Apple Valley Soaps!

With so many choices out there how do you decide what soaps to use on your skin? I choose to use hand made, naturally derived soaps that I know all of the ingredients in. I've mentioned them before in a post but they are so cool I wanted to do a whole post on them.


I mean even the paper they put around their amazing soaps is beautiful. The cedar wood soap decks are hand carved and the little bit of Sisal bag is an amazing to exfoliate. I'm just starting to transition over to all natural soaps as I'm running out of what I have. Currently I'm using their Vanilla Buttermilk Bar and it is heavenly. I'm also starting to use their shampoos I just got the Rhassoul Clay and Sea Mud Shampoo Bar and the Beer and Egg Bar!

This is a truly family owned and operated business and that is another thing I like about them. They have some great deals going on through the month of May before they go on break for a few months for the new baby. So stock up now.

I asked Natalie a few questions and got a fabulous answer check it out!

We are a family of 9 (soon to be 10) who has had various garden-variety skin issues (eczema, etc.) over the years. Using steroid creams seemed to eliminate the symptoms, but not the problems, and I did not like to continue slathering steroid cream all over the bodies of my small children. One night while walking through the Mall of America, my husband and I saw a display of Lush products and freaked out at how high priced everything was...yet we marveled at the marketing success of this company. It got me thinking..."if THEY can make stuff like that...why can't I?" And so I began a search for HOW to create ALL natural products (Lush uses chemicals as well as artificial scents/colorings in their products) that would appeal to a growing number of people who are concerned about what they put on their skin...the largest organ of their body!

My first lotion bar was the Cocoa Butter lotion bar...and it completely eliminated the eczema on my 4 year old's legs! Encouraged by this success, I made my first loaf of soap and "tested it" on friends and family. Everyone gave it rave reviews...and I made another one. And another one.

After making many loaves and selling them "at cost" to friends/neighbors and family, I began to delve into the whole area of shampoo bars. I have so many issues with my own hair...I wanted to see if I could make a shampoo bar that would help. After a year and a half of tweaking, tweaking, tweaking...I have come up with some amazing recipes that are FABULOUS for your hair! My hair dresser is totally amazed at how shiny, healthy, and strong my long, thick, permed, colored hair is! You would NEVER know it has been so chemically treated. I do not have split end problems anymore...fly-away, elastic issues...etc. I love my hair for the first time in my entire 40 something years of life. : ) I have had so many customers rave about the results they get just switching from a conventional, chemically laden, liquid shampoo to an all natural, solid, moisturizing shampoo bar.

Right now I am getting ready to have a baby boy in June, so we are going to shut down shop for the months of June-July to enjoy our new family member. Our customer base knows this and our stock is selling out quickly. However, we will be up and running...and fully stocked...August 1st. We will have three new body bars to introduce, giving you 26 body bar choices...AND we will have two new shampoo bars giving you 10 shampoo bar choices for all different kinds of hair/scalp types.

One more note of interest: our children are very involved in our little home business! We home educate our children, giving them an opportunity to learn how to run a business, and finish college early. Our 16 year old son manages our website, makes soap decks and has over a year of college credit under his belt. His goal is to graduate from college the year he is supposed to graduate from high school. Our 14 year old son makes soap decks and fixes computer issues for me. (What would I do without THAT????) Our 10 year old daughter does data entry and measure/pours all the oils/butters for every loaf of soap that is made. I am slowly training her in on other aspects of the business as well so that she will be a great asset to her future family. The rest of the "littles" are great testers...and love to get free "sniffs" whenever a new loaf of soap is being hand cut.

So grab a cup of java and come visit our quiet, peaceful, online shop sometime! You can make purchases through the month of May. After that, you can make wish lists and come back again August 1st! www.applevalleynaturalsoap.com

Now for the fun stuff come back next week for a big announcement and a chance to win some Apple Valley products and other great green items! Its my first giveaway!!


Please don't forget to write the FCC and save Video Relay Services as we know them.

