Eco-Kippot + Dishes

A recent article in the Jewish Times featured Josh Spokes (above). As Rochelle Eisenberg reported, Josh used "kippot made from recycled cardboard, printed the program on recycled paper and purchased compostable paper products for the kiddush luncheon.

You can use recycled and biodegradable plates for your bar or bat mitzvah too. I am including a few links to Stalkmarket plates below, which are made from bagasse - a sugar cane processing "leftover" - which makes them a compostable, biodegradable and recycled! You can also find corn-based plastic, bamboo and other eco-friendly plates in the look book.

Shoes

A lot of girls want to wear heels for their bat mitzvahs - but heels are uncomfortable and feet grow quickly. A great way to be green and ultra-fashionable is to buy a beautiful pair of once-worn designer shoes and resell them after your bat mitzvah (which means in most cases your net cost is just the shipping fee). For my wedding I bought these gorgeous Vera Wang shoes on eBay.

When I got bat mitzvahed I almost dropped the torah because I was wobbling so much. Make sure to practice walking in your shoes! For safety on a slippery dance floor, you can sandpaper the bottom of your shoes or add a pair of foot petal shoe stoppers. I also recommend Kiwi Smiling Feet ball cushions and heel liners to make your feet more comfortable.

Local Flowers

Qusstion:

HI Kate,

I am a mom looking for seasonal flowers. Do you know what I can use in New England in the fall?

Thanks!

Answer:

Because what is available varies significantly by region and season, I recommend using a floral chart - like the one available at Bliss Wedding Floral. While it only offers a limited list, it allows you to search by region + season and shows color pictures of the blooms (which is key). Also take a peak at the Wedding Flowers Guide which has a slightly more detailed list.

Another great option is to browse a comprehensive list for another region like the fabulous one for California put out by the California Cut Flower Commission and ask you florist what she can get in CT.

It is also worth looking at floral books, and a number now discuss seasonal options (like Wedding Flower by Paul Pryke). I recommend popping into a book store so you can browse more thoroughly.


Finally, contact a local farm via Local Harvest and see what they sell during that time of year.

I can't wait to see the results.

Good luck and all the best,

Kate