How often do you make or buy homemade Halloween costumes that are used only once because they are too scratchy and uncomfortable to ever wear again? Too often I would imagine. Are you left with a pile of pirates, princesses, and various ghouls and ghosties with no little kiddy to make them come alive once the candy has been consumed and the pumpkins have been turned into pie?

If you'd rather your kids could make use of those homemade Halloween costumes and their imaginations year round let me introduce Sarah's Silks. Sarah's Silks is a company started by Sarah and Mike Lee from Sonoma California who are dedicated to helping create a better world through imaginative play.

Sarah's Silks offer a large selection of delicately delightful "quality play silks, toys and dress-ups for boys and girls between the ages of 3-10, that ignite the imagination, and capture the magical soul that lives in young children."

How are Sarah's Silks Homemade Halloween Costumes Made?

Silk is a natural fiber and renewable resource so it falls into that eco-friendly pile of playthings we so love here at Earth Friendly Goodies. Besides the eco-friendly nature of silk all the handmade dress-up silks use non-toxic vinegar-based dyes and are hand made by home based seamstresses in Shanghai China then shipped to Sonoma California where a group of women working in their homes finish sewing, ironing and packaging them.

Our daughters love playing dress-up year round and will break out the princess costumes any time day or night (princes need kissing and dragons need slaying at all hours it seems).

If you are looking for a unique fairy tale themed Halloween costume or a Halloween costume you can make at home Sarah's Silks has several homemade Halloween costumes and silky accessories to choose from including dragons, unicorns, knights, mermaids, and of course princesses and fairies. Not only does Sarah's Silks sell completed costumes they also sell many fun flavors of play silks that you can use however you like to make your own homemade Halloween costumes.

Find a large selection of Sarah's Silks homemade Halloween costumes for sale at Amazon as well as individual play silks for your own creative play below.

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Silk Rainbow Streamer List Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $12.55 You save: $4.40 (26%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Sarah's Silks Play Silk Sale Price: $17.95 - $21.99

Sarah’s Silks Natural Homemade Halloween Costumes is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

The Solar Tiki Torches Challenge

Looking at the solar patio lighting options on Amazon it looks like there are two contenders for the solar tiki torches challenge. In one corner you have the Moonrays 91206 Solar Powered Tiki Torch Path Light which uses one amber LED and one flickering amber LED to simulate that raging ball of fire that excites and tantalizes our senses - but in a much more subdued way and without the sooty smoke and kerosene smell.

In the other corner is the Paradise Lighting GL23922 Solar Bamboo Look Tiki Torch which uses two flickering LED lights instead of the one fixed and one flickering and has a round top vs a more square top on the Moonrays Solar Tiki torch.

Moonrays Solar Tiki Torches vs Paradise Lighting Tiki Torches

Other than the difference in the lighting style both solar tiki lights are pretty much the same, both run on Rechargable Ni-Cd batteries (included), both stand at 59 inches tall on bamboo tiki torch poles, both have a frosted lens, and both use eco-friendly solar charging panels to power them at night.

Based on the research I've done and the reviews of these solar tiki lights you may want to get different NiCd rechargeable batteries as the one's included don't last very long. Keep in mind that these are NiCd batteries and not the more popular NiMH rechargeable batteries, or new more powerful NiZN rechargeable batteries - I don't know if NiMH or NiZN batteries would work or not - but best to stick with the NiCd unless you really do want that flaming ball of fire atop your new tiki light. Just to be safe.

Check out these solar tiki torches for sale from Amazon and have a flaming ball of fire good time by your pool or patio in no time.

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Moonrays 91206 Tiki Torch 59-1/4-Inch Solar-Powered LED Path Light List Price: $17.98 Sale Price: $16.46 You save: $1.52 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Paradise Lighting GL23922 Solar-Powered LED Bamboo-Finish Torch Light List Price: $26.99 Sale Price: $13.32 You save: $13.67 (51%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Solar Tiki Torches: Solar Patio Lighting with Pizazz is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

EarthBox vs Square Foot Gardening, and the Winner Is?

When you compare EarthBoxes vs Square Foot Gardening you have to take into consideration what you are looking to get out of gardening and how much space you have. With Square Foot Gardening you need more space but you also get a more traditional gardening feel - you get to play in more dirt and maybe pull a few weeds (although if done right you won't really have that many weeds to contend with - Square Foot Gardening really is a rock solid method)

What I like about EarthBoxes and what you'll like as well is the ease with which you keep the plants watered - just fill the reservoir with water when needed and the plants do all the work - they just grow.

Last spring I had planted basil in my square foot garden (well I skimped a bit so it is more like my rectangle foot garden but the concept is the same) and they finally decided to grow at the end of the season so I had to bring them indoors - at which point they took off like a green thumbed rocket - why? I put them in a pot that has one of those easy fill reservoir bottoms - just add water when needed and the plants do all the work. That is the beauty of the Earthbox - whether you find a manual on how to make your own earthbox or you find a great EarthBox sale online I think you'll love your results. Plus you can use them indoors so if you live "up norte" like we do you can grow your favorite vegetables and herbs all year long!

