The Dirt Under My Nails

So Sad :(

2011-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

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!!

Good computer vibes please...LOL!

Linky Doos; Etsy Love

2011-06-14T17:29:00.001-07:00

Homemade, eco-friendly, beautiful, crunchy, artistic, useful...I WANT!! Maybe you will WANT too...Or be inspired :)

Crunchy Couture - Tie dyes goodness!
Rhythm Threads - Gorgeous earth friendly apparel!
Aura Gaia - Beautiful and inspiring!
Lilah Bloom Creations - Handmade, eco-friendly wares!
Barefoot Stitches - More fantastic designs!
A Green Banana - I just found this one tonight!
Harm None Kynd Creations - Another new to me Etsy...Oooohhhs and Aaaaaas all around!
Green Mountain Threads - Some tasty looking soaps...and threads!
Threads of the Earth - Fantasmo!!

Silent Sunday: Back in the Day

2011-06-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

First Tutorial Update

2011-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, 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.

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 :)

I am Feeling Sew Sew!

2011-06-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

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.

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!

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!!

Wish me luck and I will be back in a day or two to show off some pictures and maybe a tutorial :P

Silent Sunday: Tiny Tie Dye

2011-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Tie dye shirt by Crunchy Couture

Rainy Days...

2011-06-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Can be fun too :)

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.

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!

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!

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!!

Tales from the Garden: Update

2011-06-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, 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.

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.

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 :)

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 :)

Well, that is it for your garden update, I hope you enjoyed. This is Mama A, signing off :D

On The Menu: Baked Vegetable Sanwiches

2011-05-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

In my most recent search for tasty vegetarian meals, I found a very interesting recipe called Baked Vegetable Sandwiches on a blog called Finding Joy in my Kitchen. 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 :)
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!

Thank you SnoWhite and Frog Prince for sharing this tasty dish :)

Gardening is Hard Work

2011-05-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well, 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.

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.

Who knew gardening would take so much out of me!

I would love to share pictures, but my camera has decided to retire :( Hopefully, I can get a new one REALLY soon.

Silent Sunday: Under My Chair A Creature Stirs :)

2011-05-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

Tales from the Garden

2011-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, 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.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.
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!

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.
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 :)

Just in case, here is what I am planting:
Cucumber
Zucchini
Carrots
Corn
Tomatoes (2 kinds)
Broccoli
Lettuce
Peas (2 kinds)
Beans (2 different green and yellow)
Spinach

Big Storm

2011-05-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Bright flashes of lightning...Loud claps of thunder...Down pour of rain...Power flickered...Logging off!

Regular programming will return tomorrow with the tales of our garden :)

The Garden is Calling

2011-05-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

I 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 :(

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.

Tomorrow, there will be pictures to share of my new garden with all the little seedlings in their new home!

Monday, Monday

2011-05-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

Well, 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 :)

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!

Silent Sunday: The Midway

2011-05-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am Wiped!

2011-05-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

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!

Peace, love and save the planet ;)

Linky Doos

2011-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I would like to share some interesting, fun, crafty and green blogs and sites!

Carbon Footprint Quiz - How many Earths would it take to keep up if everyone lived your lifestyle?

The Vegetarian Who Hates Tofu - 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!

Hip Mountain Mama - 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.

Vegan Dad - He's a Dad and a vegan...LOL! He shares some REALLY tasty recipes!!! I just took a look and now I am hungry.

Crafting a Green World - 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.

Chasing Cheerios - some really great schooly activities being shared here, for the little ones.

One Pretty Thing - A great site, bringing tons of crafty tutorials to one convenient place :)

Hope you find something good!

The Garden is my Happy Place

2011-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today 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.

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!

My tomato plants are not really all that big but I was on a roll and thought they should have their own space :)

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.

The cucumber, zucchini and sunflowers all look very happy!

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!

Sharing

2011-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

A 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.

A robot pillow/stuffie
2 small canvas paintings (made with recycled materials)
2 owl mug rugs (almost kept them for myself...LOL)
1 meter of owl fabric and a bar of delicious, homemade smelly soap. Of course, I didn't make the last two things :)

Silent Sunday: Still

2011-05-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

What I do When Most are Sleeping

2011-05-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Make late night/early morning perogies!!

I used this recipe for the dough and then winged the rest. Yeah, that's what I do, I wing it :)

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.

Yay for homemade perogies!

Glass Dharma Drinking Straws

2011-05-13T20:47:00.001-07:00

I am officially a member of the "I Love My Straw" group!! As I mentioned in a previous post, I joined an initiative to get restaurants to stop giving out plastic straws automatically, at My Plastic Free Life. Well, as an incentive, David Leonhardt of Glass Dharma Company 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.

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".

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 :D

I CAN Make a Difference :)

2011-05-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

It is always nice to see/hear the result of the changes you are trying to make in this world!

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 My Plastic Free Life. 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.

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 can 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!!

Homemade Pasta: Taste Test Part One

2011-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

YUMMO!!!!

This is some seriously tasty stuff and the sauce I made to go with it was truly delicious. A great combo!

I used the homemade garlic linguine and made a vegetarian spaghetti sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, St. Yves Veggie Ground Round and a mixture of different spices. This was so tasty! I am super surprised at how much Macho Man really likes the St. Yves Veggie Ground Round, he will eat it in anything. This makes me happy...one less fight to have over vegetarian meals :)

I have to say that I don't ever want to eat store bought pasta ever again, not when I know how good fresh and homemade tastes and the texture is different. I really enjoyed the fact that Claudette (brother's mother in law) garlic to the pasta and I plan to ask for her recipe and try some different flavours. She did mention making more and trying out sun dried tomato and pesto. Now these would be super tasty! Maybe if I am sweet enough, she will let me try those as well ;)

Silent Sunday: Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Homemade Pasta

2011-05-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

My brother's mother in law is wicked resourceful, crafty and makes some of the greatest things. I was at my brother's place for my nephew's birthday party and towards the end (after much conversation about gardening, growing up and such) we some how got on the topic of pasta and the fact that she makes her own pasta...GASP...A woman after my own heart :) I love the idea of making my own pasta and really want to try it. I just need a few tools. Okay, I don't actually need them, but it would make things a bit easier. Anywho, the Mother in law was telling me that she uses a very simple recipe of flour, water and egg. She also lays the pasta out on an old crib railing, to dry out. What's best, is the different kinds she has made. She made garlic, raspberry, banana and chocolate. YES, chocolate pasta! Apparently it is actually pretty good.

I think that making my own pasta is going to be a must for me. Just one more thing I can make myself and save on the packaging as well as the large amount of ingredients that I can't even pronounce. Of course, I got really lucky and won't have to make my own right now because I was sent home with several flavours of pasta to try out...Woo hoo! I will be sure to let you all know how they taste :)

In A Funk

2011-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for my groove....have you seen it?

