Happy 4th of July America!

I don't want to be a big party pooper and tell you just how un-green those amazing firework displays really are.

(but... in Beijing, China, the smoke from fireworks during the new year celebrations tripled pollution levels overnight AND the toxic metals used to get the bright colorful sparks fall back to Earth, contaminating soil and water)

Until we figure out the fireworks dilemma there are some things you can do to make this holiday and the rest of your summer celebrations a little greener.

Grill Green: What goes better on the 4th of July than a tasty bbq with friends? Well if you're going to grill it, why not grill it green? And if you're going to have a green bbq, don't miss The Daily Green's eco-friendly 4th of July menu.

Party Green: Inhabitat recommends you take one of my favorite simple steps and rock the biodegradable plastic wear (unless you're going to use real plates and silverware - which would be better). Check out more of their 5 cheap and easy 4th of July ideas.

Drink Green: Mother Nature Network (MNN) has some great green 4th of July ideas too. Some of their tips include everything from all-natural bug repellents to the best organic beer suggestions. Happy 4th!

Some Red, White and Blue Etsy Style:

1. ZJayne Amazing 4th of July T-Shirt Bag
2. Farouche - Awesome Drunken Tags
3. Amy Hatch - Beautiful Red Rose Necklace
4. Artwork by KD - Recycled Red, White and Blue Earrings
5. The Vintage Closet - Gorgeous Striped Vintage Shirt
6. TuTu Monkey - Cool You Design Tutu

What's a miracle anyway ....

Today we are having a wake, and tomorrow a funeral, for a beautiful 28 year old man. His name was Andrew Hampel.

Andy was the kindest, sweetest soul you could ever want to meet - this is something people always say at funerals - but in Andy's case it is totally true and totally needs to be said.

Four years ago, Andy married his high school sweetheart Vanessa and they bought a little house just a few miles from the little house that Andy had grown up in. Andy was a builder; he always had been. He built houses for other people and dreamed of building a bigger house for Vanessa as time and money allowed.

About two and a half years ago, after eating dinner, Andy just couldn't seem to clear his throat. He left work early the next day and went to the doctor. Within a couple days he had a diagnosis, a very scary diagnosis of stage IV esophageal cancer. We googled it. It was bad.

Andy had always been an athlete. He had never smoked. He had felt totally healthy and been totally active until his diagnosis. He started chemotherapy immediately.

We threw a benefit for Andy to help raise some money. We had never organized a benefit before and didn't know what we were doing. Somehow one miracle after another kept happening for us. We got The Stone Pony to give us a night (we called it Pony Up 4 Andy) and we got some amazing bands to play including a pretty famous Jersey shore band that had opened for Bon Jovi. It was an amazing night- one of the best nights of our lives.

Shortly after the benefit, Andy went into remission. The doctors said Andy was a miracle. Everyone exhaled a little bit ...

But the cancer came back as cancer sometimes does and Andy battled it again with everything he had. He showed such amazing strength and such amazing courage- he was in great pain and eventually those who loved Andy just wanted his pain to end and eventually it did. His family has great faith and knows they will be seeing Andy again. He brought so much into so many lives and will be missed terribly.

For me, I don't think I would be making jewelry if it weren't for Andy and Andy's benefit that took my life in a whole new direction. All our stories were changed forever by Andy.

But today we are having a wake and tomorrow a funeral. And the doctors were right. Andy was a miracle.

My Locket Giveaway on Oh Hello Friend

As if there isn't enough going on this week (what with Canada Day and the 4th of July) and my giveaway over at Scoutie Girl I have another giveaway and little interview over at Danni's wonderful blog Oh Hello Friend

This is for my Polarity locket featuring the amazing photography of the amazing Emi of f2images. Her AMUSE set is just a total stunner!

So get over to Oh Hello Friend and say hi to Danni and get yourself entered!

If I Ever Open My Dream Store....

I will have this sign!

Manners first. No matter how busy we get, and we get busy, those are real people across the counter and deserve our attention.

I also hate when the salespeople chit chat with each other in front of me. Of course, if there is some really vital information (ie gossip) they are passing on, then I don't mind so much.

People first; gadgets second (well not actually second - that would be chocolate) right - people, chocolate, gadgets (and of course, Olive would be in there somewhere, too)

and I know there is a person on the other end of the phone (unless you are one of those people practicing conversations that you are not really having- really- I saw this on the news- people walk around talking to no one on their cell phones!), but the person in front of us always comes first.

So the people in front of us, animals (well, dogs anyway- sorry cat people), chocolate and then gadgets....