While attending college, I was several majors (in my head) before I decided on and finally finished with a B.A. in English. I had no idea what I was going to do with that degree, but I knew that it was a great foundation for many graduate areas, and plus everyone should know how to write a complete, coherent, grammatically correct sentence. Well, I never pursued a masters degree (sorry Mom), but have had careers in retail management, technical writing, Web design, and now I'm finally getting the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do which is write (blog?). That is the beauty of the Internet. It can make dreams of becoming a published author come true with the click of a button (mouse? - Who thought up these words? - blog?...mouse?). Whether or not I have an audience is a different story. Hello? Are you out there? I'll just believe that you are and I will keep on writing (blogging) to my heart's content. This is a lot of fun and I'm learning so much about green and natural living that I want to share.
Friday, June 13, 2008
I Think I've Found My Calling
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
While attending college, I was several majors (in my head) before I decided on and finally finished with a B.A. in English. I had no idea what I was going to do with that degree, but I knew that it was a great foundation for many graduate areas, and plus everyone should know how to write a complete, coherent, grammatically correct sentence. Well, I never pursued a masters degree (sorry Mom), but have had careers in retail management, technical writing, Web design, and now I'm finally getting the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do which is write (blog?). That is the beauty of the Internet. It can make dreams of becoming a published author come true with the click of a button (mouse? - Who thought up these words? - blog?...mouse?). Whether or not I have an audience is a different story. Hello? Are you out there? I'll just believe that you are and I will keep on writing (blogging) to my heart's content. This is a lot of fun and I'm learning so much about green and natural living that I want to share.
While attending college, I was several majors (in my head) before I decided on and finally finished with a B.A. in English. I had no idea what I was going to do with that degree, but I knew that it was a great foundation for many graduate areas, and plus everyone should know how to write a complete, coherent, grammatically correct sentence. Well, I never pursued a masters degree (sorry Mom), but have had careers in retail management, technical writing, Web design, and now I'm finally getting the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do which is write (blog?). That is the beauty of the Internet. It can make dreams of becoming a published author come true with the click of a button (mouse? - Who thought up these words? - blog?...mouse?). Whether or not I have an audience is a different story. Hello? Are you out there? I'll just believe that you are and I will keep on writing (blogging) to my heart's content. This is a lot of fun and I'm learning so much about green and natural living that I want to share.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What's Cooking? Taco Salad
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
Anything Mexican gets me going. I believe it is my love for carbohydrates. Shamefully, I must admit that when we lived closer to a city, many a family meal was eaten at Chevy's. I would blame it on the kids if it weren't for their yummy salsa which I absolutely love. Are chips and salsa a viable meal? Since the drive is a little futher now (try one hour, instead of ten minutes), I've had to rely on my own creativity and a few good recipes to get us through our "Mexican-meal-fixes."
This is my version of a taco salad, minus the meat, of course. You want meat, then toss it in as I do for my husband. I could eat this salad a few days in a row. Taco Salad is What's Cooking?" this week.
recipe: E-mail me for Taco Salad.
Anything Mexican gets me going. I believe it is my love for carbohydrates. Shamefully, I must admit that when we lived closer to a city, many a family meal was eaten at Chevy's. I would blame it on the kids if it weren't for their yummy salsa which I absolutely love. Are chips and salsa a viable meal? Since the drive is a little futher now (try one hour, instead of ten minutes), I've had to rely on my own creativity and a few good recipes to get us through our "Mexican-meal-fixes."
This is my version of a taco salad, minus the meat, of course. You want meat, then toss it in as I do for my husband. I could eat this salad a few days in a row. Taco Salad is What's Cooking?" this week.
recipe: E-mail me for Taco Salad.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Go All the Way
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
If you are going to clean green, then why not go all the way? Here is just a taste of a few green and natural products that you can use to clean while practicing being a little more eco-friendly. You may end up spending more
time in awe and curiosity (How did they do that?), while trying to figure out how a wood chip becomes a sponge soft enough to clean delicate surfaces, yet abrasive enough to remove caked on food from last night’s dinner plate. These sponges are made out of a product called viscose, which is very absorbent, effective - think sheepskin (but no dead animals) - and softens with each machine wash allowing you to "wring out and use to dry again and again". If you are a little nutty, then you may prefer the Sponge With Walnut Scrubber, which is made from "50% post consumer recycled materials." Just remember, don’t try to eat it.
