Earthmake!

New Project

2011-05-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Long time no blog. :) I just thought that I'd share a new project I'll be working on with my aunt and mom. We've started a blog about patient care, called Patient's Voice (Who Cares?) You can find it here: http://patientsvoicewhocares.blogspot.com/

I hope you're all doing well, and I hope to see you at our new space! Don't forget you can find my at our store's blog: http://www.buymelovestore.wordpress.com/

-Chels

Happy Trails

2010-10-04T19:20:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

After some deliberation, I've made the decision to end this blog after nearly a year. It's been a wonderful learning experience for me, and it's helped me discover some amazing people, but I have to focus on work and other important things in my life. There are so many new things that are going on that weren't when I began posting, and I'm so excited and grateful for them. I just can't give this blog the attention it deserves, so I'm going to let it go.

I will continue to write on our business blog, though! I've recently revamped it, and have started blogging on some new topics like DIY projects, business topics, artsy inspiration, and etsy related things. The blog is still eco-minded, so please come find and follow me there: Buy Me Love

Wishing all of you a joyful holiday season!

Keep it green,
Chelsea

DIY - Play With Your Food

2010-09-27T18:26:00.001-05:00

Today is just perfect. It's cool, sunny, and it smells like fall! It's a great day to do some cooking, so here are a few ways to have some fun, maybe save some money, and get a little green in your kitchen.

1) Make your own applesauce! I did this for the first time today, and it turned out scrumptiously! Here's how to make your own.

2) It doesn't have to be applesauce - you can make a lot of jarred and canned things rather than buying them. You can preserve the summer's best foods, plus, it's way more fun, and you get to experiment! Pickling, jams and jellies, and salsas are a good place to start.

3) Juice it. Orange juice is easy to make, and you don't need an electronic juicer to do it. Just twist and squeeze half of an orange over a manual juicer, stick the juice in the fridge overnight, and wake up to fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning. Of course, if you want to get fancier, you could try some of these juicing recipes.

What do you like to make from scratch, rather than buying from the store?

Keep it green,
Chelsea

Carpooling Is Cool

2010-09-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

If you live in a big city like we do, you know that walking and biking everywhere just isn't always a possibility. One of the easiest ways to alleviate emissions when you do have to hit the highway is to carpool.
Organize a carpool with coworkers who live near each other or are on the route to work. You may have to get up a few minutes earlier, but you'll have an excuse for someone to bring donuts!
Make a pledge with your friends that if you go out together, you'll ride together. It's more fun to ride with your friends, anyway.
Same goes with family. Wait for everyone to get off of work if you can, rather than meeting each other at a location and driving separately. If it's a group event, you can always ride there with a friend, then ride home with your spouse.
Get creative - create a rotation schedule so that the same person doesn't drive all the time. Let the person with the nearest birthday ride shotgun, and put on some music everyone likes. Carpooling doesn't have to be a drag!

Keep it green,
Chelsea

Don't Be Dirty

2010-09-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

Today's tip is quick and simple: keep your recycling clean. Some centers will discard perfectly recyclable items if they have food on them, so be sure to rinse out bottles and cans before you toss them into the bin. Check cardboard boxes to be sure no cereal or cracker crumbs are filling up the bottom (you're probably flattening them, anyway.) Plus, even the littlest bits of food can attract bugs and other critters if your bin takes a while to fill up!

Keep your green clean,
Chelsea

Happy Autumnal Equinox!

2010-09-22T18:26:00.002-05:00

Happy first day of fall, everybody! Finally, a time the weather gets (consistently) cooler. The season changes and we enter a new chapter of the year, of our lives. Here are a few ways to keep your world green, even while the leaves change.

Take advantage of the cool weather and open up the windows. Turn the AC down or off, and give your nose a break by airing out the allergens that accumulate in the inside air. Not too bad on the electric bill, either.

Why wait until spring? While you're airing out your home, take the time to spruce up your place and prepare for the winter. Organize your closet, bring out the chilly weather clothing, and box up donations. Check your furnace/radiator and vents for any blockages. See if the weather stripping on your door needs to be replaced, or if air is escaping from around windows or outlets. (Use safety plugs in unused outlets.) Check your chimney and flue.

Take a walk outside and collect acorns, pine cones, twigs, leaves, and other natural decorations that you can give new life. Make garlands, wreaths, centerpieces and other crafts to keep or give as gifts.

Ditch the blower and rake or sweep the leaves. Leaf blowers are an annoying source of noise pollution, can pollute the air, and just push the leaves into storm drains and other peoples' yards.

Take advantage of the amazing seasonal produce at your local stores and markets! Chop, or go ahead and cook anything you can freeze and eat later. You could also try your hand at canning jams, jellies and preserves or pickling to give as gifts later in the year.

Check your car: Your tire pressure might be low due to the weather change, which can effect your mileage. Also, your windshield wipers may need to be replaced, and your freon level might be low.

Leave the car at home and bike or trek to the store if you'll be carrying a light load.

Look to your community or neighboring cities for fun, free (or nearly free) festivals.

If your local area forecast is normally "rainy" during the fall, let mother nature do her job. Lay off the sprinklers, and gather rainwater in your watering cans or buckets for days when it isn't so wet.

Oh, and enjoy a free show tonight! Go outside and take a look at the Super Harvest Moon at sunset.

Keep it green,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday: International Day of Peace & Why I Haven't Blogged In A Week

2010-09-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

Happy International Day of Peace, everyone! This September 21 dedication to the absence of war began in 1981. Each year on this day, the Peace Bell, a bell cast from coins donated by children all over the world, is rung at UN headquarters. Today's How-To Tuesday is all about how to make peace:

Peace = the absence of war or other hostilities.

Forgiveness - Hostilities + Repentance x Love = Peace

There you go! I know, it's not always that easy, but peace really is possible. It just takes some effort. If we learn to forgive, let go of our hostilities, repent, and have abounding love, we can achieve it.

So, I haven't blogged in a week. I'm a terrible blog host! I've been so busy that I haven't had time (or much motivation) to keep up with this site. Here's why:

1. I've been working on a cohesive look for our business sites. The Etsy store, our FB business page, and our blog all needed a big dose of branding, and they got it! Next up is our Twitter page, and our business cards. Also, I need to plan a weekly blogging schedule for our business blog and this one, too.

2. I am now the official event coordinator for our church's first (that anyone can remember) winter festival! We've been waiting on approval, and just got it today, but I've been brainstorming my butt off. My mom is helping with decorations, we'll have a booth for the business together, and then there's everything else to plan and delegate. I'm excited!

3. Mom got her mediport removed - woohoo! She's recovering from the surgery and will hopefully be feeling much better soon.

4. I've been getting reacquainted with an old friend, and making lots of new ones. There have been lots of dinners, hang outs, and phone conversations.

5. Tom started school, and I guess I didn't realize how much his schedule change would throw off my existing schedule.

To summarize, life happened. Hopefully I'll pull it all together soon and get a semi-functional schedule down! Until then: 1. Please bear with me. 2. Feel free to give your advice and suggestions.

Keep it green,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday - Green Halloween

2010-09-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

Since I was little, Halloween has been a big deal at our house, and now it's right around the corner again. I know it's not for everyone, but I just love the creativity that comes with making your own costumes and decorating the house for when the kids come trick-or-treating. Halloween doesn't have to be spooky (although, ours usually were a little!) and it can definitely be green. Here are some ideas for homemade costumes, decorations, and treats.

Costumes

Look for costumes that require little to no new purchases. Do you have the majority of the clothing in your closet? Could you make a run to the thrift store or consignment shop to find it? Do your kids have the toy gun you need for your soldier costume, or do you have an old bridesmaid dress that could be torn up? Could you make something from scratch - paper mache, cardboard, kitchen pans?

Think outside the box. One of my favorite costumes I've seen was thought up by a kid at the last Trunk Or Treat event we did. He was an amoeba. Look to kids for creative inspiration!

Transfer your "reusable shopping bag" love to your kids' treat bags. Use pillow cases or canvas bags instead of plastic ones.

Here are a couple of great links to all kinds of funny, creepy, and smart costumes:

The Daily Green Recycled Costumes

Martha Stewart's Homemade Halloween Costumes For Adults

Disney's 20 Last Minute Kid Costume Ideas

Decorations

If you buy Halloween decorations, be sure they're ones you can safely use year after year! Avoid paper decorations that might tear easily, or that you'll be tempted to trash.

My mom and I used to make a scarecrow to sit on the front porch every year. We thrifted flannel shirts, men's jeans, a hat, and reused a plastic light-up jack-o-lantern for the head (you can use a mask or anything else that works.) We stuffed the body with newspaper, stuck decorative straw or raffia in the ends of the sleeves and pant legs, and tied them off. It's a super simple and fun project that can also work for a zombie, monster, or whatever creature you can dream up!

Use your old sheets to create ghosts. Put a ball or wad of paper in the center of the sheet, tie it off with matching ribbon or clear thread, and hang inside or outside for a quick, spooky effect.

Use food. Pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn, apples, and other yummy fall foods can make beautiful centerpieces, party favors, and, of course, jack-o-lanterns.

Treats

If you're giving out candy this year, be mindful of candies that use the least amount of packaging possible. If you're having a party, forego the candy and bake some Halloween cookies instead!

When you scoop out the pumpkin guts to create your masterpiece, save the seeds and bake them for a tasty treat while you carve.

To counteract the sugar rush that comes with the holiday, give healthy foods a halloween-y makeover, like this spooky slaw. Use a little food coloring to make mashed potatoes green, or create a fun face or creature with your food. (Although I don't advocate the styrofoam head idea - maybe a pumpkin head?)

Here's to a safe, fun, and green Halloween!

Chelsea

Going Green - Going Bare

2010-09-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

My sweet husband has recently become an avid fan of going bare. Barefoot! Not that he hasn't always kicked off his shoes as soon as he walks in the door (good for your feet, and keeps from tracking allergens onto the carpet), but now he's taken up barefoot running. He bought a pair of Vibram FiveFingers for the especially rough trekking, but otherwise goes barefoot anywhere he can. If he wants to wear shoes, he wants the sole as thin as possible, to stay as close to barefoot as possible. Barefoot activities, especially barefoot running, have increased in popularity with the rise of "back to basics" fitness (simple movements involving few props and as little fitness gear as possible), of which he's also a big fan. There are lots of pros to going bare: spend less money, health benefits, "happy" feet.
Obviously, if you're interested in going barefoot, the first benefit is the need for fewer pairs of shoes. You'll need something to wear for those "no shoes, no shirt, no service" kinds of places, an athletic pair for sports/activities when barefoot is out of the question, and maybe a dressy pair if you're into that kind of thing. Wear less, spend less.
Another benefit, according to advocates, is that (when you learn how to walk/run barefoot correctly), you don't put as much pressure on your heels. This can alleviate foot pain, ankle pain, leg, knee, and hip pain. Although, if you're running long distances, you may want to reconsider - it's possible that putting more pressure on the balls of your feet could stress your Achilles tendon.
Calluses, bunions, and other foot problems can potentially be eliminated by going barefoot. However, you should avoid going bare outside your home if you have or are prone to a lowered immune system or infections. Keep in mind that you may still get blisters even though you're not wearing shoes, and that going barefoot just isn't for everyone.
As my mom says, I love to "let my feet be feet," and I always have. I have found, though, that going barefoot for long periods of time hurts me more than wearing supportive shoes (especially when there's more standing than moving around.) There's just something about the way grass, dirt, sand, water, concrete, and nice carpet feel under your bare feet, though!

For more on going bare:
WebMd.com
TheRunningBarefoot.com

Keep it green,
Chelsea

How To Tuesday - Coasters

2010-09-07T17:34:00.001-05:00

If you've parused the green sites enough, you've probably seen the "reuse old cds as coasters" idea. Now, unless your CDs happen to have a cohesive theme or color, or you like having to clean rings off of the shiny side, this might not seem like a great project to you. With the holiday season fast approaching, you'll want your friends and family to have a special, condensation-free spot to put their drinks (if you can get them to use it!) They also make quick housewarming gifts and stocking stuffers. So, here is my collection of the best green DIY ideas to keep those dreaded rings off of your furniture, no matter what your style is.

Twig Coasters

Instructions From MarthaStewart.com

CD Case Coasters

Instructions by DesignSponge.com

Woven Magazine Coasters

Instructions by HowAboutOrange

and (it really can be done!)

Fabric CD Coasters

Instructions by ScrapDash

Keep it green,
Chelsea

Green Beauty - Eating Pretty

2010-09-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share yet another great article from the gals at greenissexy.org: 10 Best Foods For Your Skin.

Have a great weekend!

Keep it green,
Chelsea

The Three Rs - Recycle

2010-09-02T12:04:00.001-05:00

This is probably the most famous of the three Rs, and with reason - it's important! It's all about small steps, here, if you don't recycle regularly. Look at all of the products you use, and see if the containers are recyclable. Look at what you throw away on a daily basis, and see if you can throw it in the recycling bin instead. The truth is, there's a recycling solution to almost everything we use. This list is long, but it's worth the read!

Don't have a recycling bin? Contact your city if they pick up at the curb, or use something as simple as another trash can or a cardboard box marked "recycling." Make sure to fill up your recycling container before making a trip (unless you'll be near a bin already.) You'll cut gas mileage and emissions.

Want to recycle your paper? Be sure you've torn off any little plastic windows or important personal information. Most recycling companies don't take shredded paper. An alternative to shredding your important info is using the pieces as firestarter in your fireplace.

Recycle your batteries. Not just your AAs, but your automotive batteries, too!

If you change your own, oil, take it to a collection center to be recycled. If you pay someone else to do it, ask them if they recycle oil.

Donate a vehicle, RV, boat, trailer, motorcycle, jet ski, bus or snowmobile to Kars4Kids.org.

Send your old athletic shoes to Nike. They'll reuse every bit for athletic surfaces.

Send other clean, gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls, or donate them to local shelters.

Find ways to recycle your eyeglasses here.

Send your old cell phones to an organization like Cell Phones For Soldiers, or ask the cell phone company if you can return it to be recycled.

Apple accepts used iPods for recycling.

Recycle your used DVDs and CDs through the CD Recycling Center of America, or take them to a place like Half Price Books that will buy them and resell them.

Find a company or organization that will recycle your other electronics here.

