fair wage and healthy working conditions

Eco-Friendly, ORGANIC Art Prints

I fell in love with these precious art prints by Alena Hennessy. I'm disappointed that they are currently sold out, but more will arrive in 2011!

What makes these cute prints eco-friendly? They are made with:

• organic cotton
• earth-friendly ink
• hand screen printed
• made in the USA

Organic, HOLIDAY Cocktail #3

This "Gingerbread Apple Cocktail" from Marie Claire looks so delicious! I modified the ingredients to be all Organic. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Here is my organic version of the "Gingerbread Apple Cocktail"

• 2 oz. Koval Organic Ginger Liqueur
• 1 oz. Tru Organic Vanilla Vodka
• 2.5 oz. Organic Apple Cider
• A few drops of Organic Lemon Juice
• Organic Orange zest
• Organic Agave syrup

Line a chilled martini glass lightly with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs. Place all ingredients except for orange zest in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately.

Holiday, ORGANIC Cocktail #2

This minty Organic "Peppermint Patty" Holiday cocktail is fun and festive. I love the color and chocolate rim. Oh and I would use glass straws or the new compostable straws (no plastic please)!

Here is the Recipe for "Peppermint Patty" (substitute more organic ingredients)

• 1 ounce white or bittersweet chocolate
• 1 1/2 ounces organic vodka from someone like Bainbridge Organic Distillers
• 1/4 ounce green crème de menthe
• 1/2 ounce white crème de cacao
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Sprig of fresh mint

Melt the chocolate on a saucer in the microwave on low. Roll the rim of the glass through the melted chocolate to create a chocolate “lip.” Combine all of the remaining ingredients (except for the garnish) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain the cocktail into the chocolate-rimmed glass and garnish with fresh mint. ENJOY! Makes 1 servings.

Scrap Wood Art...WOW!

I discovered this amazing wood art on Etsy.com - it is created by the Denver artist CDeK. The art is made with wood scraps and discarded yard waste - so it is very eco-friendly! The pieces are so beautiful with wonderful organic colors and textures. I love how something as simple as scrap wood can be created into art. At first sight, all I said was WOW - now that's art!

New PATTERN Needs a Name??

I created this new pattern and now I need help thinking of a name! What can you come up with??

Holiday, ORGANIC Cocktail #1

This pretty Organic "Cranberry Rose" Holiday cocktail looks delicious and refreshing!

Here is the Recipe for "Cranberry Rose"

• 8 ounces Crop Organic Artisanal Vodka
• 2 ounces seltzer
• 4 ounces organic cranberry juice
• 2 ounces limoncello di sonoma organic limoncello
• fresh rosemary sprigs
• fresh cranberries

In a small pitcher filled halfway with ice, mix together vodka, cranberry, selzer, and limoncello. Strain into ice-filed rock glasses and enjoy. Makes 4 servings.

Eco-Friendly, COMFORT...

I'm finally back after spending a week in the hospital with my sick mother. She had a severe Staph Infection, but finally is out of the woods and will be going home shortly. I'm so thankful!

As I sat in the hospital, it became very apparent what we need to feel comfortable when we aren't feeling well. It all comes down to the basics: Comforting tea, a warm blanket, a pair of comfy socks, and a cozy robe. Here are a few organic options, which would make great gifts for this Holiday Season.

Flying Bird Botanicals - Organic Tea

Gaiam - Fireside Organic Throw

Teko - Organic Wool Socks

Eco Sleep Shop - Coyuchi Organic Robe

Eco-Friendly, STYLISH Handbags

This time of year we spend more time shopping and a great handbag is essential. These eco-friendly handbags made by Hemptress are well made and stylish!

What makes them eco-friendly? They are constructed with the following materials:

• Hemp
• Organic cotton
• Recycled PET faux fur
• Recycled leather
• Recycled nylon zippers

Plus the great style and quality means you will be using it for years! Now the questions is, which one will you add to your Holiday wish list?? My favorite is the Mercedes Satchel in Terra Cotta!

Get Cooking...

I know it is early, but lets getting cooking! Get on your organic cotton apron, open a bottle of organic wine, and start cooking that fabulous Thanksgiving dinner!

HAVE A HAPPY (AND SAFE) THANKSGIVING!

Crazy Bag Lady Designs: Love this cute apron, and you got to love the name!

Bonterra Vineyards: Bonterra only sells organic wine, and I love Merlot!