How are ya? I know, I know…. long time no blog! What gives?!

With the end of Summer so near we’ve been sulking up a every last bit of the sunshine and I took a little impromptu bloggy break.  The weather has been extraordinarily HOT …today’s temp reached 110 degrees. Our clothesline was gettin’ all the action today.   Seriously, wish we had a solar oven, right about now.

It’s on our wish list and what’s funny is our town is known for having the most sun in the nation… 300 days of sunshine through out the year!

A little known fact we definitely need to take advantage of.

I’ve also been busy getting our outbuilding fit for homeschooling and so far so good… I will post separately on that subject soon. Definitely an amazing transformation going on and I’m beyond thrilled to begin our adventure.

Anyhoo… here are some tidbits  taking place at the RYD home front…

My grandma always told me… save your pickle juice and pickle hard boiled eggs!

Since we have green beans coming out of our ears so we put a few from some salvaged juice from 2 jars of Bubbies pickles!

Pickled green beans here we come.

can’t wait to fill up some reused glass jars with fresh dried herbs from our garden

:: parsley AND :: basil 2 kinds of each!

using the sunshine to dry our laundry… haven’t used our dryer much this summer!

Clean sheets and towels…ahhh!

Been busy makin’ all things homemade  (dry skin salve, deodorant, and toothpaste) including a few other things…

…deets to come!!!!

Mmm, lunch lately… easy peasy & perfect in this summer heat.

with apple slices + almond butter = Mmmm!

an Ani Phyo recipe!

a little love, a little laughter, a little a little … won’t you?

the fair is in town… a really big DEAL around here… we’ve already gone 2x!

Ah, the last of our beautiful Summer desert sunsets… feeling the autumnal shift lately at certain times of the day…

i heart autumn

<3

Change  is comin’ on for us and I feel it.

another fun highlight:  waiting on pickles that are wildly fermenting

( a NO vinegar recipe)… just a few more days!

& so you know the garden is fairing well and I hope to bring you an update on that soon too!

The last few days of August are going to be busy- busy.

I may be absent … but I’ll be back– promise! 

p.s. stomach yuck is just about gone! phew!

What have you been up to?!!

The majority of the public is aware of the necessity of recycling or better, reducing the waste that you generate in the first place. And now Call2Recycle is campaigning to remind the American pubic about recycling rechargeable batteries so that they too can be diverted from the landfill. In fact, they are calling for the American public to recycle 1 million pounds o… Read the full story on TreeHugger

Happy Friday!

We made it…woo-hoo!

Here are a few links for your {upcycled & recycled} reading pleasure…

365 days, 365 items of clothing, 365 dollars.... follow Marisa on her journey, at New Dress a Day a blog dedicated to turning thrift store dresses into fashionable ones for one year! What a sewing genius, if you ask me and what an excellent goal.  She’s got some RAD skills, yo! I admire what she’s doing and her lovely talents.

In the summer, you can usually catch me sportin’ a pair of sandals or flip flops or sometimes barefooted in the garden. I HEART the company Simple Shoes. They make eco fashionable footwear and I want to score a pair of Flippee’s! Don’t they have a fabu collection of shoes?! A few pairs are on my wish list. LOVE!

I’m really diggin’ these cutesy upcycled caps … I want the “Clark” version…but they’re SOLD OUT! boo. Guess, I’ll have to settle for this one, instead!

and last but certainly not least…an Independence Day craft idea for your tots. Sparkless Sparklers! yay!!

That’s all for this week, folks

Hve a wonderfl start to your holiday weekend.

Hope you all have a great weekend. TGIF!

I’m sure many of you, like myself, have wondered what to do with an item… as in how to reduce, reuse and recycle it!

you know; commit an eco action and feel like a planet saving hero…right? Right!

Today’s,  planet saving hero, is a friend of mine; whom I had pleasure of meeting on twitter.

His name is Mike, otherwise known as Canarsie BK across the web … he’s down to earth… AND

he’s determined to show you just how easy it is to go green… all year long.

His non intimidating sustainable acts prove eco friendly can be simple & fun.

Be sure to follow Mike’s journey and get an eco glimpse of his 365′in ways filled with plenty of fantastic 3R’s (green) ideas.

Today, he uses a tea bag to clean tiles... check it out!

Upcycled Plastic Bag Apron

Hola, lovelies!

What have you been up to?

I’ve been parading around in my grandmother’s aprons lately. I LOVE aprons. I love the warmth an apron provides, how it keeps my clothes clean, the pockets and just the overall feel. They’re very 50’s housewife, but I appreciate that quality about them. I inherited 2 full coverage ones after my grandmothers death several years ago. It’s fun to channel my grandmothers energy and embrace what it might of been like while she was wearing it.  In addition to my grandmother’s, I also have a very old apron which belonged to my grandfather’s mother, it’s red and white checkered, special and dainty. When wearing an apron, I’m more connected to thy womanly self. It’s strange…but so true!

