tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12201370344695651892024-03-12T21:24:30.924-07:00The Dirt Under My NailsMama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-38437474357099573282012-07-22T19:39:00.002-07:002012-07-22T20:21:55.212-07:00I am........ALIVE!!Finally, I have returned and there is much to do! But first, I would like to share with you a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernPioneer">giveaway</a> I am REALLY hoping to win! I am trying to collect as many entries as possible because I could truly use this fantastic dehydrator ;)<br />
<br />
Not only is this a super great giveaway, their page is fantastic so be sure to join!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernPioneer">Modern Pioneer </a><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/718b8f5/" id="rc-718b8f5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-86365420304318690982011-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:002011-06-17T19:31:50.730-07:00So Sad :(It seems as though my PC has contracted some sort of virus :( I am doing my best to get it repaired and am hoping all will be well after the weekend...I am REALLY hoping!!<br /><br />Good computer vibes please...LOL!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-89695762066415653662011-06-14T17:29:00.001-07:002011-06-14T22:50:53.865-07:00Linky Doos; Etsy LoveHomemade, eco-friendly, beautiful, crunchy, artistic, useful...I WANT!! Maybe you will WANT too...Or be inspired :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crunchycouture?ref=seller_info">Crunchy Couture</a> - Tie dyes goodness!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RhythmThreads?ref=seller_info">Rhythm Threads</a> - Gorgeous earth friendly apparel!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuraGaia?ref=seller_info">Aura Gaia</a> - Beautiful and inspiring!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilahBloomCreations?ref=seller_info">Lilah Bloom Creations</a> - Handmade, eco-friendly wares!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/coffeejill?ref=pr_shop_more">Barefoot Stitches</a> - More fantastic designs!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/agreenbanana?ref=pr_shop_more">A Green Banana</a> - I just found this one tonight!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/harmnonecreations?ref=seller_info">Harm None Kynd Creations</a> - Another new to me Etsy...Oooohhhs and Aaaaaas all around!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenMountainThreads?ref=pr_shop_more">Green Mountain Threads</a> - Some tasty looking soaps...and threads!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/threadsoftheearth?ref=pr_shop_more">Threads of the Earth</a> - Fantasmo!!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-68933771855373254532011-06-12T23:41:00.000-07:002011-06-12T23:51:07.869-07:00Silent Sunday: Back in the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdZCReUOs80/TfWyYb1LE_I/AAAAAAAAAWc/MLYo2E85U8Q/s1600/MeAndWendy%2B003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdZCReUOs80/TfWyYb1LE_I/AAAAAAAAAWc/MLYo2E85U8Q/s320/MeAndWendy%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617592243071947762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBLLZvjRfJw/TfWyYNTqfaI/AAAAAAAAAWU/bwrif5SDqdk/s1600/MeAndWendy%2B002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBLLZvjRfJw/TfWyYNTqfaI/AAAAAAAAAWU/bwrif5SDqdk/s320/MeAndWendy%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617592239173303714" border="0" /></a>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-67209544304805680652011-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:002011-06-10T13:21:50.805-07:00First Tutorial UpdateWell, no tutorial to be posted yet, but it is coming right along. I had to stop in the midst of making this dress, to sew another project but things are right back on track.<br /><br />I always seem to underestimate the time it takes to do anything. Projects I think will take a day or two seem to take a month! I don't think this tutorial will take that long though. I really hope it turns out okay and someone out there finds it useful...We'll see :)Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-60274939367537358642011-06-07T14:03:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:38:19.798-07:00I am Feeling Sew Sew!Okay, tonight is the night that I will finally get this sewing on the go. I have so much to get done and here I am, lounging about and getting nothing done.<br /><br />The weather has been great and it is high time I get Miss Z's summer wardrobe started. She is really in need of some clothing and I WILL not buy anything this year. I WILL make it all myself!! I can and will get my head out of my hind regions and quit procrastinating!<br /><br />First item on the list, the polka dot dress recon. I thought I made a post a while ago, showing this dress but I can't seem to locate it now. Anywho, I will post before and after pictures when I am done. I have a very simple idea to make this dress work. In fact, I think I may use this plan to make my very first tutorial!!