I am not sure what is going on with me these days, but I just can't seem to get anything done. I have so many plans and so many things I want to do but yet I do nothing! What is up with that? I have always been a crazy procrastinator but this is taking the cake.

Anyone have any organizational tips, motivating ideas, ways to light a fire under this one? I would love to hear some ideas!!

This is how our garden grows

2011-05-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

It is time to show you what has sprouted, since planting on Earth Day. It is so great to watch these little plants grow and know that one day in the near future, they will (hopefully) supply nourishment to my family...Eeeeekk!

We have planted cucumbers, beans, peas, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes...I think that's it but I may have forgotten something...LOL! I am planning to start my broccoli tomorrow and Miss Z will be planting her own little garden of flowers. First on her agenda is sunflowers! She is most excited about her own little garden.
I intended to have more pictures that this, but my camera batteries just died :(
Now keep in mind, I have no real clue as to what I am doing. Well, I wouldn't really say no clue at all, but this is all a learning experience for me, as well as Miss Z. I have learned that I have already made several mistakes and the biggest one was with the spinach. I think I over heated it and it just wilted over and was flat to the soil. I am now going to plant some spinach outdoors, in a large container. I really hope I will actually have an in ground garden and not have to plant all in containers. I will plant in containers if I have to though!

Stay Tuned

2011-05-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I have found yet another temporary fix for my computer issues. One that works out way better than my earlier fix.

Many things being done and things to be done, Miss Z and I are overjoyed at the progress of out little garden! We have several things started indoors and they are sprouting quite nicely. Once I dump the memory cards from my camera, I will share the loveliness that is growing food :)

There hasn't been much crafting being done. Tomorrow I will be cleaning this place from top to bottom! It has been a pretty big mess since losing power for three days. There will be much to share as I begin Miss Z's home/re-purposed Summer wardrobe.

Oh, and there will be some fun schooly type activities to share as well. PLease, stayed tuned for goodies to come :)

Power...At Last!

2011-05-01T19:28:00.001-07:00

Well, those were some dark times...Okay, not so much, as I went and stayed with my mother :) We had a crazy windy storm, on Thursday and it did some serious damage to the . It also knocked out the hydro for many, many homes. We were one of those very unlucky places to not have hydro. I am still not really sure of what kind of damage was done, but it left us without hydro for 3 days!

I am back now but of course there has to be some other sort of issue...my computer isn't quite right. I had to do a factory reset a few weeks ago and when I did, I was given a count down of when I had to activate my Windows. Well, I was unable to do that because the key that I have is showing up as unauthorized and now I can't log in to Windows. I am not really sure what my options are, but I am trying to figure out a way to resolve this without having to buy a new computer or shell out a ton of money to buy new a Windows. Here's hoping I can't get this thing working properly!!

"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." — Maya Angelou

2011-04-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Seriously good words!! I lived one way for so long because I didn't know any different, but now that I am learning and growing, I live a whole new life!

I have been reading, researching and finding a lot of new info on living better, healthier, greener, more sustainable...
I have made many changes to live a better life for my family and to respect the Earth, but I know there are still so many changes I want to make. I look at my recycling and see so many things that really don't even need to be there. Not that they don't need to be recycled, just that I don't need to be bringing that amount of packaging home. There are so many ways to avoid having large amounts of waste and it seems I am just being lazy and procrastinating. I need to smarten up and get my act together! Time to make more of a difference! I need to make some reusable mesh produce bags, make muslin bread bags and bags for bulk foods (I still need to find a bulk place where I can use said bags), bake my own bread 100% of the time, look for recipes to make my own hygiene products...Such a long list of the things I have been putting off out of sheer laziness. No more excuses!!!

I have found a few really good sites and blogs that have tips on ways to reduce your waste, live sustainable, being more eco friendly and so on. A lot of great info to be read here.

Linkies to share, in case you too are interested:

The Clean Bin Project

Groovy Green Livin

My Plastic Free Life - The initiative on getting restaurants to stop giving out plastic straws automatically, is a great idea. Be sure to check it out and join in!

Mom Goes Green

The Sheets That Just Keep Giving

2011-04-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

That's right, yet another item crated from the retro sheets. Miss Z now has an entire outfit and a matching kite...LOL!! Now that is a serious accessory :P

Here is the last item made from the retro sheets.

This is a very simple little apron top. No pattern used, just another winging it type of deal.

Front

Back. The bow is not actually wonky, as it appears in the picture.

The whole outfit, worn on Easter Sunday.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Retro Sheets...Again!

2011-04-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Keeping this "reuse, reduce, recycle, re-purpose" segment going, here is the latest!

This is a kite I made, using the sheets you saw turned in to a skirt. There is so much of it to go around, I am still trying to find different ways to use them up. I did make an apron top to go with the skirt, but it is in the wash, so I posted this project first.

I made this kite after doing a bit of research online, to figure out how to make a kite with fabric. Of course, I ended up just winging it. There has been no real wind for flying and now it is raining like crazy, so we'll have to wait to see if it can actually fly. I really hope it does but if not, this one will be hung in Miss Z's room as decor and it will be back to the drawing board for me. We'll see, I guess...please fly, please fly, please fly...

Silent Sunday

2011-04-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

What A Day!!

2011-04-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day all!!

I will have to wait until tomorrow to post all the fun things we did today, as I am sooooooooooo tired! I am on my way to dreamland.

Nighty night all!

Earthy Links

2011-04-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

I know, I was supposed to post a crafty entry today, but I was out ALL day and there was no crafting :( We had a good day though, in spite of not crafting! Though, I did see a great recycled craft done by a friend's husband and their daughter, but I had no camera to take a picture of their creation. It was like a recycled snow globe/lava type thingy...Yeah, yeah, a lovely description...LOL! I believe my friend said it was made with a glass bottle (pop, beer, milk, juice bottle, whatever you have on hand), light corn syrup, a tiny bit of water and some beads and sparkles. It was really nice and a great craft for a parent and a little one. I will have to get a detailed instruction and post it another time.

I figured this would be a good time to share some links on Earth friendly crafts, activities, ideas and some info. If you are looking for some ideas, check these links out!

Magazine Paper Beads
Toothbrush Bracelets
5 Easter egg projects using recycled materials
Make your own paper

Earth Day Canada
Plastic Free Life
Hip Mountain Mama Blog (great products and info)

Here are few ideas of what you can do to celebrate and appreciate the Earth:

Park the car and walk or bike
Turn off the TV and get outside, get active
Clean up your neighbourhood or someone else's
Plant a tree
Start a vegetable and/or fruit garden
Make some crafty items with materials from your recycling bin
Go meat free
Build a bin
Attend an Earth Day event if available in your area

The Earth needs to be cared for, appreciated, celebrated and love every day, not just this one!! Take some or all of the ideas and info and apply it to every day life, not just for one single day.