Sponges are no good without cleaners. Continue your green cleaning with high performance, concentrated cleaners, stain removers, and cleaning supplies that also include an organic, all-purpose cleaner that is Green Seal certified.
Gain more green points with a recycled mop and a sustainable handle made from 80% recycled bottles. Natural fiber and organic dish towels are one way, but if you can't seem to get away from the paper, then why not try recycled paper and go all the way?
Are you excited about cleaning yet? If anything, cleaning will be a little more interesting. Still not sold? Consider hiring a cleaning company for periodic or regular services. Any telephone book contains pages of cleaning services, but look for ones that use green cleaners and if possible follow green practices.
You can now cross cleaning off of your "To Do" list.
If you are going to clean green, then why not go all the way? Here is just a taste of a few green and natural products that you can use to clean while practicing being a little more eco-friendly. You may end up spending more
time in awe and curiosity (How did they do that?), while trying to figure out how a wood chip becomes a sponge soft enough to clean delicate surfaces, yet abrasive enough to remove caked on food from last night’s dinner plate. These sponges are made out of a product called viscose, which is very absorbent, effective - think sheepskin (but no dead animals) - and softens with each machine wash allowing you to "wring out and use to dry again and again". If you are a little nutty, then you may prefer the Sponge With Walnut Scrubber, which is made from "50% post consumer recycled materials." Just remember, don’t try to eat it.
Sponges are no good without cleaners. Continue your green cleaning with high performance, concentrated cleaners, stain removers, and cleaning supplies that also include an organic, all-purpose cleaner that is Green Seal certified.
Gain more green points with a recycled mop and a sustainable handle made from 80% recycled bottles. Natural fiber and organic dish towels are one way, but if you can't seem to get away from the paper, then why not try recycled paper and go all the way?Are you excited about cleaning yet? If anything, cleaning will be a little more interesting. Still not sold? Consider hiring a cleaning company for periodic or regular services. Any telephone book contains pages of cleaning services, but look for ones that use green cleaners and if possible follow green practices.
You can now cross cleaning off of your "To Do" list.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It Takes a Few Minutes
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
Are we made to waste paper? Is it our nature to waste paper? Will there ever be a day where we “paper-waste” no more? Possibly, not really, maybe respectively. We may never live in a society where paper waste is non-existent,
but the least we can do is use it more wisely. We use money wisely, we use timely wisely, but using paper wisely?
Merriam-Webster dictionary now includes “junk mail” and “junk E-mail” as additional definitions for the word mail. When the concept of a mailbox was created, certainly there was never consideration to the fact that something other than personal, wanted mail would ever be placed in the box. Today, collecting mail from a personal box, whether it be postal or E-mail, requires a garbage can in tow or a quick finger on the delete button. We could blame it on the government and say we are “government controlled,” when you learn that the USPS is fighting to keep your mailboxes full of junk-mail because “standard” mail (JUNK MAIL) “has become the lifeblood of the U.S. Postal Service and that jobs depend on it.” Hmm. The end of junk mail will jeopardize the jobs of thousands. In hard economic times like these or in any time, the loss of a job is not preferred. So, keep the junk mail coming?
Unless your child is disciplined beyond his years, a trip to the bank or post office involves picking up several “paper souvenirs” including brochures, deposit slips, etc. If these items make it to the car, the next stop for them is usually the garbage can. We start early with how we treat paper.
There may never be a day where paper waste doesn’t occur, but there are several things we can do to promote better uses (or none at all) of paper. If you are tired of receiving catalogs from “Bob’s Meat Shack,” when you’re a vegetarian or home decorating catalogs when your best piece of furniture is a tattered couch hanging on from your college days of 17 years ago, then make a choice and decide “what gets in.” If catalogs are not the problem, but regular junk mail is, then you can “get paid” to reduce it yourself or pay Green Dimes to do it for you.