<br /><br />Wish me luck and I will be back in a day or two to show off some pictures and maybe a tutorial :PMama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-21291457446593283962011-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:002011-06-05T22:10:45.818-07:00Silent Sunday: Tiny Tie Dye<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZVefuAvbg0/TexhGulcEZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/mQ1aVp-2-NM/s1600/Tiny%2BTie%2BDye.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZVefuAvbg0/TexhGulcEZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/mQ1aVp-2-NM/s320/Tiny%2BTie%2BDye.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614969603636334994" border="0" /></a>Tie dye shirt by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crunchycouture">Crunchy Couture</a><br /></div>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-31492396305145022672011-06-04T21:02:00.000-07:002011-06-04T22:30:47.261-07:00Rainy Days...Can be fun too :)<br /><br />Today was a ladies day for Miss Z and myself and it was a nice one. We went to a second hand store that Miss Z loved and played the whole time, with a small basket of toys. Mommy spent a whopping $1!! I got a shirt which will become a dress for Miss Z, shorts and 2 books.<br /><br />Next, we went to a local hardware store (right next door to the second hand shop) to pick up some tomato seeds which I forgot to pick up when I did the garden. Miss Z decided she had to have pumpkin seeds so she could grow some lovely pumpkins to eat!<br /><br />On the way home, we stopped at a small farm and roadside market where we found some very cheap seed potatoes and we each got an apple to snack on. On the way in to the market, Miss Z said, "Mommy, this is girls only stuff today, no Daddy right?"...Tee hee hee!<br /><br />Last but not least, there was movie watching, cooking supper, baking biscuits and lots of laughs and snuggles :) All in all, it was a lovely day, just my little girl and I!!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-36524124041901449122011-06-02T19:53:00.000-07:002011-06-02T21:08:39.402-07:00Tales from the Garden: UpdateWell, the garden is a garden but I am not so sure it is a happy garden :( Things are looking a little droopy and a wee bit discoloured. I am still hopeful that things will perk up though. After all, it has only been a short time since I transplanted everything and we have had some seriously windy days, causing some of the plants to bend and fall over.<br /><br />I went out in the garden today and added some soil mixed with sheep manure, in hope of giving the plants a little boost as well as the soil. I am also wondering if the plants are unhappy with the quality of the soil in my garden. It seems to be just a bit...okay, a fair bit sandy out there. I don't know, I am just hoping that adding the soil an manure will due the trick. Oh, and I am going to add some compost as well, a bit later. My brother offered me some of his compost but I really need to get myself, or build a compost bin.<br /><br />I planted the seedlings I had but the garden is still pretty empty looking. I suppose that may be because there is still a big open space with nothing planted in it yet. Yes, there are still things left to plant *blush* I am the "Queen of Procrastination" but at least I have sprouted a few different things that are just about ready to be planted in that bare spot :)<br /><br />I will also be doing a small amount of container gardening. I think I will be doing some tomatoes, peas, beans and herbs in container, on my patio. I would love to build a box to put on the rail of my patio so I can have my herbs just outside my kitchen. That would be sweet, having fresh herbs just outside...now that is fresh :)<br /><br />Well, that is it for your garden update, I hope you enjoyed. This is Mama A, signing off :DMama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-21326439398271179992011-05-31T20:54:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:18:49.066-07:00On The Menu: Baked Vegetable SanwichesIn my most recent search for tasty vegetarian meals, I found a very interesting recipe called <a href="http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/baked-vegetable-sandwiches.html">Baked Vegetable Sandwiches</a> on a blog called <a href="http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/baked-vegetable-sandwiches.html">Finding Joy in my Kitchen</a>. The picture is what got me initially but after reading the recipe, I was sure this was going to be a tasty dish...Boy, was I right!! What a fantastic meal idea and the little one really loved it too. Macho Man even seemed to enjoy these sandwiches! I know I am hooked and would like to eat these everyday :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6JpGl4wBg8/TeXLfQ5RxHI/AAAAAAAAAWA/dg61Ca1bqZw/s1600/Sandy%2BWitches.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6JpGl4wBg8/TeXLfQ5RxHI/AAAAAAAAAWA/dg61Ca1bqZw/s320/Sandy%2BWitches.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613116248558781554" border="0" /></a>I loved everything about the recipe though I did add tomatoes as they needed to be used up and a wee bit more garlic. I think this idea can have endless possibilities and next time,m I am planning to make a Greek version with feta, olives, onions, tomatoes and spinach...Yummy!