Are there any fellow foodies out there? As a lover of baking, I’ve done some experimenting with and researching of the available cookware materials: aluminum, glass, silicone, stone, steel, cast iron, and clay. Each has it’s own specialties and downsides, including possible health risks. Non-stick Teflon coatings, silicone, and lead containing glazes are a few of the materials that raise the biggest concerns about bakeware safety. So what options does that leave us with? So glad you asked!

I was recently introduced to La Chamba Ware, which seems to be ideal in just about every way. The pottery is handmade under Fair Trade standards in Columbia. Created from only mica clay, it is not glazed and contains no toxins. Instead, the clay is polished with river rocks; how cool is that? The pieces are then finished in wood kilns that turn them a lustrous and striking black. These stylish dishes are also very versatile and can be used on a gas stove (and electric stovetop using a heat diffuser) cleaned in the dishwasher, and even used in a microwave if that’s your thing. The only downside is that they don’t tolerate drastic changes in temperature, and thus need to pre-heat along with the oven. No biggie. Along with Viva Terra, you can often find discount La Chamba cookware on eBay. Happy (and safe) cooking!

$48-69

Found via Road Less Traveled
Also: Creative Clay Cooking Blog

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Household on August 26, 2007
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My fingers, wrists, and shoulders are on fire from all the website coding that I’ve been doing lately, but before they expire they have an important message for you straight from Japan: “Karoshi: be careful not to work too hard.” The Japanese are very industrious and hardworking. In fact they can work so hard that there’s a word for “death from overwork”: karoshi.

Another “Wacky Japanese” gem is the conversation starting “Looking for a Japanese Girlfriend” shirt. The literal translation is more like “Now accepting applications for a Japanese girlfriend”, but any potential Japanese ladies attracted by your shirt are probably going to know that. Available as a hoodie as well.

A lot of people seem to be attracted to one or more cultures that aren’t their own, and these shirts seem like perfect gift ideas for the Japanese culture obsessed gaijins (foreigners) in your life.

$17.95-18.49

Posted by Lauren in Clothing and Accessories,Unique on August 23, 2007
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Oh, have I got a couple awesome coupons for you today. I’ve been close to running out of my daily skincare products, so when I woke up to these sweet deals in my inbox I promptly ordered my usual stash. Without LUSH and Skinvac, I don’t even want to remember what my skin was like. They’re the only brands that I use, and my skin has improved by leaps and bounds since I started using them. If you haven’t tried the amazing products from either of these companies, now you can do so on the cheap.

At LUSH, receive a FREE facial cleanser with the purchase of any item of equal or greater value. Choose Angels on Bare Skin, Aqua Marina, Herbaslism, Coal Face (my favorite) or Fresh Farmacy (also amazing).

COUPON: Use code SpringFreshSkin during checkout to select your free cleanser.

At Skinvac, receive 15% off when you purchase a 3 cloth complete set. You’ll get the Deep Daily Cleansing cloth, Microdermabrasion cloth, and Pore Gripper cloth. All 3 are part of my skincare arsenal and absolutely rule.

COUPON: Use code setdiscount to get 15% off. Enter the code on the main page of the site. You might miss it, so here’s an image that shows where to enter the code.

RELATED: LUSH Fresh Face contest, and natural acne treatment

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Just For You on August 8, 2007
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Mable’s has always been a fan of unique purses and handbags and Loop NYC (aka Loop Design) has some great ideas when it comes to style and individuality in a handbag. Throughout the years Loop NYC bags have been seen on many celebrities, cycled through a ton of collections, and continues to gain popularity with their ever changing stock that’s “inspired by the grooves and rhythms of New York City.”

Where to get bags by Loop NYC:
Mable’s: Our Loop NYC page has been updated throughout the years and shows past styles as well as new. Be sure to also check out our unique purses page for more fun styles.

Zappos: Get free shipping on your new Loop Design handbag when you purchase from Zappos. Check out their awesome selection of Loop Design bags now.

KarmaLoop: One of the best sellers over at KarmaLoop is the Purple Flowers Tote from the Warhol Collection. Be sure to use Coupon Code “STAR” to receive $5 off your purchase of $35 or more.

eBay: The auctions below are ending soon, so act fast.

Posted by Sean in Clothing and Accessories,Unique on August 7, 2007
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Thanks for everyone who entered the contest, it’s always a good time when we get to give away free prizes rather then talking about buying them The summer time heat was calling to us and we had to get out and have some fun, just like you should be doing. OK, we also did a lot of working on Mable’s, and we will be unveiling almost a whole new website this August. Stay tuned or subscribe to our RSS feed to stay current.

So while there is still some scorching heat out there be sure to not only take the time to relax, but have fun, stay safe, and be sure to capture the special moments especially if they’re underwater.

While we were on a mini summer vacation we heard news of a new online store that gives away free overnight shipping. Now that’s a deal in itself, but right now, during a limited time promotion their overnight shipping is NEGATIVE $5! Yep, they give you $5 to allow them to ship to you overnight. Now that’s a deal! Check out the super deals on shoes and handbags over at Endless.com.

Also, just as a reminder, Mable’s favorite holiday, Halloween is coming up shortly and the new costumes are out on display, so check out our updated Halloween Costumes section and start thinking of who, or what you’ll be this year.

Posted by Sean in Fun,Sale on August 6, 2007
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