Saved From the Trash
Last week was Fargo’s designated Spring Clean Up week. Our city gives us one week to put whatever we want to get rid of on the boulevard, besides hazardous wastes. We had a few things that needed to go. Stuff that was just so run down and trashed that no one would want. Or so we thought. You would be surprised what was picked up. A fridge was the first thing to go. Gone in about 30 minutes. Granted it still worked (it was a friend’s and I did ask the husband if we could use a working fridge for our garage) but no one else knew that it still worked. Also some blinds were taken, the really old fashioned kind. Ones that were missing a few pieces.
I am a proud boulevard shopper. I like to look around at what people throw out because you don’t know what will be useful/valuable for you. I found a good quality desk chair and a laundry basket in good condition that we use frequently. I am a bit picky with what I take since my husband just thinks it will end up as clutter.
We were putting stuff out and we contemplated putting out these 4 prints that were from the same artist. I had been with my husband over 9 years now and 5 moves we never had these pictures hanging on the wall. They were stored in our garage so naturally they got really dirty and dinged up. I never really looked them over too well until this spring clean up. I couldn’t throw them away. I thought I could clean them up and donate them.
I thought once I started cleaning them up I would be disappointed. On the contrary, I was surprised at what a little patience and cleaner could do to these prints. Even though they have been in storage for a good decade, there wasn’t any smudges on the prints themselves or on the matting. I shined them up and put them back together. The glass was broken on one of the 4 prints so I am going to Hobby Lobby to find a replacement piece. I am so happy I kept them. I already know where I am going to hang them.
I love being able to save stuff from being thrown out. I was a little sad that I didn’t collect as much stuff as I wanted during spring cleaning week. Next year I will make a harder push to get what I want from the boulevard even if my husband thinks it’s clutter.
DIY Beads
It has been a while since I have posted a DIY project. I made some concrete planters that I am thinking about posting but they didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. Stay tuned for that post. The project that I made today brings back wonderful memories with my grandmother. She showed me how to do this about 20 years ago. It is a great project to use all of those “to be recycled” magazines. You might as well use parts of it for these beautiful beads.
What you will need
Magazines
X-acto knife
Straight Edge
Glue
Toothpick
Pick pages from the magazine that have colors you want in your beads. I wanted muted colors so I picked pages to reflect that. Another tip is using sturdy pages. The front or back covers of magazines are ideal.
Cut them into long narrow triangles using the x-acto knife and straight edge.
Using the toothpick start wrapping the wide end of the triangle snug against the toothpick. I wrapped it around 3 or 4 times before I removed the toothpick and continued twisting with my fingers. Once you are to the end of the narrow part, put a dot of glue and hold for a moment so it doesn’t unravel.
It probably takes me about a minute to make one bead. It is so worth it. Look how beautiful they turned out. You can use these beads in jewelery or even string them together using ribbons and make garland. You can pick colors that go with whatever holiday you wish. Red and Green for Christmas or pastels for Easter. You can also use scrapbook paper because it has a thickness that is perfect for this project.
Weekly Going Green Tips
I had an idea while gardening this weekend. I observed many little ways I was being green without even thinking about it and I want to share it. I want to give you a couple of ways to be green a week and tell you why it’s a greener alternative. This will be more than tips other websites give you. I want to go a little further and find some research to support my ideals. My first post like this will revolve around gardening.
- I hate chemicals. I equally hate dandelions, but I will never combine the two. I decided to de-dandelion my yard without the use of chemical weed killers. I just took my little gardening hand shovel and dug under the weed and pulled it up. Environmental Health News states, “Roundup’s inert ingredients amplified the toxic effect on human cells…particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells.” This is easy to believe with the maker of Roundup being Monsanto, one of the largest producers of genetically modified seeds.
