Handmade using Upcycled Products

Alchemy Goods upcycles reclaimed bicycle inner tubes from cyclists and bike shops across the country into useful stuff like bags, wallets, belts, and pouches. The logos stitched to the bags have a small number in the upper right corner. This tiny number has big significance. It represents the percent (by weight) of upcycled material that goes into each product. Alchemy strives to make this number as high as possible by incorporating as much upcycled material as they can.

When you only need half a messenger bag, the Haversack, shown here, is just right. Big enough for a warm layer, some snacks, water, and a small notebook or camera, the Haversack is the perfect day trip companion. You’ll love how it feels sitting on your hip. The Haversack Bag features:

* Durable, water resistant exterior constructed from upcycled inner tubes
* Durable shoulder strap made from upcycled seatbelt
* Zippered exterior pocket
* One internal pocket plus pen slots
* Internal key clip
* 10" (L) x 6" (W) x 11" (H) (and vertically expandable)

Support Local Artisans!

Just in: Colorful laser-cut local wooden earrings in a variety of colors and styles. Super light-weight and fun. Camba is hand crafted jewelry with a mantra: Courage, Ambition, Motivation, Bravery, Acceptance.

Grillin' Without Killin'

It's summer, and you know what that means: Backyard barbecues! Fire up the grill, don this fab Grillin' Without Killin' apron worn by chef Meagan Holtgrewe of Rhymes With Vegan (available only at Ethique Nouveau), and you'll be all set to enjoy the delights of outdoor cooking.

City Chickens Reading at Ethique Nouveau

Come on out to Ethique Nouveau at 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis on Thursday, July 12 at 6:00pm to hear author Christine Heppermann read from her new book City Chickens, which is all about Minneapolis’ own Chicken Run Rescue, the only urban shelter in the country exclusively for chickens. Christine will be available to chat and sign copies of the book after the reading.

Christine will be joined by Mary Britton Clouse and Bert Clouse from Chicken Run Rescue. Over the years, Mary and Bert have given hundreds of homeless birds a safe place to rest until they can be adopted by caring families.

City Chickens is a moving and at times humorous story that will open young readers’ eyes and also inspire them to help all creatures great and small. Many photographs document the “guests” (as Mary calls the chickens she cares for) as they prepare for new lives as companion animals. Come along and find out why lovable chickens are actually, according to Mary, “the ones who need friends the most.”

A Great Summer Bag

The Salma applique bag's ethnic-inspiredbright colors and playful patterns come together to make a vegan bag that's as fun tocarry as it is to look at. Wrapped tri-color handle and handworkeddetails on the front capture the Bohemian essence of this style. The interior is fullylined and includes several pockets and a zippered pouch. Bag closes with amagnetic snap. Measures 17" x 21." Also available in sage green.

City Chickens

Finally got in the long awaited children's book "City Chickens," which lets readers see inside Minneapolis' very own Chicken Run Rescue, the only urban shelter in the country exclusively for chickens.  The shelter is run by Mary Britton Clouse and her husband, Bert Clouse who over the years have given hundreds of homeless birds a safe place to rest until they can be adopted by caring families.

Shopping Cruelty-Free 101

Are you interested in learning more about the animal testing issue and how to be a compassionate consumer, or in trying new skin care or makeup products? If so, this informative presentation/discussion on Saturday, May 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Ethique Nouveau, 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis about animal testing and how to buy cruelty-free products is for you. The presentation will be followed by a fun opportunity to try new Arbonne products. Men, no need to be shy. You're more than welcome to participate in the discussion and try products from the men's line. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Animal Rights Coalition.

Presenters: Stacy Doriott is passionate about the animal testing issue and has swapped out all her personal products for cruelty-free products. Andrea Bouzrara has been with Arbonne, a Leaping Bunny certified and botanically based company, since 2003. She is a regional vice president and professional makeup artist.

Please RSVP through MinneapolisVegan Meetup.