Square Foot Gardening miniaturized with an EarthBox

If you aren't the do-it-your-self type or don't think you'll have the time to make a homemade earthbox there are always sales on Amazon for the EarthBox Garden Kit (Model number RB-EB-TRC-PBB although that isn't really a number and what in the heck do all those extra letters stand for? Really Boss Earth Box Terra-cotta Peanut Butter and Banana I think) At the time of this posting the EarthBox was on sale for 29% off list price - and is the hottest selling container gardening product - the word is out on how easy to use the EarthBox is. (if you are in doubt just check out the great earthbox reviews - you'll love 'em too)

Enjoy your earthbox or square foot gardening this year - and let me know whacha growin' I'll stop by for supper when it's ready. And while you are in the mood for garden goodies check out our post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook.

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EarthBox 1010002 Garden Kit, Terra Cotta List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $32.25 You save: $37.74 (54%)   Eligible for free shipping!

EarthBox 1010135 Garden Veneer, White List Price: $129.99 Sale Price: $84.87 You save: $45.12 (35%)   Eligible for free shipping!

This Post on the Earthbox vs Square Foot Gardening Shared on Real Food Wednesday

EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is? is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Eco-nique: not just a cool Nook cover that's fun to say real fast

What is an eco-nique you might ask (after your tongue unwinds from saying unique eco-nique from i-nique 5 times real fast). The Eco-nique is part of a line of superbly cool and creative cases made by i-nique (products sold through tuff-luv.com)

They make cases for just about any device you've ever heard of (and maybe even a few you haven't) including mp3 players, phones, cameras, laptops, GPS devices and other e-readers and tablets like the new Kindle Fire and Nook Color.

The product that grabbed my attention - and the line I think you'll dig as well is the eco-nique natural Hemp Nook cover for Barnes & Noble Nook (they have the hemp case covers for sale for other devices as well)

Since I am a new Nook owner I wanted to find a cool Nook cover to keep it nice and safe - and spruce it up a bit to boot. The Eco-nique hemp cover for the Nook turned out to be a good choice. It is very secure, well crafted and a perfect fit for the Nook (and looks slick with the Nature screen saver images)

But What Does a Hemp Nook Cover Feel Like?

To be honest I was curious to see what the hemp Nook cover would feel like - when I think of hemp I think of a coarse burlap, but the eco-nique hemp Nook cover feels great - nice and soft with a touch of padding beneath so if it does slip out of your hands as you fall asleep reading it won't crack you in the noggin' (unless you get it on the corner - ouch!)

The interior material is also nice, an imitation leather that feels a lot like real leather. The Nook fits very snugly inside with plenty of access to the power button on top, the page turning buttons and the ports on the bottom so you don't have to remove or move around the Nook to get to anything.

I like the book style covers for the Nook and the eco-nique hemp Nook cover just so happens to be the book style so you can fold over and clasp the cover for easy reading.

My one disappointment with eco-nique hemp Nook cover (and I'm being pretty picky) is with the color - the color itself is just fine a cool (as in temperature) medium dark brown which is attractive, but it wasn't what I was expecting based on all the photos I had seen. In every photo around the internet it is shown as a warmer lighter chocolate brown. That's the difficulty with monitor setting eh? You never know. They now offer a new Autumn Brown color which is an even lighter more of a creme color if that fits your fancy.

Where can I find the Eco-Nique Nook Cover for Sale?

Over all though if you are looking for a unique hemp cover for your Nook or other electronic devices check out tuff-luv.com (if you use coupon code: youtubevideo you can even get 10% off your purchase - so you might as well buy one of their many other cool designs as well)

i-nique (and tuff-luv) are based out of the UK so if you happen to live in the UK you'll be treated to free shipping - if you live outside the UK you'll have to cough up some cash for shipping and wait awhile for delivery. Or you may be able to find a Eco-nique hemp Nook cover at Amazon or even eBay if you want to enjoy it sooner. Look for hot Deals on Black Friday for Nook covers and maybe even the eco-nique if you are lucky.

Check out the hemp Eco-Nique Nook Cover for sale at Amazon with Free Shipping

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Eco-nique Natural Hemp Autumn Brown Case Cover for Barnes & Noble Nook Color - Book Style List Price: $43.99 Sale Price: $38.99 You save: $5.00 (11%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Cool Nook Cover: The Unique Hemp Eco-nique from i-Nique is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Fortunately for me I didn't end up with a thimble sized winter hat - but unfortunately it did shrink and now no longer covers my ears without stretching it as far as I can and wrapping my head with duct tape. Since I don't particularly like the fashion statement of a duct tape wrapped head, I need a new winter hat.

I was looking at some of the latest fair trade goodies on eBay's World of Good and I came across a couple super warm looking hand woven winter hats made from African sheep wool. These wool hats are woven by Kenyan women looking to improve their lives and share their excellent weaving skills with the world by making knit hats and scarves.

Working with the Village Markets of Africa (or VMA) Cooperative these women are able to sell their hand made wares to those of us looking to replace our dryer mistakes, or just support the fair trade movement.