This blog is carbon neutral!

How cool is that?

I've seen this logo on a few blogs and to be honest I always thought it was a little crazy. I mean who would pay to offset the minor emissions of a blog? Well yesterday I finally clicked on one of them to see what was going on and turns out its a pretty cool program...and its free! (oh and blog emissions aren't so minor)

Ok so here is whats going on. The Plumas national forest in northern California was destroyed by lightning strikes and a moon light fire. The Arbor Day Foundation (a non-profit conservation and education organization) has the goal helping reforest 5,500 acres of Plumas National Forest with 792,000 trees. They are working together with the "My Blog is carbon neutral initiative" as the US partner.

For every blog that posts about the initiative they will plant a tree in this devastated forest. The reduction of carbon emissions of one tree is approximately 11 lbs per year. The carbon emissions of a blog with 15,000 hits a month is 8 lbs per year. Since I have along ways to go before I hit 15,000 hits a month I'm in the clear and my blog become carbon natural!

Want to make your blog carbon neutral its easy!

1. Write a blog about the project

2. Click here pick a button and add it to your blog

3. Email CO2-neutral@kaufda.de with a link to your blog.

That's it.

CO2-neutral@kaufda.de

PS check out this great giveaway from Tatortots and Jello: http://tinyurl.com/mondaygiveaway

15 min till I'm out the door, and Greening your morning.

So at least once a week I hit snooze one to many times....I'm sure I'm not the only one. Anyway there are days when I only have 15-20 min to get ready and I find that putting on my make-up is what makes or breaks my timetable. So I thought I would show you my staples, what I use when I'm in a hurry. As I've mentioned before I'm in the process of switching to greener more natural makeup, but I'm not going to just throw out what I have that would be a major waste. So I'm using it up.

(Top Left to Bottom Right)

1. CO Bigelow Lip Tint (Bath and Body Works)

2. Mary-Kay blush brush (its greener to keep it till its dead than buy a new one)

3. M.A.C Bronzer/Highlighter/Blush (it was a Christmas thing so they no longer have it)

4. Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow in Starlit Pink. (Now in a tube with wand)

5.Everyday Minerals base in Golden Fair (I'm in love!)

6. Everyday Minerals Baby Bamboo Brush (only available in select kits but checkout their kits they are amazing!)

How to green your morning.

~ Take your shower the night before and let you hair air dry. Then the next morning it will only take 1/2 or none of the electricity to style it since you only have to use the flatting iron or curling iron instead of also using a blow dryer. If you put your hair up every other day like I do you don't use any (second day hair!)

~While we are on the subject shower everyday if you must but only wash your hair every other.

~Use bar shampoo and soap instead of traditional store bought. Less ingredients, plastic and better for your skin and hair! My current fav is the Vanilla Buttermilk Bar from Apple Valley Natural Soaps it leaves my skin silky. I haven't switched to shampoo yet because again I'm trying to use up what I have.

~ Use a green make-up I'm seriously loving the Everyday Minerals base and eye shadow.

~If you still like to go to the counter and purchase, consider MAC they have a back to MAC program where you can return 6 of their primary packaging either to the store or mail in and get a free lipstick!

~Here is the easiest one of all, turn off your water while you brush your teeth.

Well that is all I can think about for now, let me know if you have any green hints for me.

Earth Day

Check out my Sister-in-law's post on earth day and how people have influenced her green changes.

Take a look under my sink. (Greening your cleaning)

Ok first of all just for honesty reasons here is what under my sink looks like...

Cleaning products are what started my journy to green I would break out in a rash every time I used a 'normal' cleaner and the fumes of some would give me a headache.

I still have a lot of old product I'm trying to use up and some specialty cleaners as you can see but these are my 5 favorite products and the ones I use most often.