- Mow efficiently. I come from parents (my dad) who likes to make his lawn look perfect. He likes to mow zig-zag like. I think he does this to one-up the neighbors who have an equally perfect lawn. When I am out there mowing, I want to get it done quickly. Also, mow when it’s morning or dusk. During cooler parts of the day less gas fumes will burn off, ie more efficient.
- Or you could change to an electric or human powered machine. The Daily Green states, “a typical gas mower can be up to 30-times more polluting than an automobile.”
- Lose the yard. I wouldn’t suggest this if you use your yard lots for activities. If you have a yard that is thin and doesn’t get enough sun, try using ground cover instead. This stuff doesn’t need to get mowed. I actually intend on digging up the east side of our house that is narrow and planting a flower garden and a path with ground cover. I don’t like mowing back here anyways since it is so narrow.
That was just a few tips on going green in your garden. Simple things you all can do. I have been looking out for a human powered mower at our local thrift store. My parents picked one up there that was almost brand new. You never know what you will find at a thrift store.
Easy Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup
I hate cooking meals. I would rather bake something sweet. But I came across this easy recipe that even I could make. It didn’t require making a huge mess or a lot of ingredients. It is gluten free and vegetarian. If you like squash soup you will probably like this one too. It has the same consistency as mashed cauliflower.
Ingredients
3 medium sized sweet potatoes
1 head cauliflower
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
7 cups of water
Cut the cauliflower into smallish pieces, drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven at 400 for 20 – 30 minutes. Roast until light brown and but not mushy.
Chop the sweet potatoes, onion and garlic and put in water to soften. When the cauliflower is done put this in the veggie mixture. Once the potatoes are soften allow to cool before you blend. I took mine off the burner and went for a walk. Once I returned I took the hand blender to it and blended it to a lumpy texture. Reheat on the stove until hot. Season with salt and pepper.
My husband and I had enough for 2 full meals each. We at it again the next day, but we added some diced ham to it. We are by no means vegetarians and we had ham left over in the fridge. It did add a little salt to it and it tasted like scalloped potatoes. It was yummy and easy.
Happy Earth Day
In celebrating one of my favorite days of the year, I intend on being the ultimate green person. I feel like I celebrate Earth Day every day, but today I will take it to the max. This is how I intend on celebrating:
- Not taking a shower – I have no where to go and no one to impress. Taking a shower uses a lot of water, electricity to heat the water and down the line energy to clean to water for reuse. Not to mention the shampoo and soap you will be using that need energy to make. I do use BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) shampoo and Grandpa’s soaps which are healthier and better for the environment so I do feel a bit better about that. I hate pouring scented chemical laden products on my body so it can absorb and cause damage. – No thank you!
- Not driving anywhere – I will walk over to visit my folks since they are in walking distance. Like I said above, I really don’t have anywhere else to go so driving somewhere, like the mall, just to kill time is un-needed today.
- Conserving electricity – I do this every day as it is. I even do it for my husband (by turning off the lights after him). Today I will unplug electronics not in use, not turn on the TV just to entertain myself and be efficient when I am using electricity.
- Prepare a donation to the local thrift store – This may not be the most green thing, but by donating stuff to the thrift store that is still good quality will prevent garbage. In completing the cycle, I also shop at the thrift store. I rarely buy books brand new, nor furniture. I love going to thrift stores or even antique stores in order to find what I need.
So what do I intend on doing today? I have a few things on my agenda:
- Knit – Last night I went to a knitting party and got reintroduced to knitting. I gave up when 2 of my scarves turned out like crap.
- Read – I have a great book I am reading that I can get some good quality time catching up.
- Organize/prepare donation – I want to de-clutter, get rid of stuff that I don’t need that is causing me stress and give it away.
- Go for a walk – Enjoy the fresh air and a bit of exercise with my husband and our dog.
- Visit with the folks – Doesn’t require any electricity.
I have my day busy with green things to do. It is almost impossible to completely live without electricity but I will try my best to conserve and be creative with how I use my time. Please share how you are celebrating Earth Day today!
