Crafting Green on the GO!

Making Eco Moves! That’s what Tristin and Tyler are doing in the next episode of Tristin and Tyler’s Tales from the City! with Fun Art teacher

Laurie Rivlin Caspert of the FunArt Bus!

Laurie gathers up materials that would otherwise be thrown into the trash and recycles them into fun crafts with kiddies!

Tyler picking out his materials for his craft!

WHAT’S COOL?

Getting on a school bus that has been turned into an art studio! No more huge seats and small aisles, this bus has been remodeled to look like your favorite art class!

The mobile art studio!

WHAT’S SMART?

The fact this bus can go just about anywhere and bring the party to you is super smart. You can have a birthday party, or just a fun day crafting and not leave your neighborhood!

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE EPISODE

Laurie is SUPER FUN! It’s easy to see why she is a teacher. She treats the kids like gold, and loves to help them get creative.

The kids did NOT want to leave the bus.

The kids crafting up a storm!

Trying to shoot the episode, AND keep the kids away from the crafts and the dry erase board on the front of the bus was HARD!

But we got through it and we have an amazing episode as a result!

Would you craft on a mobile EcoCraft Art Studio?

STAY TUNED AND FIND OUT HOW COOL THE BUS IS FOR YOURSELF!

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CourtneyCourtney Interview and Giveaway!

It’s Friday, my day to review cool GREEN kiddie products! YAY!  

Courtney Chu

Meet Courtney Chu, owner and designer of CourtneyCourtney, a children’s brand like no other! Why? Courtney uses old t-shirts and remnants of other fabrics and turns them into cool girlie duds!  Is that eco-friendly or what?

I asked Courtney some questions about her upcycled line!  Check it out and make sure to enter the giveaway for a cool CourtneyCourtney upcycled pouch (details below)!

Tiffany: Why did you start CourtneyCourtney? 

Courtney:  I’ve been making things since I was little, rented a shelf at a local antiques mall in middle school where I sold jewelry. I decided on the name in college, when I was beginning to experiment more with fabrics and t-shirts.

Tiffany:  Was your goal to be green/eco-friendly?

Courtney:  Not at first, mostly it was convenience because t-shirts are everywhere!  But now it’s inherent.  It’s the first step in my process, hit the thrift store and find fabrics that inspire me.

Tiffany:  How did you decide on the concept?

Courtney:  Constant experimentation.  Sew something up, try it on, change it.

Tiffany:  What’s the most challenging aspect of being in children’s fashion?

Courtney:  It is competitive and I want to make sure my work is diverse yet wearable.  We can design a wide range of styles but when it comes down to it, the children have to love it.

Tiffany: I think the best thing about your brand is how unique each piece is, what is your favorite aspect about the brand?

Courtney:  Each dress is a new mood, feeling, and comes from fabrics that had their own stories.  The idea is that you can wake up, and put on something that is totally unique and ready to go on new adventures!

Win a cool upcycled pouch bag from CourtneyCourtney for your little girl!

Here’s How!

1. Like CourtneyCourtney on Facebook by clicking here

2. Like Tristin and Tyler and Facebook by clicking here

3. Leave a comment below to let us know that you “liked” us on Facebook and why you want a cool pouch and you’re entered to win!

The winner will be picked randomly on Friday, September 30, 2011 and announced on this Blog!

GOOD LUCK!

xo

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Sipping S’well!

On the next episode of Tristin and Tyler’s Tales from the City! get ready to meet Sarah Kauss of S’well Bottle!  S’well sells ahhmazing reusable water bottles. What we noticed immediately about Sarah is her strong passion for what she is doing to help the environment which is truly admirable.  Sarah is an inspiration to kids and entrepreneurs everywhere!

Sarah, Tristin and Tyler

THE EPISODE: BEHIND THE SCENES
This was one of the best episodes we’ve ever shot. We had issues with finding a location and the weather, and how did Sarah handle it all? She just rolled with the punches the entire way! Now that’s what I call cool, especially when your dealing with two 7 yr olds, a crazy producer-mom and her husband! Truly, the boys did NOT stop talking about how much they liked her for days!

Tyler, Tristin and Sarah walking around Lincoln Center

Tristin interviewing Sarah

WHY IS S’WELL SO COOL?

Not only do S’well Bottles keep your beverages cold for 24 HOURS (!!!), S’well Bottle donates 10% of all its sales to help build safe and hygienic water sources in Africa and India through a partnership with WaterAid.  If you’re thinking of purchasing a water bottle, does it get any better than S’well?

Oh, but wait, S’well gets even better! S’well has just launched a larger version of its bottle that can keep an ENTIRE bottle of wine cold, yes, WINE ladies!

I have the pink one, and I LUV it!

BEST PART ABOUT THE EPISODE:

The best part about this episode is learning from Sarah and listening to her explain to the boys why reusable water bottles are important. Sarah also made us realize how lucky we are in New York City to have great tap water. We can just fill’er up and GO! And we all know that is not the case for many people around the world.  Sometimes you have to step back and put things in perspective. Sarah did that for us.

