Conscious by Chloé (Page 2)

Have a Blissful Weekend #30

Friday, February 8th 2019

Pictures by Alba Betancourt for Secret Supper.

What are you up to this weekend?

I might go to a concert on Saturday and a comedy show on Sunday. But let's see whether I'd rather stay cozy at home since it's gonna snow again this weekend!

I hope you'll have a great one and in the meantime, here are a few things that made my week:

A BOOK - The 5 Love Languages* by Gary Chapman

It was a very quick read and a great tool to get to know yourself and your partner better.

A SONG - Cathedral by Cocoon

I had totally forgotten about that band and was happily surprised when an old song popped up in my playlist.

A PODCAST - The BLK + GRN podcast by Dr. Kristian Henderson

Each week Dr. Kristian Henderson speaks with artisans to connect Black women to the tools, resources, knowledge, and products they need to lead happier and healthier lives.

A VIDEO - 100 Solutions to Reverse Global Warming by Chad Frischmann

"Replace. Reduce. Biosequester." is my new mantra.

A DIY - DIY Pickling Kit Gift Box by Almost Makes Perfect

What not to love about an edible gift?

A RECIPE - Crème au praliné by Pascale Weeks (in French)

We made this recipe on Wednesday night and it is soooo gooood. Octave used to love the crème Mont Blanc praliné, which we could easily find neither in Switzerland nor here in the States, so he decided to make his own.

And a couple links from around the web...

I participated in the cutest Galentine's gathering with my Secret Supper friends (see pictures above and below).
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This Outer Order, Inner Calm Manifesto.
Would it be OK to have 2 pairs of rain boots* ? I mean look at these colors!
Ikea will soon offer furniture rentals because the end of ownership is near :D
I'm thinking about getting one of these tiny power banks* to prevent my phone from dying in cold weather.
Talking about cold weather, how cute are these socks* ?
If There Are So Many Great Vegan Alternatives to Leather, Why Don’t Ethical Brands Use Them?
Nisolo is launching the very cute Lana Ankle Boots* and I wouldn't mind pairing them with this tote* .
What's plastic doing to our bodies?

In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links - marked with an * - and that any purchase made through them may result in a small commission for me - at no extra cost for you. Thank you so much for investing in sustainability and supporting my work!

Have you made, watched or listened to something worth sharing with us this past week?

Rainy Day Essentials

Wednesday, February 6th 2019

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

It's no secret that Portland gets much more rain than the average American city. And after 4 winters here, I can finally say that my rainy day uniform is complete.

After a major rainstorm 2 years ago, I was very disappointed to realize that the so-called fisherman raincoat I owned (sold by a famous French brand/made in Madagascar) did not have waterproof seams!

I quickly sold it at a consignment store and invested in the one I'm wearing here during the last Black Friday sale. After a rainy season, I'm happy to report that no water made it through.

I've had a pair of tall rain boots for a couple years, but was definitely looking into an ankle height pair to wear on a daily basis, in Oregon weather, without compromising on style.

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

Raincoat: Stutterheim | Pants* (linked to similar)| Turtleneck: Everlane* | Hat: Tillak | Shoes* c/o Everlane

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

The Everlane Rain Boot

The Everlane rain boots are ankle height and have a Chelsea look, with a slightly more massive outsole.

consciousbychloe-style-everlane-rain-boot-surplus-9

Style

I like the aggressive look of these boots. They're what I look for in a pair of sturdy harsh weather shoes. I want impermeability, comfort and traction since Portland streets and trails are muddy and slippery in the winter.

It was so hard to chose a color, but I opted for the Surplus model to contrast with my potato-colored raincoat.

Also, I may or may not use them a lot in the garden, so I chose the usual color for gardening shoes :)

consciousbychloe-style-everlane-rain-boot-surplus-16

Size

I ordered my actual size (8) knowing that the boots are made to be worn in one's usual size with thick winter socks. Otherwise, I would have sized down!

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

Comfort

This is the most comfortable pair of rain boots I've owned. The cushioned insole definitely a big part in it. They're easy to put on and take off, thanks to their and easy-to-grab pull tabs.

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

Care

The rubber is easy-to-clean. I've put them to the test working on the compost pile in my backyard and easily cleaned them by spraying them with the watering hose.

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

If you're considering getting a pair for yourself, I honestly highly recommend them. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them!

This article is part of a collaboration with Everlane, who gifted me a pair of shoes. This post is NOT sponsored, but when you shop via some of the links I will make a small commission. Thanks for supporting the carefully selected brands that support Conscious by Chloé!

Pictures by Octave Zangs for Conscious by Chloé.

Everlane Rain Boot Surplus Review by Conscious by Chloé

Which color would you chose: black, surplus, stone, toffee or pink?

Podcast - A conversation with Stephanie Seferian of The Sustainable Minimalists

Monday, February 4th 2019

I was a guest on the The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast.