On the Hunt

2011-04-20T21:23:00.001-07:00

Well, there will be no recycled craft for today. We were out most of the day, running errands and such. I was also on a hunt for a bike. A bike for Macho Man! We have a few great ideas on how we will spend Earth Day, doing lovely things to respect and appreciate the Earth and a big part of it includes biking. The only problem is that we are having a heck of a time locating a bike that will be suitable for Macho Man. He is a rather large guy and needs a good sized, sturdy bike. Of course, we don't buy new (unless absolutely necessary) and finding a good bike for him second hand is proving a bit tricky. I will use what time I have tomorrow to continue my search and maybe will get lucky or a friend will have one to lend. Wish us luck :)

I will have another crafty item to share tomorrow and Friday, I will post info and pictures of how we spent Earth Day! How are you all showing your love for the Earth? Anything special planned?

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Retro Sheets

2011-04-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is currently a WIP! I am actually taking a quick break from sewing, to type out this post...LOL!

In a previous post, I showed you a picture of a pair of retro sheets that I purchased at send hand stores. Well, they are now becoming a re-purposed/upcycled skirt for Miss Z. It is turning out very well and it is a super simple style of skirt. No pattern, I am simply winging it (yeah, it's just how I roll).

Anywho, I must get back at it, so that I may finish it up before bed time. Pictures to be posted before I end my evening :)

Okay, all finished and I LOVE this little skirt!! The two sheets together look fantastic.

First, here is a refresher of the sheets I posted previously:So cute and retro :)

Now, here is the simple but super sweet skirt:I love these fabrics (sheets) so much, that I am planning to make a little apron to to go with this skirt.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Egg Cartons

2011-04-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, egg cartons and their many uses! There are so many great ideas of what you can do with egg cartons. Here is what we did with them today.

Caterpillars:This one was a lot of fun because it involved cutting, painting, pipe cleaners

Spring Flowers:Miss Z says that these flowers smell SOOOOOO good! Tee hee...So sweet!

Color Sorting and Counting:
This idea was something I came up with when Miss Z was about 2. She used to love sorting the colors and counting the pieces. She still takes it out sometimes and plays with it on her own. This is actually a double re-purposing, as the circle pieces are made from a cereal box!

We have one more thing to do with the egg cartons, and that is to start a few plants in them. From what I gather, you can transplant them in to your garden, still in the individual cups...Cool :)

Silent Sunday

2011-04-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

So.Very.TIRED!!!

2011-04-16T12:16:00.001-07:00

This weekend has been a whirlwind!! I am now just getting a chance to take a slow moment, before I have to get back at it. I feel like I have not sat down this long in months. There's been sewing, laundry, swimming, a dinner date, driving, homemade pizza being made, more sewing, stressing, groceries...Aaaaaaaahhhhh!! I just really need a sleep. I have been so crazy that I completely missed blogging yester day. Can you believe that?!?! GASP

Well, I think this sit down has come to an end as my pizza is about to burn...Eeeeeek!

Until next time. Peace, love and save the planet :X

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Great Link

2011-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

I found that a blog I follow is also going with a recycled theme, in honour of Earth Day and they have posted a great tutorial that I have to share! Cereal Box Crafts: Notepads. Oh my, I am such a sucker for notepads and when you are trying to be friendlier to the Earth, notepads are a total waist (unless made of recycled material and you pay the price) but now, I can make some great recycled ones of my own. I am planning to make a few of these for Miss Z and myself. I think I will make some paper from old flyers and scraps, to make it even more Earth friendly...I have always wanted to try making my own paper ;)

I hope you guys find this as interesting and useful as I do and make one or a ton for yourself!

Toilet Paper Bunny Tutorial

2011-04-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

First, let me just say that I am very sorry for the wonky pictures turned on their sides. I didn't realize they were like that when I uploaded them and now will have to wait until I go to my Mom's again to fix them...My connection is super poopy!
Okay, let us begin!Supplies:
Cardboard toilet paper rolls (without the toilet paper...LOL)
Paint brushes
Paints
Cotton Balls
Bunny ear pieces (made from recycled bits of paper - I made these myself)
Paper bunny faces (also recycled paper - Made by me)
Googly eyes
Glue

We also used a little Styrofoam container that I sometimes use to put Miss Z's paints on when she is painting.

1. Paint the tubes, which ever color you like. Once we painted all the rolls we were using, we waited a few minutes for them to dry, it doesn't take long.

2.Glue ears on to the roll.

3.Now to glue on some googly eyes...jiggle, jiggle!!

4. Don't forget to add a bunny face with nose, mouth and cute little whiskers ;)

5. Last but not least, where would Peter Cotton Tail be with out his cotton ball tail...LOL! I put a small amount of glue on the back of the roll, put on the cotton ball and then pinched it firmly to the roll to ensure is was secured.VOILA...Wonderful bunny creations :)

Some Rescue Animals, I Rescue Pants

2011-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right! I rescued a pair of pants today, from an unnecessary trip to a landfill. A lady in my building offered a pair of pants to Macho Man and unfortunately, they were not a fit for him so I told her she should donate them and someone else would make use of them (they were practically brand new). It seemed as though donating would be too big of a chore because she looked at me a bit odd and said that they would simply be put in the trash...GASP! How could I let those perfectly good jeans end up in the garbage, when someone could get good use of them? Why would I let them go to the landfill to lay for who knows how long? Just crazy talk I tells ya...LOL :) I put my hand out said that we would gladly take them and find someone who would fit in to them or donate them if not.

I know that maybe donating items can be a chore, as the items sometimes sit for a long time before you can make it to the drop off, but it really isn't that big of a chore. I am a serious procrastinator and I know very well how long things can sit, waiting to be donated and how much space things can take up. It may seem like a lot of hassle, but it is really worth it! Someone will get use of the items you no longer need and you can save things from ending up in our landfills. Sometimes, you don't even have to make it to a drop off, there are places that will come and pick up your unwanted items for free...FREE! It doesn't get easier than that. I mean, if you are going to bag it all up and toss it to the curb on garbage day, then why not bag it up and have someone come pick it up to make use of these items that still have a lot of life left in them?

Come on guys, let's help the Earth out by passing on good clothing and other gently used items and not throw them in the trash. You won't just be helping the planet, but maybe someone else who really needs it ;)

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Toilet Paper Rolls

2011-04-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Time to stop procrastinating and get things kicked off! Here they are, the toilet paper roll bunnies!
These were so much fun to make and Miss Z had a blast with this craft. We are planning to make them again.These are super simple to do and can be winged, but I will be posting a tutorial Wednesday evening. Stay tuned...

Silent Sunday

2011-04-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

A Lovely Spring Day

2011-04-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

We were out and about today, exploring and enjoying this lovely Spring weather! We collected some items for one of our "Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-purpose" segments and I think it is going to be a lot of fun to create with Miss Z (you'll see). We also got to squeeze in a bit of secondhand shopping/browsing.

How about you, what was the weather like in your area? Did you get out and enjoy some fresh air?