To recycle your applicances, contact ARCA.

Most places that sell Christmas lights now accept your old ones to recycle.

Home Depot will take your compact flourescent light bulbs to recycle.

Check with your local post offices to see if they accept styrofoam peanuts or other packaging materials to be recycled. If so, just take them with you on your next trip. If not, save them for holiday time, when you'll probably be sending packages.

If you sometimes forget your shopping bags like I do, take the plastic ones back on your next errand run. Many grocery stores and other stores have recycling stations where you can drop them off.

Most public libraries have recycling bins available. Be sure to read the bins to see what kind of recyclables they accept. Many public libraries will also accept books in good condition.

If you can't find a recycling program for your stuff, there are plenty of places to trade. Freecycle.org lets you find a local group and post items you need to get rid of (for free.) Swap.com lets you trade books, CDs, movies, and video games with people all over the U.S.

Find recycling centers near you at Earth911.com.

Want more ideas? Real Simple's article, How To Recycle Anything.

I hope this inspires you to think before you throw it away like it's inspired me!
How and what do you recycle?

Keep it green,
Chelsea

The Three R's - Reuse

2010-09-01T17:35:00.001-05:00

The words are everywhere - repurposed, upcycled, redesigned. Search etsy with those keywords, and you'll come up with a treasure trove of salvaged and updated materials! My mom and I have based a large part of our etsy business on reusing as many things as we can, and it's something that's very near to my heart. Here are some ways you can reuse what you have, and how you can make trash your treasure.

Think outside the box. If you flip something over, turn it on it's side, or attach it to something else, what purpose could it serve? Is it broken? Can it be saved? Make a mosaic from a couple of broken plates, or put an iron on over a stain on a shirt.

Paint it, dye it, distress it, give it new life before you throw it out!

Use reusable cloth towels in the kitchen in place of paper towels. Throw them in the wash, and they're good as new.

Shop with reusable shopping bags (be sure to wash them, too!)

Reuse old clean socks as instant "cleaning mittens" to polish wood or wipe down counters. Cut up old t-shirts as rags for cleaning.

Keep toothbrushes to scrub those "hard to reach places."

Use toilet paper rolls to organize unused cords, or to use as giftwrap for small items. Fold down on both sides of one end (like a coin roll), put the present inside, fold the other end, and wrap it.

Use newspaper and gently used tissue paper as wrapping paper.

Use clean egg cartons as bead sorters or seed starters.

Clean and use the plastic containers you already buy (like sour cream, cottage cheese, butter or margarine, etc.) as your tupperware. Unless you usually have lots of leftovers, you'll probably never need to buy tupperware again.

Clean and use the glass containers you already buy (like jelly, salsa, pickles, wine etc.) as decorative vases, terrariums, and drinking glasses.

Reuse your tea bags if you're an avid tea drinker. Most tea bags can be used several times before throwing them away.

Reuse your aluminum foil. If food hasn't been baked or caked on, rinse it off (if you even need to) and save it for the next meal. If you have a strip left at the end of the roll that seems good for nothing, wad up a bit and use it in place of steel wool. Fold it 8 layers thick, and cut with scissors, punch with a hole punch, or anything you want to sharpen.

What do you reuse?

Keep it green,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday - Turn Anything Into A Keyholder

2010-08-31T10:01:00.000-05:00

Where do you put your keys? Ours used to have a semi-permanent seat on the counter or our chest of drawers, and I got tired of them just laying around. So, I decided to make a keyholder to hang by the front door.

This particular keyholder happened to be made from a post my mom had painted and distressed years ago. I'd been using it as a decorative accessory around the apartment. Okay, so it was collecting dust. So, I flipped it over, and screwed in 2 metal hooks (found in our tool kit, and easily found at a hardware store.) The wood was soft enough that I was able to screw them in by hand. Then, I tacked on a metal hanger on the back of the post (you know, the ones that look like shark's teeth that fit over the nail.) Viola! Nearly instant keyholder.

This same idea can apply with lots of things you might have around the house. A mirror with a wooden frame or just a frame, a fencepost, an existing piece of furniture, a wooden shelf, etc. If it has a flat surface on the back to hang it by, and enough room to screw in two or three hooks, you can hang your keys from it! Note: if the wood isn't soft enough to screw the hooks in by hand, you can drill or hammer a small hole first, or use plyers to twist the screw.

If you don't have anything to screw the hooks into, or just want an alternative, you can use clothespins. Just paint the base object and clothespins the same (or coordinating) colors, and glue the clothespins on the surface. Glue one side of the clothespin flat on the surface with hot or tacky glue, "pin" side facing down. Let dry, and you'll be able to clip your keyring onto the keyholder.

Keep it green,
Chelsea

The 3 R's - REDUCE

2010-08-30T10:20:00.001-05:00

This week, I'll be blogging about the 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Today's R is Reduce. It really is the easiest of the 3 Rs, and takes very little effort, and who couldn't use a bigger dose of simplicity in their life?

It's simple - what could you do in your daily life that would lower your use of products, your level of consuming, your use of energy, etc? For example - take a look at the back of the bottle on all of your shampoos, conditioners, cleaners, and even the servings on your food, to see if you've been over using what you already have.

Chances are, if you're like me, you use way too much shampoo or conditioner. The less you use, the longer it lasts, and the fewer chemicals go down the drain a day. Even if you're using the organic stuff, you can stretch the product longer, and buy fewer bottles, which means less waste.

I'm also a bit of a recovering clean freak, and it's easy to overuse cleaning and deodorizing products when you want your house to be sparkly and smell nice. I've posted before about switching to DIY cleaning products, which is a great way to reduce the number of bottles you buy and the chemicals you use in your home. Many of the things used to make your own cleaning products can also be used in dinner recipes! Baking soda, vinegar, lemons and lemon juice, and water can do wonders around the house. To make your home smell clean, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of every trash can or bag and on the carpet when you vacuum. Put a well chopped small lemon or lime down the drain and run the disposal, swab essential oil on light bulbs with a cotton ball or q-tip, or simmer some apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little vanilla extract on the stove - you can eat it when they're done!

Keep yourself healthy and go easy on your pocketbook by abiding by the rules on the back of the box. Check the serving sizes on your favorite foods, and go by them! You'll save money and calories, and you won't produce as much waste. You can also make a meal plan for the week, which is a great budgeting exercise and way to reduce.

Turn off your lights when you leave the room. Even if you're going to go back in a few minutes, that's a few minutes of energy you've saved.

Of course, a hot topic when talking about reducing is gasoline. If you can't walk or ride a bike where you're going, a simple way to stretch your mileage and save money is to fill up your tank before it gets low. When it hits the halfway mark, fill 'er up. Also, plan your shopping trips - is the bank right next to the grocery? Go to both in the same trip. Could you use your grocer's pharmacy instead of making two trips? Plan out the best route wherever you go.

Want to reduce your junk mail? Here's a great article on The Daily Green about it. Read the comments for more ways to stop the junk. If you don't want to pay for the service, cancel your magazine subscriptions, and read the best articles on their websites. You can do the same with your newspaper. Switch your bank statements and bills to electronic copies, and you'll have eliminated a huge chunk of paper waste from your life.

What other ways can you reduce? What ways are you already practicing the art of reducing in your life?

Keep it green,
Chelsea

Don't Buy It - It Doesn't Always Have To Be Organic!

2010-08-27T17:21:00.001-05:00

It's true - you don't have to spend big bucks on all of your groceries if you're worried about the pesticides used when farming them. Sure, it's nice to know that your food is pesticide free, but there are some foods that are thick-skinned enough to stand it. Thanks to the Daily Green, I can share with you a list of the 2010 "Clean 15," or foods that are safe to eat whether they're organic or not.

1. Onion

2. Avocado

3. Sweet Corn

4. Pineapple

5. Mango

6. Asparagus

7. Sweet Peas

8. Kiwi

9. Cabbage

10. Eggplant

11. Papaya

12. Watermelon

13. Broccoli

14. Tomatos

15. Sweet Potatoes

Even if you only shopped for the fruits and veggies on this list, plus your regular grains and proteins, you could live off of them! Most of them have wonderful properties, and some are labeled as "super foods," like the sweet potato. I love sweet potatoes as a main dish, dressed up with a little butter, cinnamon, or season salt. All of these fruits and veggies still need a good rinsing before you cook/eat them (who knows what's touched your produce before you!) However, the amount of pesticides used is very low, or their skins are thick enough that the pesticides don't penetrate.

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Super Citrus - The Lemon

2010-08-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

I use lemons and lemon juice frequently around the house, and I found a great article today on ways to use lemons to their fullest potential. Not a fan of the way the pucker-powered fruit tastes? Most of the tips don't involve eating them at all:

22 Uses For Lemon Peels

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Green Gardening - Rainwater Harvesting

2010-08-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Now that the fall weather is finally starting to come our way (thank you!) it's time for the rainier season. One of the benefits to the sky opening up is that it delivers free, usable water to your doorstep. Here are a couple of ways to make the best out of the rain:

1. When the forcast calls for rain, put out your watering cans. Use the rainwater for indoor plants, plants under the patio, or for the outdoor plants the next day. Just be sure to use the water as soon as possible!

2. Have your own yard? Here are some easy instructions on how to make your own rain barrels. You can use wooden crates, barrels, and even make them part of your landscaping by putting them behind hedges, or letting vines grow up the barrels.

Enjoy the cooler weather!

Lots of love,
Chels

Friday, Partay, and Vacay!

2010-08-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Tonight, we're having a shindig in Tom's honor. I'm calling it his "Waaay Back to School Party," or his "Mexierranean Luau," since it's a tropical-themed back to school party. It's been 10 years since he was last in school, and I'm so proud of him going back to pursue a kinesiology degree. He eventually wants to teach self defense, and possible coach wrestling. We have been so blessed with the Post 9-11 GI Bill, which is paying for his books, classes, and our living expenses. We're also getting ready to go to Louisiana tomorrow to visit with his side of the family before he starts school. We'll be back Tuesday, and I'll be sure to catch up with blogging then.

So, I've been doing laundry, making snack trays, fruit salad and tea, and getting ready to make shish kabob for our friends and family. All of our reusable plastic cups are out, and almost all of the tropical decorations are things we already had or things my mom had. The one thing I'm cheating on is the paper plates, since we likely won't have time to do a bunch of dishes before we leave in the morning. Even though we've been trying to cut back on meat (a little leniant on that for the past couple of days!), I couldn't resist asking my mom to make Hawaiian meatballs, which is her basic meatball recipe + chopped pineapple. Even if we don't have any, I know our friends will - they're pretty delicious.

I hope all of you have a beautiful weekend! Anyone else doing anything special?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

I'd Like To Buy The World A ... Tea.

2010-08-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

I have never been a huge fan of soda. I wasn't raised drinking it, and I can take it or leave it. Mostly, I leave it. I do have my favorites, though: Dublin Dr. Pepper, Cream Soda, Orange Crush, and Squirt.

Most of us know that soda isn't exactly a health food, and many of us have heard the stories or seen videos of teeth disintegrating when left in a glass of soda. So, why do people still drink it?

Well, there are so many kinds to choose from that everyone can find one they thinks tastes great. Then, there's the caffeine and sugar, which so many people depend on. It's convenient, and often cheaper than healthier drinks. Not to mention all of the nostalgia and Americana tied to major brands like Coca Cola.

The truth is, though, if people cut soda out of their diet, they would:

Lose weight.
Have less chance of developing diabetes.
Prevent heartburn and dehydration.
Protect their digestive system, kidneys, and liver.
Keep their teeth from eroding.
Avoid the nasty side effects of and addiction to high levels of caffeine and sugar.

Think diet is better? Think again. Instead of sugar, the manufacturers add aspartame, you know, that stuff that's been linked to cancer and other major health problems. Think Sweet N Low, and how no one uses it anymore.

Can you imagine how much waste is produced by soda products each year? Well, for starters, we use "over 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans every year." That's eighty BILLION, and that's just the cans! Imagine all of the plastic and glass bottles added to that number. What an impact it would make if people just drank soda as an occasional treat, or stopped drinking altogether.

Want to cut soda out of your diet? Here are some ideas:

Water. The main excuse I hear for people not drinking water is that they don't like the way it tastes. If you're one of those people, try adding things like fruit juice, lemon, lime, cucumber, orange, or mint leaves to your water. No need to buy overpriced flavored waters! Water from the tap is free, and you can buy an inexpensive filter to purify and improve the taste of the water itself.

Tea. Some are caffeinated, if you're afraid you'll experience caffeine withdrawal. There are absolutely tons of flavors to choose from, plus all of the things you can add to it like cinnamon, honey, milk, etc. Almost as many flavors of soda, I'd say.

Lots of love,
Chels

Happy Bad Poetry Day!

2010-08-18T10:04:00.000-05:00

As a person who loves to write, I have a fond appreciation for August 18 - Bad Poetry Day.

Not that there's not already plenty of bad poetry out there to choose from! Sit down today if you have the time and write down a little (terrible) ditty for a loved one. Here's one for you:

So, you say you want to go green?
Well, I don't want to sound mean,
But it's more work than it looks,
So break out the books.
Away from the industry you'll have to wean.

Lots of love!
Chels

How-To Tuesday - 3 Easy Green Fall Decorations

2010-08-17T09:11:00.001-05:00

For those of you who like to get an early start on seasonal decorating, or for those of you who are fortunate enough for it to feel like the holidays already, here are some easy green projects to make your home feel like fall.

1. Tin Can Jack-O-Lanterns
Supplies:
coffee cans or other tin cans
screwdriver
hammer
bag of beans or rice

Save those coffee cans! Remove the label and clean out with soapy water. Fill with water and freeze. Once the can is filled with ice, place the can on top of a bag of beans or rice, and hammer the screwdriver into the can, creating holes to make your face (or any other design you would make in a traditional jack-o-lantern.) You can use regular pumpkin carving patterns for this, or make your own, and you can paint them with oil-based paints in red, brown, purple and green. Just plop a candle inside, or reuse your holiday lights to fill them and light them.

2. Pine Cone Decorations
Supplies:
pine cones you've picked up around your home, a park, or on your walk
hot glue

The options are limitless, here! You can glue pine cones together to form a wreath (just add a fall colored bow, and hang.) You can glue them together, standing, in different patterns, to form a candle ring or a centerpiece. They're also nice individually, arranged on a mantle or a shelf with your books and other everyday decorations. If you're feeling really festive, you can cover the tips with glitter by rolling or brushing the tips with white craft glue, and rolling in red, orange, copper or gold glitter.