1. Shaklee Dish Wash Concentrate~ I use drops, yes drops of this product for my dishes. We still hand was pots and pans as well as a few other oddly shaped things that don't get clean in the dish washer. Plus my husband things it works tons better than Seventh Generation. So here is the green impact, Concentrate=less plastic, and it can be recycled, also a standard bottle lasts at least 5 times as long as a bottle of standard soap (at least in our house.) Its biodegradable and has no phosphates!

2. Method squirt and mop~ Again I use very little of this when I use it and I don't have to add water or rinse with water afterwards. Also the amazing scent! It is non-toxic and biodegradable as well, good for the puppy. Not to mention I use it with a microfiber mop head that can be thrown in the washing machine when it gets to dirty instead of buying another one.

3. Shaklee Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate~ This 32oz bag can take the place of 2.5 48oz boxes of cascade to do the same 48 loads of dishes. Plus it is Natural, Concentrated, has Biodegradable Surfactants, No phosphates, and No chlorine. Also it just works!

4. Method Wood for Good Furniture Polish~ I use this a lot, I have quite a bit of wood in my house and after I dust with my microfiber cloth I use this to clean up stains and protect the wood. Again just like everything else it is natural and the bottle is recyclable.

5. Shaklee Basic H2 Cleaning Concentrate~ This tiny bottle makes my glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner and decreaser. All with just a few drops + water. It is ultraconcentrated – 16 ounces makes up to 48 gallons of super powerful cleaner when mixed with water.

I use all of these cleaners with clothes not paper towels just to top it off.

Earth day is on its way!

Recently I've been looking into recycling the 'not so normal' and have found out some interesting things I thought I would share.

Did you know you could recycle aluminum foil? I didn't (although now that I think about it why not?

Here are some other interesting things that some of your local recycling centers will accept:

antifreeze
automotive, household and rechargeable batteries
plastic flower pots
used oil and oil filters
appliances
cell phones-dontate to a battered womans shelter in your area!
clothing
electronics
fluorescent bulbs-it is illegal to throw these away
tires
aerosol cans
bikes
books-paperback books may be able to go in your curbside bin
Christmas lights and cords
eyeglasses
Styrofoam/bubble wrap- take to your local UPS store
mattresses
carpet
concrete and asphalt- check with your local cement companies to see if they will take it

Check out this great website http://www.earth911.com/ to find recycling centers near you and other great hints.

What is a CSA?

Photo by galant from everystockphoto.com

CSA stand for Community Supported/Sustained Agriculture. Its a monthly subscription to a local farm that delivers a portion of veggies and or fruit to you through out the summer. They can be delivered weekly bi-weekly and in different portions sizes. There are also different options as far as how the produce is grown, organic, sustainable and the like. Each CSA also has its own delivery protocols. Many have a designated pick up spot on certain days and you just let them know which one you would like to do. Some will deliver to your door, and others you need to go to the farm and pick it up yourself.



There are also options for sweets (maple syrup and jams) coffee, eggs and even meat.



One thing to realize is that this is not a groceries store you don't get to pick what you get whatever is in season. This means you might get a lot of spinach one week and have to wait for July till you get tomatoes and the like. It also means you may get some vegetables you have never heard of before or some that you don't like. That is fine give them away or switch with a friend.



If you interested in getting a CSA this Summer. I would suggest starting with these websites to locate one in your area www.localharvest.com or http://www.foodroutes.org/ you can find a listing for your area and start narrowing it down to which one you would like.



This is such a great way to support organic, sustainable and locally grown produce. Not to mention if your on a raw diet its a good way to get some new veggies in your diet.

Bathroom closet madness

How many of you have shelves that look like this in your linen closet?

Yeah those are mine...yikes. Notice there is no room for towels. Ok it is a little extra bad because we still don't have the bottom shelf in from the bathroom demolition (why you may ask? I have no idea I'm putting it back tonight!)

So here is the project I've been working on for a long time, use this stuff up!

I'm to the point of using one dedicated shampoo/soap/lip gloss/whatever till its gone just so I can get rid of something but they are everlasting!!!