<br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/02/welcome-to-joy-in-my-kitchen.html">SnoWhite and Frog Prince</a> for sharing this tasty dish :)Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-48202792835097681922011-05-30T19:46:00.000-07:002011-05-30T20:08:45.088-07:00Gardening is Hard WorkWell, this was quite the day! I was not a well person :( I spent the majority of yesterday, digging, tilling, preparing and planting. I am very happy to say the garden is planted, well, there are a few more things to go in and the fencing needs to go up but it is a garden now.<br /><br />Today, I am paying for it. By the time I was finished yesterday, my body was screaming in pain but I figured I would simply have a hot bath and a good night sleep to cure that. Boy was I wrong! I spent the entire day in bed, today. My body was aching, I had a pounding headache and I just couldn't stay awake. Thank goodness Macho Man doesn't work until late, I was really in need of his help. I am feeling much better after my day in bed, but I really need to learn to pace myself.<br /><br />Who knew gardening would take so much out of me!<br /><br />I would love to share pictures, but my camera has decided to retire :( Hopefully, I can get a new one REALLY soon.Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-91698848275785055552011-05-29T23:27:00.000-07:002011-05-30T00:00:19.723-07:00Silent Sunday: Under My Chair A Creature Stirs :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj06P4tpapI/TeM9i8gifmI/AAAAAAAAAV4/LerjIamPC7w/s1600/UnderMyChair.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj06P4tpapI/TeM9i8gifmI/AAAAAAAAAV4/LerjIamPC7w/s320/UnderMyChair.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612397231201222242" border="0" /></a>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-76269315315731406322011-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:51:16.938-07:00Tales from the GardenWell, I have dirt from head to toe and enough under my nails, to fill a sandbox. My body aches, I have my fair share of bug bites, and I have had way too much sun but I think these are all signs of a productive day in the garden! Of course, there is still so much to be done.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLuoqXn3tbc/Td_j9wrInzI/AAAAAAAAAVw/kwMlv8tTvEY/s1600/NewGarden%2B001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLuoqXn3tbc/Td_j9wrInzI/AAAAAAAAAVw/kwMlv8tTvEY/s320/NewGarden%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611454310904274738" border="0" /></a>It was a lot of help having my sister in law over with her little ones for the first day because Miss Z was kept occupied but as soon as they were gone, she was all up in my business...LOL! It was too bad at some points, as she was trying to help out but I did have to track her down a few times. It wasn't so bad, once she found her new love...WORMS!! This is an amazing thing for Miss Z because she usually freaks out over bugs. This is the girl who is afraid of lady bugs. It was really fun to watch how in to the worms she was. She was playing with them, counting them and talking to them. I also took the opportunity to make it a little lesson on worms. She was asking what they do, what they eat and where they live.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyv5JIfving/Td_dRa21X6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/_W329YyB2No/s1600/NewGarden%2B002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyv5JIfving/Td_dRa21X6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/_W329YyB2No/s320/NewGarden%2B002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611446952063754146" border="0" /></a>Of course, that love only lasted the one day because on the second day, one of the worms she was playing with, pooped on her hand and she was most offended!<br /><br />Back to the garden...I have been digging and pulling out grass chunks, for the last 2 days and it seems as though I am STILL not ready to plant. I keep looking at my garden thinking there isn't enough space for everything. The first day, was just getting started and my second day was making the garden a bit bigger. I think my biggest issue is that I have no idea where to plant everything, what goes with what and which plants are not compatible. I still have to go out there and add some manure and soil, before I start planting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPip50Di7N8/Td_dRsUmAdI/AAAAAAAAAVo/0SlRLXxvOAM/s1600/NewGarden%2B003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPip50Di7N8/Td_dRsUmAdI/AAAAAAAAAVo/0SlRLXxvOAM/s320/NewGarden%2B003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611446956751978962" border="0" /></a>HELP!!!! If anyone reading this is willing to share some ideas on where to plant everything, I would be most appreciative! I am really new at all of this and am still researching some things but having an experienced gardener to give advice would be super sweet :)<br /><br />Just in case, here is what I am planting:<br />Cucumber<br />Zucchini<br />Carrots<br />Corn<br />Tomatoes (2 kinds)<br />Broccoli<br />Lettuce<br />Peas (2 kinds)<br />Beans (2 different green and yellow)<br />SpinachMama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-33550054338715571232011-05-25T21:12:00.000-07:002011-05-25T21:14:56.438-07:00Big StormBright flashes of lightning...Loud claps of thunder...Down pour of rain...Power flickered...Logging off!