3. Leaf Garland
Supplies:
Leaves you've gathered from the ground
5-6 ft. twine/string (anything you might have around the house - jute, hemp, thread ...)
needle or hole punch

Depending on the thickness of the string you use to thread your leaves, you may need a needle, or a hole punch. If the string is thick, punch holes in the ends of the leaves (punch the holes in different places or the same, just punch them far enough down on the leaf that they won't easily rip off the garland.) Thread your string through each leaf, tying a knot on either side of the leaf. If your string is thin, like thread, use a needle to "sew" your leaves onto the garland. You can create a loop around each leaf to keep it in place.

With the exception of the leaf garland, these are decorations you can reuse each year! As for the leaves, they can be returned to their homes outside, and your string can be reused for another project.

Lots of love!
Chelsea

100 Days 'Til The Holidays - 5 Ways To Keep It Simple

2010-08-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

There are 2 kinds of people:

1. People who wait until the holidays to think about Christmas gifts.
2. People who start shopping for the next Christmas on New Year's Day.

Okay, so some people are somewhere in the middle, like me. I don't ever want to put too much emphasis on presents, but I do enjoy the look on someone's face when you give them something from the heart, especially when that someone is a child.

That said, there are so many ways that you can keep your holidays simple, green, and stress free if you start a little earlier in the year and pace yourself. The fact is, there are only 100 days until Thanksgiving (U.S.) Do you really want to suffer another Black Friday? Unless you're a mall junkie, and just love sitting in traffic, probably not. Here are some ways to avoid the hassle that comes with the holidays, no matter how you celebrate it:

1. Start early. If you've never taken advantage of the "Christmas In July" sales, you might want to start. Granted, it's August now, but you can adopt the same mentality by thinking about the holidays earlier in the year, and taking advantage of summer sales. Make a list of the people you would like to give to, including any charities, and their potential gifts.

2. Save and budget. Give yourself a reasonable budget for the holidays that includes food, decorations, and gifts. If you start saving now, you won't have to spend your entire holiday bonus on Transformers and stuffing. You may also want to allow yourself a specific number of gifts to buy per month at specific times (even specific places.) You'll spend less time driving around if you map it out.

3. Plan the gift exchange. One of my favorite ideas has always been to draw names out of a hat, and to only give a gift to that person in the family. Many families will do this for the adults, then concentrate on the kids' gifts. Some families will also set a limit to the amount you can spend on a gift. Each person only has to shop for one gift, and everyone gets something. This leaves more time to spend with the family, less strain on your wallets, and less stress.

4. Shop online. Chances are the majority of your favorites stores have websites and online shopping options. Instead of driving all over town, take a few minutes to plop down at your computer and make your purchases. Only shop on sites you trust, and don't forget alternative sites like etsy.com, overstock.com, and ebay.com.

5. Make it. If you're crafty or a good cook, you can make your christmas presents throughout the year. Some tried and true crafty ideas include quilts and afghans, scrapbooks or photo albums, and bath & beauty gifts like scrubs or soaps. Food is usually well received by any family member or friend, and you can make a big batch of cookies, jam, or bread all at once. Just be careful of any allergies, and tie a pretty bow around it! You can also keep your decorations simple by making them by hand. It can make for a really fun family project. More handmade ideas from Martha: Santa's Workshop

Of course, you can always forgo the gift giving this year! Even just agreeing between spouses or siblings that you won't exchange gifts with each other can cut down on cost and stress. Just spend some quality time with each other, or plan a family getaway instead.

Lots of love,
Chels

Friday The 13th

2010-08-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

In my experience, Friday The 13th has never been a bad day, but today was exceptionally good. My mom got the results from her 6 week PET scan, and she is officially cancer free! The doctors will continue to monitor her every 3 months for the next year, then twice the next year, and then once a year after that. I am so happy for her, and excited about all of the possibilities her future holds. I love you, Mama!

In honor of this famously freaky date, though, I thought I'd share some weird green products with you:

1. The living bath mat:

The water dripping off of your body waters the moss, which doesn't dirty your feet.

2. Poopourri:

Do I really need to plead my case? It's made from sheep poo, then they cover it in fragrance.

3. The wooden bicycle:

I love this. The kid standing behind the bike made it with wood and glue as a personal project for school. "What did you make for the school project?" "A miniature cardboard sailboat, you?" "A fully functional wooden bike. Wanna go play Mario Cart?"

Hope your Friday The 13th is filled with all of the good kinds of weird, and none of the bad!

Lots of love,
Chels

Tree Hugger In The City

2010-08-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

In light of my last post about using your lawn to it's fullest potential, I wanted to add a little somethin' about trees. Obviously, planting trees is good for the environment - they help clean the air we breathe, and provide safe places for critters to live. Did you know that your city or a local organization might help you plant, or even give you a tree?

For example, here's a link to tree organizations just in Texas: treelink.org

Google "free trees (enter your state or city here)" or "tree organizations in (enter your location here)" to find more info on trees where you live. You'll also find plenty of planting and maintenance tips, and trees to plant that are native to your area.

Lots of love!
Chelsea

Gardens, Not Grass

2010-08-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

There's this small, simple movement out there of growing your own food at home. You don't have to be a farmer, or an experience agriculturist. You just need a little research, and a little patience. Chances are, if you have a lawn, you spend a lot of money maintaining the grass, keeping away weeds and pests, and watering. If you have a yard or a lawn at home, you can turn some (or all) of it into a garden of edible flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits that is relatively easy to maintain, and much more earth friendly than a grassy yard. If you have a patio or porch, don't feel excluded. You can still grow herbs, edible flowers, and some veggies and fruits.

One way to transform an open space into a garden is with square foot gardening. It's a concept that was developed in the 70's, using beds divided into squares, each square filled with a different plant. You can make it as small or as large as you like, and make as many beds you like.

Another way to do it is by lawn farming. You can use the majority of space of your lawn to plant an edible garden to share with family, friends, and neighbors. There are ways to make it look beautiful, too. Just check out this beautiful back yard herb garden:

And this gorgeous front lawn garden:

All of this isn't to say you shouldn't have a lawn! Obviously, if you have children, and don't have a safe park nearby, it's helpful to have a place they can play under supervision. You can still garden using pots and small spaces, like window sills or side lawns next to the driveway.

I've played around with herbs (which sadly died from an aphid infestation), but I've never gotten the chance to really garden. I do have some seeds I'd like to plant when the weather gets just a little cooler - my begonia disintegrated from the heat! Don't want any of my edibles doing the same. We have a very small patio, but I have enough room for some potted plants, and I think I could successfully grow some herbs again, and some veggies.

Do you garden? What do you grow? If you don't garden, what would you like to plant? What would your dream garden be? I'd say those pictures are pretty darn close to what I'd like to see at our future house.

Lots of Love!
Chels

Tuesday How-To: DIY Solar Cooking

2010-08-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

So, you might remember my post about keeping your kitchen green, and that ovens use a mondo amount of energy (not to mention they heat up your space.) You might also remember that I've mentioned a few times how ridiculously hot it is here! If it's "hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk" where you live, why not whip up a weekend project and dinner at the same time.

Here are your instructions for making your very own DIY Solar Oven.

You can also use a pizza box for smaller items, or get a bit fancier with these options: http://solarcooking.org/plans/default.htm#box-style.
It's cheap (if you make a basic oven), it's easy, and the slow cooking keeps your food nutrient rich and doesn't dry it out. Yeah, you'll have to put your food in a little early, and cook it longer than the recipe tells you to cook it in a conventional oven, but that will give you time to lounge on your pool float, right?
(Yet another great concept I snagged from greenissexy.org.)

Here are some solar recipes to get you started: Cooking with the sun.

Lots of love!
Chelsea

Forget Fast Food - Healthy Meal Suggestions For The Whole Family

2010-08-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

Watch The Movie

Yesterday, as I was making a pair of earrings for our first BML blog giveaway, I watched "Supersize Me." I don't know how many of you have seen this movie (it's free on hulu.com) but it might seriously change the way you look at fast food.
Unfortunately, this movie didn't touch on the effects of eating restaurant food, but it did talk about how generations are being affected by our fast food lifestyle. Kids tend to make poor choices in the lunch line because they're used to hamburgers and french fries. Some kids will quite literally just get a plate of fries and ketchup for lunch every day! When they held up pictures of historical figures like George Washington and Jesus, the kids were hesitant to guess and sometimes didn't even know who it was in the picture. Yet, when Ronald McDonald's face came up, each child knew exactly who it was right away. A family stood outside the White House, hands over hearts, trying desperately to recite the pledge of allegiance, failing over and over again to get it right. They knew every word to the Big Mac slogan, though.
Oh yeah, and the experiment subject/narrator of the film, Morgan Spurlock, gained about 10 pounds in the first week of his experiment: 3 meals a day at McDonald's, walking only the steps that the average American walks (not much.) I was shocked at how soon he began to feel the effects of the food - nausea, chest pains, depression, addiction. His doctors were surprised at how quickly his liver deteriorated. In a month, he went from about 185 lbs. to over 200.

That said, I just might stop eating fast food altogether. Not that we eat much of it, but this movie makes me think it's not even worth it as a "treat." It's full of sugar, preservatives, is mostly meat based, and high in saturated fats. Plus, cooking at home can be fun, and doesn't have to take a ton of effort. I think I'll start utilizing all of those cookbooks again!

Here are some great recipes that may help you transition away from a fast food or restaurant lifestyle:

Appetizer: A salad. Get creative, using spinach, beans, nuts, and dried or fresh fruits! Here are some DIY dressing ideas: 10 Delicious DIY Salad Dressings

Main Dish: Veggie Burger

Side: Sweet potato fries

Dessert: Peanut Butter Cups

Have any other quick, easy, healthy recipes? Comment here!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Working On The Weekend

2010-08-07T10:47:00.002-05:00

So, this weekend, I'll be working on our Buy Me Love blog's first giveaway. It's kind of exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I'll be working on some jewelry, and have a poll setup on the blog to see what people would like to have as a freebie. The giveaway starts Monday, so take a look at the blog and tell your friends!

I really do love working from home - no travel, I make my own schedule, I can collaborate with my mom, and we've met so many cool people at craft shows and on etsy. That said, it is hard work. If you're considering working from home, just know that it takes lots of discipline, dedication, creativity, business knowledge, and you have to be willing to network and form relationships. It can be extremely rewarding if you're doing what you love and making some kind of positive impact, though. We try to repurpose and recycle materials as much as possible, which pushes us to be more creative, which drives us to do more.

Anyway, if you don't hear from me in a few days, now you'll know where I am.

Lots of love!
Chelsea

Green Pets: Tips on Adopting

2010-08-06T13:26:00.001-05:00

I love animals - dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, arachnids, snakes - and they can all make great pets. Obviously, the most popular pets are dogs and cats, and, of course, the dog is man's best friend. So, let's return the favor of their friendship, and consider adoption.
Adopting a pet can be very rewarding, and I believe it can create a special bond with an animal that you might not have otherwise. It's also an earth-friendly (and animal friendly) thing to do - you could be saving a dog's life, and shelters normally spay and neuter pets, which cuts down on overpopulation. Oh, and I'm sure you've heard that people with pets have longer, healthier lives - it's true!

Things you may be thinking:

"But I want a puppy/kitty!" Most animal shelters have a variety of animals, ranging in age from babies to senior animals. It's likely that you'll find animals to "grow with," or an older animal might change your mind! (Older animals are more likely to be housebroken, trained, less rambunctious, and can be just as cute.)

"But I want a purebred!" Did you know that 25 percent of all dogs who enter shelters are purebred? If you're really set on one, look at different shelters and be patient. Meanwhile, don't forget to give the mutts a chance.

"Isn't adoption expensive?" Adoption is usually less expensive than buying from a breeder or pet store, and normally the animal is already spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Adoption usually costs $50-$100.

"I'm afraid an adopted animal will have behavioral problems or health problems." While some pet owners get rid of dogs with problems like heartworm because they can't afford to treat it, most pets in shelters are given up or abandoned not because they are "bad," but because the owners didn't take the time to consider the breed, the expense, and the responsibility of being a pet owner.

If you decide to adopt, check with reputable places like the ASPCA or the Humane Society. Some pet stores, like PetSmart, only adopt out cats an dogs, instead of selling them. They also have an online feature where you can search locally and nationally for dogs up for adoption: http://adoptions.petsmart.com/

Don't give up if you don't find your furry friend right away. It may take a few trips to a few shelters before you meet your match!

Ask the shelter if they offer any training classes or counseling/tips on adopting a pet. Many times, if someone has given up their pet because of "bad behavior," it's because the pet didn't receive any training or attention.

For more pet statistics: http://www.aspca.org/

Lots of love!
Chelsea

National Simplify Your Life Week: Necessity Doesn't Come In An App

2010-08-05T11:45:00.001-05:00

It's really amazing the things we take for granted. Even the simple things that some of us use every day, like running water and electricity are so luxurious! Many of the things we consider necessary can either greatly improve our quality of life, or cloud any memory of what's actually important.

In honor of National Simplify Your Life week, I invite you to take a look at what's necessary and what's frivolous in our lives. For example, Tom and I haven't had a T.V. for about 6 months now, and we don't miss it. For a while I wanted to get a new one, but we don't play video games, and if we want to watch a show or movie, we can do it on our computer. It's made me think about what else we can do without. While I think they're cool, I have no desire for an iPhone or iPad. My iPod is an old Shuffle I got for a birthday present, and it works just fine for me. We rarely eat out, because we rarely have the money; when we do, it's a treat!

Having internet is necessary for my work and his school work, but I think we could spend less time online, and more time enjoying each other's company. So, for the remainder of this week, I'm going to focus on getting my work done before he comes home, turning off the computer, and maybe play a board game or something.

What could you do to simplify your life?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

How To Tuesday: Eraser Stamps

2010-08-03T15:41:00.001-05:00

Birdie Stamp Tutorial

Anybody else have those pink or white erasers laying around in junk drawers, barely used? Lots of pencils that have seen their day, but still have the majority of their eraser? Making an eraser stamp is a good way to give your lonely erasers a purpose in life. If you scrapbook or make cards, send letters, or like to write little love notes, stamps are a fun way to jazz things up. Plus, making your own stamp is much cheaper than buying one, and you can customize it however you like.