Do you use reusable water bottles? Are they as cool as S’well bottles? TALK TO ME!

STAY TUNED FOR THE EPISODE!

Tiffany

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We Luv: Mini & Maximus

Yup, it’s Friday!  Friday is my day to  highlight cool brands sportin’ eco practices for kiddies!  I am super excited about featuring MINI & MAXIMUS today because:

1) they just came out with their “Imperfectly Perfect” Fall/Holiday 2011 line which is AHHDORABLE!  AND

2) I just featured one of their cool tees in a Fall Fashion Film I produced featuring Tristin, Tyler and their gorgeous friend Brianna.  Stay Tuned for that!

WHY WE LOVE MINI & MAXIMUS:

I love any brand that supports kids. Whether the support comes from encouraging kiddie creativity or kiddie spontaneity, I’ll take it!  When you visit their site, make sure to check out their t-shirt designs for kids, by kids!

DOES MINI & MAXIMUS SPREAD ECO LOVE? YES!

Well, you know by now that Tristin, Tyler and I try our best to help the environment in all that we do, so we love that by supporting MINI & MAXIMUS we are supporting a company that loves the earth just as much as we do!  They make their clothing out of a “unique blend of super soft bamboo/cotton, 100% organic cotton, or a modal/cotton blend.”  They also “use recycled paper and water-based inks for all of our posters.”

And to top it all off, the line is BEYOND CUTE!!

CHECK THEM OUT HERE!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

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Do YOU Eco Shop?

Do YOU eco shop?  What’s “eco shopping,” you ask? If you really want to know — and want some cute kids to tell you, don’t miss the next episode of  “Tristin & Tyler’s Tales from the City!”

In the next episode, follow the boys to Brooklyn where they will meet the fabulous Ann, owner of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store!

Annie, Tyler and Tristin

Why the store is COOL:

The General Store has super unique, corky items you wouldn’t otherwise find all in one place!  It’s a great place for fun gifts for an adult or a child.  The store “combines the charm of a country general store, with the sophistication of a modern city lifestyle.”

Learn to ECO SHOP:

In this episode, Annie teaches Tristin and Tyler all about shopping for eco-friendly alternatives to normal everyday purchases!  Need napkins for a dinner party?  Buy reusable cloth napkins instead!  Reusable napkins save money, and trees!  Now that’s ECO SHOPPING!

Discount, anyone?

We all love to save, so you can thank Annie and (your favorite eco twins) for a limited time offer where you can receive of 20% off your total purchase at Annie’s General Store by using the code TRISTINANDTYLER. But hurry, this offer expires on August 12, 2011!

"Look Annie, no hands!"

Yup, there’s MORE!

Don’t be misled, this General Store doesn’t just carry eco-friendly items, this is a true GENERAL store — they have just about anything you can think of from toys, wall art, to cool books and pet items! You can even order online! YAY!

So definitely check the store out here, and then check the episode out at the best website eva www.tristinandtyler.com on Thursday!

STAY TUNED!!!!!!
Tiffany

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Simple GREEN Shoes…

It’s JULY and I hope you all had an amazing 4th of July weekend, but I truly can’t believe it’s July! I was speaking to some parents this weekend who were already talking about back-to-school shopping!! Can you believe that? WOW-EEE!

Speaking of school shopping, I am a bit sad to write this post!  Why? Because it’s all about one of my favorite Eco brands for kids (and adults) which will no longer be available come the new year:  Simple Shoes.   I first learned of Simple Shoes when I was researching green/eco clothes for the boys’ first photo shoot for Babiekins Magazine.  I was sooo happy to find Simple Shoes because they are cute, easy to maintain AND SUPER eco-friendly.  Can’t beat that!

”]When I reached out to Simple Shoes for Tristin and Tyler’s latest adventure in fashion, I learned that the shoes wouldn’t be available in the new year! GASP!!

So I thought, I HAVE to:

A. write a post and get you parents out there to get a pair for summer, school or even as a holiday gift and

B. Get the boys some new pairs before it’s too late!!

WHY DO I CARE?

Have you ever purchased shoes with organic shoelaces? Ever purchased sneakers and received a shoebox and insole made from recycled paper?  How about soles made from recycled rubber tires?  Well, those are the types of materials Simple Shoes uses to make their shoes, and if incorporating these materials into each product isn’t reducing the amount of waste in our landfills, I don’t know what is!  That’s why I care!

Simple Shoes has footwear for infants, your little walkers and shoes for big kids up to twelve. I am sooo gonna miss them!

Check out some of the styles below, then hurry and get them by visiting www.simpleshoes.com before they’re gone! 😦

Why are all the good brands, with GREAT GREEN missions going bye, bye?

Tiffany

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TIFFANY’S TAKE ON…Kidz Eco Wear!

Today (and every Friday) I’m giving my take on ECO kids Fashion or Fun!

Today,  it’s all about ECO-FRIENDLY, super fun, cool kids wear! “ETHI-COOL” kids wear to be exact, according to Denmark-based brand NEW GENERALS.

