Soon we’ll be upgrading our website and we thought it was a good time to get some new photos of our Ariaprene materials in action. Thankfully our photography studio did a much better job at capturing the feeling of the shoot than I did here, but it’s always fun to see a sneak peak right? Thanks so much to Studio 3, Terrazign, and our lovely models Andrew, Katie and Janus for some great pics! New site coming in about a month so stay tuned!
I was able to visit Seattle this weekend (half work, half pleasure). It’s such a beautiful city, but in the middle of the city I came across this look out with the best view of the Seattle skyline that I’ve seen to date. One thing I love about Seattle is it’s commitment to clean air and preserving the environment, which is evident even in this photo. You don’t have to live on a farm in the country to appreciate the beauty all around you!
For this weeks photo blog, I decided to post this picture from my recent trip to Maui. Wherever you are in the world, nature walks can be one of the best ways to re-set your mindset, helping you to refocus on what really matters, and letting the pressures of the day roll off. Obviously this was a remarkable walk, but even just through your neighborhood, refocusing on the beauty around you, can do wonders for your perspective.
I’ve been using my Pinterest account lately to find new recipes and health ideas. I’ve actually found it works great as a search engine to find great enchilada recipes, party ideas etc. Anyway, I found a Grilled Zucchini Salad recipe on there and decided to try my own variation. I know this looks like quite the salad, but trust me there was a lot of arugula under all that yumminess! I might have slightly over done it on the pine nuts (they’re a weakness of mine), but if you take a look at the ingredients and it’s all quite healthy! I don’t really cook with measurements much, so sorry there aren’t more exact proportions, but most likely this salad will serve to launch your own version based on what you’ve got in the fridge!
Anyway, here’s the basic recipe:
For Balsamic vinaigrette mix:
Now, sit back and enjoy!
I made this two weeks ago and recently cut them into little soap bars to continuing curing for the next two weeks. The lovely soap treats below were made with olive oil, rice bran oil, coconut oil, and castor oil plus a blend of grapefruit & tangerine essential oils topped with dried flowers. I even added turmeric powder as a natural colorant. They smell divine. In two weeks, I will get to test them out. I’ll let you know how they come out!
Every month the Ariaprene Facebook page hosts a giveaway sweepstakes or contest. Normally our prize is a product made with Ariaprene. However, for the month of May, we wanted to feature a company simply because we think they’re awesome. Grove is an independent Portland company, which makes iPhone and iPad cases. I had no idea what to expect when I toured their manufacturing facility last year, but was blown away by the inspiration, creative energy and sense of community that permeated the company. Their products can stand on their own, for the artistic designs laser etched into beautifully grafted bamboo cases. While it’s rare to find products
so beautifully made in the USA, it’s even more rare to find a company with such a strong sense of community and family. Manufactured in the heart of Portland, OR, Grove was started by two designers. Both were close friends; Joe was a laser engraver and Ken specialized in furniture design. They combined their abilities and the joint support of their friends and family, to create a business with so much heart and talent, it couldn’t help but succeed! You can read Grove’s story here, or visit Ariaprene’s Facebook page for a chance to win a free case of your own.
This photo was taken by my good friend Kimberlie Haggstrom when we were on vacation in Thailand. You can’t really see it in the photo but the lil’ guy was tied to a tree, however being able to pet him and feed him was such a surreal experience. Just one more reason we need to safeguard our beautiful habitat!
This pic was taken outside of a factory in Taiwan. It becomes really apparent how much unused scraps are actually tossed out. All these scraps are left over cuttings of synthetic rubber that have no other use and so they’ll be thrown into a landfill where they’ll sit indefinitely – unable to break down due to synthetic rubber’s extremely high heat tolerance. Basically all these scraps require 800+ degrees to begin decomposing. This rubber is so resistant to heat in fact, that it is often used to line landfills because it is one of the most durable substances on the planet! Now do you really need a product that strong for every ankle brace and laptop sleeve you buy?
One aspect of Ariaprene that I’m particularly proud of is our scrap recycling plant. It’s located right next to the Ariaprene manufacturing plant and so all those scraps can be immediately reclaimed for another use! Talk about zero waste!
This image is taken from a photo of the Ariaprene Taiwan office field. It used to be full of vegetables but was allowed to “rest” for a year to let compost fully settle in and the soil to become full of nutrients for the next round of planting. I think it looks pretty just growing wild!
Went to check out the Ventura Farmers market for the first time. Saw this beautiful & stunning orchid at one of the booths. Nature is my favorite artist! 