I honestly can't tell you the last time I bought lotion, oh ok yes I can it was last March because I needed a certain brand after my new tattoo.) But other than that the only thing I've bought is lip gloss because I use a lot of the CG Bigalow stuff during the winter. My SIL just got me a few more so I should be set for summer!

This is part of my attempt to lessen the clutter in my house and I've moved these items with me between 3 homes and that is enough!

I want to de clutter my life, so bad I've tried a few different ways but its all baby steps and that is ok. I don't want to open my closet and have to take a deep breath before looking for something. I like organization and its just not possible with this much stuff!

What are you doing to pair down in your home?

My next project is to figure our greener alternatives to replace these items with once they are finally used up. If anyone has suggestions for body soap that won't over dry the skin, shampoo for oily hair and a good natural lotion let me know! Extra bonus would be to have it the Minnesota area so that I could buy local.

Just for fun here is the new tattoo it says my hubby's name in Korean.

Green Make-up!!!!

Guess what came in the mail this week????
My new make-up from Everyday Minerals!!!
I got a cute spring set of theirs and they just came out with a second set.

Yes I really am that excited. Up until now I've been just trying out their sample foundation and I love it. But I'm not going to buy a bigger size until my skin tone changes this summer a little. I still have a 1/2 full MAC foundation that was so expensive I just cant bare to throw it away. That leads me in to one of the reasons I'm in love with this new make up:

~ The Price!

A full sized foundation is only $12.00 Eye shadows are $6.00 If you just want a mini size of a fun color you won't use much its only $2.50!

Here are the sizes you will see they are comparable to most other mineral brands:

Base .19oz/5.5g

Cheek .19oz/5.5g

Conceal .19oz/5.5g

Finishing Dust .42oz/12g

Kaolin Powder .17/5g

Natural Reflections .19oz/5.5g

~Samples

This is my problem with most cosmetics my skin is hard to match. Even if I go to a MAC counter it might look good there but when I get home blah. This company has mini sets of foundations and other products that you can order and try them out free before you buy. You get one free set with every order even if its the only thing your order. Just pay the shipping. Or if you want a few more samples they are only 5 dollars each for the set.

~Free Stuff and Discounts

They always have codes for at least one if not two free item options. Just look under the beauty perks tab for more information about the current promotion. There is also discounts available for volume buying 5-11 full sized items 25% discount 12-infinity 45% discount!

~Materials

Organic and Vegan here is a quote right from their website

"Everyday Minerals and Everyday Naturals products are free of nanotechnology, carmine, dimethicone, fragrance, animal by products, bismuth oxychloride, silicone and lake dyes. We are a vegan line and do not believe that the above ingredients should be included in any products."

~Shipping

The 'regular' shipping is quick and the cost is minimal. They pack in cardboard that can be recycled, and recycled tissue paper.





~Long lasting

I've tried a lot of different foundations and one of my biggest pet peeves is that at the end of the work day it doesn't look like I put anything on that morning...grr. This lasts through the work day sure there is a little fading (especially if your a face touch er like me) but I still look fresh at the end of the day!

~Foundation Options

They have 35 different color options in 4 different styles
Matte – Provides a silky smooth matte finish that is ideal for normal to oily skin.
Semi-Matte – Softer glow for normal to combination skin.
Intensive – Silky near-matte finish, mattify oil where needed without drying your skin.
Original Glo – Gives your face an added touch of dewiness with long lasting coverage and is ideal for normal to dry skin.

Plus you can buy (or get free) 4 color sample packs (one of each style) to find your perfect match.





~Handmade in small batches


"At Everyday Minerals, all of our products are handmade with love in small batches. Each product has a batch code on it, which tells the date of manufacture. To ensure freshness of our products we stock small quantities."



I bought the Spring for Women kit but this picture also includes 5 mini eyeshadows that were free. The rest of the items were part of the kit. This kit is extra fun because all of the profits go to a charity called Women for Women that helps women survivors of war.