NEW GENERALS Fall 2011 collection is full of black, grey and white edgy prints made out of 100% organic cotton which is oooh so soft on kiddie skin, but totally hard, rock and roll on the eyes! (love that, by the way).

I love to find eco-friendly brands for kids, ESPECIALLY ones that have a unique twist. You might even catch your favorite “Eco Twins”, Tristin and Tyler sportin’ some NEW GENERALS since sizes range from 0-10! YAY!

Check out some of NEW GENERALS  Fall 2011 collection below.  It’s a lil’ rock and roll, and a lil’ eco! Just like Tristin and Tyler!! SOOO “ETHI-COOL”

What do you think?? Edgy ECO COOL, right?  Yup, I thought so!!

Tiffany

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ReMakin’ It w/ Tiffany Threadgould!

Do you remember Tiffany Threadgould of Replayground? The superb upcycler from this episode! Of course you remember her, how could you possibly forget?

Tiffany Threadgould, Tyler and Tristin

Well, now you can make the same fun upcycling projects she made with Tristin and Tyler and MORE without coming to the big, bad N.Y.C., because she has a new book called “ReMake It!”  There are almost 100 fabulously green projects inside this book for you to make with the kiddies or  just for you!

Tiffany's Book REMAKE IT!

Tristin and Tyler just had to interview her so we went to Powerhouse Arena — a super cool spot for books, art and special events in Brooklyn —  for Tiffany’s book signing and some kiddie kraftin’ fun!

Can’t wait to show you the episode on Monday! SO STAY TUNED! In the meantime, here are some photos of craftin’ twins!

Happy Weekend!

Tiffany

Tristin and Tyler crafting at Tiffany's event!

Tyler's recycling craft!

Tyler checking out his new autographed book!

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Plastic Bottles into Backpacks? Yup!

Taking something old and making it new is recycling, right?  Now, upcycling is something TOTALLY different.  What do I mean? Well, upcycling is taking something old and transforming it into something with a greater purpose! We are SUPER HUGE fans of upcycling – but you know that already!  Tired of me saying it? Well then, let Tristin and Tyler show you!

In the next episode of “Tristin & Tyler’s Tales from the City!” meet Ashok Kamal, co-founder of the company Bennu.

Tyler, Tristin and Ashok Kamal

Tristin and Ashok

Bennu is taking huge steps to help the environment by making products out of trash.  In this episode, Tristin and Tyler learn the SUPER DUPER, TOP SECRET, ULTRA COOL, GREENER THAN THE COLOR GREEN, way to turn trash into something totally useful – and they had a BLAST doing it!

One of the things I like most about Bennu is their committment to support kids and education.  They recently launched a GREEN MY BAG online community design contest.  Students can design a “green-themed” logo and the winning design will be on Bennu backpacks and the winner will receive other prizes too! Soooo cool!  Check out the contest here.

And check out the episode THIS WEEK!  Yes, I said this week! I know you’re excited, I can feel you trembling!  So make sure and grab the kiddies and check out some smart, green fun with Tristin and Tyler!

STAY TUNED!

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Did You Catch These?

So you saw Tristin & Tyler’s green-themed photo shoot in Babiekins Magazine, right?  Did you catch these cool duds from these earth-lovin’ brands?  If not, check them out here and then re-visit the photo shoot and see Tristin, Tyler and friends make them look super cool!

Kaos Recycled Rolling Stones Tee –  Kaos Recycled‘s pieces are so rock n’ roll.  Definitely got to get the boys some more! This one we got from Green Edge Kids, a fabulous online retailer of green gear! Check ’em out!

Beatrix Eco Pacs: I love eco-friendly accessories.  These eco-packs are “constructed with nylon made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles and trimmed with naturally biodegradable canvas. Each pack removes four 16oz. plastic bottles from the environment.”  Yay! We love it!

Little Recycle

SHirinNYC: Why is this brand so hot? First, because it’s a New York City-based brand 😉 Second, and more importantly, SHirinNYC produces delicate, organic pieces with superb detail.  Who knew little one’s could have such a slice of organic heaven! My niece Madison wore this top in the photo shoot! She was so comfortable in it — I love my little Maddie!

Green Edge Kids Eco Denim – When I contacted Green Edge Kids, I had no idea they made their own line of recycled denim. GreenEdge is the first USA-made premium eco-denim for children.  With 7 years old boys, there aren’t many eco-friendly options when it comes to jeans.  But these jeans fit absolutely perfectly and look hot! Check out Tristin and Tyler below sporting the skinny version of the jean!

Keen Sneakers and Rainboots – Tristin and Tyler adore their Keen footwear! The sneakers and boots below feature recycled aluminum eyelets and an adhesive-free vulcanized rubber and the boys just look cool, who doesn’t love that?

H&M – Who knew H&M made organic clothing? Guess the folks at H&M knew, but I was surprised and even more surprised when I found out they made organic clothing for kiddies! Check out Tristin’s “Chomp” t-shirt – totally organic from H&M – Ahhhmazing!

xoxox

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