Influential Green Websites

Check out these great websites to change your lifestyle. They offer fantastic advice and introduce new, green products that will make your life easier (and help save the planet too!).

• Mother Nature Network: This website is dedicated to “Improve Your World.” MNN offers an array of news and information available. The website is designed for everyday people who are dedicated to making the world a better place. They offer up-to-date news about green products and green living.
• Tree Hugger: Stay Connected with Tree Hugger. The team consists of sustainable enthusiasts and offers up the best ways to stay green.
• Grist: For the best environmental news tune into Grist. Founded in 1999 Grist has been dishing out the best news and products for us to enjoy
• World Changing: This website is committed to changing your thinking about the environment. World Changing is  a nonprofit media organization dedicated to solutions-based journalism about the planetary future.
• Inhabitat: Their philosophy is green design is good design and good design is green design. The website covers green design, architecture, energy and technology. In addition to running the blog, Inhabitat also organizes the annual Greener Gadgets conference.

These websites are dedicated to helping the everyday person live a greener life. With a little help, we can all become a greener society.

What’s your favorite green site?

Sustainable, eco-chic art showcased at 360SEE

360SEE, 1924 N. Damen Ave.

Check out the newest show at 360SEE (1924 North Damen Ave), entitled “2nd Anniversary Show: 3rd Year, 3 New artists, 3 Media” running from July 17 through August 20 (gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10-7, and Sunday 11-2 or by appointment).

The exhibition will feature new work by Eric Bessel, Stefanie Dueck, Heidi Martin Kuster, as well as showcase work by two years of gallery represented artists and designers.

Jordan Witkov, 360SEE director and owner, hand picks artists and designers from around the country and the world exhibiting offerings exclusive to Chicago, the region, and the country. The three new artists in this show, Bessel, Dueck, and Kuster, offer unique, well-executed pieces using a variety of media elements.

Brooklyn photographer Eric Bessel’s newly completed series of photographs, grass / hair , explores the similarities in captured moments of wind-combed marsh grass and the parts and tufts of hair on the back of people’s heads.

Eric Bessel untitled #1 from grass / hair 2010

Metal sculptor, and trained blacksmith, Stefanie Dueck creates fine art, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind flatware out of her Vancouver studio. Her pieces focus on the relationship between animals, material, and environment.

Stefanie Dueck Iguana Box 2009

Chicago trained painter Heidi Martin Kuster currently creates art in Paris. Her series of work focuses on geological forms starting from a micro focus such as small pebbles and rocks developing into images that evoke the feel of vast aerial cartography. Her pieces contain hip, sustainable elements, such as tree-free paper and aluminum from organic food containers.

Heidi Martin Kuster Geographical Notations II 2010

“2nd Anniversary Show: 3rd Year, 3 New artists, 3 Media” is running for a short time only so don’t miss it! We can’t wait to view and learn more about these outstanding (and eco-friendly) works of art. For more on this must-see-event, head to www.360SEEgallery.com, and follow 360SEE on facebook and twitter.

Go on – You deserve it!

1) Give your basic bath a boost

Baths are a simple way to de-stress after a long day and relax tired muscles. Several pure, all-natural household ingredients make it easy to transform your everyday bath into a luxurious soak session. Simply add a cup of milk, two tablespoons of honey, two pinches of sea salt, and a ½ cup of oatmeal to running bathwater. The wholesome ingredients work together to detoxify, soften, and soothe skin.

2) Fix yourself a cup of green tea

The Chinese have been aware of the mind-blowing benefits of this miracle brew since ancient times. A study from Harvard outlines several of the medical benefits to this bloat-banishing drink, including lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cancer. Steep a green tea bag in a mug of hot water for several minutes, add a spoonful of honey for a little extra sweetness, and cheers to your fabulous self!

3) A facial regimen to please every green gal

Put your best face forward. The SPA at Hotel Felix offers a number of world-class and environmentally-friendly treatments for your pleasure. Here are two of our favorite eco-friendly facial treatments offered exclusively at the SPA at Hotel Felix:

• Sundari Omega 3 Facial: Breathe new life into dry or stressed skin with this deeply nourishing, intensely hydrating facial. Our own Omega3+ complex uses naturally active ingredients to restore skin’s lost lipids; softening, renewing and awakening your natural glow. ($120*)

• Sundari Facial: Awaken and rejuvenate your skin with this holistic facial that is customized for your skin’s specific needs. Naturally active ingredients like lemon, sandalwood and lavender are custom-blended for an intensive cleansing and gentle exfoliation. Our signature balancing marmassage completes this experience for newly radiant skin. ($105*)

Call to book a treatment with us at 312.256.8000 or make your reservation online.

To keep your skin naturally vibrant and gorgeously glowing in between treatments, be sure to exfoliate at least once a week. Here is a simple, all-natural recipe to transform your face into lustrous, baby soft skin:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• dash of honey

Mix all ingredients together. Smooth the mixture onto face and décolletage and massage gently. Rinse with warm water.

*Prices subject to change, see website (www.hotelfelixchicago.com) for complete pricing details

4) Refresh your feet the all-natural way

Your tootsies are tired! Reward them with a nice, long, relaxing soak. Prepare a pail or bathtub with warm water. While the water is running, add two drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oils. Both herbs are known for their relaxing properties.

Next, immerse your feet in the fragrant water. After soaking for several minutes, gently slough away dead skin and fast track circulation with a pumice stone. Pumice stones are naturally formed from lava and are an excellent tool to smooth your feet. Dip your feet back in the water to rinse off any remaining dead skin. Finish off by slathering on your favorite deep-moisturizing lotion.

5) All-organic (& edible) deep-conditioning hair mask

For a silky smooth mask for your mane, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Our all-natural hair treatment will turn your limp, lackluster strands into shiny, luscious locks. Simply mix one jar of organic mayonnaise (such as Spectrum®) with one ripe organic avocado (the riper it is, the easier to mash) until you have a uniform mixture. Apply the mask liberally to your hair, from roots to tips. Wrap hair with a slightly damp towel and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy your newly conditioned coif!

The SPA at Hotel Felix

Mindful Chicago Awards

Mindful Metropolis is an online magazine working to bring like-minded communities throughout the Chicagoland area together. Mindful Metropolis focuses on fresh ideas, green culture, art and design – basically being mindful of our environment. The Hotel Felix is thrilled to be nominated for a Best of Mindful Chicago Award! The awards focus on spotlighting businesses that are green, sustainable, using holistic practices, or fostering a sense of kindness with in the community.

Voting ends on May 7, so you still have time to (please and thank you) vote for the Hotel Felix as well as your other favorite green businesses in Chicago! To vote, go here.

The winners of the Best of Mindful Chicago Awards will be announced on May 21 at the Green Carpet Gala. For more information on this spectacular event go to Mindful Metropolis Green Carpet Gala.