I love to express my urban homestead-ness through an my apron(s). It feels right and gives me inspiration.  I’ve always been drawn to aprons… is that crazy? Vintage aprons, especially! They help me drive the creative force that is sometimes lurking inside.

I’m hoping to find the time in the next couple weeks to get an apron made using upcycled materials only.

A few links, perking my interests at the moment!

Make an apron from plarn (fused plastic)

Aunt Loretta’s Up cycled Tablecloth Apron

Upcycled Coffee Bag Apron

Upcycled Mens Shirt Apron

A Cafe Apron Tutorial

and I of course, also heart the Angry Chicken’s blog…

Tie One On!

I’m really liken’ her latest theme challenge too and can’t wait to see the winning apron.

Okay, peeps, enjoy the links … and tell me…

do you tie one on???

Have a marvy weekend.

Chow!

Tah Dah!

Here is the  birthday project, I was so busy trying to get finished these last couple of weeks…

and guess what?

It’s still not completely done.

The night before the eco tot’s birthday, all that had to be done was the sewing of ribbon across the top of “Happy” & “Birthday”.

BUT, noooooo!!! there was no sewing machine needle to be found…

and guess what?

I still don’t have that damn needle.

It’s the thought that counts, right?

Phew!

It hung in all it’s glory right here on our lovely brown couch the day of  T’s birthday.

pins and all…

I hand stitched and cut out the fabric letters (which, btw- was no fun because I did not have a letter template).

I may scallop the edges on the triangular pieces but first I need to invest in a pair of crafting scissors (and a needle, hoping this weekend!). lol!

This project has been on my sewing list for quite some time and when I was looking for more solid ideas, I came across this one!

I used 4 printed organic onesies, which the boys both wore (from my stash of saved onesies for future projects),  for the fabric pieces.

The blue striped ribbon is from T’s baby shower and the red ribbon is old X-mas stuff.

For the triangles, I rescued an old pair of my husbands jeans from the Goodwill pile.

I love the fact that each year this banner will hang proudly in our living room and carry so much sentimental value.

It was certainly handmade with lot’s of love and care (and will get extra kisses when I buy that damn needle to secure the ribbon on).

And… why is this birthday banner so eco rad?

because each year there will be…

No paper waste, no extra money spent, & trees saved in the process

it all

=’s earth friendly LOVE!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Stay tuned for part 2!

What green projects are you working on?

Happy Friday to you.

This is for all you crafty environmentalists…

I absolutely LOVE the site Crafting a Green World. It’s full of ton’s of great eco green DIY ideas.  I’m a huge fan of DIY projects because it brings out my inner creative self. After visiting their site I feel like I can do any of the featured crafts/projects.

Crafting a Green World features do-it-yourself projects that incorporate reused, recycled, and natural materials. Find knitting, sewing, crocheting, and other project ideas for eco-friendly and fashionable clothes, crafts, gifts and more.

I’ve been crafting up a storm this past week (more deets to come) for two eco birthday’s we have planned in April (Clark,1  & Tristan, 3)… not to mention Earth Day + RYD’s 2nd b-day. Aye carumba!

I love sewing.  It’s my outlet for relieving stress and getting out my creative juices. It also makes me realize; just how easy and fun DIY projects can be.

We celebrate Baby C’s 1st birthday on Sunday… and I’m SUPER DUPER excited about it.

Let the birthday frenzy begin.

Stay tuned because April is going to be birthday month which means there’s gonna be some fabu eco giveaways… *wink, wink*

Get your groovy craft on.

Have a marvy weekend!!

Peace, Love & Green Happiness 

Hello there!

Happy Hump Day! 

Lately, I’ve been in a crazy reuse mood so everything I see gets dissected and often times is recreated into something new. Last week, we bought a 2 flats of organic strawberries. I can hear you now, big deal.  It is a big deal in a sense because those flats come packed with individual plastic containers to keep the strawberries contained. The ONLY part I hate about purchasing strawberries is the pesky plastic green containers. They’re so nostalgic to me, actually. I can remember my grandma handing them to us to forage for the strawberries that grew in her yard and not to mention, all the strawberry shortcakes I’ve eaten … just something about them.

I did happen to notice the recycling symbol on the bottom of them now.Quite honestly, I don’t remember that always being the case. So, big green eco thumbs up!

After eating up all the delicious “super sweet” strawberries the plastic baskets began to pile up on  my kitchen counter top which became somewhat of an eye sore. Yes, I could just toss them into the recycle bin and be done with it; wipe my hands and walk away but lately I’ve been trying REALLY, REALLY hard to reuse things. I have always been good about it but I’m trying to take good to the next level.

Over the weekend, I was preparing a dish and cutting away at some veggies for din-din (and staring at the little green baskets),  … I instantly thought…”garbage bowl” after I scooped up some scraps and needed to find a place for them. They rescued the veggie scraps instantly and it made me a happy camper.