All it takes is a few minutes to dispose of your paper in a recycling container so it can be recycled. If you do not have curbside pick-up, then you can always find a local recycling center. If you work outside your home, then hopefully, your office already has a recycling program. If not, then learn how to start one and become a ”green trend setter.” Many schools are already participating in recycling programs and it is a great way to involve children in the recycling process and educate them on consumption reduction.
As far as junk E-mail, if anyone comes up with ways to reduce if not eliminate, then please let me know.
Are we made to waste paper? Is it our nature to waste paper? Will there ever be a day where we “paper-waste” no more? Possibly, not really, maybe respectively. We may never live in a society where paper waste is non-existent,
but the least we can do is use it more wisely. We use money wisely, we use timely wisely, but using paper wisely?Merriam-Webster dictionary now includes “junk mail” and “junk E-mail” as additional definitions for the word mail. When the concept of a mailbox was created, certainly there was never consideration to the fact that something other than personal, wanted mail would ever be placed in the box. Today, collecting mail from a personal box, whether it be postal or E-mail, requires a garbage can in tow or a quick finger on the delete button. We could blame it on the government and say we are “government controlled,” when you learn that the USPS is fighting to keep your mailboxes full of junk-mail because “standard” mail (JUNK MAIL) “has become the lifeblood of the U.S. Postal Service and that jobs depend on it.” Hmm. The end of junk mail will jeopardize the jobs of thousands. In hard economic times like these or in any time, the loss of a job is not preferred. So, keep the junk mail coming?
Unless your child is disciplined beyond his years, a trip to the bank or post office involves picking up several “paper souvenirs” including brochures, deposit slips, etc. If these items make it to the car, the next stop for them is usually the garbage can. We start early with how we treat paper.
There may never be a day where paper waste doesn’t occur, but there are several things we can do to promote better uses (or none at all) of paper. If you are tired of receiving catalogs from “Bob’s Meat Shack,” when you’re a vegetarian or home decorating catalogs when your best piece of furniture is a tattered couch hanging on from your college days of 17 years ago, then make a choice and decide “what gets in.” If catalogs are not the problem, but regular junk mail is, then you can “get paid” to reduce it yourself or pay Green Dimes to do it for you.
All it takes is a few minutes to dispose of your paper in a recycling container so it can be recycled. If you do not have curbside pick-up, then you can always find a local recycling center. If you work outside your home, then hopefully, your office already has a recycling program. If not, then learn how to start one and become a ”green trend setter.” Many schools are already participating in recycling programs and it is a great way to involve children in the recycling process and educate them on consumption reduction.
As far as junk E-mail, if anyone comes up with ways to reduce if not eliminate, then please let me know.
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Tree That Started it All (I Hope)
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
We had so much fun completing this mission that we will be planting more trees later this year. I was also inspired to go ahead and start another herb garden of which I'll write more about later.
As usual, I had three willing and eager workers who were ready to work on and complete this project. They were already making plans for the "fruit of their labor."
We picked up a Fuji apple tree at a local nursery. Fuji apples are a red, mixed breed (Red Delicious and Rawls Jennet) apple with a sweet and crispy taste. The Little Green Secrets (LGS) mission crew go through many of these apples in a week when they're in season.
Dad also joined us and we appreciate his "heavy and very strong hands" because there was alot of digging.
We send a special THANK YOU! to Dad for his help because we were able to find every tool except the one he needed to dig the very deep hole. Dad had to flex his muscles and work really hard. This mission took a little longer than expected.
I bet if we had let them continue to dig, then they would have dug a large enough hole by themselves. I will put that hard work to use next week to pull weeds. Somehow, it will become a school lesson. I manage to turn anything into a school lesson.
We are quite pleased with our little tree.
All of us are looking forward to enjoying local and pesticide free apples from our tree by walking outside to our backyard. Now, how to keep the deer from doing the same?
We had so much fun completing this mission that we will be planting more trees later this year. I was also inspired to go ahead and start another herb garden of which I'll write more about later.