You don't need fancy tools, either. Sure, you can use craft knives or scraping tools, but you really only need the eraser end of a pencil (ironic, no?) Remove the eraser from the end of a pencil, and use the hollow metal ring to remove the unwanted sections from your eraser stamp. Get as fancy (like the birdie stamp pictured), or as simple as you want (like this pencil eraser stamp.)

Lots of love!
Chelsea

A Greener School Year

2010-08-02T16:35:00.001-05:00

Reusable Lunch Duo by OrganiLuxe

Can you believe it's August already? The hottest month here, pushing 108 degrees farenheit, and all I can think about is autumn! (Before you know it, it'll be Christmas, and I'll be wishing for summer again.)

One of my favorite parts of the season has always been picking out new clothes and supplies for school. I haven't attended school in a few years, but my hubby is going back this year, and I was so delighted to shop for him! Whether you'll be toting the books, or you know a kid who will, there are lots of ways to keep the school year earth friendly.

Reusable lunch sacks and sandwich bags, like these cute, all organic ones from OrganiLuxe. All kinds of bags can work for lunch sacks (you can make your own with some basic sewing skills), and it can seriously cut down on your cost/use of plastic baggies.
Take a healthy lunch. Pack it the night before to save time.
Look for gently used backpacks (they can get expensive!) at resale or thrift stores. I found a canvas and suede JanSport backpack for my husband for around five dollars at Thrift Town. There are also plenty of great backpacks made from natural, sustainable materials, like hemp. Some are even recycled from plastic bottles.
Recycled pencils, like these recycled blue jean pencils, are good for the environment, and just downright cool.
I have always wanted one of these: the staple free stapler.
Look for binders and notebooks made from recycled material, or consider toting your laptop to take notes.
Walk or bike to school. If it's too far or unsafe, get a carpool together.
Organize a clothing swap between friends before school starts to switch up your wardrobes. Then go shopping if you need to.

What are your earth friendly back to school finds or tips?

Lots of love!
Chelsea

A One Step Reminder - Walk!

2010-07-31T20:45:00.000-05:00

A great greenissexy post:

Get Your Walk On

Remember that walking earlier or later in the day when temps are cooler, and walking in areas away from lots of pollution (a busy main road, for example) are good ways to keep your walk safer and healthier. Drink plenty of water, and bring a friend.

Now, Tom and I are going to go take a nice walk around our apartment complex!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Sitting Green - Eco Friendly Furniture

2010-07-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

Reclaimed Walnut Bench by brandmojointeriors

Is your couch good for your conscience? Your coffee table recycle able? There are some beautiful furniture options available that are made from recycled, reclaimed, and sustainable materials that leave you feeling good about your purchase, and how cool your place looks.

If you're buying new, look for pieces made from bamboo, and reclaimed or recycled materials.

Handmade pieces can add a lot of charm to your home, and many designers are creating one of a kind pieces with reclaimed wood and metal.

Check locally to see if you can cut down on the transportation of your furniture. It will also be less driving for you.

Browse vintage and resale stores, like The Salvation Army and Goodwill, or a garage or estate sale. You'd be surprised what good quality furniture you can find. Turn it into a weekend project and distress, paint, or stain your find to give it new life.

If you don't have enough time for the hunt, here are some links to get you started with online shopping:

http://www.green-furniture.com/

http://www.mindscape.jp/

http://www.etsy.com/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

Lots of love!
Chelsea

Marvelous Makeup - 8 Green Products

2010-07-29T15:55:00.007-05:00

I love the artistic side of makeup, and like to experiment and try new products, especially the earth friendly ones! When the seasons change, I love to see the changes in cosmetics' colors, like changing leaves. Since fall is just around the corner, I though I'd compile a list of green alternatives in rich, autumn hues.

Matte Foundation by Alima

Lip Shimmer in Fig by Burt's Bees

Vegan Eyeliner in Brown by Lavera Naturkosmetik

Vegan Mascara in Brown by Lavera Naturkosmetik

Henna Hair Dye in Marron Mama by Lush Cosmetics

Vegan Lip Tints in "Cherry" and "Blackberry" by orangethyme

Organic Blush in Spark by Vapour

Organic Mineral Eyeshadow in "Cinnamon" by orglamix

If you're curious or concerned about a certain cosmetic item or company, you can go to cosmeticdatabase.com and enter the info to get safety ratings.

P.S. If you are one of those gals that has foregone makeup altogether, I salute you. My daily makeup routine is pretty minimal, and consists of organic foundation and eyeshadow, concealer, blush, and some kind of balm or tint (usually organic.) Even just cutting some of your makeup items out of your Caboodle can make an impact!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday: It's In The Jeans

2010-07-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

Recycled Denim Squeaky Toys by smilingfrogpets

Jeans are everywhere - they go with everything, and can be dressed up or down. They come in tons of colors, fades, distresses, and styles (bell bottoms, anyone?) Sadly, many a pair of jeans get discarded when they no longer fit, or get a little worn out. So, here are some eco-friendly ways to deal with your denim.

1) Easy: Turn them into skinny jeans. whatthecraft.com

2) Takes some skill: Turn them into a skirt. savvyseams.com (It's easier if you're comfortable wearing mini skirts - just chop the legs off.)

3) Takes some skill: Turn them into a purse. threadbanger.com

4) Takes some skill: Turn them into an apron. mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com

5) Easy: Donate them to a denim drive. Your jeans could help insulate a Habitat For Humanity house! cottonfrombluetogreen.org

6) Easy: If they're too short, you can cut them off into capris, and add some trim if you like.

7) Easy: Keep your coffee warm. You really don't have to sew this one, if you like the frayed look (or you could fold the raw edge over.) http://www.docpop.org/

8) Easy: Patch 'em up. If the rip or tear is someplace a little more revealing than the knees, consider covering the hole with fabric (again, you don't have to sew - fabric adhesive usually does the trick), or an iron on patch.

9) Easy: If the wash is a little outdated, dye or tie-dye the jeans in a color or two (you can even dye acid washed jeans back to a darker blue!)

Lots of love,

Chelsea

Recycle Kindness: The Day I Lost My Purse

2010-07-26T19:47:00.004-05:00

Today has been a great day. I lost my purse. No really, I sincerely mean that today has been a great day.

The thing is, I didn't miss it until a couple of hours after I got home and unloaded groceries, fixed myself a salad with leftover apricot chicken and ate it, turned on a movie, and started to make a necklace. I thought, "I forgot to take that makeup out of my purse," and went to look for it so as to keep my purse as clutter-free as possible. No purse. I looked everywhere - even the fridge and pantry in case I'd mistaken the purse for butter or a loaf of bread.

I knew where I'd lost it, but couldn't find it. It was somewhere in the Kroger parking lot on my way out of the store. The purse itself is nothing too special - a reddish brown vintage leather clutch. As you can imagine, it's the contents of the purse that mattered to me: my debit card, my ID, my mom's health ID card ... yeah, pretty much anything a thief would need to take all my money and information.

After calling the grocery store to see if it had been turned in, which it hadn't, I called to cancel my card, make a police report, etc. I made my way to the bank to try to get a temp card without my ID. Luckily, I'm in there all the time, and they issued me one without a problem. Then I headed to the DPS to try to get a replacement license, but they were shut down because they didn't have a working AC unit. The poor lady behind the counter still had to sit there all day to answer questions and send people to different locations. By the look on her face, she'd had a much harder day than I had!

After spending some time with my mom, I came home, had a snack, and updated my Facebook status to "contemplating today's lesson ..." , and seconds later there was a knock on the door. I looked out the peephole, saw a burly man standing far away from the door, and holding something. When I opened the door, I realized it was my purse! He was comparing my ID to me in person, which I found endearing, and asked if I was who my ID said I was. I thanked him over and over again, asking him where he found it. He said he "ran over something in the parking lot," looked down, and it was a purse. I told him the best news I'd heard all day was that he ran over my purse in the parking lot. The best news is, everything's still inside. Even the makeup I bought, still intact.

It was a day full of lessons in faith, patience, and kindness, and I'm thankful for it. It's also really nice to know that people in the world still listen to their conscience and live by the Golden Rule. I plan on recycling that kindness, and I hope you will too!

Lots of love,

Chelsea

Styrofoam Sucks!

2010-07-22T17:05:00.004-05:00

"But We Are Not" by boyobsolete

So, it insulates well, and it makes good packing material, but it's terrible for the environement. Styrofoam is acutally a brand name, but like Q Tips or Kleenex, we'll use it instead of the formal "polystyrene." For my birthday, my BIL (love him to death and appreciate his help) brought styrofoam cups for the party. I almost said something, but decided I would just figure out something to do with them later, like what boyobsolete from etsy has done - beautiful! We have plenty of plastic cups - the kind you don't throw away- and I think only one or two of the styrofoam ones were used. You see, styrofoam and I have a long history. When I was in elementary school, I used to write letters to Sonic, asking them to stop using styrofoam! I was clearly concerned for the environment and not my health - I love a good corn dog. Funny, I know, but here's why styrofoam is so bad:

1. It's non-biodegradable. This stuff can be crumbled, but it just won't go away. It's often used in potting soil mixes, which is the most evidential proof of this.

2. It leaches chemicals into surrounding liquid when it gets wet. You ingest those chemicals every time you eat or drink from a styrofoam container.

By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue taken as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects.

(source: http://www.greenhome.com/info/news/41.shtml)

This means that styrofoam in landfills contaminate the soil and water supply nearby when it rains. It also leaks chemicals when heated, say, in a microwave to reheat leftovers. Similar to plastics that should not be heated.

3. I'm sorry, I just need to reiterate "carcinogenic." (This means cancer causing.)

4. The initial production of styrofoam takes very little energy, which seems great. It also makes for a very light load during transportation, which is also great. However, it takes more energy to recycle styrofoam than in the original production. So, most recycling plants don't even take it.

Here's a great article about polystyrene and Styrene for more information: Polystyrene Foam Report

One more bit of food for thought: Paper containers are still not a great alternative. Unless the container is recycled/recyclable (with the symbol on it), it can't be recyled due to the glue used to hold it together. The dyes and other chemicals used in paper production can also be harmful. Whenever possible, try bringing or using your own container. Bring your own mug or thermos to your coffee shop - they shouldn't have a problem filling it instead, and some places (like Starbucks) will even give you a discount. Reheat leftovers on a microwave safe plate. Use your own water bottle instead of the disposable plastic ones. The list goes on!

If you would like to contact the Food and Nutrition Services department in regards to the use of styrofoam products in fast food, school, business, etc., here's the link: Contact FNS.

Lots of love!
Chelsea

8 Ways to Cook a Little Greener

2010-07-21T10:35:00.001-05:00

Cooking Green

This post is inspired by one I ready on greenissexy.org, and by the book to your left, Cooking Green by Kate Heyhoe.

If you cook at home, like me, you know how much energy you can use, and how hot it can make the house! Here are some tips on how to keep your kitchen green without buying new appliances:

1. Match the size of your pan to the size of your burner. If the pan is too small for a burner, you're wasting lots of heat and energy from the coils that extend outside the edge of the pan. (Plus, it makes the handle really hot!)

2. Keep your range clean. Those shiny metal bowls beneath the burners help maximize the heat by reflecting it from the coils. If they're yucky, they can't do that. If they're yucky enough, they'll absorb the heat, rather than reflecting it.

3. Put a lid on it! You can reduce the amount of energy and heat you produce by cutting the recommended cooking time for an item, turning off the burner, and putting a lid on it. The lid will contain the heat in the pan/pot, and your food will continue to cook. This is especially true when steaming something. (Note: you can use the same idea with oven cooking by turning down the heat toward the end of cook time.)

4. Shut the door. If you're able, close the kitchen door. This will contain the heat in one room of the house, and keep the rest of the house nice and cool.

5. Forget the oven. If you can, cook your meals on the stovetop, in a crockpot, pressure cooker, steamer, or in a toaster oven. Conventional ovens use lots, and I mean lots of energy!

6. Bring to a gentle boil. "Almost" boiling is just as good as a rolling boil to cook food. It takes a lot of energy to go from a gentle boil to a rolling boil, and the water - get this - stays the same temperature. You can also cover the pot while it's boiling, and it will cook in half the time.

7. Cook more. Make enough of something to have leftovers, or to use the ingredients in a different meal. The energy it takes to re-heat something is much less than it takes to cook it.

8. Don't cook at all. It's a nice thought isn't it? The truth is, there are lots of foods and meals that require little to no cooking or heating whatsoever. Steaming most veggies is fast, locks in nutrients, and tastes great. A fresh salad with a chopped up apple or with strawberries and almonds is a healthy lunch or dinner, and requires no cooking. Here are some other great, no-cook recipes to try: No-Cook Recipes

As I researched, a couple of these ideas were new to me, and they may be to you, too. Truthfully, they're simple and time efficient, not just energy efficient. I'll definitely be looking for a no-cook dinner to make tonight. :)

Lots of love,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday: Terrarium Madness!

2010-07-20T09:28:00.001-05:00

It seems like I can't look anywhere on etsy or in shop fronts without seeing a terrarium or two, with their mossy, rocky bottoms and pretty glass containers. They're fascinating little worlds, and I thought I'd share some (very easy) instructions on how to make one:

Make-A-Terrarium

You can use all kinds of containers for your terrarium - glasses, mason jars, vases, apothecary jars, even soda bottles. The smaller the opening of the container, the more meticulous you'll have to be about pouring in the charcoal, dirt, and placing any seeds. Of course, you'll want the container to be transparent so that everyone can see your little garden! I plan on making one this weekend with a mason jar I accidentally chipped last week. (I bought it, then sat it on top of my car - it survived a long fall!)

Have you ever made a terrarium? What did you use - container, plants, etc.?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

A Green Fashion Inspiration!

2010-07-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Before:

I found a link for this amazing blog yesterday, New Dress A Day, while looking for something completely unrelated and now forgotten. Marisa has decided to take revamping a wardrobe to the extreme (even Wardrobe Refashion isn't this hardcore!) She gave herself a dollar a day budget, goes by a strict "thrift only" shopping mantra, and gives each dress she buys a new life. Please take a browse through her blog for some surprising and inspiring results!