DIY Almond Butter
I eat a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich almost every day. It’s quick to make and somewhat fulfilling. I suppose not as satisfying as a pizza or Fettuccine Alfredo. In trying to eat healthier I found that almond butter has less fat than regular peanut butter. I love Trader Joe’s almond butter specifically. Unfortunately, here in Fargo, we are 3 hours away from the closest Trader Joe’s. Yes, we have it here in the grocery stores, but it’s double the price. Plus, I had no idea how easy it would be to make it myself. It’s easy AND it tastes delicious. Here are the easiest steps.
Ingredients
Almonds
Honey (optional)
Salt (optional)
Really, that is it. However, I found a recipe that adds a bit of raw honey (which I had) and salt.
I bought a bag that was 2 and a half cups of chopped almonds. I toasted them on a skillet on medium until it browned a bit. Popped the almonds in the food processor, added a couple of teaspoons of raw honey and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. It blended for about 5 minutes until it turned into a butter consistency.
Have you looked at the ingredients on a peanut butter jar? Molasses, Hydrogenated Oil, Sugar…Why are these things needed? Peanuts and almonds are tasty all by themselves. And I know that hydrogenated oils are NOT healthy.
I suppose the bag of almonds cost about $4.50. I could have saved some money but I didn’t want to spend time shopping. So for less than $5 I have good, raw and tasty almond butter. You have to really try this yourself!
Anti-consumerism and Freeganism
I hate clutter and I hate waste. These two little things can be removed from my life. It would require a huge life change. I am no expert on the topics of anti-consumerism and freeganism but I want to use this blog to educate myself more and my audience on how we can contribute to reducing non-necessary buying and reducing waste.
When I decided to start a blog, I wanted it more than a blog to post craft projects. I wanted to post challenges to myself and you to help live a greener life. I want to educate myself on how to live more green and inspire you to also. Today’s blog I hope to do just that.
I should briefly describe these two topics. Anti-consumerism is summarized by cutting our self off of material possessions, ie all of our wants. Freeganism, a more extreme movement, is defined as using alternative living strategies that followers remove themselves from society completely. Freegans use the ideal of foraging and squatting (living in abandoned or unused buildings). Freegans take what people don’t want (trash) and use these goods to survive.
I am not on the path to ever become a full blown freegan but I understand their ideals. The idea of using other peoples trash makes me want to plan my meals so all of our food gets used. Or instead of buying a new shirt going to the thrift store. I may never dumpster dive, but I may go boulevard shopping during spring cleaning. I have found useful home things, like a desk chair and laundry basket that are good quality.
Anyways, I am more in line with anti-consumerism. I would like to give you two resources that have made me want to change my life in this regard. Please spend some time checking this out. It is well worth your time.
- The Story of Stuff video. Click the link to watch a 20 minute video that is actually quite entertaining and educational. Annie Leonard narrates the video describing the product life cycle and how companies create products that are designed for the trash. They are purchased only to be replaced quickly.
- A book that I read called, “Not Buying It” by Judith Levine gave me in site what living without wants for a year would be like. The idea of not buying things just for status or convenience may seem difficult, but can save you lots of money and save us lots of time to get in tune with your family.
I fully support the idea of freeganism. If there are people out there who will use other people’s garbage, I say “go for it! Why not?” I will continue my quest to reduce my desire to purchase things that I want. It is very easy for me to keep products that still have use or value. This is no big deal. Of course, the feeling of buying a new shirt or shoes always feels good. But, I do like the idea of saving money.
I have a new challenge for myself. I am going to use the rest of April to not purchase wants. This may be difficult since it is planting season, BUT I am going to give it my all. I will control my urge to spend on things that I think are needs when they are actually wants. Will you be willing to take a simple challenge? For 2 weeks, cut back on unnecessary spending? Not purchase things that are just to be replaced quickly? Let me know how you will challenge yourself. I would love to hear about it.