<br /><br />Regular programming will return tomorrow with the tales of our garden :)Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-26392647191601306912011-05-24T19:28:00.000-07:002011-05-24T20:12:29.044-07:00The Garden is CallingI am so behind on getting my garden going. Well, I started a fair amount indoor but I just need to get these plants in the ground! Some of them are looking a wee bit sad and I fear they may not make it :(<br /><br />Tomorrow IS the day they will be in their new homes! My sister-in-law has ever so kindly offered to come by and lend a hand. I am so grateful for that because I sometimes feel like I have no clue what I am doing. If left to my own devices, I am sure it would all be okay but having the help is very nice.<br /><br />Tomorrow, there will be pictures to share of my new garden with all the little seedlings in their new home!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-46370315090893862192011-05-23T22:32:00.000-07:002011-05-23T23:10:21.359-07:00Monday, MondayWell, today was supposed to be one of gardening, and earthiness. Instead, I was one with the grocery shopping! I suppose getting food was really needed and I did spend the first half of the day, lazying about my home, in my jammies :)<br /><br />The long weekend is over now and we enjoyed it. Our little family spent the whole weekend together, going yard saleing, to the farmer's market, visiting family, to the local Riverfest and enjoying some entertainment. Though ending this long weekend with some sun filled gardening would have been divine, it was still a pretty good time had by all!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-63135624853479531672011-05-22T08:15:00.000-07:002011-05-22T08:52:23.779-07:00Silent Sunday: The Midway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15BCIcCWDVw/TdkwxiDRoLI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tNqTIh-rQx0/s1600/Midway%2B003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15BCIcCWDVw/TdkwxiDRoLI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tNqTIh-rQx0/s320/Midway%2B003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609568438378930354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cezh9QSSH0/TdkwwwCbUlI/AAAAAAAAAVA/ol15g3D_72Y/s1600/Midway%2B002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cezh9QSSH0/TdkwwwCbUlI/AAAAAAAAAVA/ol15g3D_72Y/s320/Midway%2B002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609568424953598546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBpuCOz5RdQ/TdkwwbfOUAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/vQ0QcqnlKvw/s1600/Midway%2B001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBpuCOz5RdQ/TdkwwbfOUAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/vQ0QcqnlKvw/s320/Midway%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609568419437236226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4NkK931lQE/TdkwyFKSzBI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-OGkYE_dVMg/s1600/Midway%2B004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4NkK931lQE/TdkwyFKSzBI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-OGkYE_dVMg/s320/Midway%2B004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609568447803608082" border="0" /></a>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-14960328945852440302011-05-21T21:22:00.000-07:002011-05-21T21:26:48.078-07:00I am Wiped!We were out and about, ALL day today! We checked out a few yard sales (a few good deals), went to the Farmer's Market, did a bit of visiting, went to a local festival and Miss Z got to go on a few rides, watched some fireworks and now, all I want to do is crawl in to my bed and saw logs :P<br /><br />That is where I am off to now! Just thought I would pop in here and say goodnight and I hope everyone is having a great weekend!<br /><br />Peace, love and save the planet ;)Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-58155547709971740932011-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:10:34.599-07:00Linky DoosToday, I would like to share some interesting, fun, crafty and green blogs and sites!<br /><a href="http://myfootprint.org/"><br />Carbon Footprint Quiz</a> - How many Earths would it take to keep up if everyone lived your lifestyle?<br /><a href="http://vegetarianwhohatestofu.blogspot.com/"><br />The Vegetarian Who Hates Tofu</a> - shares with you some fantastic recipes and life as a vegetarian. Why not try a meal or two a week that doesn't contain meat? It is good for you and the planet!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hipmountainmamablog.com/">Hip Mountain Mama</a> - Filled with a lot of fantastic eco-friendly, fair trade, handmade, natural products, apparel and tips! I am sure I have linked this one before, but it is worth posting again.<br /><br /><a href="http://vegandad.blogspot.com/">Vegan Dad</a> - He's a Dad and a vegan...LOL! He shares some REALLY tasty recipes!!! I just took a look and now I am hungry.<br /><a href="http://craftingagreenworld.com/"><br />Crafting a Green World</a> - I just found this one today and haven't had a chance to do more than browse a short time, but I saw quite a few great re-purposing crafty how to's.<br /><br /><a href="http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/">Chasing Cheerios</a> - some really great schooly activities being shared here, for the little ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/">One Pretty Thing</a> - A great site, bringing tons of crafty tutorials to one convenient place :)<br /><br />Hope you find something good!