After:

3 Kinds of Pollution You Might Be Forgetting

2010-07-18T14:32:00.001-05:00

Gas Mask Bunny Screen Print by luckybunnyworldwide.etsy.com

That infamous oil spill is finally capped off and holding! We all hope that lessons have been learned; at the very least I hope that people overseeing "projects" like this one will make sure everything is done legally, intelligently, and with a backup plan in the future. I also hope that the event has opened everyone else's eyes to the harsh reality of pollution, and that the relief that comes with the oil no longer gushing doesn't cause it all to be discarded into the "forgotten vault of horrific events."

That said, I'd like to talk about a few kinds of pollution so prevalent in some areas that they're easily forgotten:

1. Noise pollution.
2. Light pollution.
3. Personal pollution.

Noise pollution: Webster defines noise pollution as "annoying or harmful noise (as of automobiles or jet airplanes) in an environment." We experience noise pollution all the time - if you live near an airport, train station, sporting or concert venue, highway or busy street, construction zone, manufacturing plant, etc., you know about noise pollution. This kind of pollution can cause stress and anxiety, hearing loss, and can disturb wildlife in the are. Not to mention, it can be really annoying!
How to fight it: Invest in noise reducing curtains or insulation, contact your city to see when noise pollution is considered legal (usually after 7 a.m., and before 10 p.m.) and report any illegal pollution, wear earplugs while sleeping, and try to give yourself some "quiet time" every day to de-stress. Also, be considerate to yourself and others of your noise levels in your home and car (loud bass can rattle windows of nearby homes, and cause damage to your inner ear.)

Light pollution: Webster defines light pollution as "artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations." If you're in or near a large city, you might not even realize that you can't see the stars until you venture out a little further into the country. You may be very aware of light pollution, though, if you have trouble sleeping at night due to the large amount of light flooding into your windows.
How to fight it: "Blackout" curtains, turning off all lights and wearing eye masks while sleeping, and taking trips to less populated areas can all alleviate the effects of light pollution. Be considerate of others by pointing flood lights and other outside lights away from neighboring windows.

Personal pollution: Webster doesn't even have a definition for "personal pollution," but I bet you can guess what it is. Basically, it's filling your body with the bad stuff: excessive alcohol, smoking, abuse, even bad attitudes and habits. All of these things have a negative effect on your body, and can have a negative effect on others or your environment, like secondhand smoke.
How to fight it:
Smoking: How To Quit
Other addictions: drugfree.org
Abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline
Healthy habits: http://www.webmd.com/
Relaxation: lessons4living

Lots of love!
Chelsea

A Quarter of a Century

2010-07-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

As of yesterday, I'm officially a quarter of a century old! :) (That's a silly pic of me on the car ride home from our brunch in the Botanic Gardens - beautiful! Lots of butterflies and dragonflies, and curious birds. Hot as a frying pan, though.) Thanks to all of my friends and family who made the day so special, and who continue to make it a good "birthday weekend."

Fun fact: I share a birthday with Orville Redenbacher. Yep, the popcorn guy.

25 years ago on March 15, during the year I was born - 1985, the first ".com" site hit the web. Without it, I wouldn't be blogging today! So, thank you, whoever you were, to start this crazy trend. :)

What else happened 25 years ago? Where were you?

Lots of love,
Chels

Recycling: The Honest Truth

2010-07-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

I'll admit it - we don't recycle enough!
With the exception of the times I forget a reusable shopping bag, we don't acquire many plastic bags. The ones we do acquire we sometimes reuse as trash bags or lunch bags, but most of them get recycled at our grocery store. It's convenient, and easy to do on your way in or out of the door.
However, I realized a few weeks ago that we haven't been recycling our clean carboard or cans, and definitely haven't been recycling enough paper. (Except for the impulse newspaper subscription - most of those went to the recycle bin unread ... what can I say? I get my news online.) I read a challenge on greenissexy.org that proposed you fill your recycle bin up before your trash can.
So, I started a box. It's silly not to recycle these things on a more regular basis when we have a library right down the street with several huge recycle bins.
Here's a helpful guide to knowing your recycle symbols:
luckygroup
Remember to remove any plastic, tape or glue from packaging or envelopes, and make sure that carboard and cans are clean before you recycle them! If you're putting your recycling on the curb, check with the city to see what their regulations on separating materials are, and which ones they pick up.

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Christmas In July SALE

2010-07-14T11:58:00.002-05:00

I just had to take today's post and let everyone know about the mega Christmas In July sale happening on Etsy right now!

The "official" dates of the sale are July 15-25, but many of the sellers have extended those dates. Go to http://www.etsy.com/, and search "christmasinjuly" or "cij" to find all of the participating artisans.

We've decided to have our sale from tomorrow until July 31. Starting tomorrow, visit our store, Buy Me Love, and browse our "CIJ Sale" section for items marked 25-40% off! We will include some holiday themed items in the section especially for the sale.

The sale is a great way to get your holiday shopping done early from the comfort of your computer chair, get a great deal, and find gifts that are unique and one of a kind! Save gas, money, and time, and come support small business. :)

Lots of love,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday!

2010-07-13T10:04:00.003-05:00

Hello, you crafty Earth savers.

Everywhere you look, there are reusable shopping totes, right? Did you know that many of them are not washable, and can collect harmful bacteria inside that can contaminate food? There are lots of tutorials out there on how to sew your own, but what if you don't have a sewing machine, or the time to hand sew them?

I got this daily craft email from the Queen Of Craft herself, and think it's a great, no-sew alternative to the average grocery tote. It's washable, functional, and looks pretty darn cute, too!

All you need is a printer, a craft knife/razor, and some ultrasuede fabric. I can't wait to make a few. Check out the link for printable templates:

http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/no-sew-market-tote-bag

Lots of love,
Chelsea

5 Reasons To Buy Old

2010-07-12T16:39:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've realized that many people don't consider vintage or antiques (or even resale) as an option when shopping. This is so foreign to me, because I grew up hunting for "treasures" and forget that many people just go to Ikea or Target (not that I don't love those stores, too!) I think people forget that it's an option, or don't think they'll find what they're looking for. In my opinion, it's always worth a shot!

So, here are 5 reasons for buying old:

1. Obviously, it's usually earth friendly. With the exception of some vintage cars, and the dangers of lead paint, shopping vintage is a wonderful way to reuse and recycle.
2. Better quality. In many cases, the materials used to make vintage products are better quality than the materials used today. It also means a better investment. For example, most vintage clothing/lingerie had metal hardware (clasps, snaps, etc.) Now, most clothing, if not high end, uses breakable plastic.
3. Uniqueness. There's a really good feeling that comes along with people wanting to know where you got such cool stuff! Most things you find in resale or antique shops can't be found in a department store.
4. Everything has a story. When you purchase something old, you get the chance to ask the dealer what the history behind your purchase is. Even if you don't know all of the history behind the item itself, you can always tell the story about how you found it.
5. Something worth passing on. There's always a chance that what you bought may be valuable! The older it gets (as long as it's in good condition), the more value it might gain. Ever watch "Antiques Roadshow?" Buy something the grandkids can be proud of, or something that could put them through college.

Old is just as accessible as new, even if you don't have a wealth of antique shops in your town - check out the web for old things from all over the world!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Wishing On A Star

2010-07-08T16:44:00.000-05:00

Well, not on a star, exactly. On AskWish.
AskWish.com is a site where you can post your wishes, and what they call your "dishes." Wishes are self explanatory - you let people know what your hopes and dreams are. Anything from wanting a pony to world peace. Dishes are letting others know what you're willing to do for them. You're offering your services, whether just your outstanding advice, or baking a cake.
The best part is, there's no money involved! It's free to join, and no one pays money for dishes on the site. You pay in "bones," or electronic tokens you gather from participating in the site. The only time you spend money is if you respond to a wish by buying something for that person.
It's easy and effective. You can search for other people in your area if you want to keep it local, and there's the potential to really make a difference in someone's life!
If you'd like to find me on AskWish, search chelseagirl.

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Punky Brewster Goes Green

2010-07-07T14:44:00.001-05:00

Remember Punky Brewster, that rascally little girl who was always getting into trouble? (Kind of a cuter, less annoying version of Dennis the Menace?)

Well, she's all grown up now. Her real name is Soleil Moon Frye, and she's a mommy. She and another mommy friend of hers, Paige Goldberg Tolmach, created Little Seed, an eco friendly store and web store selling organic and eco-friendly baby/kid products.

http://www.thelittleseed.com/

Luckily for us non-moms out there, they have other products like t shirts and bath and body items that apply to us! Also luckily for us, a Little Seed for Target line is going to be launched soon!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

How-To Tuesday

2010-07-06T20:02:00.001-05:00

Today marks the beginning of How-To Tuesday! Each Tuesday, I'll post a how-to for a DIY project. It might be something I've done, or something someone else has come up with, but all of it will be earth friendly. :)

This week's how-to is a super simple project you can complete in an afternoon or weekend.

I bought this ginormous frame from the Salvation Army for 25 bucks, and had it hanging in my room before I moved in with my husband. Since all of our bedroom furniture is dark, it really made the room look dark with this mahogany style frame in the mix. So, with some leftover latex wall paint from my mom's shed and a couple of paintbrushes, I gave it a new life!

Sadly, I don't have a pic of the original frame - think dark red wood, though.

Here it is halfway done (sorry for the blur):

It took a few coats, as I was using the "wrong" kind of paint on the slick wood. You could use non-toxic acrylic paints. I also used a foam brush - using a bristle brush gives different texture and coverage.

Here's the finished product:

This is a fast and easy way to change the look of a room. Take a look around - could your frames use a little color, or in this case, a little less color?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Water on the Brain - 100 Ways to Conserve Water

2010-07-02T15:31:00.001-05:00

Inspired by my previous post about baths, I thought I'd share this amazing link I came across:

100 Ways To Conserve

Maybe you could read a new one each day, and try to implement it into your schedule. 100 is a little overwhelming, after all!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Rub a Dub Dub

2010-07-01T10:33:00.001-05:00

On days when I'm feeling spent, or when I can't seem to shut off my brain, I like to pamper myself a little.

A bath is one of the easiest ways you can do that. Now, I know what you're thinking. "A bath?! What a waste of water."

First, here are some things you can do to make yourself feel better about taking the occasional soak:

1. Plug the drain before you run the water. It will conserve water, and you can adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
2. Don't fill the tub up to the brim. If the water comes up to the "overflow" drain in your tub, it's too much. Consider taking a sitz bath, where the water level only comes up above your hips, covering your legs.
3. Shave when you're done. After you've soaked, your skin and hair will be softer and easier to shave. Use the bathwater to rinse your razor and skin. (Don't forget to exfoliate your skin before you shave - you'll get more use from your razor!)

Now that you feel better about taking a bath, here are some yummy and eco friendly things to add to it:

1. Epsom or sea salt to relieve aches and pains.
2. A couple of drops of essential oil(s) for aromatherapy. (Try lavender to calm down, peppermint to perk up.)
3. A bit of honey or milk to soothe your skin.
4. Bath bombs, like the ones sold by Lush Cosmetics.

Here's a delightful concoction I recently found in the book Beadalicious by Sonya Nimri (a book about beading, yes, but each tutorial comes with a "recipe" inspired by the project.)

"Venus Bath Soak

3 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp fresh ground ginger
12 tbsp sea salt
4 drops bergamont essential oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp glitter body lotion (to make the bubbles shimmer)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a hot bath, climb in, and feel immortal."

Sounds divine - I can't wait to try it!

How do you undwind from a hectic day?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

71 Days, And The Oil Keeps Spilling ...

2010-06-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

The horrific oil spill happening on the gulf coast may soon be affected by hurricane season:

Hurricane Alex

With the approach of the hurricane, it's putting relief efforts for the oil spill on hold, due to its unpredictability.

Want to help? Check out this amazing young woman's efforts to raise money for the cause through her art:

Olivia Bouler

Donate to the Red Cross relief response for Hurricane Alex here:

https://american.redcross.org/

Lots of love,
Chelsea

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

2010-06-29T08:47:00.001-05:00

The quote above is by Shel Silverstein, one of my favorite childrens' book authors and poets. In honor of Library Advocacy Day, I invite you to visit your local library and check something out! It could be a movie, a book, or you could just sit and read a magazine.
Libraries are wonderful and precious to a community. They inspire learning, provide a quiet place to study, and promote reuse! By checking out a book from the library, you are perpetuating that cycle, and cutting down your consumption. Think of all the paper you could save by reading magazines at the library! Also, most libraries are the home of recycle bins. On your way out the door, you can grab your recyclables and do two good things at once.

Lots of love,
Chelsea

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month

2010-06-28T14:40:00.002-05:00

Well, it's almost the end of June, and I just discovered that it's National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!
I just discovered a new farmer's market here in my hometown, and can't wait to visit - what better time to support local growers?
Lacking in a local Farmer's Market? Head to your grocery store and stock up on the best of the best.

Berries are wonderful right now - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries - delicious, and high in antioxidants. Add them to cereal, salads, buy some frozen yogurt and make a quick smoothie, or just grab a handful.
Who doesn't like a watermelon during summer? Try a honeydew or cantaloupe to mix things up.
Summer squash is perfect right now. Simply steam some squash and zucchini for about 10 minutes (to keep from getting mushy), and sprinkle with salt and pepper or cheese. It's a simple, quick side-dish.
Avocados! You wouldn't believe the possibilities with avocados. The hubby and I made a mango and avocado smoothie a couple of weeks ago for us and some friends that was surprisingly good:

Add 1 avocado, peeled and pitted, one mango, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped, 1 pint low fat vanilla frozen yogurt, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup low fat milk in the blender (you can add more to thin the smoothie.) Blend until smooth. Drink right away before the avocado oxidizes.

I encourage you to look up some new recipes, and try them out while the produce is at its peak. Remember, if buying all organic is just too expensive, look for thin-skinned organic fruits and veggies like grapes and lettuce. They're more likely to absorb chemicals than thick-skinned ones like melons or avocados.

Lots of love!
Chels

Summertime, And The CO2 Reduction Is Easy

2010-06-26T10:07:00.002-05:00

For most of us, summer means a time when school is out (or was out, if you're past your school years), the temperatures are hot, and it's time for vacation!