The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast is where sustainability, minimalism, zero-waste living, decluttering, parenting + conscious consumerism intersect. The host, Stephanie Seferian, offers eco-friendly tips + incremental strategies for cutting through clutter as a means to more fully enjoy life's sweetest moments.

In this episode, Steph & I chatted about 3 incremental tweaks we can all tackle to crank up our eco-friendly efforts.

Here's a link to the The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast and the show notes. I hope you'll enjoy them!

And don't forget to sign up for the Zero Waste Switch Challenge!

What's one thing you would do to kickstart your journey to less waste?

Have a Blissful Weekend #29

Friday, February 1st 2019

Can't Touch This Card by Conscious by Chloé

What are you up to this weekend?

I'm attending a letterpress workshop tomorrow at the Pacific Northwest College of Art and will go mountain biking on Sunday.

I hope you'll have a great one and in the meantime, here are a few things that made my week:

A BOOK - The Untethered Soul* by Michael A. Singer

which I've been falling asleep to for the past week (I borrowed the audiobook * from the library).

A SONG - It's You by Lou Doillon & Cat Power

I never thought that 2 of my favorite singers would ever collaborate. A perfect song for a rainy morning.

A PODCAST - The Word Witch by Claire Burgess

This Transgender Awareness episode with Aaron Caffee and Harvey James taught me so much and I simply want to share it with the whole wide world.

A VIDEO - It's Alive with Brad by Bon Appétit

I have a crush on Brad, not gonna deny it. I think Octave does too...

A DIY - Painting with Milk & Dyeing with Tea

Rebecca Desnos is a genius natural dyer. Her book * is my number one reference. This new technique she developped is changing the game. I cannot wait to give it a try!

A RECIPE - Roasted Beet Tart with Almond Crust by Andrea Bemis

Octave wants to switch up house chores a little, so I'm gonna cook a little more and he'll take care of the dishes. This recipe sounds like a great place to start.

And a couple links from around the web...

Have you heard of Loop, a circular shopping platform that transforms the packaging of your everyday essentials from single-use disposable to durable, feature-packed designs?
This love letter.
Classic and cozy black textured cardigan*, anyone?
Human composting.
These Moss sneakers*.
Yes to inclusive sizing in the activewear industry. These leggings* made from recycled water bottles for the win!
My dream home.
I'm not super familiar with Eileen Fisher but keep seeing this brand at my favorite second hand store so this means: Good quality + Good resale value! I could see myself in these wide leg trousers*!
This quote made my heart skip a beat.
This music on repeat!

In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links - marked with an * - and that any purchase made through them may result in a small commission for me - at no extra cost for you. Thank you so much for investing in sustainability and supporting my work!

Have you made, watched or listened to something worth sharing with us this past week?

Zero Waste Workshops in Portland

Monday, January 28th 2019

Do you live in Portland or are you planning a trip to the most Zero Waste friendly city in the world?

Come hang out with me!

I will open the doors of my own "Zero Waste" home to you, take you on bulk shopping trips and teach you how to make your own reusable food wrap!

Zero Waste Home Tour

I've been giving those tours for quite a long time now and really love it. I get to meet people from all around the world, or people who live down the street for me.

I think that this format (4 people max per tour) is the best introduction to Zero Waste living as it shows how easy it is to gradually implement zero waste swaps at home. And who doesn't love seeing what really happens on the other side of the camera?

Sign up now for a Zero Waste Home Tour!

Zero Waste Shopping Trips

Going shopping in bulk, whether it's at Whole Foods, Fred Meyer's, Winco or a small coop can be intimidating. I've been there, and had to take my husband with me because I was too scared to ask how I'm supposed to weight my containers. So why not have a friendly face show you how it's done? I'd be honored to be that person!

Zero Waste Shopping at the Alberta Coop

I'm a member of the Alberta Coop, so I know it like the back of my hand. It's small enough that I don't get lost but it has a wide selection nonetheless.

Schedule your next Zero Waste Shopping Trip at the Alberta Coop!

Zero Waste Shopping at People's Coop

Oh how I wish I lived closer to People's! To me, it simply is the best Zero Waste resource in town. So many bulk items to chose from, so many classes to attend, a farmers' market. It's Zero Waste Heaven.

Book your next Zero Waste Shopping Trip at People's Coop!

Zero Waste Food Wrap Workshop

Reusable food wrap is a super easy switch from disposables. And it's so easy to make. It is actually the first DIY I posted on the blog, and I'm still using the same pieces I made a couple years ago! Can you imagine how much money I've saved over that period of time?!

Reserve your spot for my next Zero Waste Food Wrap Workshop!

Book a Zero Waste Workshop in Portland, Oregon, with Conscious by Chloé

Do you have more Zero Waste workshop ideas for me?