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-21670587938234464692011-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:002011-05-18T20:59:47.650-07:00The Garden is my Happy PlaceToday was bad day among the other bad days I have been having but I found a little relief. Something to ease the stress and feel relaxed...in the garden. Okay, so it isn't a real garden yet, just my plants in containers, awaiting their permanent home, but still a good feeling from caring for the plants. I decided, well they really decided by getting so big, that it was time to upgrade the containers. I am sure it wasn't 100% necessary in some cases, as they will be going out in the big garden soon but I think some of the plants really needed more space.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKtfPQvfcRg/TdSTzehEs5I/AAAAAAAAAUg/6ayKvbD-jiY/s1600/My%2BGarden%2B001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKtfPQvfcRg/TdSTzehEs5I/AAAAAAAAAUg/6ayKvbD-jiY/s320/My%2BGarden%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608269948557505426" border="0" /></a>The peas were starting to really reach for one another and becoming tangled. I know, you really don't need to plant them indoor first as they don't handle transplanting well, but I was given some bad info on this one. Although, I have read of other gardeners doing the same with no issue in transplanting. Their roots don't like to be messed with, but I have faith that these little guys will do fine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnoMf_1eQx4/TdSTzuBLljI/AAAAAAAAAUo/DOxBw_an7oA/s1600/My%2BGarden%2B002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnoMf_1eQx4/TdSTzuBLljI/AAAAAAAAAUo/DOxBw_an7oA/s320/My%2BGarden%2B002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608269952718706226" border="0" /></a>My tomato plants are not really all that big but I was on a roll and thought they should have their own space :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM5Xr0E82Ug/TdSTz0GIA2I/AAAAAAAAAUw/faoiJZvjFKw/s1600/My%2BGarden%2B003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM5Xr0E82Ug/TdSTz0GIA2I/AAAAAAAAAUw/faoiJZvjFKw/s320/My%2BGarden%2B003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608269954350056290" border="0" /></a>The bean plants are doing well in the egg cartons still but growing big, so I know they will be happy to be planted outdoors soon. I might even move them to bigger pots just in case.<br /><br />The cucumber, zucchini and sunflowers all look very happy!<br /><br />I believe this is the weekend that most people begin their garden outdoors, though I think I may wait another week or so. The last time I had a garden and planted the the long weekend of May 24th, there was another 2 frosts. Better safe than sorry this time! One thing I will be doing for sure, is taking apart the old pallets the neighbor offered and making the walls of my raised bed. Thank goodness it seems a lot of the planks have already been taken off, so it will be a lot less work for me...LOL!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-7831977994647910462011-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:002011-05-17T20:54:50.356-07:00SharingA little something, something or two...or more :) These are some items that I made for a craft swap that I did last month. I was pretty proud og hoe well these things turned out, as I spent the majority of this craft swap, wonder what the heck I should make. Anywho, here is what I made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbK4tQ_jfYE/TdNB4LTC8vI/AAAAAAAAAUY/C26FNo_hr8g/s1600/102_7605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbK4tQ_jfYE/TdNB4LTC8vI/AAAAAAAAAUY/C26FNo_hr8g/s320/102_7605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607898394367554290" border="0" /></a>A robot pillow/stuffie<br />2 small canvas paintings (made with recycled materials)<br />2 owl mug rugs (almost kept them for myself...LOL)<br />1 meter of owl fabric and a bar of delicious, homemade smelly soap. Of course, I didn't make the last two things :)Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-84928321971468152462011-05-15T11:38:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:21:43.187-07:00Silent Sunday: Still<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SozROASqmSw/TdAj0ErQNOI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/u2O_3myIguY/s1600/105_7982.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SozROASqmSw/TdAj0ErQNOI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/u2O_3myIguY/s320/105_7982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607020913591596258" border="0" /></a>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-86934127448478813842011-05-14T21:48:00.000-07:002011-05-15T11:33:08.389-07:00What I do When Most are Sleeping<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijDoOufK-ns/TdAbbGGMb_I/AAAAAAAAAUI/T3-Tj37WnC0/s1600/perogies.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijDoOufK-ns/TdAbbGGMb_I/AAAAAAAAAUI/T3-Tj37WnC0/s320/perogies.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607011688383279090" border="0" /></a><br />Make late night/early morning perogies!!