My mind is racing.

I had a really hard weekend I'm not going to lie. Saturday I broke down. These last few weeks have slowly started to remind me of the time right after Mark (my first husband) passed away. I'm alone in a house, with a new puppy that needs to be trained, projects that need to be done, a house that needs to be kept up and a day job...I was overwhelmed and freaking out. One of my biggest fears is looseing my hubby...again. I called Mac and we talked for a while and I started feeling better. This week is going much better PTL! Anyway

These last 2.5 weeks with my hubby gone have been interesting to say the least. There have been highs and lows and a lot of questions. The questions are what have my mind racing. I'm in a stage of life where I'm trying to define myself, don't get me wrong I know who I am, but how does that play out in 'real life?'

Here is what I know I am a believer in Christ and I know that because of my sins, his death and resurrection is the only way I will get to heaven. I know that I am deeply loved by many people, I am truly blessed in this area. I know that I enjoy taking care of people and making them happy. I like to craft, read, and do projects around the house. I enjoy the outdoors and pretty much anything you can do outside. I believe in being responsible with the world we live in. I also believe that our bodies weren't created to live on so much processed food.

So where does that leave me? Spinning that's where, these are some major areas that I want my life to represent. But how does that play out in real life, what does it look like?

I don't want to be the normal everyday Christian but I don't want to be the zealot on the street corner either. If I truly believe what I say I don't why don't I have the desire to be in the word studying more? Why don't I want to share my faith more readily? I know I live it out in general. I know people can see I'm different but I want them to know why.

I want to take care of the ones I love as much as I can but not at the expense of my mental and physical heath. This is honestly new to me, Hubby is trying so hard to help me with this but I'm struggling with accepting what he says as truth. For example I wanted to get the bathroom done before he got home. I was working myself so much that I was falling asleep and taking 3 or 4 naps AT WORK! He told me I didn't need to do it myself and he would help when he got home. But I just kept working on it until I broke down physically and emotionally this weekend. I slept so much over the weekend (multiple hour naps) but at least this week I'm doing well. I've been working on keeping the house together, because that makes me happy. I'm still working on the bathroom but just a project or two a day. This week is so much better my positive attitude is back and I'm definitely more awake! I know the hubby will still love me no matter what but I keep convincing my self he would be happier if...

I want to be green without being a nut job (or have people view me as a nut job.) and I want to eat as healthy as possible, but does that mean organic, raw, local, or do I eat a variety of fruits and veggies so I stay balanced no matter where they came from and what chemicals may have been used? This is a big one right now since I'm doing the whole raw thing. I'm honestly at a loss.




**edited to add the following**
It was pointed out to me that I can be pretty harsh on my self, while that is true, that is not the spirit of this post. I'm actually excited about most of these things. I'm excited to define my beliefs on food and greenness there is so much you can do and say and I want to know where I stand so that I'm not pushed into something I don't want to do. With the pleasing others situation, I'm excited because I'm starting to not only know what is healthy for me but to act on it! Your right however my knowledge of the Bible and my beliefs is something I do get down about.

However I just wanted to point out that this was not meant to be a bummer post.

Green @ Work

Here are some simple, easy, healthy, and money saving ways to be green at work



Stairs-use them instead of the elevator, this is not only green but healthy and a great way to get your blood pumping in the morning.


Coffee Mug- use a coffee mug instead of a cup you can buy a cute homemade one, or just bring your own from home. Another option would be to buy the gas station mug and refill that. They normally give you a refill price when you use it and that will save you money too.


BYON (napkin) I'm amazed at how many paper towels we go through at work. There is this one co-worker who brings her napkin with her everyday. I love that, why don't I do that?


Water bottle- I love my siggs, but you can use whatever style you want. Just don't use the disposable kind. Recycling is better than throwing away but a permanent reusable bottle is better than both. Just make sure you clean it often.


Print on two sides of the paper- I think that explains itself.