Before you book that plane ticket, consider this: If you drive a car that gets great gas mileage (like a Prius or a diesel fueled car), driving cross country with family or friends beats flying cross country. Driving by yourself is almost as bad as taking the plane. Taking a long bus trip beats taking a long train trip, and a train ride is still better than a plane ride. (If you're taking a short trip- under 20 miles - though, trains beat inner city buses.)

"What this means is that a one-way trip from NYC to San Francisco emits about 2,500 lbs of CO2 including radiative forcing: About five times the emissions of taking the bus or eight times sharing that Prius. While a commuter flight from New York to DC emits about 240 lbs of CO2: Six times the emissions of taking the bus, or about ten times those of sharing your Prius." - planetgreen.discovery.com

Did you digest all of that? All of those numbers and comparisons are simply to say that the most convenient form of transportation is the worst for the environment. So, what are your options, then?

1. What about cruises? Sadly, this option is usually even worse. High emissions, and tons (literally) of waste are produced in one trip.

2. Local vacations. Have you seen all of what your state has to offer? Take a trip to local museums, resorts, state parks, and historical districts. Reserve a few nights at a family owned bed and breakfast a few towns over and see the sights. Check out concerts and festivals coming to your area, and create a trip around one. There are so many options - even going to your neighboring state can feel like you're a world away. When you head back home, though, you won't have to wait through a 12 hour flight.

3. Ecotourism. If you're gonna fly, try to do some good when you get there. Check out the many ecotourism options out there - many are for families, and could be a great opportunity to teach the kids about giving back while learning about a different culture.

4. Staycations. The simplest, cheapest kind of vacation. This doesn't mean you have to be stuck in the house the whole time! Go out and explore areas of your city you never seem to have the time to. Take a bike if you have one, and cut out emissions altogether. Support the local, small businesses, and get to know your neighbors. If you have kids, turn the house into a safari scavenger hunt, or a tropical island - get creative! There are all kinds of volunteer programs, craft classes, VBS classes, and other things they can get involved with this summer.

There are other benefits of staying close to home, too. Less stress. Less packing and unpacking. It's less expensive. No worrying about flights being cancelled, or not arriving on time. You can truly make your own schedule (with the exception of opening and closing times at the amusement park), and create a stress-free vacation. For example, my husband and I were forced to cancel our honeymoon to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, because we both lost our jobs right before the wedding. Instead, we had a staycation, and ate at the restaurants we'd been talking about for months. We went to the zoo together for the first time. We relaxed, and didn't worry about our 'itenerary.' Isn't that what a vacation is about, anyway?

Any more suggestions on earth-friendly travel or vacation ideas?

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Green Is Sexy

2010-06-23T23:20:00.002-05:00

Rachel McAdams is a favorite actress of mine. Pretty much ever since I saw this picture of her with light pink streaks in her hair (which inspired a friend of mine to do the same), I've liked her. Now I like her even more.
She and a couple of her friends started a blog/site called Green Is Sexy. To your right, you'll see I've added it to my list of inspiration. I particularly enjoy this entry:

" ask the big questions.

This might be the easiest tip we’ll ever give you, but it may just have one of the biggest impacts on your life and the environment. Next time you go to buy something new, ask yourself, “Do I need it?” You should also ask, “Why do I want it?”, “How was this made?” and “Is there a more environmentally friendly alternative?”
If you really consider this question carefully for each purchase, you are sure to reduce your impact on the environment and expand your bank account. "

Green is sexy. Check out the site.

Love,
Chelsea

Finally.

2010-06-22T13:36:00.001-05:00

Finally, after over a year, the husband and I will have internet of our very own. Finally, after what seems like a blur of forever, my mom will be done with her treatment. Finally, after a long time, I just might want to work again.
So, things have been busy, and I haven't blogged much, but things will soon get less busy, and I'll get back into the routine. To get busy again, of course.
(I'm thinking of starting a personal blog in addition to this one once that happens.)
So, for right now, bear with me, and my lack of content, because soon, you won't be able to catch up with me! I plan on finding new followers, new customers, and a new look for the business. For right now, go to http://www.thedailygreen.com/ to get inspired. And get ready.

Love,
Chelsea

Quick and Easy Personalized Body Mist

2010-06-11T12:42:00.005-05:00

My maniac husband likes to exercise. He gets up ungodly early in the morning to run up and down the steep hill along the road, then around the complex, then lifts weights, then swims. Then he runs at lunch with a friend from work. Sometimes he does something active with me, like tennis, when he gets home, and he doesn't stop on the weekends. I love him - he's crazy.

All that said, he asked if we had any kind of body spray or Febreze he could use after his lunchtime runs (always considerate of his coworkers!) Alas, there was cologne, but no body spray to be found, so I made some!

Here's what you need:

1. A small plastic spray bottle (preferably translucent or in a darker color, like blue.)
2. 1 or 2 types of essential oil (I used Tea Tree for its antibacterial properties, mixed with peppermint for a manlier smell.)

3. Water. Some people prefer bottled, but tap will do.

That's it!

1. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with water.
2. Add 1 to 3 drops of essential oil for a 3 oz. bottle, depending on how fragrant you'd like the spray to be. Here's a guide if you've never used essential oils:
Aromatherapy for Beginners
3. Label the bottle with the contents, and shake before using. (If using peppermint oil, do not spray the mixture on your face. For a good facial refresher, use lavender or another floral or woodsy oil.)

The combinations are endless - find the scents you like, and customize a spray for yourself. Bonus: Your body spray can safely be used as an air freshener! (Away from polished surfaces.)

Lots of love,
Chelsea

I Give It A 10

2010-06-08T12:50:00.002-05:00

Really, though, It's a 10 is a line of 5 hair products that can seriously cut down your spending, product usage, and dry time (if you do that sort of thing.)
I use the leave-in product, and have for over a year. Though the product itself isn't totally green (although it does boast that it includes "naturally derived ingredients"), it has undeniable green side effects. It's a leave-in conditioner, shine booster and heat protector that works with any type of hair. Best of all, it cuts down on drying time, which is a boggler to me, since when I use normal conditioner, my hair takes longer to dry. This is all good because:

1.You can choose one conditioning product, and all you need after that is shampoo. Done. Less product, less waste. Oh, and a little really does go a long way.

2. If you use heat styling tools, the time you spend blow drying or straightening is cut pretty drastically. (I have very thick hair, and it works like a charm for me.) Less electricity!

Here's the site to check it out: http://www.itsa10haircare.com/

Lots of love!

Good Things

2010-05-22T15:24:00.002-05:00

Today is a bit of a rough day, as the last week has been a long and bumpy road. We finally got all moved in to the new apartment, and my dear, sweet husband is doing the last of the cleaning - the dreaded oven. Not so environmentally friendly! So, I'm trying to concentrate on the good stuff.

Here's one "good thing" from the Martha files that I've loved since I first saw it:

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Yes, that's right. It's a beat up stepladder turned bedside table. I love this idea! You don't have to do a thing to it if you don't want to (except make sure it's sturdy enough to hold your stuff,) but it could be painted, distressed, or you could add clips to the back legs to hold lamp cords in place. So many possibilities.

Another good thing: we will most likely be getting our new computer today! This means no more visits to the office computers (perhaps besides printing needs), and more frequent blogging and online fun.

Lots of love,

Chelsea

Green Moving Movement

2010-05-14T11:39:00.002-05:00

Starting tomorrow, my sweet ginger husband and I will be moving into our new, smaller, cheaper apartment! Yay!

Although we really, really love the complex we live in now, and have made wonderful friends here, we're not making as much as we used to. Gladly, the new place is down the street and around the corner, and it should be relatively quick and painless (and low emission!)

Since it is the season for moving (spring and summer are the busiest move times), I'd like to share some green moving tips:

1. Use used. Old newspaper, magazines, and used boxes are just as good as new (provided the boxes don't have significant rips or tears a little duct tape won't fix.) So, if you know a move is coming, save up. If your dad reads the newspaper, tell him to save them. If a friend works at a warehouse or office building, ask if their boss is okay with them bringing home some boxes. You get the idea. Plus, when you're done moving, you can pass the moving supplies along, or save them for a future move.

2. Rent a truck. I know it might sound crazy, but the larger the vehicle, the fewer the trips you'll have to make. Renting a truck can actually cut down on emissions.

3. Downsize. Simply put, the less you have, the less you have to move. It might seem like a "duh" statement, but just look around and be honest with yourself. Could someone else use that thing you haven't used since you got it? Donate to your local mission, freecycle, or give it to a lucky friend.

freecycle.com

Have a great weekend!

Want: Sparkle

2010-05-12T11:46:00.002-05:00

Just a little something that I'm loving right now - vintage sequin/beaded tops. I have a wonderful one from the forties that looks like mermaid scales.

Here's one I'd buy if I had the moola:

http://persephonevintage.com/

Cute site, too! Check it out.

Obey Your Mother

2010-05-04T16:39:00.004-05:00

.. and celebrate her, too! Or just celebrate all the mothers in your life, and yourself, too, if you're a mother or mother to be.

Here are some ideas I found on 2 of my favorite sites:

A great green gift wrap idea!

http://www.lushusa.com/

This is NOT Bath and Body Works!

http://www.lushusa.com/

Tell it like it is ...

http://www.etsy.com/

If her favorite colors are sparkly and shiny (like mine)

http://www.etsy.com/

This and a pair of tickets "to that thing [she] likes"

http://www.etsy.com/

For the green thumb or the black thumb!

http://www.etsy.com/

And here are some sweet but freebie (or near freebie) ideas:

Send Mom some love from miles away

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Martha even made a printable template for it!

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Etched stemware made easy (and cheap)

http://www.marthastewart.com/

A twist on the scrapbook

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Even if you can't give her anything but a card or a hug, be sure to let your mom know how much you love her on Mother's Day, and every day for the rest of the year!

Lots of love,

Chelsea

Thrift Town

2010-04-28T12:47:00.003-05:00

I love, love, love Thrift Town. My mom and I have been shopping there for a long time now.
Yesterday, my husband Tom got his acceptance letter to UTA, and I was so excited that I went to find some congratulatory goodies for him ($5 off a $15 purchase coupon in my purse.)

For $10 I got:

1. A very gently used Jansport backpack - indestructable and Tom proof
2. Two 3 ring binders
3. A small spiral notebook with plastic front
4. Three shirts in some of his favorite colors (one was a barely worn Banana Republic!)
5. A Guinness bottle opener keychain, to put my purchase just over $15 (it was a bit of a joke, but he does love Guinness beer!)

I put some dividers, along with his UTA literature, in one binder, put his UTA pen in the backpack's penholder, and put everything else inside for a little surprise when he came home. He loved it. :)

Right now, Thrift Town is holding a contest for a weekend trip for two to San Francisco! Register by June 30 for a 2 night hotel stay, round trip airfare, two $250 Thrift Town gift cards, $250 spending money, fashion consultation at Thrift Town San Francisco, VIP tour of Thrift Town SF.

Just sign up for their VIP status to enter, and you'll get coupons, too:

http://www.thrifttown.com/

And if you're just doing some spring cleaning, Thrift Town is yet another great thrift store to donate your stuff to!

Love,
Chelsea

Off Topic, but No Joke

2010-04-02T15:37:00.001-05:00

I know I haven't been blogging lately, but there's good reason: my mom found out she had cervical cancer. Along with some other cysts in her ovaries, the doctors determined it was reason for a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, ovaries, tubes, cervix, and then some, compared to just removing the uterus in a regular hysterectomy.) She was also a candidate for the minimally invasive robotic procedure. She's still recovering in the hospital, but she's doing really well considering an allergic reaction and some other complications. There are no signs that the cancer spread, and she will fully recover in about 8 weeks.

I tell you all this because I know cervical cancer is a hot topic right now. The HPV vaccine came out with no lack of controversy not too long ago, and cervical cancer ads are popping up all over the place. I tell you this to raise awareness, and to encourage women to go and get their well-woman exam every year. You see, my mom hadn't had an appointment in 9 years, and she wants everyone to know that what she's going through is preventable.

If you don't have insurance, please consider your other options - Planned Parenthood and other clinics perform these yearly exams at a reasonable price. Many hospitals offer tiers of coverage, like JPS in Fort Worth, TX. It's not the most comfortable one to have, but your OB exam should be as regularly scheduled as your family doctor visits or dental checkups.

Whether you get the vaccine or choose to give your daughter the vaccine or not, please be sure that all of your female friends and family go see their doctor on a regular basis! I know it's not something women freely talk about, but we all need to support each others' health. Young women should begin having their exams at 18, or when they first begin to have sex. Just mentioning to your friends that you made the appointment for yourself can encourage or remind them to make an appointment as well. I myself have gotten the vaccine, which had very mild side effects (swelling at the injection site, slight burning at injection, soreness around the injection site.) I am glad that I did it.

However, I got the vaccine after my doctor found I have a type of HPV and mild displaysia on my cervix (displaysia: precancerous cells.) The vaccine will prevent against other types of HPV, and because the displaysia was found so early, I won't go through what my mom has. It may go away on its own, or I may need to be treated by removing the abnormal cells and possibly some tissue around it. I go every 6 months now to monitor any changes. Thanks to my yearly exam, though, I will most likely never have to have a procedure that effects my ability to have a child, or one that removes a substantial amount of tissue.

Facts about HPV:
Did you know that there are over 100 kinds of HPV and that about 15 of them can cause cervical cancer?
http://www.thehpvtest.com/

Men and HPV:
Men get HPV, too, but there is no test for it, and most men experience no effects. However, they can still spread it through genital contact, even if they wear a condom.
http://www.thehpvtest.com/About-HPV/FAQs-for-Men.html

Facts about cervical cancer:
Eating well and staying away from cigarettes can reduce your risk for cancer.
http://www.helppreventcervicalcancer.com/

Please spread the word! Your health, and the health of your mothers, daughters, sisters and friends is worth it!

Lots of love,
Chelsea

Nature's Remedies

2010-03-27T15:52:00.003-05:00

Ahh, allergy season. Nothing like puffy, itchy, watery eyes, sinus pressure, and coughing to start Spring off right!

Want to alleviate those symptoms naturally? A few tips:

1. Buy local. By buying and consuming local honey, you can reduce your allergies (at least locally!) significantly.

2. Salty. Saline nasal spray is a great way to flush out your nasal passages, and relieve your sinuses.

3. Butter. Okay, not butter - butterbur. A bunch of Swiss researchers found that one tablet of the European herb 4 times a day was just as effective as a name brand antihistamine when treating hay fever.