These fair trade wool winter hats are selling for a very reasonable $10.95 plus shipping.

Below you'll find these winter hats
as well as other fair trade offerings from VMA.

The Dryer Ate My SmartWool: Thank Goodness for Fair Trade Goodies is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

What are Recycled Dog Collars Made out of?

AKC Eco-Friendly Dog Collars are double woven from recycled plastic bottles, and surprisingly are flexible and comfortable (well ok I haven't actually tried one on, but they must be ok since he's been very happy with it). The clasp and leash ring are also made of partially recycled plastic and steel, and the whole manufacturing process is pesticide and herbicide free. The packaging, also made from recycled cardboard, has made a great little drawing pad for the kideos while I write this post. Reuse, recycle and all that right? Oh and most of all these recycled dog collars are very affordable at about $6-$9 so if he does decide he wants an eco-friendly snack it doesn't hurt the wallet quite so much.

While looking for these AKC recycled dog collars I happened upon other recycled dog collars for sale on Amazon so below are a few featured brands to check out for the eco-geek pooch in your lives.

Check out these bestselling eco-friendly Recycled Dog Collars Below

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Planet Dog Cozy Hemp Adjustable Collar, Blue, Medium (12-19") List Price: $16.99 Sale Price: $13.77 You save: $3.22 (19%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Planet Dog 5' Natural Hemp Leash with Fleece-Lined Handle, Blue List Price: $17.99 Sale Price: $13.61 You save: $4.38 (24%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Update: It has been six months since this post and Barley's recycled dog collar is still going strong - these recycled dog collars from AKC seem to be a bit hard to find but if you can get your paws on one you'll love it.

AKC Recycled Dog Collars: 10lb Fluff Ball Chew-a-holic Proof is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Includes organic fair trade coffee, three organic fair trade chocolate bars and is rounded off with a box of fair trade chocolate-covered Brazil nuts - well on second thought maybe you'd rather just keep this one for yourself - I won't tell...

I stumbled upon this fun handmade gift basket while looking over the fine selection of eco goodies on eBay's World of Good - if you aren't familiar with it stop by and take a peek. There are plenty of fun eco-friendly gift ideas.

This particular fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is sold by EcoExpress Gifts which has the Green America Goodprint verification on World of Good. Which means this business adopts principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.

At the time of this post this fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is on sale for $47.05 with only 4 remaining.

Find more fair trade and organic gifts from EcoExpress Gifts for sale below.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

This 15-watt solar charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt lighter socket so when you are out in the boonies becoming one with nature you can still have the luxury of bragging to your friends on Facebook that you are on vacation. Intended to work to charge your car, boat or RV battery but many inventive folks are using these Sunforce 15 Watt Solar chargers mounted on their homes or elsewhere for some extra free energy.

These originally list for $129.99 but thanks to the Amazon Lightning Deal you can grab one (or several) for only $70! (Amazon's regular price seems to be $92.72 but with the Lightning Deal it is down to the $70 - if you make the deadline the price will be shown in the cart - good luck!)

Update: This Lightning Deal is gone but the price on solar charging kits are dropping as new technology comes out. This Sunforce 50032 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger is now on sale for $79.95 or you can grab the newer model Sunforce 50033 for even less.

Check out these other Sunforce solar charging kits for sale at Amazon

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Solar Hat Sale Price: $19.99   Eligible for free shipping!

Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $99.99 You save: $50.00 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Sunforce 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger on Sale is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Last year I had fun keeping track of a number of green deals (including this fun AeroGrow review which had a great Lightning Deal offer), but this year nothin'. Well sure if you want to get picky there are Lightning deals on LED TV's that can be considered green, but is it too hard to ask for a Cyber Monday Lightning Deal Green category?

That being said there are still plenty of great unofficial (and unannounced) Cyber Monday eco-friendly sales on Amazon - below are some of the most gifted and wished for green gifts for the 2010 holiday season. Enjoy! (and if you see a great eco-friendly Cyber Monday deal let us know below...)

Green Cyber Monday Lightning Deals Feeling Blue is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

The Rodelle headquarters in Fort Collins Colorado it turns out is 100% powered by wind or alternate energy sources. And to sweeten the pot they are very active in local and international efforts to improve social and environmental standards such as emergency relief efforts and working toward sustainable growing practices in Madagascar and Uganda where the vanilla bean growers are.

It is heart warming, on a cold pre-winter day especially, to find companies quietly improving the world we live in with something as simple as the vanilla extract we bake with.

Rodelle makes a wonderful line of gourmet baking ingredients and spices including many types of gourmet vanilla extracts and beans upon which the company was founded. If you are looking for high quality organic vanilla extract, alcohol free vanilla extract, some delicious Madegascar bourbon vanilla beans, or just good old fashioned pure vanilla extract give Rodelle a try - and help spread the warmth this holiday season.

I don't recall which grocery store I found my vanilla extract at but it looks like Amazon has a selection of Rodelle Products for sale from time to time. Also below is the current selection of Rodelle products for sale on eBay as well.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies