Convertible Mittens

The weather changed in a snap from summer to fall this past week and I've been rediscovering my favorite hoodie sweatshirts. I bundle up in jeans, sweaters, and warm socks but my hands are always cold. My dream has been to find a pair of fingerless gloves - so I don't have to take them off - that convert into mittens. (Otherwise known as convertible mittens)
THE FIND: Yesterday, during the same shopping trip to Target I got my new Preserve toothbrush, I also found my first pair of convertible mittens. They were just right in with the hats and scarves, labeled as "Merona Chunky Convertible Mitten" They had black, gray, cream, and brown. I can't find a picture of them online, but mine are a lovely cream color with a brown button to hold back the mitten flap when not in use. They were an affordable $10.95.
NEXT STEP: Flipping back the mitten is so convenient, I can do almost anything with them on, except turn pages. There are some things where thumbs are just needed. Ideally, I want to find some convertible mittens with a texting flap on the thumb - like these ones -for sale locally or fair trade made. I know my mittens aren't "sustainably made" but my fingers need the warmth. I'm a mildly competent knitter, and I dream of being able to make a pair for myself.
QUESTIONS: Do any of you own convertible mittens or have another convenient hand warming solution?

Target and Toothbrushes

Target + Toothbrushes = a Totally awesome find.

THE FIND: Recycline produces Preserve toothbrushes with handles that are 100% recycled and partly made of - guess it - yogurt cups. Can you think of anything better to bring about that sustainable bliss feeling? I found them by Googling eco-friendly toothbrushes and to my delight the website said they were available at Target. I itched to head over and buy myself a toothbrush right away, but decided I didn't need one then (reduce!), and to wait for another reason to go over. Well today was my lucky day and now I am the proud owner of a Preserve toothbrush from Target for $2.09. A few months from now when I'm done with my toothbrush I simply mail it back to Recycline for free -using pre-paid postage from their website -and feel good knowing it will be made into something new, like plastic lumber.

NEXT STEP: I'm getting my teeth cleaned in the next month and I'm going to be given a new toothbrush when I brush with fluoride. I'm going to see if I can switch my dentist to Preserve toothbrushes for his patients both big and small. (Preserve Jr. is perfect for your little one)

QUESTIONS: Do any of you use Preserve toothbrushes? Do you have any other recycled toothbrush brands you love? Where else are the toothbrushes sold?

(Image from www.recycline.com)

Earth-Friendly

There are two environment-focused blogs that I absolutely love. I gobble down the information they have to try and make my life more sustainable and fair-trade. The awesome thing is that from their inspiring suggestions, I come up with my own. So go ahead, read the Portland based EnviroMom and Everyday Just Living and expect some future posts from that are a combination of both blogs.
EnviroMom is FULL of great information of how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The blog is written by moms for moms but the suggestions they have are applicable for everyone. Participating is crazy fun, this summer they hosted a one can a month challenge, teaching everyone how to reduce their garbage to one can a month.
Everyday Just Living is written by Beth Sethi, who runs Bambootique, an online fair-trade boutique. Read about killing lawns to create a more earth-friendly yard and justice issues.
Are there any sustainable or fair-trade focused blogs that you know of? Do you have any changes that we should all make?