4. Spicy. Spicy foods can thin mucous, which relieves all of that lovely pressure. It also creates lots of white blood cell flow, which can help prevent a cold!

5. Take a look at your kitchen. There's a chance that one or some of the foods you eat are causing an allergic reaction. If you even feel sick occasionally after eating a certain food, try cutting it out of your diet for a while. This could lighten the load on your body's immune system, which can reduce the effects of seasonal allergies.

Resources: http://www.webmd.com/

Happy weekend!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-18T14:44:00.002-05:00

Happy (ahem, belated) St. Patty's Day to everyone! In my defense, my husband's birthday was yesterday, so my thoughts were elsewhere. Hope everyone wore their green!

Having a party this weekend? (We are!) Here are some ideas:

1. Really green beer: http://www.takepart.com/. Drink responsibly!

2. Use green foods: Go organic if you can, and use foods like broccoli, zucchini, celery, limes, green mangos, cabbage, etc. to create veggie/fruit trays or yummy dishes like an all veggie shepherd's pie, or veggie chili.

3. Shamrockin' decorations: Make your own decorations from green beaded Christmas garland, a green Christmas tablecloth, you get the idea. Christmas-y things can double as Irish-y things! Also, if you buy decorations, buy things you'll reuse. Stay away from little plastic decorations and favors that will just get tossed; if you must hand out favors, consider some seeds to work on their "green" thumb, or a plant. Something edible like golden chocolate coins, or green cookies work well, too!

Lots of Irish love,

Chelsea

Eating Animals

2010-03-11T14:13:00.001-06:00

I am an omnivore. I mean, I live in Texas, land of cattle and hunting, for goodness' sake. I must confess, though, I've often toyed with the idea of becoming a vegetarian.

Reason 1: Sometimes meat completely grosses me out. I mean, really. Especially red meat and pork.

Reason 2: Sometimes after eating meat, I feel physically ill. Apparently, my body is telling me I didn't need it, or I at least didn't need as much as I ate.

Reason 3: I love animals, and I've fairly recently become educated on factory farming. I feel that it's cruel, harmful to the environment, and unnecessary.

I'm sure I could name more, but you don't really need to hear it all.
What's really gotten me thinking about eating animals, is well, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. After seeing him on the Ellen show twice now, I'm going to buy the book this weekend, and start cutting down my meat intake today.

Here's one reason why:

"No one has ever accused Jonathan Safran Foer (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) of being timid. But for a hot young writer to train his sights on a subject as unpalatable as meat production and consumption takes raw nerve. What makes Eating Animals so unusual is vegetarian Foer's empathy for human meat eaters, his willingness to let both factory farmers and food reform activists speak for themselves, and his talent for using humor to sweeten a sour argument."

I can't wait to read it and share the experience with everyone! I don't know that I'll ever completely cut meat from my diet - although I don't eat much of it, I really love fish - but I do want to be able to make educated choices when it comes to my diet.

Lots of love!

Dancing to the beat of a different drummer!

2010-03-08T13:47:00.002-06:00

I've been married to my husband for over a year now, and I still visit this site for inspiration. It's amazing what people come up with to express their love and style! OBB is full of eco-friendly dish and creative flair, so take a peek:

http://offbeatbride.com/

Glam it Up

2010-03-04T10:53:00.001-06:00

http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com/

I have always loved this idea, and it almost makes me wish I hadn't already donated the majority of my formal wear ... although I'd like to think the dresses went to girls who needed them just as much!

Lots of love

Be free!

2010-03-03T13:34:00.001-06:00

Freecycle, that is.

Want to make sure that whatever it is you're getting rid of goes to someone who needs it? Join freecycle! Go to freecycle.com and find your community link, apply, and start sharing and swapping stuff. You list an item or items (be sure to read the rules and guidelines for your community), how you'd like to exchange them (some leave it on the doorstep at a certain time, others exchange in a public place for safety), and then you get to pick who receives it all based on the replies you get. It's super simple, and it's great for keeping your trash/treasures out of landfills.

You may have heard of another idea called clothes swapping. There are people and organizations that plan and participate in clothing swaps all over the country, like the cool author of http://punkystyle.com/, but don't be afraid to organize one yourself! Many organizations charge a fee (but the number of clothes you choose is unlimited.)

Get some friends together, invite the neighbors, or even talk to an organization about helping you host a clothing swap in your city! Check out places like http://www.clothingswaps.com/how-it-works/ for more info and ideas.

Just be sure that there are men and women of the same size attending, so that everyone has a chance to become a swapaholic. Set a date, time, and set rules about the type of clothing people bring, if you like. Usually new and unused, gently used, or vintage items are the best, but you can narrow it down to a business clothing swap, a seasonal swap, or whatever else you can come up with. You may consider donating any leftover clothing to a local charity to ensure that those unworn clothes don't collect dust in the back of closet again.

I'm now chomping at the bit to plan a swap with my family and friends!

Lots of love

Stitch and switch!

2010-03-01T15:21:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I realize that not everyone crafts. Usually I hear "Oh, I'm not artistic ..." and then somewhere down the line in the conversation they tell me they're a graphic designer. Duh! If you have any itch to create in any way, you can craft. One that I'm especially fond of lately is embroidery.

I know, I know. Your grandma embroidered, right? Okay, I assure you that, at one point in time, your grandmother was cool, and is probably one of the reasons you're so cool. So. Embroidery can be super duper simple, and is such a fun way to change your wardrobe, accessories, decor, or whatever you can put a needle and thread to. For example, right now I'm embroidering a lamp shade using a self-made pattern from a babushka doll. The possibilities are seriously endless!

You can find fun and modern designs at http://www.urbanthreads.com/.
Wouldn't this little guy be cute on a plain t-shirt, or on the pocket of your jeans?

You can even get some simple free patterns there to start out with.

Jenny Hart is a rocker turned embroidery queen who's done embroidery portrait commissions for people like The White Stripes and Dolly Parton!

Amazing, right? Well, her company, Sublime Stitching, sells kits and transfers. If you're looking for random, cute, or hilarious, it's the place to shop.

Lucha Libre, anyone?

Of course, there are always the vintage-y embroidery patterns sold at craft and fabric stores like Hobby Lobby. They're also great for begginers!

Seabags

2010-02-28T19:00:00.003-06:00

Such a cool idea! Thanks to Passport In My Pocket's suggestion, this awesome company came to my attention. Their products are mostly super cool tote-type bags made from recycled sails. Some of the bags are pricey (this large anchor bag is $145.00), but there are also some much more affordable items like:

Shave Kit: $40.00

Ditty Bag: $25.00

There are also a couple of cool non-bag items, and some pretty breast cancer awareness bags.

Oh, and you can donate, sell, or trade used sails for bags. Neat huh?

Visit the site:

http://www.seabags.com/

Earth and fashion friendly by land or by sea!

When did I become vintage?

2010-02-25T13:13:00.002-06:00

Nothing to make you feel old like being reminded something from the 80's is now "vintage." Yikes.

I'm still a sucker for black and white stripes, too!

Q&A

2010-02-24T12:16:00.002-06:00

I am officially having a brainfart involving all things creative, uncluding blogging! Ack!

So, I'm turning to the internet world - that's you - for help.

What is your favorite earth friendly activity or product? It could be organic, recycled, upcycled, whatever! It could be something you've been meaning to use, something you use all the time, or something that's just too expensive to get.

For example: My favorite earth friendly pampering product is a toss up. It's between Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle salve, and our showerhead water filter (in which the filter desperately needs replacement.)

Thanks for sharing, friends!

Eco Etsy

2010-02-19T14:42:00.001-06:00

http://ecoetsy.com/

The Eco Etsy blogs is on my list of "blogs to follow," and for good reason. This link to some quick facts about waste, and resources for earth friendly solutions (on etsy, of course!) are useful and practical.

I dig these dryer pillows by zJayne:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zJayne

They're cute, affordable (12.75 for a set of 3), and smell like lavender.

While these yummy smelling sachets scent your laundry, you might want to do something about all the static buildup. It's still technically winter, and I know that my hair and clothing are full of static. So, here are a few suggestions:

1. If you have space to do it, line dry your clothing, or at least dry your sweaters by lying them on a flat surface (it keeps them from stretching or shrinking, and saves on electricity as well.)

2. Re-usable dryer sheets: http://www.veganessentials.com/catalog/static-eliminator-re-usable-dryer-sheet-system.htm

3. If you just have a small static issue, pin a safety pin to the inside of your clothing. It's a pretty cool science experiment to do.

4. Linen water: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=688202

Blessings!

This is your brain on the internet.

2010-02-16T12:05:00.002-06:00

A british study recently showed that email lowers your IQ: http://blog.tmcnet.com/

But that's not what this is about.

I mentioned the site polyvore.com a few blogs back, and wanted to expand a little by sharing some of the inspiration boards I've made over the past couple of years. It's a wonderful site to get your ideas down on paper without having to use a pen, or worrying about your potential lack of drawing or design skills. It enables you to use all of those "search" skills you've developed on google to find inspiring images and put them all together. So, if you're like me, and you're decorating the apartment you haven't rented yet in your head, you can go put your brain on the internet. You can even share it with other people, and look at their ideas, too. Fashion, design, decorating, wedding and party planning. It's all there, and you can forego the expensive and imposing personal event planner.

polyvore.com

My sets:

Find me on Polyvore
Get inspired!

It's been so long!

2010-02-15T16:54:00.002-06:00

The lapse in blogging is due to unnatural snow here (we have no internet at home - archaic, I know), and a bout of not feeling so hot. Today, however, is sunny! Still cold, but sunny, and much less depressing. I feel better, too, so I decided to get out and brave the day.

I got together some books and CDs, as I do frequently to keep our apartment from being taken over by stacks of books, and took them to Half Price Books this morning to sell. Apparently, I was not the only one with the same idea, and I ended up waiting for what seemed like a very long time to get my receipt and payment. Along with today being the first sunny day in a while, and Presidents' Day, Half Price Books is also having a drive. When you go in to sell books, they give you a 10% off coupon that's good until the end of the year. Yay! Go check it out.

While I was there, I read some interesting decorating, health, and crafty books, which reminded me of this really cool author named Danny Seo.

One of his books was one that I "returned" to Half Price today (I get almost all of my books there, and ultimately they end up going back.) He's all about recycling and upcycling things, like usi9ng VHS tape as gift basket or packing filler, or using the pages and cover of an old book to decoupage a birdhouse. He has a whole "Simply Green" series of books, and has developed his own lines of things (sold at JC Penny.) Here's a link to his blog, which I plan on following now that I've discovered his eco greatness:

http://www.dailydanny.com/

Here's a link to his website if you'd like to buy a book:

http://www.dannyseo.com/

Oh, and did I mention he's been named one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People? Right on.

If I Was Famous ...

2010-02-08T15:12:00.001-06:00

I'd be a singer/songwriter. I've been singing since I was in diapers, and come from a very musical family. Sadly, I can't play anything but the pennywhistle (and badly, at that), but if I ever made it big, I'd spend a lot of my hard earned money on environmental activism.

Like these guys:

http://nashville.metromix.com/green%20musicians

Chances are you recognize a few faces (and if Willie Nelson isn't one of them, we need to talk about that rock you've been living under, friend.)

And yet, there's more!

http://www.grist.org/article/musicians/

As far as celebrities are concerned, lots of them are driving hybrids. Here in Texas, SUVs and trucks reign supreme, and I think that most people believe they need to downgrade from there (and stay away from fancy hybrids) to save money these days. So, I did a little research on hybrids under $20,000 (I'm planning on making a hybrid our next vehicle purchase, famous or not - my husband's car is nearly on its last leg, anyway.)

SUVs

Toyota Matrix, $16,200

http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/toyota-matrix.html

Pontiac Vibe, $17,400

http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/pontiac-vibe.html

SEDANS

Toyota Yaris, $12,400

http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/toyota-yaris.html

Honda Fit, $14,600

http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/honda-fit.html

They're even working on the TRUCK lovers:

Chevy Silverado Hybrid

There's more where that came from, too. Of course, you have your Smart Cars and Mini Coopers as well, but as far as safety and performance are concerned, they're lacking. If you live in a small town (or frequently make trips to the corner store), you can always walk, ride your bike/skateboard, or get one of these:

Foldable Eco-Friendly Scooter

Heck yeah! Does it come in purple or seafoam green?

Last, but not least, I would start my own line of something eco friendly, like these celebs have:

Green Celebrity Product Lines We Can't Get Enough Of

All in all, if I was rich and famous, I'd still be frugal and earth friendly - wouldn't you?

Going Paperless ...

2010-02-05T14:31:00.001-06:00

... Is rough isn't it? I mean, even after you tell your bank and employer that electronic copies are fine, there's still junk mail. Lots of it. So, here are some ideas to help you go paperless (or to put that extra paper to use.)

1. Shred it. If you're sending a package or making a gift basket, reuse your newspapers and junk mail as filler. Shred it, and you have instant packaging material that's recycled and free.

2. Decoupage with it. If you're a magazine subscriber, use photos and phrases to decoupage a box or older piece of furniture. All you need is some Mod Podge, a brush, and some creativity! Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

3. Donate it. If you subscribe to a periodical, and you're finished browsing through the last few months' pages, take them to a nursing home or other similar facility. It's a way to serve, keep the patients updated, and they can use them for crafts, as well.

4. Forget it. Find out as many ways as you can to go electronic. You can save all statements or receipts to your email or thumb drive for future reference (like taxes) to keep them safe.

5. Utilize the internet. If you're doing a project, make it PowerPoint. If you're researching for photos online, say for a wedding or party, use a site like polyvore.com that allows you to make a collage, or you can make one on software as simple as Word. Here's an example I made for a friend online on polyvore:

It's lots of fun, and it has a built in browser so you don't have to search all over google images.

If you have any suggestions about "going paperless" leave me a comment!

Have a blessed weekend!

Project Green Baby: Complete!

2010-02-04T12:26:00.002-06:00

To update everyone on the green baby gift package I made for a friend who works at our apartment complex, I dropped off the package yesterday. Our friend was off work, but I can't wait for her to come back and see it!