As usual, I had three willing and eager workers who were ready to work on and complete this project. They were already making plans for the "fruit of their labor."We picked up a Fuji apple tree at a local nursery. Fuji apples are a red, mixed breed (Red Delicious and Rawls Jennet) apple with a sweet and crispy taste. The Little Green Secrets (LGS) mission crew go through many of these apples in a week when they're in season.
Dad also joined us and we appreciate his "heavy and very strong hands" because there was alot of digging.
We send a special THANK YOU! to Dad for his help because we were able to find every tool except the one he needed to dig the very deep hole. Dad had to flex his muscles and work really hard. This mission took a little longer than expected.
I bet if we had let them continue to dig, then they would have dug a large enough hole by themselves. I will put that hard work to use next week to pull weeds. Somehow, it will become a school lesson. I manage to turn anything into a school lesson. |  |
We are quite pleased with our little tree.
All of us are looking forward to enjoying local and pesticide free apples from our tree by walking outside to our backyard. Now, how to keep the deer from doing the same?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Behind the Vegetarian Learning Curve
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
It is finally here! My copy of The Vegan Lunch Box - FIRST EDITION.
Yes, first edition and it does matter when there are copies being sold for more than $100. No, I am not one of those who paid the “new retail” price, but I did pay more than the original price of $22.95 and I’m happy to own it. I still can't get over the fact that I am just now reading the book, as well as the blog that started it all more than three years ago. Jennifer blogged about the vegan meal creations for her son, James Henry, who was entering the first grade. She wasn’t worried about picking out the popular notebook, colorful #2 pencils, or making sure he was dressed in the latest fashions as he started back to school. Jennifer was more concerned with what her young son, who had grown up eating a vegan diet, would eat and want to eat while being surrounded by new and tempting “food” that was less nutritious and being offered in his school cafeteria.
Those concerns were eventually proved unnecessary and you will see why as you read through her blog (which works for me as a companion to the book), which show pictures (yea – I love pictures) that may convert even the hard core carnivore, a write up and summary of the meal, and James’ “critique” of what mom prepared for lunch that day. The meals are packed and served in traditional Bento style which has been popularized in recent years by Laptop Lunches, a company that promotes waste-free lunches.
As a homeschooling mom, my children will not be tempted by the possible less than nutritious offerings of a public school cafeteria, but they could be tempted by the same if I fail to offer them healthy foods at home. Because I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian (I do eat fish occasionally), my children get more fruit and vegetables by default because I don’t know how to cook meat, other than baked chicken and scrambled eggs, and I cook and serve what I know. Fortunate for them and easy for me.
I was a little disappointed because I was hoping there were more pictures, but I’ll settle for the pictures Jennifer offers on her blog. My oldest starts his first official school year (more on that later – another blog) this fall and we will use as many of the meals as we can. There are quite a few recipes I can't wait to try and some of them will be served as dinner meals.
An updated version of the book is due to be released within the next month, so you won’t have to worry about locating, and paying the price, for a first edition copy to learn how to create your own vegan lunchbox.
It is finally here! My copy of The Vegan Lunch Box - FIRST EDITION.
Yes, first edition and it does matter when there are copies being sold for more than $100. No, I am not one of those who paid the “new retail” price, but I did pay more than the original price of $22.95 and I’m happy to own it. I still can't get over the fact that I am just now reading the book, as well as the blog that started it all more than three years ago. Jennifer blogged about the vegan meal creations for her son, James Henry, who was entering the first grade. She wasn’t worried about picking out the popular notebook, colorful #2 pencils, or making sure he was dressed in the latest fashions as he started back to school. Jennifer was more concerned with what her young son, who had grown up eating a vegan diet, would eat and want to eat while being surrounded by new and tempting “food” that was less nutritious and being offered in his school cafeteria.Those concerns were eventually proved unnecessary and you will see why as you read through her blog (which works for me as a companion to the book), which show pictures (yea – I love pictures) that may convert even the hard core carnivore, a write up and summary of the meal, and James’ “critique” of what mom prepared for lunch that day. The meals are packed and served in traditional Bento style which has been popularized in recent years by Laptop Lunches, a company that promotes waste-free lunches.