It's All About the Earth

2011-04-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is rapidly approaching and though it should be Earth Day every day, I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share with you some recycled/eco-friendly crafts and activities. Of course, this is something I will continue beyond Earth Day as well.

I already have some fantastic ideas and tutorials I have found online. There are just endless possibilities when recycling/re-purposing old items. I will use materials from our recycling bin, items found in the yard, second hand clothing and whatever else I can get my hands on, that needs a new life :)

Keep your eyes peeled for the segments titled, "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-Purpose" and "Earth Loving Activities". Hopefully you will be inspired to join in and try some earth friendly crafts too!!

Do you have anything planned for this Earth Day, or just everyday activities/crafts that are Earth friendly, you may like to share?

Give A Hoot!

2011-04-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

A little something crafty to share with you, today :)

This is a set of "owly" mug rugs I have made for a fellow Craftster. It has been a while since I posted something crafty because most of the crafty goods I have made lately, are items that are surprises for some who may see my blog. This is okay to share because this will be a secret to the person recieving! She has no idea I am the person sending her crafted goodies ;) Such a fun craft swap idea!

Green Read

2011-04-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am always on the prowl for some good ole green reading, and today I found a few interesting sites. There was a post by Adventures of a Thrifty Mama in a Trailer Park on FB about a contest she is in, on a site called Circle of Moms and the link was loaded with eco-friendly Mom blogs. This is a contest to find the Top 25 Eco-friendly Moms and can generate a lot of new readers to the winner and to all the other blogs really.

I have taken a peek at a few of the blogs and have like what I see. A lot of interesting things to read. I am now off to take a deeper look and get my read on...LOL!

Be sure to check things out and possibly vote. Hope you find some good reading like I did :)

Oh, and if anyone has a good eco-friendly/green/crunchy/homemade/gardening/natural...(you get it, LOL) blog, I would love it if you would share a link, so I may take a read!

What Will They Be?

2011-04-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting materials and used clothing, in preparation to make a summer wardrobe for Miss Z and this is what I have purchased thus far:

Some shirts and a jean jacket that will remain a jacket but with a few touch ups. It needs to be taken in and I want to add some crazy color and patches.These skirts were a great buy at only a dollar a piece. The two sheets are super sweet and it is funny how I found a matching set.. The yellow sheet was purchased at a local secondhand shop but the pink sheet was found quite a ways from home. My family went on a mini-vacation and when we arrived to this tiny town, I saw something that caught my eye...A SECONDHAND SHOP!! Of course I can spot the only tiny secondhand shop in this town...LOL!! I had to stop in and take a look. I looked over just about everything and when I decided I was finished, I headed to the cash when I walked by this pink sheet that looked super familiar. I picked it up and hmmmed and haaaaaed over it when I realized, it was the same as the yellow sheet I had purchased at home! I had to get it, it was just meant to be :P I mean, Macho Man couldn't possibly argue this purchase. I have a pretty good idea of what will come of these sweet old sheets!

It is just a matter of time before these items become lovely (I hope) pieces of clothing. I plan to use the tutorials I posted in a previous post as well as winging it with a few things. I am thinking of making a few of my own patterns. We shall see how this all plays out.

Silent Saturday

2011-04-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

We are off on a mini-vacation, so I though I would share this weeks "Silent Sunday" today.
Mmmmm...Maple Syrup *drools*

Okay, so this post wasn't so silent after all :P

Old friends

2011-04-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOOO excited!! I have some friends coming in to town (well, a town not too far away) and we haven't seen them in 2 years. That is far too long to be away from someone you used to live 2 minutes away from and LOVED having in your everyday life. I cannot wait to see them and have some fun catching up and meeting a new family member...Eeeeeek!! Yes, I am that stoked for this :D

I will be sure to share more once we return from our visit!!

Have a great weekend all :)

Technical Difficulties

2011-03-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

It seems my computer and/or my internet is having some issues this evening and pictures are taking WAY too long to post. I will hopefully work things out and be back to post pictures of the toilet paper roll bunnies!!

Stay tuned...

Recycle Crafting

2011-03-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

I was trying to think of different crafty things that I could do with Miss Z in the theme of Spring/Easter and came up with a really good idea! I noticed that we have quite a few cardboard toilet paper rolls in the recycling box and I am always looking for inexpensive craft supplies, so what better place to find them? I am planning to let Miss Z paint them, add faces and bunny ears to the rolls...Easter bunny toilet paper rolls...Woo hoo!!! Nothing like some good ole crafty recycling :) I hope she likes the idea and it all goes well. I will be sure to post pictures of what she creates.

Anywho, this made me think of what other recycling ideas there may be for these cardboard rolls. I found a few links that I thought would be fun to share, and maybe some of you may be interested to try ;)

Toilet Paper Roll Wreath

TV Pixilator Light Show This is funny, but looks like fun to try out.

A mixture of Ideas!

No Chick Here...No Chick There...

2011-03-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

*tear*

Sadly, there will be no chickens in our yard, this year :( I contacted the town bylaw officer today and was informed that were are not "zoned" for them. I am so sad and was really hoping we could get just 4 chickens! I am no where near as disappointed as Miss Z. She cried a little and keeps asking why we can't have chickens. Poor little girl!

Now, we must move on to happier things and be ready to plant tasty foods! I think this will be something good to take Miss Z's and my mind off of the chicken ordeal. Miss Z is very excited about planting things this year. She doesn't seem to care what it is, she just wants to get in there and get growing...LOL!!

YAY garden of food :D

Down On Da Farm!

2011-03-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be nice to share a few pictures of our country weekend! Oh, to have a farm of my very own!! One day...One day :)

Here a chick, there a chick, everywhere a chick, chick!

Checking out the Alpacas.

Moooooooooo.

Baaaaaaaa...This little fella had about enough with Miss Z handling him and decided to use his head and shove her around. No need to worry, he wasn't rough but got his point across that he wanted her to shoo!

Silent Sunday

2011-03-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

So.Sick

2011-03-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

What started as a tickle has now become a horrible hacking cough and a seriously stuffed up head. I am now feeling absolutely drained and I believe that sleep is the best course of action...as long as I can get some!

I shall return with more chitty chatter, another day :)

STILL Cleaning!

2011-03-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have made some serious progress with the spring cleaning, but there is still much to be done. The rooms are all in order, but now it is time to go through dressers and closets, and rid them of the things we no longer need. Items that will be passed on to new homes or donated to local secondhand shops. I believe there is much we don't really need to keep. There seems to be too much "stuff" in this small space and that is just crazy! I sometimes have a hard time letting little things go, but it is time for a major de-cluttering to happen and time to let things go (no need to store things that others may need)...Here goes :)

Devices, devices, devices!

2011-03-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

There are so many new electronic devices in this world, I just can not keep up! I sometimes feel so old for not knowing what is new and what is old in the world of "doodads" and "whichamacallits". As great as some of these things are, do they have to take over our whole lives?