E-mail don't print- For example directions to your next meeting? Don't print them off either use your GPS or e-mail them to your phone so you can just read them off of that.

Use technology- I will admit I like using a paper planner, there is just something about it. However these days its very easy to sync your desktop calendar to your pda and often much more convenient. (who wants to lug that planner around all the time.)

Again I understand somethings need to be done fact to face but use web conferencing or video conferencing as much as possible, instead of flying/driving somewhere.


Well there are just a few I'm sure there are a lot more out there.

The wonder of craigslist and other things...

So I think by know you all now my favorite color is not pink, and that is the main reason I don't like my bathroom. However you never know who out in the crazy world is in love with pink. So just in case I posted my tile, tub, toilet, sink and such on craigslist last night before bed. Low and behold I had 5 e-mails about it when I woke up this morning! The tub, sink, and accessories have all been claimed! I'm just left (so far) with a toilet and tile! Plus the guy who is going to help me get the tub out is a metal recycler! And the Chick who wants the accessories is using them to re-finish her bathroom retro style. I'll ask her if I can post pics. Its pretty cute and much better than my all pink bathroom! I'm loving that these things will get reused or recycled instead of put in the land field.

So on to the 'other things' I was referring to. About two weeks ago I went to a great BBQ place with some friends and broke out the bamboo travel silverware for the first time in 'public.' The response was funny, a lot of people just asked why, a few thought it was cool and I was proud. It was funny. So far none of my friends thought I was 'crazy' green (I'm not but I'm working on it) but now they are starting to wonder, and I like it.

Random thought number 2, I have an interesting mind. I'm one of those people that if I have a plan in mind and it has to change (specifically regarding schedule) it really throws me off. So the other day my hubby found out he had to go on a last min business trip that will last between 2-4 weeks. Once I got over the initial shock I was cool with it and thought he was going to be leaving today. Not so now it may not be till this Friday or next Friday. You would think this would be good news but I'm kinda twisted up about it. I was ready for him to leave so that I could be ready for him to come back now its just putting off the inevitable. Grr.

Ok last random thought, I forgot my water bottle. I didn't want to go buy a plastic one but then a friend at work had a good idea. Go buy one and then keep it in the office empty for when I forget my bottle the next time I can just use it again. Thanks Hil! I know using the plastic ones over and over isn't advised but it won't be often and probably just in till I get a cheaper back up here. I don't want to leave one of my $20.00 Sigg bottles in the office.

Ohh and check out my SIL's blog http://www.theiheartblog.com/

Greening my Make-up

I'm currently researching cost effective natural make-up. My hope is that after I find natural make-up I want to transition to natural facial cleansers. I have some acne problems and I think the transition will help (I will let you know.) So the first thing I'm trying Everyday Minerals you can get a Free Sample of their colors and coverage styles all you have to pay is the shipping! I'm excited to try it out, they even have a matte oil absorbing formula which may eliminate the need for me to use a 2nd powder!! I'll let you know what you think. (They just came last night I'm going to try this this weekend when I have time to play!)



If you were perchance wondering what prompted this though pattern here it is, this is my wonderful, soft, bamboo towel. This is what it looks like after coming into contact with my harsh acne soap:

Since this is a bamboo and organic towel they don't use the harsh dyes that other towels do (one of the reasons I bought it) and in normal conditions they hold up just like any other quality towel. But when exposed to harsh chemicals it messes with the color :( Oh well it works just fine it just won't be hanging as a display towel anymore.

This isn't going to be a fast transition first I have to use up the stuff I have and then switch over. But I will keep you updated as I go along.

In the mean time let me know what natural products you have tried and love.

Shopping Smart Home Edition

Oh my so much to say, we have been doing a lot of renovations around the house and I'm happy to say that I think the only thing I haven't bought on sale is paint. The biggest hint I can give is plan ahead. About a month ago we decided to redo the bathroom in March. We started watching sales and buying things when they were cheap. We have saved a lot of money this way. Keep measurements in your purse/wallet so that when you see a good deal you can take advantage of it. This is a great and easy way to save some money as long as you have somewhere to store the items till you use them.