As a homeschooling mom, my children will not be tempted by the possible less than nutritious offerings of a public school cafeteria, but they could be tempted by the same if I fail to offer them healthy foods at home. Because I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian (I do eat fish occasionally), my children get more fruit and vegetables by default because I don’t know how to cook meat, other than baked chicken and scrambled eggs, and I cook and serve what I know. Fortunate for them and easy for me.
I was a little disappointed because I was hoping there were more pictures, but I’ll settle for the pictures Jennifer offers on her blog. My oldest starts his first official school year (more on that later – another blog) this fall and we will use as many of the meals as we can. There are quite a few recipes I can't wait to try and some of them will be served as dinner meals.
An updated version of the book is due to be released within the next month, so you won’t have to worry about locating, and paying the price, for a first edition copy to learn how to create your own vegan lunchbox.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
What's Cooking? Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup
[I've moved to http://milkandhoneymommy.com/. Please visit me there!]
I don't know what it is about this soup, but I can't stop eating it. The first time I made it, I didn't like it. How is that for an introduction? It was a few months later that I decided to try it again because it has two ingredients that I find tasty; spinach and chick-peas (also known as garbanzo beans). Since I'm sure you are familiar with spinach, I'll just tell you a little more about chick-peas.
Chick-peas are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are part of the legume family, with a nutty flavor and creamy texture, and are a great source of carbohydrates, folate, zinc,and protein. Since they are a legume, lengthy cooking is required before using them when purchasing them dry. The American Diabetes Association includes chick-peas as a healthy and recommended food in the "grains and starches" section of their food pyramid. I usually (all the time) use canned chick-peas because of the lengthy preparation process (24+ soaking hours and then cooking hours). If you've got the time (and the patience), then go for it otherwise, look for canned chick-peas like Eden Foods (available online or at most high-end grocery stores) brand that doesn't add extra salt to their beans (plus, they're organic). Canned beans keeps this quick and simple recipe, just that.
You may be a fan of chick-peas and not even know it. They are used to make hummus, dips, sandwich spreads, veggie burgers, and you may have noticed these "hazelnut-looking" balls as accents on a green leafed salad. Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup is "What's cooking?" this week.
Visit Just Bean Recipes for more chick-pea recipes. Because these are a favorite food of mine, I will also feature more chick-pea recipes on future "What's cooking?" editions.
Quick Tip: Check the production date on the package of dried chick-peas because old beans will not soften regardless of soaking time.
recipe: E-mail me for Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup.
I don't know what it is about this soup, but I can't stop eating it. The first time I made it, I didn't like it. How is that for an introduction? It was a few months later that I decided to try it again because it has two ingredients that I find tasty; spinach and chick-peas (also known as garbanzo beans). Since I'm sure you are familiar with spinach, I'll just tell you a little more about chick-peas.
Chick-peas are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are part of the legume family, with a nutty flavor and creamy texture, and are a great source of carbohydrates, folate, zinc,and protein. Since they are a legume, lengthy cooking is required before using them when purchasing them dry. The American Diabetes Association includes chick-peas as a healthy and recommended food in the "grains and starches" section of their food pyramid. I usually (all the time) use canned chick-peas because of the lengthy preparation process (24+ soaking hours and then cooking hours). If you've got the time (and the patience), then go for it otherwise, look for canned chick-peas like Eden Foods (available online or at most high-end grocery stores) brand that doesn't add extra salt to their beans (plus, they're organic). Canned beans keeps this quick and simple recipe, just that.
You may be a fan of chick-peas and not even know it. They are used to make hummus, dips, sandwich spreads, veggie burgers, and you may have noticed these "hazelnut-looking" balls as accents on a green leafed salad. Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup is "What's cooking?" this week.
Visit Just Bean Recipes for more chick-pea recipes. Because these are a favorite food of mine, I will also feature more chick-pea recipes on future "What's cooking?" editions.
Quick Tip: Check the production date on the package of dried chick-peas because old beans will not soften regardless of soaking time.
recipe: E-mail me for Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup.
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