I find it sad to have attended a recent hockey game (Macho Man plays) and noticed 3 people sitting on a bench, in the lobby, and neither one of them could be bothered to see what was going on around them. The reason being, each one of those people were wrapped so deep in their electronic devices! There were two young children and an adult and not once, did I see either of them look up from their devices, until someone came to wrangle them up at the end of the game.

The young ones were playing video games and the little guy kept yelling at his game! What a way to spend a day out...sitting so close to real humans and not once interacting with each other. This is a sad world sometimes :( We never did such things as children. I know, times are a changin', but it gets a bit silly when kids are glued to game systems, cell phones, iPads...Blah, blah, blah!! How do you keep up? What ever happened to going out and playing tag and being silly with friends? When did parents decide to just give up on helping kids to be active? More times than not, I see young people so wrapped up in these things and not enjoying nature and the earth. It really saddens me. I mean, I am not perfect and don't know it all, I don't think I am super Mom/human!! I just think that there are better things to be doing then playing video games and texting ALL.DAY.LONG!!

It doesn't help that we live in a time that has toys that basically leave no reason for a child to use their imagination!! Remember when a blanket could be a super hero cape, or a cardboard box could be a play house or spaceship? These times aren't completely gone, or at least they don't have to be. Let's get back to the basics and break away from devices and battery operated toys that do the work for you. I for one am trying my very best to keep things imaginative, fun and non-electronic for my little one. I am sure the day will come that she will want to use the computer or try a game and that is fine, but it doesn't have to be now and it doesn't have to become her blood line.

So let's wake up and share what fun things we did when we were young and didn't have all these "doodads" and "whichamacallits". Get active! Come on kids, live a little...get out there and be a kid...play...explore....LIVE!!!

Spring Has Sprung...BOING

2011-03-22T20:12:00.001-07:00

And I am off and running with the Spring cleaning!! There is so much to be done, so much to be cleaned, so much clutter to rid my life of!! There is just so much to be done!!

I am off :)

Overwhelmed!!!!!

2011-03-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

It seems I feel this way, any time I need to pick up groceries. I know you do what you can, but there is so much to consider when buying your food...Organic, non-organic, market, grocery store, dirty dozen, processed, non-processed...Is this a healthy choice? Can I get him to put the chips back?

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! There is just too much in my brain, for a simple grocery trip :(

This also applies to making better choices for Miss Z. I want to be sure that she not only eats better foods, I want to ensure her brain is healthy and that I am teaching her well, that she has healthy and safe toys to play with. So.Much.Pressure.Head.Exploding.

I think these things are also brought on by my lack of support and understanding. Though Macho man is great and I love him, I often feel completely alone in my plight to live a healthy, crunchy, hippie lifestyle. I am sure there are many that have to also take their partner kicking and screaming, I would just love to hear what you do in these situations! In my area, I have been in contact with virtually no one that shares my views and hopes for a healthy family life. I get looked at very strangely, when I tell the lady at the cash that I am refusing to take home plastic bags, I was once poked fun at for doing my best to be eco-friendlier, I was even giggled and ewwwwed at when I told a person that I cloth diapered Miss Z. I just don't get it!

I know that I have a tendency to take on too much at once and worry, it is just hard when I want to do so much to make this world and life better but feeling like what I do is never enough. I guess I just need to look at things in a different light and as soon as I figure that way out, I will be okay! I think I just need to find a few people that are on the same mission as myself. I know you are out there...Now is the time to share people :)

Okay, that was some strange kind of rant :P

Silent Sunday

2011-03-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Wardrobe Planning

2011-03-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

I am still in the planning and hunting for tutorial phase, in making a summer wardrobe for Miss Z. It takes a bit to find just want I want, but once I get looking, it is really hard to stop!

I thought I would do a little round-up of all the tutorials I have bookmarked, in case any of you would like to try them as well. So many sweet things to be made!

Cheaters Guide to a Fancy Dress!
I cannot wait to try this one. I think this may have to be Miss Z's Easter dress this year.

Baby Swing Coat Re-fashion
I am not 100% sure that this will make the final list of things to make, but it was too cute not to share :)

The Shirt Jumper

Party Dress
I made this one for Miss Z already, for Christmas, but it is really worth sharing now. I think I may have to make another one!

Neck Tie Dress Tutorial
What a fantastic idea!! Great way to use old ties...or just buy some secondhand ones.

Vintage Smock Pattern
This one is a PDF. I think it will make a great addition to this years Summer clothing.

Cute Apron Knot Dress
Awwwwwwwwwwwww!!

Stripwork Apron Top
Another good tutorial from Vegbee!

Deoderant Review

2011-03-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

WoWZERS!!! This is amazing and I LOVE it...Yes, I LOVE this homemade deodorant!!

Not only was making it fun and simple, it works so well. My armpits feel dry and there is no stink, even after sweating it up today! I think there may be one more test to be done, and that is to work out for an hour at the gym and see how it holds up. I have to say though, I have complete faith that this will do just fine. It is so great to know that I am now using natural deodorant, with nothing scary in it and I made it myself! Woo hoo :P Who knew deodorant could be so exciting...LOL!

For those of you who are thinking of trying this, I urge to do so NOW!!!!!! It is well worth it. This stuff is far healthier than store bought, chemical filled junk. Even if you weren't planning to try it and you just happened to see this post, you really should give it a shot;)

This stuff is so good, I think it deserves yet another link:
"Coconut Oil Killed My Stink" homemade deodorant recipe.

Woo hoo for Homeade Deodorant

2011-03-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

There is something very liberating and satisfying about making your own care products. Knowing that you aren't lining the pockets of big company (that doesn't care about it's customers) and that you aren't coating your body with toxins! I really like knowing what the ingredients are and the fact that I can pronounce them.

So, I made myself some lovely deodorant today and I really like how easy it was to make. It took no time at all. I decided to go with the "Coconut Oil Killed My Stink" recipe. Such a funny title :) This was a very easy to follow tutorial and though I used this recipe, I opted to not add any essential oils, this time around. I wanted something plain and basic, to start off. I will admit, it was really hard to convince myself to not drink the melted coconut oil...LOL. It just smells soooooooo good! The tin that I recycled, is a perfect fit!

Anywho, I didn't get any pictures of the process, even though I said I would. I just forgot to get a battery charger, and I was too impatient to wait. I will take a picture or two the next batch. I know there is no need for at least a few months, to make any more but I think having more than one scent to choose from everyday would be nice. I think I will add the tea tree oil and something else, the next time around. Now, if I can just get Macho Man to embrace the homemade godness of this deoderant!

Homemade Show and Tell...Yet Again

2011-03-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is a dress that I made for Miss Z, for Christmas this year. It was made using an online tutorial/pattern, that I can not currently locate. As soon as I do find the link, I will be sure to post it.

I love the way it turned out, even though it did have it's flaws. Not that it was the fault of the tutorial/pattern. I didn't have ink in my printer, so I was winging the pattern a bit :) That is the usual for me though.