Also don't forget that many of the 'big box' stores and some of the smaller stores as well will honor their competitors coupons. So if Home Depot has the exact item you want but you have a 10% lowes coupon take it to the customer service desk and use it! Along with that keep ahold of your receipts and watch the ads if something you just bought goes on sale you can often take in your receipt for a price adjustment. I've done this a few times to and although it feels a little funny I've saved a few hundred dollars this way.

Another good way to save some money and be green is to buy used. Think thrift stores, cragislist, ebay, garage sales, that kind of thing. My Friend Abbey is trying to declutter her life and has a great sale with some super cute stuff going on right now in the Twin Cities area, here is a link to her sale: Abbey's Sale.

As for greenie ways here are some ideas for you, bamboo, bamboo, bamboo. Bamboo still has to be manufactured like cotton and wood however its regrowth time is only around 5 years!!! This is a product with some sustainability. Not to mention it looks and feels fantastic. Have you ever felt a bamboo towel? They are amazing, they stay so soft wash after wash. Buy as many recycled items as you can and reuse as much as you can. There are lots of products out there to keep your house as natural as possible. Low VCO paint, natural cleaners such as Method and Shaklee, and many others. Find the one that works for you. Another great way is to borrow things. If you having a baby you could use your friends old bassinet and toys that their child has out grown. Try to use glass over plastic whenever possible.

Can you think of anything I'm missing I'm sure there are lots of ideas out there.

Shop Smart Food Edition

I would like to reitterate that some of these things are very basic but everyone has to start somewhere right?

Get a deep freezer on sale, on craigslist, or better yet free from a family member (thats what I did) and stock up on sales!!! One of my favorite (and somewhat heathy) ways to eat fish is to buy the " No Name Steak" brand, however it is expensive around $16.00, but if you pay attention it will go on sale for $9.99!! When this happens I buy as many as they allow and then go back the next day and buy more. Don't forget you can do this with just about everything including bread, just make sure that the bread is fully frozen before it has something on top of it and only stack other light things on top of it.

Another good use for the freezer are the warehouse stores, always double check the price and make sure it is something you will use often but this is a great way to save money (and packaging even for the greenie.)

Double your discounts, if your a coupon clipper ( I try but they don't often have the kind of food I buy) watch for double days. Around here Rainbow foods has double days on Wednesdays and for a limited time also on Saturdays.

When available shop at the farmers market, this is not only green (especially if you bring your own bags) it can be cheaper. Make sure you are buying whatever is in season and compare the different vendors chances are there is a better deal out there, also don't be afraid to barter.

Now I know I'm a 'greenie' but I'm not completely on the organic band wagon just yet. I do however believe there is some validity to the movement. So if you would like to buy organic but save a little money here is what I would suggest as far as fruits and vegetables go. If they have a thick skin that you don't eat (bananas, avocados, oranges that kind of thing) buy normal. If they have a skin that you do eat (apples, tomatoes and so on) buy organic.

Recycling Rules

I just got our city magazine and saw a great list of things we can recycle in our curbside pick up. These are pretty standard items but check with your town to make sure what they accept and what they do not.

Accepted

PAPER- Magazines, Mail, Newspaper, Newspaper inserts, Office papers, Phone Books, School papers, Shredded paper In a closed paper bag.

PAPER BOXES- Cake Mix Boxes, Cardboard boxes, Cereal Boxes, Electronics boxes, Gift Boxes, Medication boxes, Toiletry Boxes, Shoe boxes, Toothpaste boxes. (General rule if the product is in the cupboard then its recyclable if its in the fridge, freezer or microwave you can not.)