<br /><br />I used <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/pierogi-dough-79860">this </a>recipe for the dough and then winged the rest. Yeah, that's what I do, I wing it :)<br /><br />I basically boiled about 8 small to medium potatoes and mashed them. Then, I sauteed some onions and a clove of garlic and mixed them in to the mashed potatoes. I let the mix cool for a while and while it was cooling, I rolled out the dough (really thin) and used a glass to cut out circles of dough. Next, I added a small spoonful to each circle, dabbed water around the border of each dough circle and sealed them by pinching. Last but not least, I boiled them in a slow boiling pot and then froze them! I kept some out for lunch tomorrow though.<br /><br />Yay for homemade perogies!</div>Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-59162693094354260302011-05-13T20:47:00.001-07:002011-05-14T22:41:50.623-07:00Glass Dharma Drinking Straws<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hH4nJUgWiaE/Tc9mzkQDguI/AAAAAAAAAUA/VgpqWNQ1Re8/s1600/Glass%2BStraws%2B001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hH4nJUgWiaE/Tc9mzkQDguI/AAAAAAAAAUA/VgpqWNQ1Re8/s320/Glass%2BStraws%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606813097189933794" border="0" /></a><br />I am officially a member of the "I Love My Straw" group!! As I mentioned in a <a href="http://thedirtundermynails.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-can-make-difference.html">previous post</a>, I joined an initiative to get restaurants to stop giving out plastic straws automatically, at <a href="http://myplasticfreelife.com/2011/04/initiative-getting-restaurants-to-stop-giving-out-plastic-straws-automatically/">My Plastic Free Life</a>. Well, as an incentive, David Leonhardt of <a href="http://glassdharma.com/">Glass </a><a href="http://glassdharma.com/">Dharma </a><a href="http://glassdharma.com/">Company</a> gave free glass straws to those who wrote letters to restaurants, asking them to change their policies on plastic straws. We were given one free straw for each letter, up to 5 letters. I only ended up getting 2 out in time but it is still really exciting to get even just one.<br /><br />The straws came in the mail on Thursday and today we finally got around to trying them out. It was macho Man and I that tried them and I like them far more than a plastic straw. I like the way they look, how thick the glass is, the rounded ends and of course that they are reusable and will last a lifetime. Macho Man was a bit of a skeptic when I first told him of these glass straws, but he too is in the "club".<br /><br />I love these straws!! They are so interesting and by using them, we are saving the use of thousands of non-recyclable plastic straws. I believe I will have to buy more of these and maybe some as gifts...Wink wink. Everyone needs at least one of these straws, so be sure to check the site...and buy one or more :DMama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1220137034469565189.post-23311319956966021092011-05-11T17:54:00.000-07:002011-05-14T23:43:12.343-07:00I CAN Make a Difference :)It is always nice to see/hear the result of the changes you are trying to make in this world!<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I joined an initiative to get restaurants to stop bringing plastic straws to our table, automatically. Actually, not having the non-recyclable straws at all would be the best thing, but baby steps :) I joined this initiative through <a href="http://myplasticfreelife.com/2011/04/initiative-getting-restaurants-to-stop-giving-out-plastic-straws-automatically/">My Plastic Free Life</a>. What we did was wrote letters to local businesses that give you a straw in your drink, without asking whether you want one or not, asking them to either ask you if you want one or switch to using reusable straws.<br /><br />I wrote to 2 of my favourite places to eat and I was wonderfully delighted to hear from my brother (his sister in law works there), that one of the places has put a new policy in to place. The servers will no longer bring you a plastic straw automatically, but instead ask you if you would like one. I am really happy about this! Though it may seem silly or so small to some people, it is a big thing for me. First, it shows that one person alone <span style="font-weight: bold;">can</span> make a difference and second, I believe that people will opt out of taking the plastic straws when asked. I believe that we don't really think about that straw when we get it and the fact that most people never use a straw at home. Some people don't think to say that they don't need a straw, but if asked, I have a feeling a lot more people will refuse them. I think it makes you think about the fact that it really isn't something needed and you won't miss it if it isn't something you have outside of a restaurant. I know that I never used to think of the straw that came in my drink. I never use straws at home but as soon as that straw showed up in my drink, I used it without a second thought. I have definitely seen the error of my ways :) I really hope that this change will spark more change...Change for the greater good of the planet!!Mama Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226538905764360974noreply@blogger.com0