My Pits Shall Stink Another Day

2011-03-14T19:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, it isn't that serious, I still have plain old baking soda! I really did want to make some deodorant and try it out, but this day did not go so well and now I am plain lazy. I was looking around a bit though and found a few other blogs/sites that have their version of the homemade deodorant. I was thinking it would be nice to add some essential oils but unsure if it would change the consistency. I was browsing some blogs and found a link for THIS recipe! Right before I found that one, I found THIS link that shows you an easy way to store your deodorant in an empty "store bought" deodorant container. I believe that link may also have a recipe. Now, I think storing it that way would be sweet, but I haven't bought deodorant in almost a year.I figured it was a good one to share though.

I am really hoping to make some deodorant tomorrow and get a battery charger, so that I can share some pictures of the process :)

Silent Sunday

2011-03-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Making Deodorant

2011-03-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

I have not bought deodorant in almost a year and my armpits have never been happier! Now, there are times where I wear nothing at all, but some days it is a necessity to put something under these arms...LOL! On these days, I have simply been putting aluminum free baking powder, under my arms. I simply put the baking soda in my fingers, add a bit of water to make it a paste and wipe it on to my under arms. Though this is very effective, it would be nice to have something already made and quicker to apply.

The other day, this was posted on Facebook, by a lady on my list. It seems so simple to make and I already have all I need to make it. I do have another recipe for homemade deodorant, but this one was right in my face and I figured I would give it a try first. I am really hoping it turns out well and it is something I will make again and again...but if not, there are always other recipes :)

I will be sure to post pictures, as soon as I am finished making this and have tried it out. Wish me luck!!

P.S. This also gives me a use for a little tin I got from some hot chocolate, that was given to me as a gift. It is the perfect size and shape.

Read Along - The Apple Pie Tree

2011-03-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

This is our contribution to the read along going on over at Helping Lit tle Hands. A great idea and we are privileged to be added to the many participants :)

We recently got The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall, from the library and Miss Z seems to really love it! I mean, who wouldn't love the story of a tree that produces apple pie?!?! Okay, it doesn't produce pie, but it does produce the most important part of apple pie...APPLES! This is a story of an apple tree as it changes with each season. The end result being growth of fruit, which becomes an apple pie.

What other project would go with this book, better than making an apple pie?

Reading, reading, reading.

Making crust.

Whipping up a little appley, delicious filling. We used apples from our freezer, that we picked last summer(local, pesticide free goodness!)

Filling the mini pies! One for Miss Z and one for her Daddy. (Mommy is watching her weight, but I had a taste)

Just before they go in to the oven!

After some serious baking, it is time to enjoy the fruit of our labour ;)

For those who are interested, here is the recipe we used Grandma Ople's Apple Pie. It was more of a base, as we did make a few adjustments...Just the 1/2 cup of brown sugar, less butter and we added cinnamon and nutmeg. YUMMY!

Homemade Show and Tell...Again

2011-03-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share another homemade item...or two!

Here are some recycled goodies I made for a crafting raffle that I joined on Craftster. We had to make something, using recycled/re-purposed items only. I came up with a coffee mug cozy made from recycled wool sweaters, and 2 journals made with a Weetabix box, recycled paper bags from a scrapbook store (that no longer gives the handy sized paper bags, but now gives poopy plastic bags) and are also covered in recycled wool sweater pieces!

I really liked the turn out of these crafts and it was very hard to let them go, but I am sure they are loved in their new home :)

Homemade Show and Tell

2011-03-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

I figured it as time to share a little crafty goodness with you, as I haven't posted anything crafty in quite some time!

These are a pair of patchwork cord pants that I made for a FB friend. She is a lovely lady that I met through a Mommy group (online), I joined when I first found I was pregnant with Miss Z. She recently had her second child, a boy, and while she was pregnant, I offered to make her a pair of pants for her little guy. Being a hippie as well, I figured these would be perfect! There was a picture posted of her little man in these pants and though they are still a bit to big, they looked really sweet on him :)

Calling All Vegetarians/Vegans

2011-03-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

Or those of you that love a good veggie meal, now and again! I am trying to find a few really good Vegetarian/Vegan recipes, that are realistic and cost efficient. Is that a bit too much to expect? LOL!

Macho Man and I have made a personal challenge for ourselves (more for him), to eat all vegetarian meals for one month. I have a few recipes that we already use often but they tend to get played out and we like variety. It seems that all the cookbooks that I have checked out, have a lot more fancy hard to come by sort of recipes and that just won't do!

So, I am really hoping that someone out there will have some recipes to share that you enjoy. Recipes that have been tried out by you would be best, so that I may get your reviews and/or changes, would be great.

Thanks in advance ;)

I am Addicted

2011-03-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, to handmade, natural soap. I LOVE IT!! I am really enjoying the soap that my sister picked up for me, from a lady who makes these fantastic soaps right down the road from my sister. It does smell DELICIOUS! I purchased patchouli and orange, beeswax and honey, and Cocoa butter and oatmeal soap. I was quite pleased when I opened the paper bag they were in and smelled hippies...LOL. A great smell, indeed! I washed my hands with some and it is just lovely. The company name is Northumberland Soap Works. Be sure to check it out!

I also purchased some handmade soap from a little shop, in my town, that is closing. Sad, but I did get a great 50% discount. They carry a brand called Smell The Soap. This stuff is great and smells super awesome...well, at least the stuff I have tried :) I picked up a scent that reminded me so much of a Lush product that I really love, called Snowcake soap. It's called The Promised Land Cold Process soap and is a mixture of milk, honey and oats. It smells so good, that if I thought for one second that it would taste as good as it smells, I would take a big ole bite.

I've Done it...

2011-03-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have become the crazy lady at the table!

Macho man and I went out for date night, last might and our appetizer arrived at our table, I noticed the sour cream and salsa were served in tiny little plastic containers. Instantly, my mind went to the question, "Do they recycle here?". I am sure I could have asked, but even if they yes, that doesn't actually mean that they will really be recycling these things. I have recently found out that many businesses in my area do NOT recycle! In fact, there are a few places that have gone out of their way to provide lovely recycling receptacles that have different slots, so you can sort your waste and recycling in to the proper slots but they don't actually recycle any of it. They go out of their way to have everything separated, but at the end of the evening, they just throw it ALL in to a garbage bag and off to the landfill it goes :( How does that even make sense?

Okay, a bit of a rant there! Back to the story at hand. So, I wondered about the recycling and decided that I was not going to leave it to chance, and proceeded to wipe the little plastic containers out (once they were empty) and shoved them in to my purse! That's right...IN.MY.PURSE!! I don't care how weird or crazy that I may seem, I can't have perfectly recyclable/reusable items being thrown in to the trash on my account. If I had thought things were going to come in anything plastic, I would have opted out, but there they were! I was thinking about putting them in with my recyclables but thought of something better. I am going to hang on to them and use them to hold paints for Miss Z, when she is crafting! This way, they will have more than one use and when they become broken or we no longer have a use for them, I will recycle them.