GLASS- good and beverage bottles and jars

METAL- Aluminum food and beverage cans, Steel food and beverage cans

PLASTIC- Dish washing bottles and detergent jugs, Ketchup and salad dressing bottles, Milk and juice jugs, Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles, water, soda and juice bottles.

*Hints* Remove all caps lids and pumps, give it a quick rinse, leave the labels on, do not place in plastic bags.

Don't Recycle

PAPER- Boxes soiled with food, Boxes from the refrigerated or frozen foods, Cups, Egg cartons, Gift wrap, Juice boxes, Milk cartons, Napkins, Paper towels, Pizza boxes, Plates

GLASS- Containers that held hazardous products, Drinking glasses, Window and mirror glass.

METAL- Aerosol cans, Containers that held hazardous products such as paint thinner, Paint cans.

PLASTIC- Lawn edging and hoses, Tubs and cups (ie cottage cheese and yogurt) produce containers, plastic wrap.

10 ways to be a little more green.

1. When taking a drive together try to take the car that gets better mileage (unless you really need the truck)

2. Make a plan and try to do all of your errands on one day in one trip.

3. Cook at home and from scratch as much as possible.

4. Go paperless, bills, IRA statements, coupons even (only print the ones you will use)

5. Use cloth napkins even at work.

6. Drink loose tea and use a mug to make it not a paper bag.

7. Don't blow dry your hair wash it the night before towel dry and then sleep on it.

8. Turn off the lights when you leave a room and use the new light bulbs.

9. Use your digital camera (rechargeable batteries,) review your pictures edit and only print the pics you need.

10. If you don't need it don't print it if you may need it someday back it up on an external hard drive.

Plans for the house (and the green things I hope to do)

So here are some of the upcoming plans for the house:



We want a rug for the TV room so the couch doesn't slide around anymore. I'm hoping to craigslist it and would love to find a sports themed one (without being too corny) since that is the theme we are going for (Wild, Twins, Vikes and Gophers.)





I'm going to redo the bar, instead of starting from scratch we are going to rip off the carpet and recover it and then we are going to cover the top of the bar with sports memorabilia. Speaking of which if you have any you would like to give me let me know!




The pink bathroom is going away!!! We are hoping to redo the cabinets instead of replace but all the tile will have to go. We are hoping to get the 'new' tile from the Re Store. Those are the immediate plans more to come.

Who do I want to be?

It seems like it is impossible to make personal goals (loose weight, eat better, get in the Word more, and so on) and keep them so starting today I have a new approach. I'm going to map out who I want to be and then when I'm tempted to deviate I'll ask myself if it lines up with that "person."

Now understand I'm not trying to change my whole personality I like who I am in general but I feel like there are some parts of my life that I got 1/2 way to my goal and then became stagnant. These are things that I care about but seem to be stuck. So here is a rough draft of "Who I want to be"

I would like to be a Spirit led Bible fed, Godly wife. I want to eat not just healthy but quality foods that will enhance my life not take away from it. I want to take care of the earth in any practical way I can without becoming a full blown "nut." I want to take care of the body that God has given me by not sitting down all day, playing with the dog and exercising. I would like to stop being so materialistic and focus on the things that really matter and de-clutter my life. I want to be a friend that people know they can count on. I would also like to continue to improve my interpreting skill and not just be content with where I'm at.

Ok so there you have it I'm gong to tweak it and start applying it today. Here is to a new start to my old adventure.


Amber

No Cotton Balls in my house!!!

I use organic cotton washcloths that I found on sale (ugly color) I cut them up in to 1.5"x3" pads, stitched the sides so they didn't ravel, and use them instead. Then when I'm done I just throw them in the laundry. Simple.

Its easy to tell which ones I've used to remove nail polish and I just put those in the container with my nail polish to be reused after they were washed. The rest I use for astringant when I'm washing my face at night. Here are some other alternatives I've found that you can buy instead of make yourself:

Cotton Ball Replacments

Pick Your own Colors

Bargin Scrubbies

Or here

Crocheted Face Scrubbers