Hudson River Valley House

Fall is certainly the time of year that I miss New York the most -- the apple-picking day trips, the changing leaves and perfect sweater weather. So when I came across this modern, sustainable home in the Hudson River Valley, it made me want to pick up and move back north -- at least for the next three months.

[spotted on: Onekindesign; photos by: Lang Architecture]

Box Lunch

I imagine that any lunch eaten from these happy bento boxes would become instantly more enjoyable. I think my childhood Care Bears lunch box has finally met its match.

I Bought It, I Like It: BKR Bottle

I was really happy when my bkr bottle arrived in the mail. Like so happy that Jonah said, "I've never seen anyone so excited about a water bottle, you weirdo." It's a glass bottle in a silicone sleeve, and there are lots of color options (mine's called crush). It's BPA-free, dishwasher safe and totally adorable. I think water really tastes best when drunk from a glass, and the durable silicone sleeve keeps your precious bottle safe. If something should happen in the first 90 days after purchase, bkr will send you a new bottle for free! I'm pretty much in love with mine so far, and it's helping me with my goal to drink more water.

I blog about shopping a lot, but this new series will highlight items I've purchased with my own money that I think you would like too.

Can't Contain Myself

Can you believe this home in Kansas City, Missouri, is constructed from five shipping containers? It's so bright and homey and beautifully decorated, you would never know it apart from the walls. It made me realize I could live anywhere: a shipping container, a house boat, an apartment with a slide. I'm flexible.

[spotted on: the designer pad; images courtesy of: home contained]

National Digest

Last week, I told you about state finds I'd come across recently. This week, I found something that does the whole country proud. This tote bag by Melangerie Inc. associates all 50 states with a food they're famous for. It's adorable and some would even argue educational. For instance, now I know what kuchen looks like and that I could probably eat a whole lot of it in South Dakota.

Have a great weekend and be sure to enter this week's giveaway!

Vase to Vase

First, I need more flowers in my life, then I'll find the containers to put them in. Or is it the other way around, you know, Field of Dreams-style?

[images: marthastewart.com]

Grand Planter

Aren't these planters magical and so perfect for a grand outdoor party? I mean if these things were around in the 1920s, they would have been mentioned in The Great Gatsby.

Tote-ally Stylish Maps

I came across one of these tote bags back in February, and I still find myself wishing I had bought it. MAPTOTE is the the brainchild of a stylist and a cartographer. No joke. Their cotton bags feature silk-screened illustrations of different cities and their iconic sights and neighborhoods. From Nantucket to Paris, there are plenty of choices, so you can pick your favorite destination and represent. MAPTOTE has also teamed up with Target for a special edition denim bag, which highlights the age-old east coast/west coast rivalry.

Time to Metal

This unique clock was featured on the Etsy home page today, and I've got to say I think it would make an inspired Father's Day gift. The Chicago-based shop is called MetalMedia, and all their items are hand-crafted from found objects, like bicycle parts, vintage film reels and kitchen utensils. Just picture the silverware clock hanging in your kitchen or the wrench design adding some style to a workshop. The clocks cost around $80, which is not so bad for a piece of one-of-a-kind, functional art. Time to go shopping.

Garden Utensils

I landed on an Etsy shop today called Monkeys Always Look, which offers the cutest combination of kitchen and garden. What first caught my eye were these charming garden markers made from antique silverware. The pieces are made to order and can say whatever you like. You can even choose whether you want a spoon or a fork. The rest of the shop features a variety of succulents in containers like bowls, teacups and other vintage-looking dishes, making them perfect for a sunny windowsill in the kitchen.

Goods for the Earth

In honor of Earth Day, I offer you some eco-friendly items from Target that are affordable, cute and planet-friendly. A collaboration between Philadelphia-based company MIO and Target gives us some handy items for the yard, including an herb garden kit with biodegradable pots, a set of bamboo gardening tools, an adorable and portable cotton hammock and solar lights for your walkway. Finally, there's a way to keep your yard green.

A Journal for the Journey

If you're looking to hit the road for spring break or this summer, I've got your travel companion. The journey journal from Cracked Designs, a Milwaukee-based greeting card company, is a thin little booklet filled with checklists, space to record all your trip memories, a page for afterthoughts and a compartment for storing those little knick-knacks you collect on the road. The most appealing part of the little booklet is the cover which features a map, fasteners and string so you can trace your route. Road trip!

Sunshine in a Jar

Here's a home decor item that serves double duty. This simple mason jar would make an adorable addition to a bookshelf filled with eclectic items, but it also serves as an energy efficient LED lamp. Just keep the jar in direct sunlight during the day, and at night, a soft glow will emanate from the glass. The jar can function as a disguise night-light, leading the way to those late night snacks, or you could place several throughout your garden (they're waterproof), creating a romantic atmosphere for outdoor parties. The light from Urban Outfitters is a little steep at $45, but I think it makes a great gift for the girl who has everything.

Feed Bag

Whole Foods Market is doing a lot of good with something as simple as a shopping bag. The grocery chain is currently selling a reusable bag known as the Feed 100 bag, and the sale of one does just that. For every purchase, 100 nutritious school meals are provided for children in Rwanda. $10 of each purchase is donated to the United Nations World Food Program, supporting the Rwanda School Feeding operation and raising awareness for world hunger. While the bag is a steep $29.99, it's a steal when you consider the great work being supported in the African nation. The bag is also eco-friendly, so you'll be helping out the planet as well as its inhabitants.

Bag Lady

The age old question at the grocery store -- "paper or plastic?" -- has a new answer. Reusable grocery bags are not only a popular and easy way to help the environment, they're also a much more fashionable method for transporting produce. Artist Melissa Vest has created an adorable line of bags, available for sale on Etsy. Melissa's designs are printed on large cotton tote bags that are perfect for hauling groceries or anything else you can think of. Her designs are simple, clever and cute, and Melissa donates $1 of every tote bag sold to local food banks. The bags are a great way to make a stylish and significant statement.

Check out Melissa's blog and all her Etsy shop has to offer.

A Natural Beauty

Warm weather means exposed limbs, which in my case means it's time to moisturize. After keeping my legs hidden under jeans all winter, it's time for the grand reveal, and Green by Nature is the perfect aid in my beauty preparation. The New York-based company makes all of their products with at least 90 percent natural ingredients, and they donate one percent of annual sales to environmental groups. Aside from all the eco-friendly perks, the products are affordable and smell wonderful (almond cocoa is my favorite). With scrubs, lotions, body butters and creams, you'll be ready to show off those gams again. Green by Nature products are available for sale at Urban Outfitters and online.

Eco Chic

Because it's Earth Day and because my favorite vegan/hippie/bohemian friend is paying me a visit all the way from Brooklyn, I felt it my duty to share some of my favorite eco-friendly products out on the market right now. Green items have definitely entered the mainstream and with suppliers ranging from Stella McCartney to Target, it's easy to find products that suit your price range and taste. Here are just five examples of ways you can help the planet in style.

5. CB2 is selling bold, striped bedding that is made with cotton and planet-friendly dyes.

4. One of my favorite finds for its sheer quirkiness and innovation is the recycled flip flop door mat. The colorful mats are constructed from metal wire and foam rubber flip flop scraps that would normally end up in a landfill.

3. Made from vintage automobile and furniture upholstery, Kim White Handbags bring new life to old fabrics.

2. I am loving this pitcher and its matching glasses from Crate and Barrel. Made from 100 percent recycled glass, the color and look are perfect for lazy, lemonade-filled summer days.

1. These glass hoop earrings are made from recycled coke bottles, so go ahead and quench your thirst for fashion.