This also has me thinking that there is more that I need to be doing and that I need to make more of an "eco-effort". I think that when going out to eat (which we rarely do), we need to come up with things that we can do to avoid extra waist. Here are some ideas that I have come up with, so far:

bring cloth napkins
ask for nothing served in disposable dishes or find out
bring utensil rolls (in case there are disposable utensils)

Anyone have some ideas that they might like to share?

Weekend Plans

2011-03-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

We have a few plans I think. We have a date night planned,hockey game to be played (not by me..LOL), bread making to be done and a TON of sewing!! I am really hoping to get a few pieces for Miss Z's Summer wardrobe done this weekend...okay, at least get them started :P I did buy a really nice single flat sheet that looks like it is from the 70's, for a 50 cents and I think it will make a sweet little dress for Miss Z. She really liked the idea, when we bought the sheet!

So, what is everyone up to this weekend? Anything fun and exciting? Share :)

Here's What I'm Up To

2011-03-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Reading...Learning...Preparing...Taking notes...Reading...Learning...

Making it Up!

2011-03-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Some of the best meals I have made, were meals that were simply scrounged together with whatever ingredients I had on hand. Today, I made one of those meals! I made a super tasty lunch, using sad looking mushrooms, a dried out onion and some super wilted swiss chard. I just threw it all in a pan, and sauteed it with some sesame oil, fresh garlic, ginger and a wee bit of low-sodium soy sauce. I had some rice vermicelli in the cupboard and it went quite well with my mix and match sauteed veggies!!

This one that I need to write down, so that I may recreate it...NOM NOM NOM!

Homemade Summer Wardrobe 2.0

2011-03-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I am planning to take yet another stab at a homemade Summer wardrobe, for the little Miss Z! I am also going to make as much homemade for myself, as I can. I am really hoping my Mom will give me a hand, to learn certain techniques and to be sure things actually come together right and not my usual wonky...LOL!

I make things without patterns and that can get tricky sometimes, taking more work than it should but, I just can't be put in to a box and expected to follow someone else's rules :) I am hoping to follow a few patterns/tutorials, this time around. Though, I do work much better with my own ideas and plans, or just by eye. We'll see what I come up with!

Here are a few links, to the items I would love to try out:

Tiered Skirt Tutorial
The Sunshine Dress Tutorial

Re-purposing: Shirt to Dress with Boat Neck/Pockets
Twirly Skirt

March Change

2011-02-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

One Small Change Be sure to check this link out...Join in...Be the change!

I have decided to join and add my eco goals! I have so many eco goals that I have set and followed through with, as well as others that I am working on. Why not share them with others? Why not get ideas from others, as to what I need to change, in order to lower my carbon footprint? I can think of no reason not to :)

So, on to my change for this month...eliminate my use of disposable feminine hygiene products! I will be making pads myself, this month. I have never made these before, but my sister has and they don't seem to unreasonable to do. Wish me luck ;)

Silent Sunday

2011-02-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

Dreeeeam...

2011-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

...Dream, dream, dream!

Lately, I find myself doing a lot of dreaming. Dreaming of a better life in a better home! I would LOVE to be in a sweet little farm house, with a little piece of land, for farm animals, growing a big garden and being one with nature. Some freedom, and not to have to live by the rules of a landlord. Having the ability to lay under the stars, in my own open field, without worrying whether I am laying in the neighbors' dog's poop :( Having some space for Miss Z to run, play, learn and grow in.

I am trying to get things together and figure out how we, as a family, are going to make this dream a reality. Making our life better and finding a permanent home that is ours, should not be this hard...or should it? Is it really so much to ask for?

*sigh*

One day, we ARE going to get there...I just hope it doesn't take a life time!

Check Out My Buns!!

2011-02-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

Burger buns, that is ;)

In my plight to stop buying foods from the store (with mass amounts of added garbage and ingredients I can not pronounce, in them) that I can make myself, I decided to finally try making burger buns! I wanted to make Chili Bean Burgers (I omit the ketchup and add garlic, Worcestershire sauce and what ever other spice I enjoy) for supper and that called for buns...Of course! So, I searched online and found this recipe and decided to give it a shot. There turned out SOOOOOOO well!! I am having a really hard time, not eating every last one of them...LOL!

Oh, and they are a bit on the heavy side, but still VERY delicious!

I'm Participating...

2011-02-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

...in the read-a-long @ Helping Little Hands

There is something really fun going on, over at Helping Little Hands!! You should all get over there now, and join in :) I know I am!!

What 5 things are you grateful for right now?

2011-02-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

On my blog travels today, I discovered a great little blog that had a really great post! Earth Mama posted five things she was grateful for and asked, "What 5 things are you grateful for right now?". It made me think and want to share my 5 with you!

I am grateful for...

...the ability to teach my little one at home!

...being super silly and laughing...A LOT!!

...a little one who loves to craft as much as her Mommy.

...the apples in the freezer, we picked the summer before :)

...the bestest little girl, in the whole wide world!!

You turn, What 5 things are you grateful for right now?

Slouch Hat Fail

2011-02-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

Well people, here it is...

The "supposed to be" slouch hat that ended up looking much more like an awkward, over sized beret! It looks odd and really doesn't fit right, so no action shots!

This means that I am back to the drawing board, and on to the next pattern. I hope to have better luck with the next one :)

Family Day

2011-02-21T23:41:00.000-08:00

So, what did everyone (that has this holiday) do? Please, share :)

I know, a short post, but things here are just super crazy!

Hope you all had a fun day, filled with family, love and laughter!!

Silent Sunday

2011-02-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

Getting My Crafty On

2011-02-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

I was just realizing that this blog has taken a move for the less crafty, these days. I think it is time to do more of the crafty sharing, around here :) I have been crafting, but it has been for swaps I have been doing, on one of my favourite craft sites...Craftster!! If you are crafty, love crafts, want to learn to craft, this is the place to be. Now that the "plug" for that site has been made, on to the rest of this post...LOL!

As soon as I have finished the current swaps and the people I am sending to have received, I plan to share the projects I have made. I will also be focusing on making clothing for Miss Z, as well as some recon projects. Be sure to check in from time to time, to see more crafty goodness!

Snowbert!

2011-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would share with you, Miss Z's first snowman! It took a long wait for just the right snow (the sticky stuff) and it finally came, when the temperature dropped for a short time.

We had a really great but wet and cold time, making this lovely little guy.

I took a picture of Miss Z and "Snowbert" and asked her to say cheese. She said cheese and as soon as the picture had been taken, she looked at her snowman, then at me and said, "He didn't say cheese, Mommy!" She seemed very concerned about this! Tee hee hee...Such a silly girl.

Ten Apples Up On Top

2011-02-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

What a cute little book this is!