For those of you who watch Rachel Ray, you may be a fan of the “garbage bowl” already… for those of you who do not… well, simply put the “garbage bowl” is for all the food scraps to sit in while you prepare your meal. Granted, her kitchen bowl is twice the size of a strawberry basket but size doesn’t matter here, people. LOL!

It has seriously come in handy for all my kitchen scraps. Especially since most of the kitchen scraps go to the chickens & worms. The green baskets make it convenient to toss in all the waste as you go rather then tossing it into the garbage each time. I’ve been surprised at how much kitchen waste one little basket can fit and remain inside.Even garlic peels stayed inside

Granted, I won’t need that many “garbage bowls” but at least a couple will serve a purpose for awhile. The others are going back to the stand at the farmer’s market so they can be reused. I also have one in use for garlic bulbs! And… I’ve even used one as an Easter Basket (can’t find post with it pictured) for Tristan’s first Easter and will more than likely be doing it again for both this year!!! Just add reused paper stuffing or raffia to fill it up with and it’s ready for eggs or whatever you wish. Oh! and if you notice in the picture above there’s the agave bottle I’ve been waiting on (and the garlic bulbs are in the pic too- swear!).

Next time you get some strawberries reuse the green little basket as a kitchen scrap bowl, you’ll be happy you did!

Here are just a few other things I’m reusing:

* Piece of cotton from prenatal vitamin bottle; will be reused for crafts.

* 2 ice cream sticks; reused for crafts.

* Plastic case a necklace came in; keep my bobby pins inside.

* Very old Malt O Meal box; cut top open and poured baking soda inside for easy pour and no ‘poo regime.

* Plastic shoe case; have several of these in use for misc. crap objects.

* Jar tops; have several of these also for many uses… change holder, picture magnet frame and great for crafts.

Reusing is Rad!

What have you been reusing lately?

About a month ago, our Costco collection of toothbrushes came to an end! While on a quick run into Trader Joe’s I saw these Preserve toothbrushes and decided to purchase them. I’d read a lot about them previously and figured it was the best eco option. We’ve been using them for a couple weeks now and like them.

I love all the features about Preserve products! I honestly can’t believe I haven’t invested in their products sooner. I’m thrilled to share the wonderful information with you.

- Preserve products are made from 100% recycled plastics and 100% post-consumer paper. By using recycled materials, we save energy, preserve natural resources and create and incentive for communities to recycle.

- All of our plastic products are recyclable either through our postage-paid labels and mailers (toothbrushes and razor handles) or at the curb in communities that recycle #5 plastic.

- We make our products in the USA, so that we can ship them shorter distances, using less fuel and limiting our environmental footprint. We don’t test on animals. Period

How is that for an eco fantastic company! Wait, there’s more.

The Preserve team is made up of 17 people and a host of talented interns who bike, walk, train, and drive (some in bio-diesel fueled cars) to our office outside of Boston intent on bringing Preserve and our mission into more homes everyday.

Whoa! Only 17 people! I find that to be quite impressive.

Still more:

Since their toothbrushes and other various products including RAZORS and Preserve Jr. toothbrushes are made from #5 plastic  they’re products are BPA FREE. No plastic toxic chemicals! Gick.

If you have a Whole Foods Market in your area you can also recycle their products at participating locations or at any Gimme5 participating locations.  I think  my favorite feature about this toothbrush is the recycling aspect.    Being able to recycle your toothbrush is RAD! The curve handle makes it easy to get into those areas that are hard to get to- I love that. Plus, the container they come in doubles as a travel case.

I can’t tell you how happy I am to have picked up these toothbrushes that day. What’s even better is that because they have razors that are recyclable I can use these in the future and not feel the eco guilt after using a disposable one. This information could not have come at a better time since I’m giving up disposable razors. Maybe, Preserve wants to help me make the switch!?!!?

AND- the Preserve Jr. toothbrushes have fun animal colors and shapes…

Preserve is a proud supporter of the National Wildlife Federation’s mission to inspire Americans to protect our wildlife for future generations.  That’s why we partner with them to highlight different endangered species on the packaging and design of our Jr. toothbrushes.

Aside from the fact their products are made from collected Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups; the fact, they support NWF is the icing on the cake for me! I heart NWF!

What’s not to love about this company! I also didn’t realize they had cups, plates, and utensils (everyday and on the go!) as well as some kitchen accessories.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Those are the principles that have driven our company since 1996 and that motivate us to encourage more households to choose our 100% recycled and recyclable products over conventional products.

Nothing Wasted. Everything Gained.

I’m definitely planning to invest in more products from this company- I love their mission and so far I’m digging their products!!!

This sounds silly but I can’t wait to print out the pre-paid postage and send them back to get recycled!!!!

Have you used Preserve products? What’s been your experience?