Gardening Inspiration II
Sorry that I haven’t posted in a while. It has been hard to do anything outside since it’s been cold and rainy. And actually, I think that it is too early to be doing any gardening. Last weekend I went to Lowe’s and a specialty garden store and they didn’t have any lilac bushes or lavender. Those are the main things I am looking for.
I have started the garden process by having the City of Fargo come to our house and mark off where hidden electrical and plumbing so I can do some digging in our yard.
Once I get motivation to work hard in the garden, I intend on digging up all of the grass you see. I want to remove all of the square concrete step stones, if that is what you want to call them. Towards the right side, all the way to the back is where I plan to use the most colorful plants….roses, lilies etc. A combination of all types of plants, perenials, annuals, bushes and grasses are what I am looking for.
Here are some more inspirational pictures that I have taken ideas from:
1. I love the choice of colors in this picture. I want all of the different colors and heights of plants in this picture.
2. I love the use of a archway with flowing colorful plants covering it. I am not sure if I can fit one like this on my garden due to space, but I may have something for plants to grow on.
3. I may not have a table and chairs like this in my garden, but I would like to have a little vignette, or even more comfortable seating with a little end table.
4. I must have lots of lavender and plants that smell good. They not only smell good, but look good too.
As you can see…I have a lot of work to do. If it would get warm and stay warm long enough to get started I will get this project started. I will post my progess as I start in case you need some gardening inspiration.
Pumpkin Pancakes
I must be in the fall mood because I have been craving fall flavors like apple butter and pumpkin. I think that you can enjoy these flavors any time of the year, but it is extra special at the right season.
Two years ago we had a great harvest of pumpkins. I don’t remember the exact count, but we ended up with the equivalent of 60 cans of pureed pumpkin. I have found some great recipes using my pumpkin. I love this Pumpkin Swirl Bread recipe from my friends’ blog. I also have tried pumpkin risotto which is great. Here is my favorite recipe using pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pancakes
2 cups all purpose flour
3 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cup milk
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup cooking oil
1. Combine flour and other dry ingredients. In second bowl combine eggs and remaining ingredients. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix until mixture is just a bit lumpy.
2. Heat frying pan until water dances or sizzles. Flip once the sides lift off the pan and bubbles form and stay.
I really enjoy these both hot or cold. I usually make 3 small pancakes for a snack at work. It is even quick enough to make before leaving for work. And there is barely any sugar in it, but it’s sweet enough if you have a sweet tooth. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract
I hate buying vanilla extract. It is so expensive and you only get a small amount. Since I like to save money I found a recipe for making my own at home. All it requires is vanilla beans, vodka, an air tight container and time. I found some reasonably priced vanilla beans at beanilla. They have a great assortment of varieties. I went with the Madagascar Vanilla Beans because a friend told me they were the best. It really only took about 4 days to receive too.
I purchased 10 beans because it had the best value. I ordered half for myself and half for my friend. For this recipe I used 5 vanilla beans. This is what you need to do to make your own vanilla extract.
Find a container to store it in. I found an old fashion mason jar. Even a cleaned out wine bottle would work. Make sure it’s good and clean.
Cut the vanilla beans in half length wise. Then use a kitchen scissors to cut them down the middle, to expose the vanilla.
Put them into the container and fill with vodka. At SimplyRecipes, my inspiration for this recipe, they use 3 vanilla beans and added 1 cup of vodka. For me, I had to use a little algebra to figure out I would need 1.666 cups of vodka for my 5 beans.
Then store them in a cool dark place. I put them in a cabinet in my laundry room. Make sure to give it a shake every once in a while. After a couple of months it will be ready. You will have a dark brown extract ready to bake with.
Add more vodka every so often to keep up a good supply. I will update this blog as it starts to darken. I look forward to saving lots of money with this recipe and using my own vanilla. Not only do I save money, but I reduce waste. The cap to the vanilla bean extract I purchase in the store is not recyclable. Making my own helps me to reduce waste.