Here are some photos of the finished products:

The pacifier holder had a couple of snaffoos, like accidentally cutting the ribbon rather than the thread (doh), and the thread bunching up. So, I had to use the handy dandy seam ripper a couple of times, but it eventually came out just fine!

Okay, the towel apron was kinda hard to take a picture of, considering the size. I sewed a strip of matching blue/yellow/green plaid fabric along the top, and fixed the same yellow grograin ribbon I used in the paci holder at the neck. Then I folded and sewed the "hood" at the bottom of the towel, and viola! A less than one hour project. Even less than that if you forfeit the hood idea.

I had already made this little brag book, and thought the colors matched too well not to add it in with the other things. It's just cardstock, folded and stacked, with one hole punched on the folded side to thread the ribbon through and bind together. You can slide a picture through the back of the cutout on the front, or glue a picture on so that the blue paper creates a border. A very quick and easy gift to make if you have some scrapbooking or cardmaking papers laying around.

The "Boo-boo" heart was cute and fun to make. Just a scrap of recycled blue felt, a scrap of grey blizzard fleece, and some leftover green ribbon from the paci holder. I cut out the heart shape, pinned the ribbon handle on the back, and sewed it together with a zig zag stitch, leaving a gap to fill the heart with rice and lavender. Then I just sewed up the gap!

Here's how it all came together:

I added a book that I found at a resale/antique shop (Boomer's Big Surprise) that was done in beautiful watercolors in mostly greens, yellows, and blues. Then I arranged it all in a green mesh bag, and tied it with some coordinating ribbon and a scrapbook tag (with stickers added to spell out "Joy.") That's it! Altogether, it took me a few days to complete everything, but it could have been done in a day and a half or so if it was the only thing I'd had to work on. So, if you have a free weekend, and you know someone who's having a baby, this is a useful\ gift basket to whip up using minimal or leftover materials.

Some other eco friendly ideas for expecting families:

http://www.bumgenius.com/

http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/

http://www.newbornmom.com/

http://www.greatgreenbaby.com/

Discovery Health

And for everyone else who's not having a baby, doesn't know of anyone having a baby, or is just tired of me talking about babies already, February is National Condom Month (or specifically, Feb. 14 is National Condom Day!)

http://www.ashastd.org/

Ironic, no?

Hope you're having a great week!

Rain, Rain, Come Our Way

2010-02-03T14:55:00.002-06:00

Today is a rainy, cold day, but I'm trying not to be depressed about it. Don't get me wrong, I love the rain! It just gets a little heavy when there hasn't been more than a couple days of sunshine in the past week (or 2 or 3 ...) Today, it makes me think of harvesting. The rainwater, that is. If you have a house of your own, you can find instructions in that awesome book I've mentioned before, Toolbox To Sustainable City Living. Or, if you're a web nerd, and find all of your information the paperless way: Wikihow Rainwater Collection Instructions.

Or, if you dwell in an apartment, like moi, you can move any houseplants or patio plants to an area where they'll be rained on. If you're on the first floor, sit them just outside the patio if the rain doesn't reach inside. You could also use one of these cute little things: Petaldrops. I don't know how the management would feel about sitting drums out to collect the rainwater, but it's likely that a few clean milk jugs sitting on the patio wouldn't hurt. (Cut the tops of the jugs with a blade to make a larger hole.)

Oh, and if it's raining where you are, and you're bored out of your mind: 20 Things To Do On A Rainy Day. Might I add: going to a matinee or dollar theater; bowling or indoor arcade; learning how to make something cool; calling a friend and catching up on the latest news.

Stay dry! (Or get wet, if you're into dancing in the rain!)

Kick Your Shoes Off!

2010-01-31T14:15:00.002-06:00

I love being barefoot. If I wear shoes, they'd better be really cute or the closest thing to barefoot I can get (flip flops), because, as my mom puts it, I just like to "let my feet be feet." Now, I've heard all kinds of things about how it's not good that I don't wear shoes, or that I wear the wrong kind of shoes, but I was very happy to find out that leaving your shoes at the door can be a very good thing.

Your shoes carry little bits of everything you've run into during your time outside, and when you come inside, they do, too. So, taking off your shoes as soon as you come not only prevents your from tracking mud onto the carpet, but it can seriously cut down on the amount of allergens you bring into your home.

Chances are, you may have already heard that the air inside can be way worse than the air outside, so here are some other tips from AC.com to prevent "indoor illnesses" caused by pollutants inside your home:

1. Open a window. If the weather is nice, ventilate your place while you're home.

2. Install exhaust fans vented outside, or try a dehumidifier if you live in a damp area.

3. Stop smoking. Inside, at least. It may even help cut down on your cigarette intake if you're looking to quit (and I encourage you to!)

4. Wash/change filters in your A/C, humidifiers/dehumidifiers on a regular basis to keep from recirculating pollutants.

5. Get exhausted. If you're using gas while cooking, make sure the area is well ventilated.

6. If you own a home, have it tested for radon and lead contamination. Contact your local health department about where to find detection kits or hire a certified radon tester. (Radon, as defined by the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, is "a radioactive gas that is released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock.")

7. Buy (or make, like mentioned in my previous blog) nontoxic household cleansers and pesticides. Buy nontoxic paints; ask your local hardware store employee, or look for "VOC Free" on the label.

8. If you install carpeting, ventilate the place for at least 48 hours after. You can also check out other options, like the ones at http://www.ecobydesign.com/.

9. Check your furnace or chimney for any blockages (make sure the flue works!) or cracks that might force soot and smoke back inside your home, rather than funneling it out. Do it right before the cold season sets in, so you won't be taken by surprise.

10. "Allow adequate ventilation around laser printers and fax machines, which often emit volatile organic compounds." I'm guessing that's why they smell so funny ...

There are also new air purification AC systems that can be installed in your home, but it can cost a pretty penny to do it. Something much more basic you can do is to hone your green thumb by nurturing some indoor plants.

Here's to a healthier home!

Pollution/Rocks

2010-01-29T12:33:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I'm not for hitting people with rocks, but it's a thought.

Green Babies!

2010-01-29T12:31:00.001-06:00

No, not aliens.

There's a really sweet girl who works at the office in our apartment complex who's pregnant. She and her husband are (like most everyone else,) trying to make the finances go as far as possible, and with a baby on the way, that puts a strain on things. So, I've decided to take some of my free, indoor-bound time - it's been raining cats and dogs for the past couple of days - to make some fun baby stuff for them.

This has been a reocurring project, seeing as there have been lots of babies popping up (or out?) for the past several months. We're short on cash, and since I've had a little practice now, I'm feeling confident in my baby product making abilities. Plus, I have tons of scrap ribbon and fabric around the apartment. Here are a couple of ideas I'll be using:

Bath Apron

This is a super quick and easy project that can be modified or left as is, depending on time and skill level. All you need is a towel, twill tape or ribbon (preferably grograin), and minimal skills on the sewing machine. (If you don't have a machine, I wouldn't recommend this project, only because the ribbon will serve as the tie for the apron, and needs to be sturdy.) Here are the instructions: Bath Apron.

I personally like to add a "hood" on the opposite end, or the bottom of the apron, by simply folding some of the fabric at the bottom of the apron toward the back, pinning, sewing diagonally on each side (so that the lines form a triangle pointing down, like an arrow), and trimming the excess. Just flip the "hood" inside out, and you have a hooded towel to flip up and over baby's head. If you're totally comfortable on the machine, go crazy and add ears to the hood, or pockets on the apron to hold baby shampoo, bath toys, etc. This project is awesome for using up scraps of ribbon if you're a crafter - you can also use scraps to embellish the edges of the towel - and is something the parents will really appreciate.

Pacifier Holder

This is another really quick project. Again, grograin ribbon works best, and a scrap will work. You'll need a suspender clip, and snap closure sets. (You also can use the sew-on kind if you're comfortable hand-sewing.) Here are the instructions: Binky Leash.

You can also use the sewing machine to sew the ribbon on the suspender clip side, for added security, or you can sew ribbon of different widths on top of one another to make the leash more sturdy. Other clips could be used as well, like alligator clips, but I think the suspender clip is the safest, and won't crimp baby's clothing. This project is a great way to prevent Mom from losing dozens of pacifiers, and therefore buying dozens of pacifiers, which reduces waste.

DIY really is a wonderful way to save money (most of the time,) cut down on waste (especially when you can use things you already have laying around), and is the only way you can truly customize or personalize a gift. Plus, if you make something useful, eco friendly, and adorable, you'll be the coolest person at the baby shower, and she'll be the coolest mom on the block.

I'll post pictures of the finished projects later, and let you know how they turn out.

Blessings!

Get Knotty With DIY

2010-01-28T12:49:00.002-06:00

Okay, so how many of us have old, stained, or too-big T-shirts that we can't seem to get rid of? I always keep a few around for projects like painting or what have you, but now the T-shirts will become projects themselves. (Cue mad scientist laughter.)

I recenlty discovered the trend of "knotting," and think it's such a cool way to update a wornout (or unworn) piece into something fun. Recently, my cousin was given some clothing by a client, who was aparrently a large man. We snagged a vintage Hawaiian shirt, and an old bowling shirt, but they swallowed my frame. So, after using another T as a template, and cutting strips up each side and knotting them, it's going to make one funky cute bathing suit cover come summertime.

Here's an example; the "ribcage" shirt that started it all:

Ribcage Shirt

Here's another cool idea that's much less labor intesive (and a flashback to the 80's):

Refinery

And if you just don't want to wear it at all:

Kids Haus T Shirt Pillow

There are SO many other ways to spiff up a shirt (which can also be applied to dresses), demonstrated by books like:
Alibris Books, 108 Ways, and Amazon, 120 New Ways.

So pick up some scissors, maybe some needle and thread, and start tearing your old T to pieces! If you mess up, it's not like you were ever going to wear the thing again, right?

Happy crafting!

Spring Cleaning

2010-01-27T12:15:00.001-06:00

Okay, so it's not quite Spring yet. In fact, here in Texas, it might be snowing this weekend. However, the place still needs to be cleaned, and I've been on a "natural cleaner" kick for several months now, trying to figure out the formulas that work (and smell) the best. Here's what I have so far:

DIY laundry soap

Castile bar soap, grated to 1 cup
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Mix together well in container, and use 1-3 tbsp. per load

Sinks/Tubs/Toilets

Drizzle surface with lemon juice (or white vinegar) and sprinkle with baking soda. Let sit 5-10 minutes, and wipe or scrub away. (I recommend lemon juice if you aren't fond of the smell of vinegar; however vinegar is usually cheaper, and you have to keep lemon juice refrigerated.)

Glass

Spray lemon juice onto glass, or pour some onto a cloth, and wipe surface. You can also use a 50/50 water/vinegar mixture in a spray bottle, wiping off with newspaper or cloth. (For mirrors, you can use solution or undiluted vinegar.)

Floors

If you already have a swiffer, and you've run out of cleaning pads for it, cut up an old flannel shirt (or use fleece) to size. Works just as well!

For more ideas, visit the DIY Network.

Blessings!

Food for Thought

2010-01-26T11:50:00.001-06:00

Our chemistry teacher friends came over on Saturday to pick up some business clothes we donated to their school's Career Fair drive (I seriously suggest checking out what the schools in your area need, by the way -search a website like donorschoose.org for more info.) She handed me an article from Yoga Journal about a little cafe in Arlington, TX that is entirely donation based. No one is turned away, and there are other restaruants like it throughout the U.S. Here's the article:

http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2948

Here's the Arlington location's website:

http://www.potagercafe.com/

I just love it. How much more giving can you get? Best of all, the restaurants focus on the food being healthy and nutritious (and cruelty free.) The hours are a little sporadic, based on peak lunch and dinner times, but if you can visit one, please do. We can't wait to visit!

This subject has really been on my heart lately, and I think this is one of the many solutions we could all come up with to end hunger. I recently met 2 gentlemen through my dad's church who go to Chicken Express each night to collect the leftover chicken and sides. They save it all up in freezers throughout the week until Sunday, when they heat it in their ovens at home and deliver it to the homeless on the streets. Every little bit helps!

Blessings!

Read it!

2010-01-25T12:29:00.002-06:00

My husband got this really cool book from his mom and dad for Christmas called Toolbox For Sustainable City Living:

http://www.amazon.com/Toolbox-Sustainable-City-Living-Ourselves/dp/0896087808

I highly recommend buying (or taking a trip to Barnes and Noble's seating section to take a gander at) this book if you live in a city or suburb. I mean, just the artwork alone is worth gracing your coffee table. Even if you live in the country, where your next door neighbor is miles down the road, I would check it out. There are instructions on building your own wind turbine from old bicycle parts, and alternatives to solar panels that aren't industry based and that are truly sustainable (i.e., when they break, you'll actually have the money to replace them!) If you're even remotely interested in microlivestock like chickens, or catching rainwater to water your garden or for emergency use, this book has how to do it, what to do it with, and how to share the knowledge and resources with your community.

If chickens and wind turbines just seem too radical for you, don't worry - it's not like anyone expects you to go from average Joe (or Joline) to the crazy activist farmer on the block. There are less involved suggestions, like building a pond for your backyard, and what type of trees to plant. But this stuff is just too good to pass up. If you know a Mr. Fixit, or if you've been invited to a housewarming, this would make a great gift, too.

We don't have a house yet, but I'll at least be planting some annual veggies on our patio this spring.

Happy Monday!

Raw Edges

2010-01-24T18:45:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Earthmake! I'm just starting out, so the blog is, well, raw, but it will soon rock your earth friendly socks off. As a city dweller, I'm trying to get back to basics (along with my dear, sweet, husband), and make generally smarter choices for ourselves, our future children, their children ... and we're not exactly rollin' in the dough.

My mom and I also recently started a business inspired by all of the amazing vintage stuff left behind by my grandmother, great grandmother, and great great aunt. We reuse as many vintage materials as possible, and recycle as many things as we can (like ribbon spools and old jewelry.)

So, with inspiration coming from all directions, I just want to share what I learn along the way. Whether it's DIY projects using better stuff and less money, or an eco-minded business, a recipe or a pattern, I'm paying it foward to you. All that I ask is that you do the same.

While I'm tinkering with this site, please click on the "BuyMeLove" link below or to your right, and visit our business (along with the other amazingly talented sellers on etsy!)

Blessings!