I thought I would share some schooly crafted goodness with you today. I recently saw this idea on another blog (can't remember which one), to read a book and then to do some art work, with the book's theme. Well, today was our first try at it and Miss Z LOVES it! She had so much fun, reading with Mommy, counting, painting and gluing.

Here is what we did:

I made paper apples from construction paper, then gathered supplies we needed. Oh, and Miss Z picked the character she wanted, from the book and I drew it on to large blank paper (ah yes, look at my drawing skills...LOL).

Then, Miss Z painted her tiger, with some help from Mommy. We read the book while the paint dried on her tiger. As I was reading, I had Miss Z count out the paper apples, to go along with the number of apples added to each character.

Last, but not least, Miss Z glued "Ten Apples Up On Top"!!

Here is the picture she took herself, of her lovely art ;)

There you have!! All kinds of fun was had with this project, and I hope you enjoyed seeing it :)

Dreaming of Gardening

2011-02-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

I found a really neat blog today and one of the first posts I read, was about gardening in limited space and it made me so excited to garden this year! I missed out on gardening last year, but not this year...There WILL be food growing in my yard!!

I have been reading up on some useful gardening tips and deciding what and where I would grow everything. I am planning to try out a few new things this year, and one of those things being a "potato box". My sister was telling me about this and it seems like something that would be very useful to try. It is a 4x4 box that can produce up to 100lbs of potatoes. I will be sure to post more about it, as soon as I am sure to completely understand it. Plans are definitely in the works, for this year's garden. All I need now, is for Summer to arrive!

If you have any great gardening tips or ideas that you would like to share, be sure to leave it in the comments section :)

Slouch Obsessed!

2011-02-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

I am out of control! I want to try every single version of a slouch hat, that I find. I was thinking I should share some of the patterns that I have found, with you all :) I mean, who doesn't love a good slouch hat?!?!

Here are the linky poos:

Eyelet Slouch Hat

Meret : This one is a PDF.

Runched Slouch Beanie

Slouch Hat Knitting Pattern

Knit Slouch Hat Pattern: This pattern is the first one I will be trying out. In fact, it is already on the needles, I just haven't had a chance to work at it.

Rudolph Hat : Not a slouch hat, but super cute!!

I have yet to try these patterns, but I plan to, in hopes of finding a slouch hat that is to my liking. If any of you try one or some of these patterns, be sure to let me know how it/they turn out. I will post pictures of the ones that I try out...even if they fail :)

Progress Report!

2011-02-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

I got a few of the tasks done, from my list but not as much as I wanted to accomplish. I may have not completed everything, but the most important part was finished...LAUNDRY!!! I made 2 crochet slouch hats but they were a FAIL! The pattern I used was all kinds of crazy, and the finished products were more like stiff, over sized berets. I am greatly disappointed, as I put a fair amount of time in to them. Ah well, I have a few other patterns to try out and I know I will find at least one that works for me! I also worked on the Alice in Wonderland swap, a wee bit. There is still so much to do with that swap and so little time to do it in. Oh, and the cookies just didn't happen. Miss Z and I were supposed to bake Valentine cookies (today) as a surprise for Daddy, but I didn't realize that we were missing a few ingredients. I am still planning to make cookies with Miss Z, this week but instead of Valentine cookies, we will work them in to the homeschooling schedule (we are going to work on letter of the weeks...YAY). The weekend wasn't a total bust, though there was a lot I didn't get to. Always another day to finish :)

Imaginative Play, Gone Wrong

2011-02-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

~ More than ever, we as parents and a nation must do something about the growth of obesity in our children. We must do more than just talk, we must be concerned enough to act. ~ Lee Haney

This is the reason that I like to make play food for my daughter, myself. There are so many things wrong with this! This was part of a gift that was given to my daughter, for her birthday. I know we can't be choosy (or can I a little?) about what other people buy for your child as gifts, but shouldn't things like what you might really want to avoid, or what you believe, or how you raise your child, have some sort of effect on what someone gives them? I thought this would be easier to avoid, if it were a gift given by a family member. One who went out of their way to make sure they asked exactly what would be appropriate for our little one. I guess I was wrong!

I am not ungrateful for the "idea" of this gift, but I am quite put off that I was asked exactly what Miss Z would like and what sorts of things we were trying to avoid and this person went right out and purchased all the things we said were not appropriate! Not only did she receive a ton of "plastic, wrapped in plastic, wrapped in a tree", but the items in this play food set are things that I would never see as ideal choices, even in play food. Things like chocolate nuts, juicy candy, boxed cake, doughnuts and so on. I know, I am not perfect and I do eat junk food sometimes, but this isn't a habit that I like to encourage. Maybe I am a weird and anal parent, but it seems that these types of toys, encourage bad eating habits and bad food choices in real life. Yes, they are just toys, but they do have an impact on the minds of little ones!

I should also add that it isn't just the fact that this is junk food play food, but the fact that we do our best to avoid plastic and anyone that knows me, knows that! I was sure to inform the person who purchased this set, that we would much prefer something wooden, cloth, anything but plastic (as she gave us the choice). Sure it may seem that maybe they couldn't find the items I told them about, or maybe things were too expensive, but that is not the case. This person is known for asking what we want and then doing the opposite, which makes no sense to me. Why spend your money on a spiteful gift, just to have it given away to someone else. You are hurting me, you are hurting your own pocket book!

P.S...The play food set was also accompanied by a plastic tea set, plastic dishes, cookies(with more junk in the ingredients, than I care to even read) as well as juice boxes with weird ingredients like canola oil...EEEEK!!

What do you think? Are these okay toys for your child? Do feel the same as I do, in the aspect that these sorts of toys teach bad habit/choices in life? Am I just crazy? Okay, don't answer that last one, but I would really like to hear what others think.

Extended Breastfeeding

2011-02-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

We do it!! It is a good thing!! I am doing right by my child, not hurting her!! My body, my breasts, my choice!!

My daughter is 3 years old and is STILL breastfed...That is all!!

Feel free to discuss. I would love to hear from other extended breastfeeders, on their experiences with nursing toddlers, or whether you get support from family and peers, or issues!

If I put it here, I WILL do it!

2011-02-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

This post is going to serve as motivation and accountability for the things that I MUST get done. I am the "Queen of Procrastination", but my reign must be over! I hereby step down from my throne and pass the crown to the next heir :) Well, that is what I am hoping to to do. Let's just see how things go this weekend.

Ok, here is a list of the tasks/projects/chores that I really need to take care of:

Laundry
Bake Valentine cookies, with Miss Z (for her Daddy)
Finish crochetting myself a slouch hat (just about done now)
Crochet a slouch hat Miss Z ( she has been demanding one)
Make a cloth calender (we have not one calender in our home - so confusing to never know what day it is...LOL!)
Make a mug rug
Work on the Alice in Wonderland Swap!!

I know, I know, this is a lot to expect of someone who is so good at procrastinating, but I like to aim high! I tend to go BIG with these things. Let's just see how much of this list I actually get done. I shall post things as I finish them. I can do this...Right?!?!